Android Auto has become essential in cars or motorcycles. Yet, you may have noticed one major limitation—YouTube isn’t available in your Android Radio for Car.
Although Google restricts video apps for safety reasons, there are ways to watch YouTube on Android Auto when used responsibly. In this guide, you'll learn step-by-step methods to unlock video playback, explore third-party options, and understand why these workarounds exist.
6 Steps to Watch YouTube Videos on Android Auto
Step 1: Ensure Compatibility
Before you start, confirm that your smartphone is compatible with Android Auto. Most modern Android phones (running Android 6.0 or later) support it. You can double-check your device compatibility on the official Android Auto website. Make sure both the Android Auto app and YouTube app are installed on your phone, and if not, you can quickly download them from the Google Play Store.
Step 2: Update Apps to the Latest Version
Keeping your apps up to date is essential for smooth functionality. Open the Google Play Store and check if there are any pending updates for Android Auto and YouTube. Updating apps usually helps fix critical bugs and improve compatiblity.
Step 3: Connect Your Phone to the Car's Infotainment System
Connect your smartphone to your car’s infotainment system. If you're using a USB cable, plug it into your car's USB port. For wireless connection, first, ensure your car supports wireless Android Auto. Turn on Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Location services on your phone, and pair it with your car. The Android Auto interface should appear on the car's display once the connection is successful.
Step 4: Launch the Android Auto App and Enable Auto-Launch
When your phone is connected, Android Auto should start automatically. If not, open the Android Auto app on your phone manually. To ensure it launches on its own every time you connect, go to the app’s settings, find the option for “Auto-launch,” and turn it on.
Step 5: Manage the Applications in Android Auto
Access the Android Auto settings menu by tapping the gear icon in the app. Under “Media” or “Apps,” you can see the list of supported apps. You can customize which apps appear on your car's screen and how notifications from each app are handled. Toggle the settings to suit your preferences for a personalized experience.
Step 6: Use Third-Party Apps to Enable YouTube Playback
Since Android Auto doesn’t officially support YouTube, you’ll need third-party apps like CarStream or AAAD to make it accessible. Download one of these apps by following their installation instructions. Once installed, open Android Auto and grant any permissions the third-party app requires.
How to Install Third-Party Apps for YouTube Playback on Android Auto?
To watch YouTube videos on Android Auto, you'll need to rely on third-party apps like CarStream or AAAD (Android Auto Apps Downloader), which allow you to bypass the system's restrictions. Here’s a step-by-step guide to installing third-party apps safely:
Step 1: Enable Unknown Sources on Your Phone
Before installing third-party apps, you need to allow your phone to install apps from unknown sources. To do this, go to your phone’s "Settings," then navigate to "Security" or "Privacy." Find the option labeled "Install unknown apps" and grant permission for your browser or file manager to install apps from outside the Play Store.
Step 2: Download the Third-Party App Installer (e.g., CarStream or AAAD)
Open a web browser on your phone and search for the latest version of the app you wish to install, such as CarStream or AAAD. Make sure to download it from a trusted source to avoid potential security risks. Once downloaded, locate the APK file in your downloads folder.
Step 3: Install the APK File
Tap the downloaded APK file to begin the installation process. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation. If prompted to confirm the installation of an unknown app, go ahead and allow it since you’ve already enabled the "Install unknown apps" setting.
Step 4: Grant Necessary Permissions for the App
After installing the app, open it and grant any permissions it requests, such as access to your phone’s media or notification settings. These permissions are necessary for the app to work properly with Android Auto.
Step 5: Configure the App for Android Auto
Once the app is installed and permissions are granted, you’ll need to configure it to work with Android Auto. Open Android Auto, go to "Settings," and look for the "Apps" section. Verify that the third-party app appears in the list of available apps and that any necessary permissions are activated. Some apps may require additional configuration or tweaks to function properly.
Step 6: Test the Setup While Parked
After installation and configuration, connect your phone to the car and open Android Auto. Check if the third-party app appears on the car’s display and if YouTube videos can be played. It's essential to test this setup while parked to ensure everything works smoothly before using it in a real situation.
Can I Install YouTube on My Android Auto Directly?
No, you cannot install YouTube directly on the standard Android Auto interface due to safety restrictions that limit app compatibility to functions like navigation and music.
However, if you’re looking for a solution that allows you to enjoy YouTube in your car, there are Android Auto screens with built-in Android systems, such as Carpuride's W901 Plus. With the W901 Plus, you get the flexibility to use YouTube and other Android apps while enjoying a larger screen and user-friendly interface—perfect for parked situations or for passengers to use. It’s a practical upgrade that adds versatility beyond the limitations of standard Android Auto.
Why Can’t I Add YouTube to My Android Auto?
While it’s possible to use third-party apps to get YouTube running on Android Auto, several challenges like Android Auto not working can arise throughout the process:
Compatibility Problems
Even if you manage to install a third-party app like CarStream, it may not always work smoothly. Updates to Android Auto or your phone’s operating system can break compatibility, requiring you to reinstall the app or wait for updated versions.
App Installation Errors
Sideloading can result in errors during installation. Some devices may block the installation of APK files due to security settings, requiring manual changes to allow unknown sources.
Connectivity Issues
If you’re trying to connect wirelessly, you may experience issues with the phone not pairing correctly with the car’s infotainment system. USB connections can also be problematic if the cable is not compatible or in poor condition, resulting in unstable Android Auto connections.
Inconsistent App Performance
Even after successfully installing and configuring a third-party app, you might encounter issues like lag, app crashes, or audio-video sync problems.
Conclusion
Although Android Auto doesn’t support YouTube natively, you can still access videos using third-party apps if you follow the steps carefully and understand the risks.
If you’re looking to enhance your in-car experience even further, consider upgrading to a more versatile setup. Check out Carpuride’s Motorcycle Android Auto and CarPlay screen for car, which offer a seamless connection for various devices. Explore today to elevate your car and motorcycle journey with modern, user-friendly technology!
Read More:
Apple CarPlay vs Android Auto: Which One’s Right for You?
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