Having Android Auto issues? How users are handling persistent connection drops lately

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ZDNET’s key takeaways

• Android Auto users are experiencing connection issues.
• Most problems are tied to either Pixel or Galaxy phones.
• There are a few temporary fixes.

If you’ve had problems with your vehicle’s Android Auto over the past few days, you’re not alone.

Last week, posts began surfacing across several platforms, including Reddit, Google’s official support forum, and others, detailing how Android Auto either won’t hold a connection or won’t connect at all. Sometimes users report that the connection fixes after a few seconds, and sometimes after a few minutes. Both wired and wireless connections are encountering problems. 

Also: Your Android Auto just got 5 useful upgrades for free – and Google isn’t done

Considering that Android Auto handles calls, music, and navigation, the issues are causing quite a bit of frustration.

While most reports are coming from Pixel users, several Samsung users have reported similar problems. Several generations of Pixel phones are experiencing problems, but it’s mostly the Galaxy S26 on Samsung’s side.

A lot of users are suggesting that the issue could be related to the March Pixel Drop a few weeks ago, but that wouldn’t explain the Samsung issues.

How to fix the Android Auto connection issue

There’s no official fix yet, but if you need to use Android Auto for navigation or other important features, there are some things you can try.

1. Some users have reported that reverting to an older version of Android Auto works temporarily, but the system forces you to update to the latest (non-functioning) version within a day. 
2. Other users have said that unpairing the phone, rebooting it, and then pairing it again works for a while, but that method eventually stops working as well. 

Also: Google just gave Android Auto its most significant update yet – and we tested it on the road

A few users have had success by rebooting the car’s system (usually by holding the power button until it cycles off and on again). One Galaxy user got Android Auto running again by starting it through the car’s infotainment system first, rather than opening it on their phone.  

Google hasn’t acknowledged the issues, so I’ve reached out for more details.