This site is not affiliated with Apple CarPlay; this is an independent explanation.
Android Auto not working usually means the car screen never shows your phone's apps, keeps disconnecting, or says the phone is not supported. Apple CarPlay behaves the same way for iPhone users, and the fixes are nearly identical, so this page covers both.
Most failures come from a damaged or charge-only cable, the wrong USB port in the car, a switched-off feature on the phone, or a bug after an update. Start with the cable, since it solves more cases than everything else put together. Wired CarPlay not working is almost always a cable or port issue, while wireless versions also depend on Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, so see Bluetooth not working if pairing fails.
Common causes
1Cable is damaged, thin or charge-only
How to tellPhone charges but the car screen does not react, or it disconnects on bumps
What fixes itUse a short, good quality data cable, ideally the original one
2Wrong USB port in the car
How to tellNothing happens when plugged into a port marked for charging only
What fixes itUse the port with a phone or smartphone symbol, if the car has one
3Feature is off on the phone or the car
How to tellCar shows no phone projection option, or the phone shows no prompt
What fixes itEnable the feature in phone settings and in the car's setup menu
4Bluetooth or Wi-Fi problem for wireless use
How to tellWireless link starts then drops, or never begins
What fixes itForget the car, restart both, pair again
5Outdated app, phone system or car software
How to tellBegan after an update, or only some apps fail
What fixes itUpdate the phone system, the app and, via the maker, the car unit
6Phone permissions or battery saver blocking
How to tellConnects but maps or music do not start
What fixes itAllow all requested permissions and switch off battery saver
7Dirty or damaged USB port on the phone or car
How to tellCable only works at a certain angle
What fixes itClean the port gently or get it checked
How to fix it, step by step
Swap the cable first
Use a short, high quality cable, preferably the one that came with your phone. Cheap or old cables can charge but fail to carry data. Plug it firmly and avoid hubs or extra adapters.
Use the correct USB port
Some cars have several USB sockets, and only one supports the phone link. Try the one near the screen or with a phone icon. Check the owner's manual if you are unsure.
Restart the phone and the car screen
Turn the car off, open and close the door, wait a minute and start again. Restart the phone too. Then plug in the cable and let the car recognise the phone before you open apps.
Unlock the phone and accept the prompts
Keep the phone unlocked on first connection. On the phone, tap allow on any permission, trust or start screen. If you miss a prompt, unplug and replug.
Check the feature on the phone
On iPhone, go to Settings, General, CarPlay and check your car is listed, and make sure the voice assistant is switched on, since CarPlay uses it. On Android, open the Android Auto settings from the phone's connected devices or app settings and check that the connection options are on. Menu names differ by version.
Forget the car and set it up again
Delete the saved car from the phone's CarPlay or Android Auto list, remove the phone from the car's saved devices, then pair and connect again from the beginning. This fixes a damaged pairing.
Update everything
Install pending phone system updates and update the Android Auto app or the maps and music apps used in the car. Ask the car maker or a dealer whether the head unit has a software update, as it may need a workshop visit.
Switch off battery saver and clear the app cache on Android
Battery saver can stop background links. On Android, clearing the cache of the Android Auto app from its app info page can remove stale data without deleting your settings.
Why Android Auto not working appears after it worked before
When it worked yesterday and fails today, something changed: an update to the phone or app, a new cable, a new case that pushes the plug, or a software change in the car. Go back through each of those. A cable that has been pulled a thousand times by a dashboard mount often fails inside the plug even if it looks fine.
The car screen shows Phone not detected while the phone happily charges. The cable is charging but not carrying data, or the port is not the phone port. Swap the cable first.
Wired CarPlay not working on iPhone
For wired CarPlay, check that the cable is a proper data cable, the iPhone is unlocked, and the voice assistant is enabled. Look in Screen Time restrictions to make sure CarPlay is allowed. If the car screen says the iPhone is not supported, the car may need an update or the connection may need to be reset by deleting the car in Settings. Do not use a loose, damaged plug that moves around, since it can short and harm the port.
Wireless connection problems
Wireless modes need both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi on the phone, and the car must support the wireless version. Keep the phone near the screen on the first setup. If the link drops, forget the car on both sides, restart, and set up again. A noisy Wi-Fi hotspot in the car can interfere, so turn off personal hotspot while you test.
Troubleshooting overview
| Symptom | Suspect first |
|---|---|
| Phone charges, car ignores it | Cable or port |
| Connects then drops | Loose plug, wireless clash |
| Black screen on car display | Car software, phone app |
| Voice commands fail | Assistant or mic permission |
| Works in one car only | That car's settings |
For phone charging problems read phone not charging, and for a port that feels loose see USB port not working.
When to visit a dealer or workshop
If a new cable, another phone and all the settings checks fail, the car's head unit or its USB port may need a service visit. Another phone failing in the same car is a clear sign. The cost depends on the car and whether the fix is a software update or a port replacement, so ask the dealer for an estimate. Car electrics are not a place for guesswork, so do not open dashboard panels yourself.
Set up your route before you drive, and never fiddle with the phone while moving.
Frequently asked questions
Why is Android Auto not working in my car?
The cable is the most frequent cause, followed by the wrong USB port, a disabled setting and outdated software. Swap the cable, use the phone port and restart both the phone and the car screen.
Why is Apple CarPlay not working on my iPhone?
Check the cable, that CarPlay and the voice assistant are allowed, and that the car is listed in Settings. Forget the car and reconnect if it still fails.
Why is wired CarPlay not working but charging works?
Charging only needs power, while CarPlay needs data. A charge-only cable or a power-only car port will charge the phone without starting CarPlay.
Does Android Auto need mobile data?
Navigation, streaming and voice commands usually need an internet connection, though some maps can work offline if downloaded beforehand.
Can a phone case stop the car link?
Yes, a thick case can stop the plug from seating fully. Remove it for a test.