Do you want to send and receive messages on WhatsApp while driving a car? With WhatsApp on Android Auto, you can send and receive messages hands-free, using simple voice commands. It ensures you stay focused on the road while keeping in touch with friends and family. In this guide, we’ll help you set up WhatsApp on Android Auto so that you can enjoy a safer and more connected drive.
Steps to Add WhatsApp to Android Auto
To connect WhatsApp to Android Auto, first ensure that the latest version of WhatsApp is installed on the smartphone that you plan to pair with your car device. You can do this by visiting the Google Play Store and downloading the app.
1. Access Android Auto: Open Settings on your phone and search for Android Auto.
2. Customize Your Launcher: Within the Android Auto option from the settings, find and tap on Customize Launcher. If you’re using the standalone Android Auto app, launch it, go to General Settings, and then select Customize Launcher.
3. Add WhatsApp to the Launcher: Scroll through the list to find WhatsApp and tick the box next to it.
4. Organize the App Position: To rearrange WhatsApp within the launcher, press and drag it to your preferred position.
5. Refresh Android Device: Connect your smartphone to your car and the WhatsApp icon will appear on your car’s screen.
Steps to Use WhatsApp on Android Auto
Once WhatsApp is added, you can easily send and reply to messages using voice commands. Just double-check that your mobile data is turned on.
Sending a Message
- Activate Voice Assistant: Tap the microphone icon on the Android Auto screen or say, “Hey, Google.“
- Speak Your Command: Say, “Send a WhatsApp message to [contact name].” The voice assistant will ask you to dictate the message.
- Confirm and Send: The assistant will read your message. You can say Send to confirm, Change Message to edit, or Cancel to discard it.
Replying to Messages
When a message arrives on WhatsApp, a notification will show up on your car’s Android device screen.
- Listen or View: Tap Play to have the voice assistant read the message, or choose Show Message to read it on the screen.
- Respond or Mute: After hearing the message, you can choose the prompts to reply or mute the conversation.
Making WhatsApp Audio Calls on Android Auto
Android Auto lets you make WhatsApp audio calls directly from your car’s display. This feature is currently available for Pixel and Samsung smartphones, and it will soon be available for other phones.
- Activate Voice Assistant: Use the voice assistant and say, “Make a call to <contact name> from WhatsApp.” Alternatively, you can open the Phone app, select a contact, and tap the WhatsApp icon to initiate the call.
- Answering Calls: When you receive a WhatsApp call, you’ll see a notification on the car’s Android screen. You can then choose to answer or decline the call.
- Call Controls: During the call, you’ll see options to hold the call, mute/unmute the microphone, hang up, or switch the call back to your phone.
FAQ
WhatsApp might not work on Android Auto due to a few common reasons. Temporary glitches in the app or system can cause issues. A weak or unstable internet connection can also disrupt its functionality. Additionally, problems with the app’s cache data, such as being corrupted or outdated, may prevent WhatsApp from working properly.
To remove WhatsApp from Android Auto, open Settings on your Android phone. Then, locate and select Android Auto from the options. Next, tap on Customize Launcher and find WhatsApp in the list. Simply uncheck the box next to WhatsApp to remove it from your car’s Android device.
