Step-by-step guide to setting up Android Auto™ on your HMD phone

We’ve got a step-by-step guide to help you get connected to Android Auto™ on your HMD phone

Digital navigation apps and GPS equipment has made driving a smoother experience for all of us. Long gone are the days where we would have to rely on actual maps or reading road signs to navigate around unfamiliar areas. With the increase of digitalisation in the modern world, drivers have the option to either buy a GPS monitor or even better – use their smartphone for no added cost! In this blog we’ll show you how to set up Android Auto on your HMD phone or other Android mobile devices.

What is Android Auto and what are the benefits?

Android Auto is one of the included features on the Android™ OS that let’s users connect their smartphones to their cars. Connect your Android phone to experience available navigation apps on your car display. You can talk to Google to answer calls hands-free and use Android Auto to easily access your favorite music, media, and messaging apps in the car.

Here’s what you can do with Android Auto

Not only does Android Auto help with navigation, it also makes many of your favorite smartphone apps available. You can have a split-screen feature showing 2 or 3 of your apps from the list below. It really adds a layer of convenience when driving!

• Make navigation easier with your preferred app such as Google Maps
• Play your favorite tunes with many music apps such as YouTube Music
• Got a long drive? Listen to a podcast
• Talk to Google to make calls and send texts hands-free
• Get reminders via your calendar

Requirements: What You Need to Know Before You Set Up Android Auto

Setting up Android Auto is super simple. All you need is a mobile phone updated to Android 10 and a car with Bluetooth ® connectivity available. Unfortunately, this won’t work on your Dad’s old car a, but most other cars that are relatively modern are fair game. If you have Android 9 or lower, you will need to download the app from the Google Play store.

Connect to Android Auto on your car with Bluetooth

The go-to method is to connect your phone to your car using Bluetooth. Depending on the age or make of your car, you may need to connect either through a cable or wirelessly. Whichever method you use, the process will only take minutes!

1. First turn on Bluetooth on your mobile phone.
2. Turn on your car, the ignition doesn’t need to be on for this.
3. If your car is modern enough, use the infotainment system and navigate to the audio/Bluetooth settings.
4. If you do not have wireless Bluetooth, connect the cable to your Bluetooth port and then connect this to your smartphone. You may need an adapter to connect the cable to your phone.
5. Once your car recognises your phone, select the car from the dropdown list on your phone and enter the code displayed to pair them.

That’s it! You now have Android Auto – it really is that simple!

Your Car Doesn’t Have Bluetooth? Don’t Fret, Get A Bluetooth USB To Connect To Android Auto!

If your car is more…how should you put it…”classic” or “vintage”…then you can buy an inexpensive Bluetooth adapter online. This plugs into your car’s lighter/power socket. Read the instructions with the adapter, and you just need to tune the frequency until you find one that pairs with your smartphone. Boom! You have wireless Bluetooth even on an older—er, that is, vintage car.

How To Customize Android Auto On Your Car!

Customizing your Android Auto is also very simple. Once connected, just select Android Auto either on your HMD smartphone or your car’s infotainment system, then click on settings. From here you can change the wallpaper, preferred GPS apps, and choose whether you want text messages and phone calls to be displayed on your car’s infotainment screen.