Android auto, just like CarPlay, helps one access their smartphone’s content on their infotainment screen.
You can navigate, receive calls and messages, and even stream music via your infotainment screen.
However, most drivers have complained that the Android auto audio quality is poor.
A common issue with the Android auto audio quality is that it produces choppy music.
Choppy music
By choppy music, we mean music that plays without a smooth flow.
- It can basically stop and start again on its own.
- Other times, it can skip for a few seconds.
- Via Andriod auto, music can be played but with no audio. To make it function, one will have to hit pause and then hit play again to bring out the sound.
- Sometimes as it plays, the audio volume drops.
- In some situations, the music sounds terrible: so unpleasing to the ear
- Worse, the audio crashes totally and won’t play at all.
Recommendations to Improve Android Auto Audio Quality (Fix)
While it is true that people get bad audio feedback when using AA, there are ways to improve Andriod Auto’s sound quality.
Since everyone does not experience the same issue, one can utilize any of the following. If one does not work, you can try the other.
1. Use a Compatible Cable
Not all cables work with Android auto. Ensure you’re using the correct cable with a firm connection.
Advisable, use a USB made for data transfer and not charging. The wrong cable won’t promote seamless Integration of Andriod Auto into your head unit.
Hence, it won’t play well.
We’d recommend the Anker USB C Cable, PowerLine+
2. Clean your phone’s charging port
A dirty USB/phone charging port will interrupt the Andriod connection and cause the music to skip.
Cleaning your phone charging port removes lint that builds up.
You can do this preferably every 2-3 months.
3. Phone Case
Suppose your phone has a case; ensure the case is not obstructing the USB connection.
If it is, remove the phone case to ensure a correct connection.
4. Head unit’s hardware
If the head unit’s hardware is slow, chances are, Andriod auto won’t integrate at the right time.
This may cause the music to skip or even stop. The fact is, most vehicles come with slow hardware.
Toyota, for example, is more concerned about how reliable the head unit hardware is than being fast.
So, in a nutshell, ensure you’re using a head unit with fast hardware.
Or consider upgrading.
5. Android Auto App
If the Android Auto app is poorly optimized, chances are it will not be responsive.
Therefore, one way to avoid choppy music is to ensure the app is up to date.
6. Avoid Multiple Connections
When a device is connected to a vehicle in multiple ways, it interferes with the sound quality. For example, combining both Bluetooth and Andriod auto to a car simultaneously will cause skipping or a drop in audio.
If you’ve connected your device to your vehicle via Bluetooth before, ensure the settings are not set to use the device or music via Bluetooth.
Or better still, altogether disable Bluetooth when you plug in the phone for Andriod auto. Some vehicles have an option under settings to turn off Bluetooth.
We recommend using the cable anyway. It’s the same for Apple CarPlay when your compare wired vs wireless CarPlay.
7. Set the Music Quality
In Spotify, for example, users experience much skipping when the quality is turned down.
Try setting the quality to very high and see if that works.
8. Avoid double EQ-ing
Sometimes, setting your EQ on a listening app and head unit simultaneously alters sound quality.
So set one to flat EQ and see if it improves the sound quality. In simple terms, ensure the equalizer setting and audio profile are set for Andriod Auto.
We have a whole article on the best car stereo sound settings if you’re interested.
9. Changing the Settings of the Infotainment System
This method is, particularly for Nissan owners.
Many Nissan owners complain that choppy audio still doesn’t go away even after changing cables or clearing caches.
Thus, making listening to audio via Andriod auto is almost impossible.
A user noted that choppy music in Android auto could arise due to incompatibility between Andriod auto and the Bluetooth system in the car as both systems attempt to control the playback.
However, a user in one of the google forums listed these simple ways to improve Andriod auto audio.
- Without the android phone connected to your car, reset the infotainment system.
- Include the Android device to the Bluetooth list (optional)
- Remove Andriod auto from your phone and reinstall an older version of the Andriod auto app. The user recommended 4.4.592344, or rather downloading a version older than producing choppy audio. You can download it here.
- Install Andriod auto and set it up with a high-quality USB cord
- Disable Bluetooth on your device
Standard Auto Android (wired)
Standard Auto Android enables car owners to access the content of their Android smartphone via their infotainment screen using a USB cord. Here you can access features such as Navigation, receive calls and messages, and even stream music.
But first, you’ll need to set up Android Auto. To do this, insert a USB cord into your device and plug the other end into your car’s USB port. Follow the onscreen instruction to complete this setup. This video should guide you.
Wired Andriod auto is recommended for the best connection consistently.
Wireless Android Auto
Wireless Android Auto (wireless car play for Apple) works like the wired version but without a cord. However, you will first need a cable to do the setup.
Like the wired version, you can use GPS, receive calls, and messages and listen to audio via your infotainment screen. The wireless android auto quality is almost like the wired AA quality.
Wireless AA functions via a Wi-Fi connection. So your vehicle’s head unit and Android phone must support Wi-Fi functionality. See how to set up wireless AA in your car.
Bluetooth Android
Bluetooth Android functions like wired and wireless Android Auto.
Bluetooth auto android quality is more seamless and smooth than the direct.
However, it does not have the same bandwidth that wire or wireless Andriod auto has.
Here you will be required to pair your Android phone to your infotainment screen via Bluetooth.
To proceed with the pairing, watch this video. Afterward, you can use your phone via your infotainment screen.
