Fixes for Android Auto Not Playing Music From Youtube, Amazon Music or Spotify

Android Auto has revolutionized the way we access music and other applications while driving. It provides a safe and convenient way to enjoy your favorite songs, podcasts, and more on your car’s display screen. However, it can be frustrating when Android Auto fails to play music from popular streaming services like YouTube, Amazon Music, or Spotify. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the most effective solutions to fix Android Auto not playing music issues. Whether you’re experiencing sound problems, disconnections, or other audio-related difficulties, we’ve got you covered.

Reasons Why Android Auto Not Playing Music From YouTube, Amazon Music, or Spotify

There are several factors that can contribute to Android Auto not playing music from YouTube, Amazon Music, or Spotify. Understanding these reasons can help us identify the appropriate solutions. Here are some common causes:

1. Volume Level: It’s possible that the volume level on your car stereo is set too low or accidentally muted, preventing you from hearing the music. Check the volume settings on your car’s head unit to ensure it is not at zero or muted.
2. Default Music Streaming App: If you have a subscription to a streaming service like Spotify, but the default music streaming app on Android Auto is set to a different service (e.g., Apple Music), you won’t be able to play music. Make sure to set the correct default streaming app in the Android Auto settings.
3. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Connectivity: Android Auto relies on a stable connection between your phone and car’s head unit via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. If there are connectivity issues, it can affect the ability to play music. Try toggling Wi-Fi and Bluetooth off and on to refresh the connection.
4. Device Restart: Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve software conflicts or temporary glitches that prevent Android Auto from playing music. Restart your phone to see if it resolves the issue.
5. Car’s Head Unit Restart: If restarting your phone doesn’t solve the problem, try restarting your car’s head unit. Sometimes, the infotainment system may freeze or stop responding, affecting the functionality of Android Auto. Restarting the head unit can help resolve these issues.
6. Wired Connection: In some cases, the wireless connection between your phone and car’s stereo system may not be stable. You can try using a wired USB connection instead to rule out any issues with the wireless connection.
7. Quality of USB Cable: Not all USB cables are created equal. Some cables may be designed only for charging and may not support data transfer, which is essential for Android Auto to function properly. Ensure you are using a good quality USB cable that supports data transfer.
8. Cache of Android Auto App: Corrupted cache data in the Android Auto app can cause various issues, including problems with playing music. Clearing the cache of the app can help resolve these issues.
9. Outdated Android Auto App: An outdated version of the Android Auto app can cause compatibility issues and prevent music playback. Make sure to update the app to the latest version available on the Google Play Store.
10. Re-pairing the Connected Car: If all else fails, you can try forgetting the connected car and re-pairing it with your phone. This can help establish a fresh connection and resolve any underlying issues.

Ways to Fix Android Auto Not Playing Music From YouTube, Amazon Music, or Spotify

Now that we understand the reasons behind Android Auto not playing music, let’s explore the best ways to fix these issues. Follow the step-by-step solutions below to get your music playing again in no time.

Fix 1: Check Your Car Stereo’s Volume Level

The first and simplest solution is to check the volume level on your car stereo. Ensure that the volume is not set to zero or muted. Adjust the volume knob or toggle the mute button to enable sound playback. Sometimes, we overlook this basic step in our haste, so it’s essential to double-check the volume settings.

Fix 2: Change the Default Music Streaming Service

If you have a subscription to a music streaming service like Spotify, but Android Auto is not playing music from it, there may be an issue with the default music streaming app. Follow these steps to change the default music streaming service:

1. Open the Settings app on your Android device.
2. Go to Connected devices.
3. Tap on Connection preferences and select Android Auto.
4. Choose the Customize launcher option.
5. Uncheck any music players that you don’t use and select the streaming app for which you have a subscription.
6. Restart Android Auto and check if the issue is resolved.

Fix 3: Turn Off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth and Back On

A simple solution to connectivity issues with Android Auto is to toggle the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth settings off and on. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Pull down the notification bar on your Android phone to access the quick toggles.
2. Turn off both the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth toggles.
3. Wait for a few seconds and then turn them back on.
4. Android Auto will automatically reconnect to your car’s music system.
5. Try playing music to check if the audio is restored.

