You are currently viewing Buick.com (United States). Close this window to stay here or choose another country to see vehicles and services specific to your location.

Continue
Close

Back to Smartphone Integration

how to

How to connect to Android Auto

If your vehicle is compatible with Android Auto,* you can access your favorite smartphone features through your vehicle’s infotainment system.*

 

  • Make/receive calls
  • Navigate with Google Maps™
  • Access your media and music apps
  • Get hands-free help with Use Google AssistantTM*
  • And more  

 

To use Android Auto, you must first connect your phone to your vehicle. For applicable vehicles, ensure that your vehicle’s infotainment system software is updated, as well as the software on your smartphone.*

 

*Note: You can check if your vehicle is eligible for software updates, or see the progress of an update, by selecting Settings > System > Vehicle Software > Updates.

Connect Through USB Port

Connect Wirelessly

Connect through USB port
  1. Your vehicle must be parked the first time you connect.
  2. Using your phone’s cable, connect your phone to the vehicle’s USB data port,* Ensure you are using the USB cable provided by your phone manufacturer to avoid connectivity issues.
  3. If Android Auto is not pre-installed on your Android phone, download the app on Google Play. Your phone may ask you to download pre-installed apps for Android Auto, like Google Maps, or update to the newest version of the app.
  4. If Android Auto does not automatically launch, touch the Projection icon or the Android Auto icon on your vehicle’s center display.  
  5. Follow the prompts on your vehicle’s center display and on your phone to start.
  6. You will be asked to accept Terms before using the feature.
  7. When Android Auto is active, the center display will show the phone apps that are accessible.  

Connect wirelessly

Only select phones and select vehicles support this feature. If your vehicle and phone do offer this option, work through these steps to set up a wireless* connection:

 

  1. Make sure your vehicle is parked.
  2. If Android Auto is not pre-installed on your Android phone, download the app on Google Play. Your phone may also ask you to download pre-installed apps for Android Auto, like Google Maps, or update to the newest version of the app.
  3. Tap the gray Android Auto icon on the center display.
  4. Pair/connect your phone to the infotainment system using Bluetooth.*
  5. Follow the prompts on the screen and on your phone to start.
  6. You will be asked to accept Terms before using the feature.

 

On some vehicles, if you plug your phone in via USB, the system will ask if you’d like to allow a wireless connection in the future. If you agree, the next time you go for a drive, your phone will automatically connect wirelessly with Android Auto.

For your security, please don’t include personal info such as phone number, address or credit card details.

Related links and resources

Minimum phone requirements

Vehicle compatibility site

Android Auto website

Android Auto apps

Android Auto help

How to pair your Bluetooth smartphone

Q&As

Can I use Android Auto when my phone is connected only by Bluetooth?

It depends on how your vehicle is equipped. On some models, you can use Android Auto wirelessly without plugging in if you have a compatible phone. On other models, your phone must be tethered by a USB cord to use Android Auto.

Can I use my USB cable to charge my phone without using Android Auto?

You can charge your phone and have Android Auto running in the background. Just plug in your phone and hit the Home button. You can also disable Android Auto in the “Settings” menu to enable the charge-only function using the USB cord.

Can I stop Android Auto screen from automatically launching?

For older vehicle modules, the screen does not automatically launch by default. However, users can adjust their phone settings to enable or disable automatic screen launching. 

 

In newer vehicle modules, the screen will return to its last state by default. However, users can modify their phone settings to enable/disable automatic screen launching. 

Why is album art fuzzy or pixelated on-screen while using Android Auto?

The quality of the album art depends on the size of the image that is available with the song. If the image is small, it appears blurry when stretched to fit the album art window in the Now Playing screen.

What do I do when the Android Auto icon is grayed out, even after attempting to press it?

When the Android Auto icon is still grayed out on your center display even after attempting to press the icon, it typically indicates an issue with the connection or settings. Ensure that both your Wi-Fi® and Bluetooth settings are enabled on your phone and the vehicle. Also, check that your vehicle’s infotainment system software and your phone are updated (for applicable vehicles).

How can I delete and repair my phone connection with the infotainment system?

Go to the Settings menu on your vehicle's center display and select the option to Forget the Phone Connection. On your phone, go to the Bluetooth settings and forget the vehicle connection. Restart both your phone and vehicle and follow the setup steps to repair the connection. You can also go to the Settings menu on your phone and select Android Auto. From there, you will see a list of connected vehicles. From there, you can find your vehicle name and select Forget.

There is an error message on my center display – what should I do?

When error messages occur, ensure that your phone and vehicle are updated to the latest software versions (for applicable vehicles). You can also delete and repair your phone connection.

How do I use navigation and maps with the center display?

To use navigation with Android Auto, press the Android Auto app on your center display. From there, select Google Maps. If you’re in Park, you can manually enter the address on your display. If you’re driving, you can use Google Assistant to say the address out loud.

When should I contact technical support or visit a dealership for assistance?

If you have tried all troubleshooting steps and the issue persists, press the blue OnStar button in your vehicle or visit a dealership for further assistance. Provide detailed information about the issue and the steps you have already taken to resolve it.

Search Support

Our search experience is supported by an AI assistant to help streamline a solution for you. Enter a few details about what you’re looking for to generate a summary answer.

Need more help?

Communicate with one of our specialists.
Contact Us

To find out if your vehicle has this feature, contact your dealer or refer to your vehicle’s equipment list. Please check your Owner’s Manual for more information about features.