Android Auto is an incredibly useful feature that allows you to access various applications on your Android smartphone through your car’s display screen. From navigation to music and calling features, Android Auto enhances the driving experience. However, if you’re experiencing issues with gesture navigation on Android Auto, you’re not alone. Many users have reported problems with gesture navigation not working after updating to the December update and Android 14 QPR2 Beta 2 build.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the possible causes of the Android Auto gesture navigation issue and provide you with step-by-step solutions to fix it. Whether you’re unable to swipe up to access the Recents menu, swipe down for the notification panel, or perform back gestures from the edges of the screen, we’ve got you covered. So, let’s dive in and resolve this frustrating problem together.
There are several factors that can contribute to the gesture navigation not working on Android Auto. Understanding these causes is essential in order to effectively troubleshoot the issue. Here are some of the main reasons why you may be experiencing problems with gesture navigation:
- Android Auto App Issue: It is possible that the Android Auto app on your device is not functioning properly due to a system bug or glitch. Additionally, corrupted cache or data can also prevent gesture navigation from working correctly.
- Software Conflicts & Bugs: Software conflicts or bugs can affect the functionality of gesture navigation on your device. Outdated versions of the Android Auto app may also cause issues with gesture navigation.
- Gesture Navigation Settings: Your device offers two navigation options: button navigation and gesture navigation. If you haven’t selected the correct gesture navigation settings or if the settings have become corrupted, gesture navigation may not work as expected.
- Incorrect User Gesture: Sometimes, the gestures you are using may not be recognized by the system. It is important to ensure that you are using the correct gestures that your device requires.
- Interfering Applications: Certain applications or services running in the background of your phone can interfere with gesture navigations. Identifying and stopping these processes can help resolve the issue.
Now that we have a better understanding of the possible causes, let’s move on to the solutions.
The first step in troubleshooting the Android Auto gesture navigation issue is to ensure that you have enabled gesture navigation on your device. Here’s how you can do it:
- Open the Settings app on your Android phone.
- Scroll down and tap on System.
- In the System menu, choose the Gestures option.
- Tap on System navigation.
- Select Gesture navigation from the menu.
If you have already chosen gesture navigation on your smartphone, try switching back to 3-button navigation and then back to gesture navigation. This simple step can sometimes resolve the issue.
Fix 2: Close and Re-Open Android Auto
Corrupted data or cache can sometimes cause gesture navigation to malfunction. To fix this, close the Android Auto app and remove it from the recent taskbar. Wait a few minutes and then relaunch the app to see if the issue has been resolved.
Fix 3: Restart Your Phone
Restarting your phone is a powerful and effective method of resolving various issues, including problems with gesture navigation. Restarting the device clears temporary caches and resolves software glitches. Simply hold the power button for a few seconds, tap on the restart/reboot option, and wait for your phone to turn back on.
Fix 4: Force Stop the Android Auto App
If restarting the device didn’t help, you can try force-stopping the Android Auto app. This will stop all processes related to the app and may help resolve the gesture navigation issue. Here’s how you can force stop the Android Auto app:
- Open the Settings app on your phone.
- Navigate to the Apps section.
- Tap on See all apps.
- Find and select Android Auto from the application list.
- Tap on the Force Stop button at the top right.
Fix 5: Clear Android Auto Cache Data
Corrupted cache and data can also cause issues with gesture navigation. Clearing the cache and data of the Android Auto app can help resolve these problems. Here’s how you can do it:
- Open the Settings app on your phone.
- Navigate to the Apps section.
- Tap on See all apps.
- Find and select Android Auto from the application list.
- Tap on Storage and cache.
- Finally, tap on Clear Cache to clear the cache data.
Fix 6: Disable Battery Optimization
Enabling battery optimization on your smartphone can sometimes interfere with certain applications and services, including gesture navigation on Android Auto. Disable battery optimization for the Android Auto app to see if it resolves the issue. Here’s how you can do it:
- Open the Settings app on your phone.
- Go to the Battery section.
- Find the Battery Optimization option.
- Search for the Android Auto app in the list.
- Tap on it and select Don’t optimize to disable battery optimization for the app.
Fix 7: Update Android Auto App
Updating the Android Auto app to the latest version can often fix bugs and glitches that may be causing issues with gesture navigation. Check if an update is available for the app on the Google Play Store and install it. Here’s how you can do it:
- Open the Google Play Store on your phone.
- Search for Android Auto in the search bar.
- Select the Android Auto app from the search results.
- If an update is available, tap on the Update button.
Once the update is finished, check if the gesture navigation issue has been resolved.
Fix 8: Uninstall Android Auto App Update
If updating the Android Auto app didn’t help, you can try uninstalling the app update. Sometimes, new updates can introduce bugs that affect gesture navigation. Here’s how you can uninstall the Android Auto app update:
- Open the Google Play Store on your phone.
- Search for Android Auto in the search bar.
- Select the Android Auto app from the search results.
- Tap on the Uninstall button to remove the app update.
Check if the gesture navigation issue has been resolved after uninstalling the update.
Fix 9: Update System Software
Outdated system software can also cause issues with gesture navigation. Check for any available system updates and install them to ensure that your device is running the latest software version. Here’s how you can update the system software:
- Open the Settings app on your phone.
- Scroll down and tap on System.
- Tap on System update to check for available updates.
- If an update is available, download and install it.
- Restart your phone after the update is finished.
Fix 10: Perform a Factory Reset
If none of the above solutions work, you may need to perform a factory reset of your device. This will erase all data on your phone, so make sure to back up any important information beforehand. Here’s how you can perform a factory reset:
- Open the Settings app on your phone.
- Scroll down and tap on System.
- Tap on Reset options.
- Select Erase all data(factory reset).
- Confirm the reset by entering your phone password.
- Tap on Erase all data to begin the factory reset process.
- Follow the on-screen prompts to set up your phone after the reset is complete.
Performing a factory reset should resolve any software-related issues causing problems with gesture navigation.
Wrapping Up
Android Auto is a valuable tool for accessing various services while driving. However, if you’re facing issues with gesture navigation on Android Auto, it can be frustrating. By following the solutions provided in this guide, you can troubleshoot and fix the gesture navigation not working issue. Remember to check your gesture navigation settings, close and reopen the Android Auto app, restart your phone, force stop the app, clear cache data, disable battery optimization, update the app and system software, or perform a factory reset if necessary.
We hope this guide has helped you resolve the Android Auto gesture navigation issue you were experiencing. If you have any further questions or need assistance, feel free to leave a comment below. Safe travels!
