Android Auto: Drive with Maps, Media & Messaging
Android Auto is a free app by Google LLC that lets you control maps, media, and messaging with the Google Assistant while you drive.
Get Android AutoAndroid Auto has a size of 35 MB and requires Android 9 or higher. It contains no ads and no in-app purchases, and its content is rated for everyone. This app is designed for drivers who want to stay focused on the road while using navigation, communication, and entertainment features.
- Size
- 35 MB
- Requires Android
- 9
- Updated
- 16.10.2026
- Installs
- 10B+
- Rating
- ★ 4.14 (6 284 562)
- Category
- Auto & Vehicles
- Developer
- Google LLC
- Content rating
- Everyone
- Package
- com.google.android.projection.gearhead
- Free
- ✓
Screenshots
Android Auto is an auto and vehicles app by Google LLC that brings maps, media, and messaging to your car display through hands-free, voice-focused controls. It is aimed at drivers who want to navigate, make calls, send messages, and play audio without taking attention off the road, using a simplified layout with large buttons.
Once connected, it can guide you with Google Maps or Waze, showing live GPS navigation and traffic alerts, while keeping you informed about your route, ETA, and hazards. The Google Assistant can check your calendar, set reminders, deliver news, and report sports scores. It can place calls, let you answer incoming calls with one tap, and manage messages over SMS plus apps such as WhatsApp, Telegram, Skype, and WeChat. For entertainment, Android Auto supports Spotify, Pandora, Amazon Music, SiriusXM, TIDAL, and Deezer, along with many other music, radio, news, and podcast apps.
The app requires Android 9 or newer and an active data connection, and its file size is about 35 MB. It was first released in 2015, and the newest listed version is dated June 2026. There are no ads and no in-app purchases.
Key features
- Turn-by-turn guidance and live traffic alerts through Google Maps or Waze
- Assistant voice commands for navigation, reminders, news, scores, and calendar checks
- Updates on your route, estimated time of arrival, and hazards while driving
- Phone calls by voice and answering incoming calls with a single tap
- Message sending and reading across SMS and apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, Skype, and WeChat
- Custom do not disturb message during drives
- Playback support for Spotify, Pandora, Amazon Music, SiriusXM, TIDAL, and Deezer
- Large-button interface designed for quick glances
How to install
- Tap the download button on this page to save the APK file (about 35 MB).
- If Android asks, allow your browser or file manager to install apps by enabling the “Install unknown apps” setting.
- Open the downloaded APK file from your notifications or file manager.
- Tap Install and wait for the process to finish.
- Tap Open to launch Android Auto. Your device must run Android 9 or newer.
Pros
- Free, with no ads or in-app purchases
- Voice-first design with large buttons for safer use while driving
- Broad support for navigation, messaging, and media apps
- Works with over 400 car models
- Regular bug fixes and improvements
Cons
- Requires Android 9 or newer and an active data connection
- Asks for sensitive permissions such as location, SMS, contacts, microphone, and phone
- Car display compatibility can vary
What's New
The latest update to Android Auto, released on October 16, 2026, brings general bug fixes and performance improvements to enhance your in-car experience. This release focuses on refining stability and smoothing out any issues, ensuring a more reliable connection between your phone and compatible car displays. As always, Google encourages users to share feedback and join the conversation in the Android Auto community.
Other Versions
| Version | Size | Requires Android | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7.4.120744-release.daily | 35 MB | 6.0 | 03.06.2026 |
| 6.0.615344-release | 32 MB | 5.0 | 16.11.2025 |
Drivers who want hands-free access to navigation, calls, messages, and music on the road, if their phone runs Android 9 or newer and their car supports the app.
Use a high-quality USB cable when connecting to your car to avoid disconnects, set a custom do not disturb message before a trip, and prefer voice commands over tapping while the vehicle is moving.
Permissions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Android Auto free to download?
Yes, Android Auto is free to download. There are no in-app purchases or ads.
What Android version do I need?
Android Auto requires Android 9 or higher. The app is about 35 MB in size.
Do I need an account to use Android Auto?
You don't need a separate account for Android Auto itself, but you may need to sign in to apps you use with it, such as Google Maps or messaging services.
What permissions does Android Auto request?
Android Auto requests access to device & app history, calendar, contacts, location, SMS, phone, microphone, Wi-Fi connection information, and device ID & call information. These are used to provide navigation, communication, and voice features while driving.
How do I update Android Auto?
To update the app, simply download the latest version from this page and install it over your current version. The most recent release is version 7.4.120744-release.daily, dated June 3, 2026.
Android Auto is a well-established companion for hands-free driving, bringing navigation, calls, messages, and media into one interface. With a 4.14 rating and over 10 billion installs, it remains a popular option for compatible Android users.
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Updated: 24.10.2026