1. How to Watch YouTube on Android Auto

In the ever-evolving landscape of in-vehicle entertainment, Android Auto stands tall as a beacon of seamlessly integrated technology. With its user-friendly interface and vast array of compatible apps, Android Auto has transformed the way we interact with our devices while driving. However, one notable omission from the platform’s initial offerings was the ability to enjoy the vast video content library of YouTube. This limitation left many drivers yearning for a way to access their favorite creators, tutorials, and entertaining videos while on the road.

Fortunately, advancements in technology and the ingenuity of developers have paved the way for a workaround that allows users to watch YouTube videos on Android Auto. This breakthrough method involves utilizing third-party apps that leverage screen mirroring or casting capabilities to display YouTube content on the vehicle’s infotainment screen. By employing these innovative apps, drivers can now safely enjoy a wider range of entertainment options while adhering to local laws and regulations regarding distracted driving.

To ensure a seamless and enjoyable YouTube experience on Android Auto, it is crucial to select a reliable and compatible third-party app. Several reputable options are available, each offering a slightly different set of features and functionalities. Whether you prioritize video quality, ease of use, or additional customization options, there is an app tailored to meet your specific needs. By carefully considering your preferences and the capabilities of your vehicle’s infotainment system, you can unlock the full potential of YouTube on Android Auto and transform your driving experience into one that is both entertaining and enriching.

Connecting Your Android Device to Your Car

Connecting your Android device to your car is a quick and easy process that will allow you to access a variety of features, including YouTube. Here’s how to do it:

Make sure your car is compatible with Android Auto. Not all cars are compatible with Android Auto, so you’ll need to check your car’s manual or contact the manufacturer to find out if it is.

Vehicle Brands	Compatible Models
Audi	A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, A8, Q3, Q5, Q7, TT, R8
BMW	1 Series, 2 Series, 3 Series, 4 Series, 5 Series, 6 Series, 7 Series, X1, X3, X4, X5, X6, Z4
Chevrolet	Bolt, Camaro, Colorado, Corvette, Equinox, Impala, Malibu, Silverado, Suburban, Tahoe, Traverse
Chrysler	300, Pacifica, Voyager
Dodge	Challenger, Charger, Durango, Grand Caravan, Journey

Start your car and put it in park. You’ll need to do this in order to access the car’s infotainment system.
Connect your Android device to the car’s USB port using a USB cable. Once you’ve done this, the car’s infotainment system will start up and you’ll be able to access Android Auto.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup process. You’ll need to grant Android Auto permission to access your device’s features, such as your contacts, music, and messages.
Once you’ve completed the setup process, you’ll be able to access YouTube on your car’s infotainment system.

Enabling Android Auto in Your Car

Before you can enjoy YouTube on Android Auto, you need to ensure that Android Auto is enabled in your car and connected to your Android device. Here’s how to do it:

1. Check for Compatibility: Make sure your car is compatible with Android Auto. A list of compatible vehicles can be found on the Android Auto website.

2. Connect Your Car: Connect your Android device to your car’s infotainment system using a USB cable. Some cars may require you to use a specific USB port labeled “Android Auto” or “CarPlay.” Once connected, your car’s touchscreen should display the Android Auto interface.

3. Enable Android Auto: Grant permission for Android Auto to access your device’s features and apps. This may include access to contacts, phone, and music apps. You will also need to enable notifications for Android Auto so you can receive alerts and messages.

4. Customize the Display: Once you’re connected, you can customize the Android Auto display by rearranging apps, adding widgets, or changing the wallpaper. You can also adjust the audio settings and set preferences for navigation, phone calls, and music playback.

Supported Car Models

Here’s a table listing some car models that support Android Auto:

Make	Models
Audi	A4, A5, A6, A7, A8, Q3, Q5, Q7
BMW	1 Series, 2 Series, 3 Series, 4 Series, 5 Series, 6 Series, 7 Series, X1, X3, X5, X6
Chevrolet	Bolt EV, Camaro, Corvette, Cruze, Malibu, Silverado, Tahoe, Traverse
Ford	Edge, Escape, F-150, Fiesta, Focus, Mustang, Taurus
Honda	Accord, Civic, CR-V, Fit, HR-V, Insight, Odyssey, Pilot

Accessing the YouTube App in Android Auto

To enjoy YouTube on your Android Auto-enabled car display, you’ll need a compatible smartphone and the Android Auto app installed on both devices. Once everything’s set up, follow these steps to access YouTube:

Ensure a stable internet connection in your vehicle.
Connect your Android smartphone to your car via a USB cable or wirelessly.
Launch the Android Auto app on both devices.
On your car display, tap the “Apps” icon and select “YouTube.”

