Android Auto for Android
Android Auto is a driving companion app from Google LLC for controlling maps, media, and messaging while on the road.
Android Auto is for drivers who want to keep their eyes on the road while using navigation, calls, messages, and entertainment from their phone. It works with the Google Assistant for voice commands, offers real-time GPS navigation through Google Maps or Waze, and supports messaging and media apps without requiring an account or offline access.
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Android Auto is an app by Google LLC that brings a simplified, voice-driven version of your phone to your car's dashboard display. It lets you run navigation, calls, messages and music through a large-button interface so you can keep your attention on the road instead of on a small screen.
The idea behind it is simple: phone apps built for touch are awkward while driving, so this app reorganizes them into big controls and spoken commands. You connect your phone to a compatible car display with a cable, and the dashboard becomes an extension of the handset. Navigation with real-time traffic, incoming call handling, calendar checks and media playback all happen from the same place, and many of the actions can be triggered just by saying the wake phrase.
Support has grown a lot since the app first arrived in March 2015. It now works with a very wide range of car models, and the number of supported apps keeps expanding. The current release is 7.4.120744-release.daily, dated June 3, 2026, and the most recent update on record landed on October 16, 2026. That update is a maintenance release: the listed changes are bug fixes and general improvements rather than new capabilities.
Key features
- Spoken navigation through Google Maps or Waze, with live traffic alerts and hazard reports along the route
- Route updates covering your remaining time and arrival estimate as conditions change
- Calendar lookups, reminders, news briefings and sports scores handled by voice
- Hands-free calling: place calls by voice and answer incoming ones with a single tap
- Message reading and dictation across SMS and many popular chat apps
- A driving do-not-disturb option that sends a custom auto-reply to people who contact you
- Media control for music, radio, audiobook and podcast apps, with the library shown on the car screen
- A streamlined layout with oversized buttons and few on-screen choices, so glances stay short
How to install
- Tap the download button on this page to get the Android Auto package.
- If Android asks, allow your browser or file manager to install apps by turning on the Install unknown apps permission for that app.
- Open the downloaded APK file from your notifications or your file manager. The file is about 35 MB.
- Tap Install and wait for the process to finish. Your phone needs Android 9 or newer.
- Open the app and follow the on-screen prompts to connect it to a compatible car display, using a good quality USB cable.
Pros
- Voice-first design cuts down on the time your eyes leave the road
- Works with a large set of navigation, messaging and media apps
- Free to use, with no ads and no in-app purchases
- Compatible with a very broad range of car models
- Backed by a high number of user ratings, currently around 4.14 out of 5
Cons
- Needs a phone running Android 9 or later and an active data connection
- Relies on a cable connection to the car in most setups
- Asks for a long list of sensitive permissions, including location, contacts, SMS and microphone
- Some features depend on the car display supporting the app in the first place
Fresh Updates
Android Auto has been updated to version 7.4.120744-release.daily, released on 2026-10-16. This release focuses on bug fixes and other improvements. The app continues to offer a simplified interface with large buttons and voice actions for maps, media, and messaging while you drive.
Older Releases
| Version | Size | Requires Android | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7.4.120744-release.daily | 35 MB | 6.0 | 03.06.2026 |
| 6.0.615344-release | 32 MB | 5.0 | 16.11.2025 |
It suits drivers whose car has a compatible infotainment display and who want navigation, calls and music without handling the phone. It is also a good fit for commuters who rely on voice for messages and traffic updates, and for anyone setting up a first connected-car experience who prefers a simple, guided interface.
Before your first drive, pair everything in a parked car: connect the cable, confirm the app launches on the display, and set your do-not-disturb reply. Testing at a standstill means you are not learning the menus in traffic.
Access Permissions
Common Queries
How do I install the Android Auto APK on my phone?
Download the APK file from this page, open it on your device, and confirm the install when prompted. You may need to allow installation from unknown sources in your Android settings first. The app requires Android 9 or higher.
What is the current version of Android Auto?
The latest listed version is 7.4.120744-release.daily, dated June 3, 2026. An earlier release, 6.0.615344-release, dates from November 16, 2025.
Does Android Auto show ads or offer in-app purchases?
No. The app contains no advertising and no in-app purchases, and it is free to download.
Can I use Android Auto without an internet connection?
An active data connection is required for core features such as navigation, traffic updates, and voice queries, so full offline use is not supported.
Are there other apps in the same category I could try instead?
Yes. The Auto & Vehicles category includes other navigation and in-car companion apps, so you can compare features and choose the one that fits your vehicle and phone.
How large is the Android Auto download?
The APK is about 35 MB, so it installs quickly and takes up little storage on your phone.
What does Android Auto need to work in a car?
You need a phone running Android 9 or higher, an active data connection, and a compatible car display. Once the feature is enabled in your vehicle, connect your phone with a high-quality USB cable and launch the app.
Android Auto is a mature, free companion for compatible cars, and its voice controls plus wide app support make it genuinely useful for everyday driving. Setup is straightforward, though it does demand a modern Android phone, a data connection and a fair number of permissions. If your car supports it, it is well worth trying.
Updated: 24.10.2026