6 Android Auto settings you did not know you wanted to vary

The entire level of Android Auto is to boost your driving expertise with out the restrictions of a telephone mount, or the expense of shopping for a brand new automobile with preloaded tech like (the confusingly named) Android Automotive. It isn’t fairly as polished as Apple CarPlay, although, so it is not unusual for individuals to run into points that make it a bit extra troublesome than it ought to be. Hopefully, the hole will proceed to slim in coming years.

Within the meantime, you may remedy a few of Android Auto’s present points with a couple of settings tweaks. I might strongly advocate attempting some or all of those earlier than you hit the highway — there is not any sense driving with a suboptimal expertise, particularly for those who’ve spent upwards of $1,000 on a brand new flagship telephone from Google or Samsung.

Associated

Does anyone actually want Apple’s next-gen CarPlay? Not really

You’d suppose a radically totally different automobile interface would have a broader enchantment.

1 Allow developer settings

Unlock Android Auto’s full potential

Android Police / Pocket-lint

You possibly can’t absolutely enhance Android Auto’s usability with out enabling developer settings. Relying in your model of Android, even some seemingly easy issues could also be behind this barrier, handled as in the event that they had been a harmful experiment. Don’t fret — so long as you perceive the choices you are toggling, every part ought to preserve operating positive.

On most Android telephones, the steps appear like this:

1. In your telephone, discover and open Android Auto.
2. Scroll right down to Model, and faucet it 10 instances.
3. Faucet OK within the pop-up affirmation window.

To entry developer settings at any time, open Android Auto once more and faucet the triple-dot menu (or a visible equal) within the top-right nook.

Associated

5 settings I change on a new Android phone right away

Your priorities will most likely differ, however these are a very good begin.

2 Pressure Day or Evening Modes

Save your eyesight

Android Police / Pocket-lint

There is a good probability your telephone is about to flip Android Auto from Day to Evening Mode and again routinely, however that is not preferrred for everybody. Some individuals would possibly discover Day Mode blinding at any hour, for example, or just choose Evening Mode’s aesthetic. You possibly can change how maps seem fairly simply:

1. Discover and launch Android Auto in your telephone.
2. Search for the Maps part, then faucet Day/Evening mode for maps.
3. Select Day, Evening, or Automated.

In the event you’ve received developer settings on, you may alter the whole Android Auto interface:

1. In Android Auto in your telephone, faucet the triple-dot menu and choose Developer settings.
2. Hit Day/Evening.
3. Choose Automotive-controlled, Cellphone-controlled, Day, or Evening. Bear in mind that if you need the phone-controlled possibility, you will must preserve your telephone out the place it may register ambient gentle situations.

1:04

Associated

How to force Chrome to show any site in dark mode

Darkish mode makes your battery last more, and it is simpler on the eyes at night time. This is the way to activate it in your Google Chrome browser.

3 Make music and podcasts resume routinely

Save your self bother throughout frequent stops

Pocket-lint

One of many issues I get pleasure from about CarPlay is that it resumes media playback everytime you begin your automobile — except it has been some time since an related app was operating. Sometimes, I am going to begin a playlist or podcast shortly earlier than I get within the driver’s seat simply to take advantage of this.

You may get an analogous expertise with Android Auto for those who be certain the fitting setting is lively:

1. Discover and open Android Auto in your telephone.
2. Underneath the Startup part, flip the Begin music routinely toggle.

This might probably be annoying, in fact — for those who’re leaving the fitness center along with your partner, you may not wish to allow them to know that you just elevate weights to the Backstreet Boys.

Associated

How I jam out with Spotify using Google Gemini

Google Gemini has added extension help for Spotify. Now you can request Gemini to play your favourite songs and playlists.

4 Launch Android Auto with out unlocking your telephone

Why is not this the default?

I might’ve put this larger on my record, besides that it is lifeless straightforward — comply with the steps from the final part, however flip the Begin Android Auto whereas locked toggle as an alternative. Voilà, no extra fingerprint, passcode, or facial recognition wanted.

There isn’t any actual catch to this, both, except you are involved about somebody launching Android Auto in your telephone once you’re not there.

Associated

Find My Device: a lifesaver or a digital leash?

It is most likely price preserving, however there are eventualities the place opting out is perhaps sensible.

5 Repair the sorting of your apps

Transfer unused apps to the again

Android Police / Pocket-lint

Usually, Android Auto pushes the apps you employ most to the entrance of the homescreen, but when that is not your bag, there are alternate sorting choices obtainable. You may also select which apps seem in any respect, say for those who do not significantly care about Discord chats once you’re driving.

1. Open Android Auto.
2. Within the Show part, choose Customise launcher.
3. Faucet Launcher sorting to decide on a special possibility, resembling A-Z.
4. Select Customized order if you wish to handle issues your self. Drag and drop apps to place them in a special order, and use the checkboxes to pick which apps seem.

Associated

What is Discord and how to use it: The free chat app for gamers explored

Discord is a free voice and textual content chat app that is extremely fashionable with avid gamers for every kind of causes. We’re exploring what it’s, the way it works and extra.

6 Cover undesirable messaging notifications

Catch up once you’re protected and sound

Common chat notifications aren’t a giant deal once you’re at residence or work, however when Android Auto is operating, they’ll probably intervene along with your driving. You’ve got received a couple of toggles obtainable inside the Android Auto settings in your telephone:

• Present message notifications will flip all message alerts on or off (in Auto solely).
• Present group conversations impacts group chats, not one-on-one conversations.
• Present first line of messages can be utilized to preview incoming content material.
• Play message chime will be disabled if you wish to eradicate audio distractions.

Associated

Will anyone actually want Apple’s AR glasses when they’re ready?

Apple appears to be struggling to grasp AR and VR.