How to Fix Spotify Not Working on Android Auto

If you’re one of the many drivers who rely on Spotify to enjoy their favorite tunes while cruising down the road, you know how frustrating it can be when Spotify stops working on Android Auto. The sudden silence can really put a damper on your driving experience. But fear not! In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to fix Spotify not working on Android Auto and get your music flowing again.

Troubleshooting your Device Connection

Before diving into the settings and fixes, let’s start with some basic troubleshooting steps to ensure a smooth connection between your device and Android Auto.

Step 1: Restart Your Phone

The first and simplest step is to restart your phone. This can often resolve minor glitches and refresh your device’s connection to Android Auto. After the restart, make sure to close any background processes except for Spotify to optimize performance.

Step 2: Update Spotify and Android

Keeping your Spotify app and Android operating system up to date is crucial for seamless integration with Android Auto. Check for any available updates in the Google Play Store for Spotify and in the settings of your Android device for the operating system.

Step 3: Clear Spotify Cache

Clearing the cache of your Spotify app can help resolve any temporary data conflicts that may be causing the issue. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Open the Settings app on your Android device.
2. Scroll down and tap on “Apps” or “Applications.”
3. Find and select “Spotify” from the list of installed apps.
4. Tap on “Storage” and then “Clear cache.”
5. Restart your device and check if Spotify is working on Android Auto.

Step 4: Check Battery Optimization Settings

Sometimes, the battery optimization settings on your Android device can interfere with the functionality of Spotify on Android Auto. To ensure that Spotify is not being restricted, follow these steps:

1. Open the Settings app on your Android device.
2. Scroll down and tap on “Battery” or “Battery & Power.”
3. Look for the “Battery Optimization” or “Battery Usage” option and tap on it.
4. Find and select “Spotify” from the list of apps.
5. Make sure that Spotify is not set to “Optimized” or “Restricted.”
6. If necessary, set Spotify to “Not Optimized” or “Unrestricted” to allow it to run in the background and connect to Android Auto seamlessly.

Step 5: Check Bluetooth Settings

Double-checking your Bluetooth settings is another important troubleshooting step. Ensure that your device is set to stream music via Bluetooth. Here’s how:

1. Pull down the notification bar on your Android device.
2. Tap and hold the Bluetooth icon to access Bluetooth settings.
3. From the list of paired devices, find and tap on the settings icon next to your car’s Bluetooth connection.
4. Make sure that the option for “Media Audio” or “Music” is enabled.
5. This will allow audio/music playback to be transmitted through Bluetooth.

By following these troubleshooting steps, you can eliminate common device connection issues and pave the way for a smooth Spotify experience on Android Auto.

Adjusting Spotify and Android Settings

If the basic troubleshooting steps didn’t resolve the issue, it’s time to dig deeper into the settings of both Spotify and Android to ensure everything is configured correctly.

Adjust Spotify App Settings

The Spotify app has a few settings that can affect its compatibility with Android Auto. Let’s explore these settings and make the necessary adjustments:

1. Open the Spotify app on your device.
2. Tap on the cogwheel icon at the top right corner to access the app’s settings menu.
3. Select the “Playback” section.
4. Enable the “Device Broadcast Status” option.
5. Navigate back to the Spotify settings screen and go to the “Devices” menu.
6. Make sure that the “Show Local Devices Only” option is disabled.
7. Just below that, ensure that “Spotify Connect in Background” is enabled.

By enabling these settings, you allow Spotify to communicate with other devices, including Android Auto, effectively.

Adjust Android Auto App Settings

In some cases, adjusting the settings within the Android Auto app itself can help resolve Spotify connectivity issues. Here’s how:

1. Open the Android Auto app on your Android device.
2. Scroll down to the “About” section.
3. Tap on the “Version and Permission Info” option 10 times.
4. You should see a message confirming that you have entered developer mode. Select “OK.”
5. Now, when you tap the three dots at the top right corner of the Android Auto app, you will see a “Developer Settings” option.
6. Access the “Developer Settings” and check the box for “Unknown Sources.”

Enabling this option allows Android Auto to stream music from sources other than the pre-approved apps, potentially resolving the Spotify connectivity issue.

Alternative Music Apps for Android Auto

If all else fails and you still can’t get Spotify to work on Android Auto, don’t worry! There are alternative music apps that you can use to enjoy your favorite tunes while driving. One such app is YouTube Music, which offers a vast library of songs and a seamless integration with Android Auto. Simply download the app from the Google Play Store, sign in, and start jamming to your favorite tracks.

Conclusion

Spotify not working on Android Auto can be a frustrating experience, but with the troubleshooting steps and settings adjustments outlined in this guide, you can get back to enjoying your music on the road. Remember to keep your device and apps up to date, clear the Spotify cache if necessary, and adjust the relevant settings in both Spotify and Android. And if all else fails, explore alternative music apps like YouTube Music. Happy driving and happy listening!

Experiencing difficulties with your Device, check out our “How To” page on how to resolve some of these issue