dthatcher7
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I got a request on another thread to start a new one on the basics of using Android Auto. So here goes!
Here is what you will need in place to begin:
1. An Android phone running Android 5 (Lollipop) or higher.
2. A quality USB cable. Cheap-o cables won't cut it. Check out Monoprice if you aren't sure about the quality of your cable.
Before connecting to the car, go to the Play store and install Android Auto.
First time connecting with Android Auto, at the car:
1. Start the car, leave in park.
2. Launch Android Auto on your phone.
3. Connect to the 1.5 Amp port using the USB cable.
4. Follow the instructions on the car screen, then when you are through with that, then follow the instructions on your phone screen.
--You are prompted to enable Hondalink, if you enable it then it will try to use your phone to call 911 in the event of a crash.
5. Once you've completed all the steps you should be ready.
Starting with Android Auto:
If you are not on the Android Auto home screen, hit the Home button on the left and then choose Android Auto. If you don't see Android Auto, disconnect your phone, launch Android Auto on your phone, then reconnect your phone. This also works in the event of USB connection errors, unless your USB cable is the problem (crappy cable).
It helps to think of your infotainment system as a glorified tablet when in Android Auto. Along the bottom you have buttons for various function categories, from left to right:
1. Navigation
2. Phone
3. The Home button to take you back to the Home screen
4. Music
5. Car info
If there are multiple available apps for a function (for example, you have Pandora and Amazon MP3 on your phone) then you will be prompted to choose which app to use.
When you turn off your car you can unplug your phone and go.
Be aware that connecting an Android Auto-enabled phone will connect it via Bluetooth as well. If another phone is connected via Bluetooth already, it will prompt you about kicking that phone off and pairing with your phone instead. This is actually a nice feature; my wife and I can switch off easily just by plugging in whatever phone we want to use at the moment.
Your Android Auto experience will only be as fast as your phone, possibly a hair slower. If your phone is a dog, you will want to do something about that. Perhaps uninstall some apps, or even do a full reset of your phone. Of course you can always get a new phone!
Also note, that if your phone screen is off or if your phone is locked, this will not prevent the operation of Android Auto.
Voice commands:
When in Android Auto, you need to press and hold the voice command button on your steering wheel for two seconds, then release. Wait for the chime (which may take a few more seconds), then speak your command. You can say "Navigate to..." and then an address or business name, or "Call..." and then a name or number, or "Stop Music" or "Stop Navigation". Check out https://support.google.com/androidauto/?hl=en#topic=6348027 under "Use Android Auto" for more ideas for voice commands.
If you just press and release the voice command button quickly you'll get launched back into the stock infotainment system, which is probably not what you want.
That's pretty much it. Half the fun is exploring what you can do. I would suggest going into Google Maps on your phone or computer under your Google account and setting up your Home and Work addresses. That way you can say "Navigate to Home" or "Navigate to Work" and it will know what you mean. I think you can also set up other places this way too. As time goes on expect more apps and more connectivity with Android Auto.
Here is what you will need in place to begin:
1. An Android phone running Android 5 (Lollipop) or higher.
2. A quality USB cable. Cheap-o cables won't cut it. Check out Monoprice if you aren't sure about the quality of your cable.
Before connecting to the car, go to the Play store and install Android Auto.
First time connecting with Android Auto, at the car:
1. Start the car, leave in park.
2. Launch Android Auto on your phone.
3. Connect to the 1.5 Amp port using the USB cable.
4. Follow the instructions on the car screen, then when you are through with that, then follow the instructions on your phone screen.
--You are prompted to enable Hondalink, if you enable it then it will try to use your phone to call 911 in the event of a crash.
5. Once you've completed all the steps you should be ready.
Starting with Android Auto:
If you are not on the Android Auto home screen, hit the Home button on the left and then choose Android Auto. If you don't see Android Auto, disconnect your phone, launch Android Auto on your phone, then reconnect your phone. This also works in the event of USB connection errors, unless your USB cable is the problem (crappy cable).
It helps to think of your infotainment system as a glorified tablet when in Android Auto. Along the bottom you have buttons for various function categories, from left to right:
1. Navigation
2. Phone
3. The Home button to take you back to the Home screen
4. Music
5. Car info
If there are multiple available apps for a function (for example, you have Pandora and Amazon MP3 on your phone) then you will be prompted to choose which app to use.
When you turn off your car you can unplug your phone and go.
Be aware that connecting an Android Auto-enabled phone will connect it via Bluetooth as well. If another phone is connected via Bluetooth already, it will prompt you about kicking that phone off and pairing with your phone instead. This is actually a nice feature; my wife and I can switch off easily just by plugging in whatever phone we want to use at the moment.
Your Android Auto experience will only be as fast as your phone, possibly a hair slower. If your phone is a dog, you will want to do something about that. Perhaps uninstall some apps, or even do a full reset of your phone. Of course you can always get a new phone!
Also note, that if your phone screen is off or if your phone is locked, this will not prevent the operation of Android Auto.
Voice commands:
When in Android Auto, you need to press and hold the voice command button on your steering wheel for two seconds, then release. Wait for the chime (which may take a few more seconds), then speak your command. You can say "Navigate to..." and then an address or business name, or "Call..." and then a name or number, or "Stop Music" or "Stop Navigation". Check out https://support.google.com/androidauto/?hl=en#topic=6348027 under "Use Android Auto" for more ideas for voice commands.
If you just press and release the voice command button quickly you'll get launched back into the stock infotainment system, which is probably not what you want.
That's pretty much it. Half the fun is exploring what you can do. I would suggest going into Google Maps on your phone or computer under your Google account and setting up your Home and Work addresses. That way you can say "Navigate to Home" or "Navigate to Work" and it will know what you mean. I think you can also set up other places this way too. As time goes on expect more apps and more connectivity with Android Auto.
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