Using YouTube Voice Commands

While driving, you can conveniently control YouTube using voice commands. Here’s a detailed guide to navigate the app hands-free:

Searching for Videos

To search for a specific video, say “Hey Google, search YouTube for [search term].” For example, “Hey Google, search YouTube for cat videos.”

Playing and Pausing Videos

“Hey Google, play.”
“Hey Google, pause.”
“Hey Google, skip.”
“Hey Google, rewind.”

Adjusting Volume

“Hey Google, turn up the volume.”
“Hey Google, turn down the volume.”
“Hey Google, mute.”

Changing Channels

To switch between different videos or channels, simply say “Hey Google, switch to [channel name].”

Getting Help

If you encounter any issues or need assistance, say “Hey Google, help with YouTube.” This will provide you with additional guidance and troubleshooting tips.

Finding and Playing YouTube Videos

To find and play YouTube videos on Android Auto, follow these steps:

1. Open the YouTube Music App

The YouTube Music app is the only way to access YouTube on Android Auto. If you don’t have the app, you can download it from the Google Play Store.

2. Sign In to Your YouTube Account

Once you have the app installed, open it and sign in to your YouTube account. This will give you access to your saved videos, playlists, and subscriptions.

3. Search for a Video

To search for a video, tap the search bar at the top of the screen and enter your search query. YouTube Music will return a list of results that match your query.

4. Play a Video

To play a video, simply tap on it from the search results. The video will begin playing in the main window of the app. You can control the playback with the playback controls at the bottom of the screen.

Control	Function
Play/Pause	Starts or pauses the video playback.
Skip Forward	Skips the video forward by 10 seconds.
Skip Back	Skips the video back by 10 seconds.
Volume	Adjusts the volume of the video.

Casting YouTube Content to Your Car Display

Android Auto does not natively support YouTube. However, with the help of third-party apps, you can cast YouTube content to your car’s display. Here’s how:

1. Install a Screen Mirroring App: You’ll need an app that allows you to mirror your phone’s screen to your car’s display. Some popular options include Screen Mirroring, Miracast, and AnyCast.

2. Connect Your Phone and Car: Use a USB cable or Wi-Fi to connect your phone to your car’s infotainment system.

3. Launch the Screen Mirroring App: On your phone, open the screen mirroring app and follow the instructions to establish a connection.

4. Start YouTube: Open the YouTube app on your phone and start playing the video you want to watch.

5. Troubleshooting Tips:

Issue	Solution
Video is lagging or stuttering	Ensure a stable Wi-Fi or USB connection. Reduce the video quality in the YouTube app. Close other background apps using resources.
No sound is coming through	Check the audio settings in the screen mirroring app. Ensure your phone’s volume is turned up. Try a different media player app.
Screen mirroring not working	Make sure your phone and car are compatible with screen mirroring. Restart both devices and try again. Contact the app developer for support.

Using Voice Commands to Control YouTube

You can use voice commands to control YouTube on Android Auto, allowing you to keep your hands on the wheel while navigating the app. Here are the commands you can use:

“Play on YouTube”: Starts playing the specified video.
“Pause”: Pauses the currently playing video.
“Resume”: Resumes playing the paused video.
“Skip to the next video”: Advances to the next video in the playlist.
“Skip to the previous video”: Returns to the previous video in the playlist.
“Like/Dislike “: Gives a thumbs-up or thumbs-down to the current video.
“Subscribe/Unsubscribe to [channel name]”: Subscribes or unsubscribes to the specified channel.
“Search for [query] on YouTube”: Searches for videos related to the specified query.
“Create a playlist”: Starts a new playlist.
“Add to “: Adds a video to an existing playlist.

You can also use voice commands to control other aspects of YouTube, such as adjusting the volume, changing the playback speed, or casting the video to a compatible device.

Command	Description
“Volume up/down”	Increases or decreases the volume.
“Playback speed [speed]”	Changes the playback speed to the specified value (e.g., “playback speed 2x”).
“Cast to [device name]”	Casts the video to the specified compatible device, such as a TV or smart display.


To access YouTube in your Android Auto:
Connect your Android device to your car’s infotainment system.
Launch the Android Auto app on your device.
Tap the “Apps” icon in the Android Auto interface.
Scroll down and tap the “YouTube” app icon.
YouTube will now launch in the Android Auto interface.

