← Back to articles

How to manually update Android Auto (and what it might mean if you can't)

2026-09-15 | original

read original get AAWireless Android Auto Adapter → more articles

Why This Matters

This piece addresses a common frustration for Android Auto users: the app can silently fail to update because it's distributed through the Play Store rather than as a core system component, leaving drivers with bugs or missing features until they intervene manually. It matters because Android Auto is central to many people's in-car experience, and understanding update mechanics helps users avoid connectivity glitches or compatibility issues on the road.

Key Takeaways

Android Auto updates via the Play Store like a normal app, so it can be delayed if there's no Wi-Fi connection since cellular auto-updates are off by default.
Users can manually check and update Android Auto by searching for it in the Play Store and ensuring 'Enable auto update' is turned on.
Devices need Android 9.0 or higher (released in 2018) to get the latest Android Auto updates, which isn't an issue for most modern phones.

Worth a Look

AAWireless Android Auto Adapter — If you're troubleshooting Android Auto updates and connectivity, a wireless adapter like AAWireless can eliminate USB cable hassles altogether by connecting your phone to your car's display automatically. It's a great companion for keeping your Android Auto experience smooth once you've got the app updated and running properly.

See AAWireless 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.

The Google Play Store is responsible for keeping Android Auto up-to-date. This is because Android Auto is packaged as a regular app rather than a core system component. The latter would mean only getting updates via major Android software updates.

In practical terms, this means that Android Auto should be updated automatically in the background like any other app on your phone. These updates can fail sometimes, though, or be delayed indefinitely if your phone doesn't detect a Wi-Fi network. By default, the Play Store won't use cellular data to automatically update apps in the background.

Luckily, you can easily check whether you're on the latest version of the app by heading into the Play Store and searching for Android Auto. This is where you'd see an option to manually update the app, as pictured above. If you simply see the Uninstall button here, it means you're already on the latest version available for your device. As a sanity check, click on the three-dot menu to the top-right and ensure that the Enable auto update option is selected.

If you're using Android Auto on an older phone, keep in mind that you need Android 9.0 or higher to receive the latest updates. That said, Android 9.0 was released all the way back in 2018 so it's not a problem for most devices.

Explore topics: android auto google play store android 9.0 auto update wi-fi network