To show Google Maps on your car’s display from an Android phone, use Android Auto. Plug your phone into the car’s USB port with a good data cable, unlock the phone, and follow the prompts on the phone and the car screen to set up Android Auto. Once it’s connected, tap the Google Maps icon on the car display, or say “Hey Google, navigate to” followed by an address. Many newer cars also support wireless Android Auto, which connects automatically after the first setup.
Your car needs to support Android Auto. Most cars from around 2017 onward do, and some cars have Google Maps built in through Google built-in. Below are the steps for wired and wireless connections and fixes for when Maps won’t show up.
Before you start
- Check your car: Look for Android Auto in your car’s manual or infotainment settings, or search your car model on Android’s compatibility list.
- Check your phone: Android Auto is built into Android 10 and later. On older phones, install the Android Auto app from the Play Store.
- Update apps: Update Google Maps and Android Auto (or Google Play services) from the Play Store.
- Use a good cable: A short, high-quality USB cable that supports data, not just charging, prevents most connection problems.
Connect Google Maps with a USB cable
- Park your car and turn it on.
- Unlock your phone and plug it into the car’s USB port. Use the port marked with a phone or smartphone icon if there’s more than one.
- Follow the prompts on your phone to allow Android Auto permissions and review safety information.
- On the car’s screen, tap the Android Auto icon if it doesn’t open automatically.
- Tap Google Maps on the car display and enter or speak a destination.
Connect wirelessly
Wireless Android Auto needs a car or head unit that supports it and a compatible phone with Wi-Fi turned on.
- Pair your phone with the car over Bluetooth from the car’s phone settings.
- Accept the Android Auto prompts on your phone. Some cars require one wired connection first.
- After setup, Android Auto connects automatically when you start the car with your phone’s Bluetooth and Wi-Fi on.
If your car only supports wired Android Auto, a wireless Android Auto adapter that plugs into the USB port can add wireless support.
Using Google Maps on the car display
- Voice: Say “Hey Google” or press the voice button on your steering wheel, then ask for directions, gas stations or places along your route.
- Touch: Tap the search icon on the Maps screen to type or pick from recent destinations when parked.
- Route options: Tap the route to see alternate routes and avoid tolls or highways.
- Set Maps as default: If your car display opens another navigation app, tap Google Maps once and it becomes the main navigation app for voice commands.
If Google Maps doesn’t show on your car screen
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| Nothing happens when you plug in | Try a different data cable and USB port; make sure Android Auto is enabled in the car’s settings |
| Phone charges but Android Auto doesn’t start | Unlock the phone, check for a permission prompt, and set USB mode to file transfer if asked |
| Google Maps icon missing | Update Google Maps; in Android Auto settings, check the app isn’t hidden from the launcher |
| Wireless won’t connect | Turn on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, forget the car in Bluetooth settings and pair again |
| Disconnects while driving | Replace the cable, which is the most common cause |
To reach Android Auto settings on newer phones, go to Settings > Connected devices > Connection preferences > Android Auto.
No Android Auto in your car?
- Phone mount: Use Google Maps on your phone in a dashboard or vent mount, with audio through Bluetooth.
- Aftermarket head unit: Replacing the car stereo with one that supports Android Auto adds it to older cars.
- Google built-in: Some newer cars run Google Maps directly on the car’s system without a phone.
Related: set Google Maps to the fastest route.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use Google Maps on my car display with an iPhone?
Yes, through Apple CarPlay. Install Google Maps on the iPhone, connect to CarPlay, and Google Maps appears on the car screen.
Does Android Auto use mobile data?
Yes. Google Maps uses your phone’s data for maps and traffic. Download offline maps in Google Maps to reduce data use.
Can passengers type destinations while the car is moving?
Typing on the car screen is limited while driving. Use voice, or have a passenger enter the destination on the phone before connecting.
Kermit Matthews runs Live2Tech from just outside Philadelphia. He is an IT specialist with over 20 years of experience, from a university help desk to small-business IT, IT management and his own consulting practice, and has written tech guides full time since 2020. Steps are checked against the current software on a real device or the maker’s official documentation. More about Kermit.