Customizing Your YouTube Experience in Android Auto

Once you have YouTube up and running in Android Auto, you can customize your experience to make it more enjoyable. Here are some tips:

1. Adjust the video quality

You can adjust the video quality of YouTube videos in Android Auto to save data or improve the viewing experience. To adjust the video quality, tap the “Settings” icon in the YouTube app, then tap “Video quality.” You can choose from the following options:

Auto: YouTube will automatically adjust the video quality based on your network speed.
High: This option will provide the highest possible video quality, but it will also use more data.
Medium: This option will provide a good balance between video quality and data usage.
Low: This option will provide the lowest video quality, but it will also use the least data.

2. Turn on Subtitles/Closed Captions

You can turn on subtitles or closed captions for YouTube videos in Android Auto. This can be helpful if you are in a noisy environment or if you are hard of hearing. To turn on subtitles or closed captions, tap the “Settings” icon in the YouTube app, then tap “Subtitles/CC.” You can choose from the following options:

Off: Subtitles or closed captions will not be displayed.
Auto: Subtitles or closed captions will be displayed automatically when they are available.
On: Subtitles or closed captions will always be displayed, even when they are not available.

3. Create a playlist

You can create a playlist in Android Auto so that you can easily listen to your favorite YouTube videos. To create a playlist, tap the “Library” tab in the YouTube app, then tap “Playlists.” Tap the “Create” button, then enter a name for your playlist. You can then add videos to your playlist by tapping the “Add” button.

4. Subscribe to channels

You can subscribe to YouTube channels in Android Auto so that you can stay up-to-date on their latest videos. To subscribe to a channel, tap the “Subscriptions” tab in the YouTube app, then tap the “Search” bar. Enter the name of the channel you want to subscribe to, then tap the “Subscribe” button.

5. Manage your watch history

You can manage your watch history in Android Auto so that you can easily find the videos you’ve watched before. To manage your watch history, tap the “History” tab in the YouTube app, then tap the “Clear watch history” button.

6. Clear your search history

You can also clear your search history in Android Auto. To do this, tap the “Settings” icon in the YouTube app, then tap “Privacy.” Under the “Search and watch history” section, tap the “Clear search history” button.

7. Troubleshooting

If you’re having trouble watching YouTube in Android Auto, try the following troubleshooting tips:

Make sure that your Android device is connected to the internet.
Make sure that the Android Auto app is up-to-date.
Make sure that the YouTube app is up-to-date.
Restart your Android device.
Restart your car’s infotainment system.

Methods to Watch YouTube on Android Auto

1. Using the Android Auto App:

Download the Android Auto app from the Google Play Store and connect your device to your car. The YouTube app will appear on your car’s dashboard.

2. Using a Third-Party App:

Install a compatible third-party app, such as AutoZen or Carstream, that allows you to access YouTube in Android Auto.

3. Casting YouTube from Your Phone:

Connect your phone and car to the same Wi-Fi network and launch YouTube on your phone. Tap the cast button and select your car’s display.

4. Using a Dedicated YouTube Device:

Attach a dedicated YouTube device, such as the Chromecast Ultra, to your car’s HDMI port and connect it to your phone using the Google Home app.

5. Using a Bluetooth Adapter:

Connect a Bluetooth adapter to your car’s audio system and stream YouTube from your phone through the adapter.

6. Using a Head Unit with Built-In YouTube:

Some car manufacturers offer head units with YouTube functionality built in.

7. Using an aftermarket Android Auto head unit:

Install an aftermarket Android Auto head unit that supports YouTube playback.

Troubleshooting Common Issues with YouTube in Android Auto

1. YouTube App Not Appearing:

Ensure that your Android Auto app and YouTube app are up to date. Check if YouTube is compatible with your vehicle model.

2. Video Playback Issues:

Verify that your internet connection is stable. Try restarting the YouTube or Android Auto app.

3. Sound Issues:

Ensure that your car’s audio system is connected properly and the volume is set adequately.

4. Black Screen:

Restart the YouTube or Android Auto app. If the issue persists, check the cables connecting your device to your car.

5. Car Dashboard Not Responding:

Try rebooting your car’s infotainment system. Disconnect and reconnect your device.

6. Limited Features:

Not all features of the YouTube app are available in Android Auto. Certain regions may have restricted access to content.

7. Unstable Connection:

Ensure that your phone and car are within a reliable Wi-Fi or cellular network range.

8. Disconnection Issues:

Verify that the USB cable used to connect your phone to the car is of good quality. Keep the cable securely plugged in.

