Android Auto overview

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Android Auto provides a driver-optimized app experience for users who have an Android phone with the Android Auto app and a compatible car or aftermarket stereo system. They can use your app directly on their car's display by connecting their phone. You enable Android Auto to connect with your phone app by creating services that Android Auto uses to display a driver-optimized interface to the driver.

How apps declare support for Android Auto

Apps declare support for Android Auto by including the following <meta-data> element in their manifest.

<application>
    ...
    <meta-data
        android:name="com.google.android.gms.car.application"
        android:resource="@xml/automotive_app_desc"/>
    ...
</application>

The contents of the resource file vary depending on your app's category:

<automotiveApp>
    <uses name="media" />
</automotiveApp>
      

<automotiveApp>
    <uses name="notification" />
    <!-- Include the following only if your capp can be set as the default SMS handler -->
    <uses name="sms">
</automotiveApp>
      

<automotiveApp>
    <uses name="template" />
</automotiveApp>
      

Trusted stores

As described in Test in real vehicles, apps must be installed from a trusted source to run on a real vehicle. Trusted sources include the following:

• Google Play
• ONE store

Frequently asked questions

How can I detect if Android Auto is running?

To detect whether Android Auto is running on a device, you can use the CarConnection API that is part of the Android for Cars App Library. See Connection API for more details.

In which vehicles is Android Auto available?

See the list of compatible vehicles and stereos.

In which countries is Android Auto available?

See Is Android Auto available in my country?