One problem with Android Auto can be fixed with a simple update

2026-09-12 | original

read original get AAWireless TWO Android Auto Adapter → more articles

Why This Matters

Android Auto connection failures are usually blamed on the phone, but the car's infotainment software is an equally important half of the equation. Google's own guidance points users to restart the head unit and check for firmware updates on aftermarket receivers like Pioneer and Kenwood. It's a reminder that in-car software maintenance is still largely manual and easy for owners to overlook.

Key Takeaways

Outdated infotainment firmware can break Android Auto even when the phone is fine.
Google recommends restarting the head unit and checking Pioneer/Kenwood sites for firmware updates.
Standard fixes—new cable, re-pairing, restarting the phone—address only half the connection chain.

Worth a Look

AAWireless TWO Android Auto Adapter — If cable swaps and reconnects haven't fixed your Android Auto headaches, AAWireless TWO turns a wired head unit into a wireless one, taking the USB cable out of the equation entirely. It plugs into your car's USB port and connects your phone automatically, and its companion app lets you tweak settings and apply firmware updates — handy since, as the article notes, outdated software on either end is often the real culprit.

See AAWireless TWO Android Auto Adapter on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.

There are many reasons why Android Auto may stop connecting, and the initial fixes typically focus on the phone and connection. You inspect the cable, restart the device, forget the car, reconnect it and make sure Android Auto is up to date. If all that fails, however, the software that requires attention might be in the dashboard.

Your car's infotainment system also has software, and if it's out of date, it can cause Android Auto connection problems. Google advises users to restart the infotainment system and, if the receiver is an aftermarket Pioneer or Kenwood unit, to visit the manufacturer's website and check for a firmware update.

Android Auto relies on the phone and car working correctly, and if you just focus on the phone, you may be missing half the equation. If none of the above has worked, including changing cables, reconnecting the phone or restarting the phone, then the car's software is another area to consider.

Explore topics: android auto infotainment system firmware update pioneer kenwood