Fix 4: Restart Your Phone

A restart can often resolve software conflicts or temporary glitches that affect Android Auto’s functionality. Restart your phone by following these steps:

1. Press and hold the Power button for a few seconds.
2. Tap on the Restart or Reboot option.
3. Wait for your phone to shut down and turn back on.

After the restart, check if Android Auto is playing music properly. If not, proceed to the next solution.

Fix 5: Restart Your Car’s Android Auto Head Unit

If restarting your phone didn’t solve the issue, you may need to restart your car’s Android Auto head unit. Follow these steps to do so:

1. Turn off the ignition in your car.
2. Wait for the head unit to turn off automatically.
3. Restart your car and let the infotainment system turn back on.
4. Connect your phone to Android Auto and check if the sound is working.

Restarting the head unit can help resolve any frozen or unresponsive issues that may be affecting Android Auto’s audio playback.

Fix 6: Use Wired Android Auto Instead of Wireless

If you’re experiencing stability issues with the wireless connection between your phone and car’s stereo system, try using a wired connection instead. Follow these steps to connect your phone to Android Auto via USB:

1. Use a high-quality USB cable that supports data transfer.
2. Connect one end of the USB cable to your phone and the other end to the USB port in your car.
3. Android Auto should automatically launch on your car’s display screen.
4. Try playing music to check if the audio is working properly.

Using a wired connection can help ensure a stable and reliable connection between your phone and car’s stereo system.

Fix 7: Use a Good Quality USB Cable

Using a good quality USB cable is essential for a reliable connection between your phone and car’s stereo system. Some USB cables may not support data transfer, which can cause issues with Android Auto’s music playback. Make sure to use a USB cable that is designed for data transfer, preferably a first-party cable from your phone manufacturer. This will help avoid any connection reliability issues.

Fix 8: Clear the Cache of the Android Auto App

If the Android Auto app’s cache is corrupted, it can cause various issues, including problems with playing music. Clearing the app’s cache can help resolve these issues. Follow these steps to clear the cache of the Android Auto app:

1. Open the Settings app on your smartphone.
2. Navigate to the Apps or Applications section.
3. Find and select the Android Auto app.
4. Tap on Storage or Storage and cache.
5. Select the Clear cache option.

Once the cache is cleared, reconnect your phone to Android Auto and check if the music playback issues are resolved.

Fix 9: Update Android Auto From the Play Store

An outdated version of the Android Auto app can cause compatibility issues and prevent music playback. Updating the app to the latest version can help resolve these issues. Follow these steps to update Android Auto:

1. Open the Google Play Store on your phone.
2. Search for the Android Auto app.
3. If an update is available, tap on the Update button.
4. Wait for the update to complete.
5. Reconnect your phone to Android Auto and check if the music is playing properly.

Updating Android Auto can bring compatibility improvements and fix any bugs or glitches that may be affecting music playback.

Fix 10: Forget the Connected Car and Pair It Back

If none of the previous solutions work, you can try forgetting the connected car and re-pairing it with your phone. This can help establish a fresh connection and resolve any underlying issues. Follow these steps to forget and re-pair the connected car:

1. Open the Settings app on your smartphone.
2. Go to Connected devices or Bluetooth settings.
3. Find the connected car and select it.
4. Tap on Forget or Unpair to disconnect your phone from the car.
5. Go back to the previous menu and select Add a new device or Pair a new device.
6. Follow the on-screen instructions to connect your phone to the car’s head unit.

By re-pairing the connected car, you can establish a fresh connection and resolve any issues that may be preventing music playback.

Conclusion

Android Auto is a powerful tool for accessing music and other applications in your car. However, when it’s not playing music from popular streaming services like YouTube, Amazon Music, or Spotify, it can be frustrating. By following the solutions outlined in this guide, you can troubleshoot and fix the issues you may encounter with Android Auto’s music playback. Remember to check the volume level, change the default music streaming app, toggle Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, restart your phone and car’s head unit, use a wired connection, and keep your apps and system updated. With these fixes, you can enjoy your favorite music seamlessly while driving with Android Auto.