The Google Pixel smartphone range has become quite popular thanks to its quality build and other features.
If you have CarPlay integrated into your car’s infotainment system, you may wonder whether you can connect it to your Google Pixel smartphone in the same way you connect iPhones.
CarPlay does not work with the Google Pixel because the two run on different operating systems. Google Pixel runs on Android, and you can’t connect any Android phone to CarPlay. However, you can use Google Pixel with Android Auto, which is an alternative to CarPlay and has many similar features.
This article will discuss whether you can use Google Pixel with CarPlay and discuss alternatives.
It will also give you tips on how to connect your Google Pixel to your car’s infotainment system if it only supports CarPlay.
Google Pixel CarPlay: Does Apple CarPlay Work With Google Pixel?
Apple CarPlay has been around since 2014 and is currently supported by most new vehicle infotainment systems.
It allows you to access your phone using Siri voice commands while driving so you can listen to text messages, make and receive calls, play music, and access a range of other functions on your phone.
Apple CarPlay does not work with Google Pixel. It will only work with phones that are run on the iOS system, and it doesn’t work on Android phones. Since the Google Pixel is an Android phone, you won’t be able to connect to CarPlay with a Google Pixel.
However, this doesn’t mean you can’t use your Google Pixel with your vehicle’s infotainment system.
If your phone can’t integrate with CarPlay, you can use an alternative for hands-free access to your phone while driving.
What Is the Best Alternative to CarPlay for Google Pixel?
Android Auto is the best alternative to CarPlay for phones that use an Android operating system. Android Auto has similar features to CarPlay and allows you to access your phone with voice controls while driving. You can make or receive calls, read texts, and access many apps with voice commands.
Android Auto was released about a year after CarPlay and is available on all phones running Android 5.0 and above.
Most vehicles made after 2015 will support both Android Auto and CarPlay, so you can use both Apple and Android phones with the infotainment systems.
Android Auto is also free to download from the Play Store. Just the same as how CarPlay is free.
While there are other alternatives to CarPlay for hands-free control of your mobile devices, such as Drivemode, MirrorLink, and Uconnect these don’t have the same features and accessibility as Android Auto.
How Do You Use Android Auto With Google Pixel?
While Apple CarPlay comes as a built-in feature with most iPhones, this feature isn’t available on Android phones.
However, you can easily download Android Auto and integrate it with your vehicle’s infotainment system.
To use Android Auto with Google Pixel, download the Android Auto app from the Play Store and connect your phone to your car’s infotainment system with a USB. You can also connect your phone to your vehicle wirelessly through Bluetooth, but this feature is only available with the latest smartphones.
This is a similar process for Samsung and Huawei phone users.
For Android Auto to work on your vehicle, the car’s system will have to have Android Auto integration.
Most vehicles will support both CarPlay and Android Auto, but you can confirm this in the user manual if Android Auto isn’t working on your vehicle.
How To Use Android Auto in Unsupported Vehicles
If you have an older vehicle (or one that doesn’t support Android Auto), you’ll have to install a head unit that supports both systems.
While this is a costly option, it’s the only way to access both Android Auto and CarPlay if your car doesn’t support either system.
If you install a reliable head unit like the Pioneer AVH-3300NEX DVD Receiver (available on Amazon.com), you can upgrade your vehicle’s infotainment system to support Android Auto.
This head unit also supports CarPlay and allows for Bluetooth connectivity to your smartphone, allowing for wireless access to Android Auto.
You’ll also get access to the navigation system of Android Auto, which you can control with voice commands while driving.
Android Auto also allows you to connect to other entertainment apps such as Play Music and third-party developer apps.
The quality of these features including audio sound is almost identical to CarPlay.
Conclusion
Due to their compatibility with different operating systems, you cannot use Apple Carplay with the Google Pixel.
However, there are some effective alternatives that work just as well. Consider downloading Android Auto to connect your Google Pixel with your car’s infotainment system.
