Android Auto 17.7.663624 for Android

Android Auto 17.7.663624 is Google's app for using an Android phone in the car, either on a compatible car head unit or, on some setups, on its own. You can download it for free from Google Play; it first appeared in 2015 and has been updated regularly since.

Who it is for

Android Auto is for drivers who want the useful parts of their phone without holding it. Once the phone is connected, the car's screen shows a simplified interface with large buttons for navigation, calls, messages and music, and voice commands handle much of the rest. It suits commuters who rely on phone navigation, people who drive for work and need calls on the move, and families who share a car but not a phone, because each driver brings their own apps and contacts. It also suits anyone whose built-in car navigation is old: the maps on the phone stay current while the car's own system may not. It is less useful if your car has no compatible screen and you do not want to mount the phone, or if your phone does not run a recent version of Android.

Key facts

How to set it up

1. Install or update Android Auto from Google Play; on recent phones it may already be built in.
2. Park the car and turn on the ignition.
3. Connect the phone to the car with a good-quality USB cable.
4. Follow the prompts on the phone and on the car screen, and grant the permissions you are comfortable with.

Google's Android Auto page explains which cars and phones are supported.

Before your first drive

Set up everything while parked: choose the default navigation app, sign in to your music service and check that contacts sync. Many connection problems come down to the cable, so if the screen keeps disconnecting, try a shorter one designed for data. Keep the app and your car's software updated.

Safety and privacy

The interface is designed to reduce distraction, but it does not remove it. Use voice commands, keep messages read aloud and never type while driving. Android Auto accesses contacts, location and notifications, so review its permissions in Settings if you share the car.

Pros and cons

• Pro: navigation and calls on the car screen.
• Pro: voice control for most tasks.
• Pro: free.
• Con: needs a compatible car or phone setup.
• Con: cable connections can be unreliable.

Alternatives

Android Auto has no direct rival in our Android listings. Related apps from the same category include Google Gemini for voice assistance and Google Keep for quick notes when you are parked.