Issue	Solution
YouTube app not found	Update Android Auto and YouTube apps, check compatibility
Video buffering or freezing	Check internet connection, restart apps
No sound	Check audio settings, reconnect car system
Black screen	Restart apps, check cables
Dashboard not responding	Reboot infotainment system, reconnect device

Essential Tips for Streaming YouTube in Your Car

1. Use a Reliable Internet Connection

A strong and stable internet connection is crucial for uninterrupted YouTube streaming. Ensure your mobile device has a good signal or connect to a Wi-Fi hotspot for optimal performance.

2. Download the Android Auto App

Android Auto is an essential app that seamlessly integrates your phone’s features with your vehicle’s display. Download the app from Google Play Store and connect your phone to your car using a USB cable.

3. Enable the YouTube App in Android Auto

Once Android Auto is connected, open the app on your phone and go to Settings. Scroll down and enable the YouTube option to allow video streaming in your car.

4. Use Voice Commands

Android Auto is equipped with voice control capabilities. You can use voice commands to search for YouTube videos, play specific songs, or adjust the volume without taking your hands off the wheel.

5. Get a Phone Mount

A secure phone mount is essential for keeping your phone in place and within easy reach while driving. Choose a mount that is compatible with your car and phone model.

6. Use a Compatible Head Unit

Not all car head units support YouTube streaming. Check your vehicle’s compatibility before purchasing the necessary hardware or software.

7. Keep Your Apps Updated

Regularly update the Android Auto app and other essential apps to ensure optimal performance and the latest features. Updates often include bug fixes and enhancements.

8. Consider a VPN

If you frequently encounter buffering or slow streaming, consider using a VPN (Virtual Private Network). A VPN can improve internet speeds and bypass geographic restrictions.

9. Maximize Data Savings

To minimize data usage, consider these tips:

Tip	Description
Enable “Limit Mobile Data Usage”	This feature compresses video quality to save data.
Set Video Quality to “Auto”	YouTube automatically adjusts quality based on your connection speed.
Pre-download Videos	Download videos over Wi-Fi and watch them offline using Android Auto.

Stay Connected and Enjoy YouTube on Your Drive

1. Ensure Compatibility: Confirm that your Android phone and vehicle support Android Auto.

2. Connect Your Phone: Use a USB cable or wireless connection to establish a link between your phone and Android Auto.

3. Enable Android Auto Projection: Activate Android Auto projection from your phone’s settings or by connecting it to the vehicle’s USB port.

4. Access the YouTube App: Locate the YouTube icon on your Android Auto interface and tap on it.

5. Choose Your Content: Browse the YouTube library, search for videos, or use voice commands to find your desired content.

6. Start Playback: Tap on the play button to initiate video streaming.

7. Adjust Volume and Settings: Use the controls on your Android Auto interface or vehicle stereo to modify volume and other settings.

8. Enjoy the Show: Relax and enjoy watching YouTube videos while your phone seamlessly connects to the vehicle’s audio system.

9. Stay Safe: Always prioritize road safety while using YouTube on Android Auto. Avoid distractions and operate the interface with caution.

10. Additional Features: Some vehicles may offer advanced features like split-screen mode, which allows you to split the display between YouTube and other applications like navigation or music. Additionally, certain Android Auto versions support Picture-in-Picture mode, enabling you to watch videos in a small window while using other apps.

Feature	Description
Split-Screen Mode	Divides the Android Auto display into multiple sections, allowing simultaneous use of YouTube and other apps.
Picture-in-Picture Mode	Displays YouTube videos in a small, floating window, enabling multitasking with other applications.
Voice Commands	Allows you to control YouTube playback, search for videos, and adjust settings using voice commands.

How to Watch YouTube on Android Auto

Android Auto offers a convenient way to access your favorite apps while driving. However, the official YouTube app is not available on Android Auto. This is because YouTube is a video streaming service, and watching videos while driving can be distracting and dangerous.

There are a few workarounds that allow you to watch YouTube on Android Auto. One option is to use the YouTube Music app. YouTube Music is a streaming music service that also includes a limited selection of music videos. You can use YouTube Music to watch music videos while driving, but you will not be able to watch regular YouTube videos.

Another option is to use a third-party app that allows you to stream YouTube videos on Android Auto. There are several different third-party apps available, such as CarTube and YAAWA. These apps are not endorsed by Google, and they may not be as stable or reliable as the official YouTube app. However, they may be your only option if you want to watch regular YouTube videos while driving.