Follow ZDNET: Add us as a favorite source On Google.
ZDNET Highlights
- You can customize your Android Auto through Developer Mode.
- This mode is generally for developers and app creators.
- It’s easy to access, and you can make significant improvements.
For most users, Android Auto is a simple way to handle navigation, music, and messages while driving. But if you want to make a little change, you’ll find several settings that can completely change the look and functionality of your car’s infotainment system.
Like your Android phone, Android Auto has its own developer mode that lets you access settings intended for everyday users. And just like your phone’s version, you can actually make some significant improvements. It is not difficult to access and only takes a minute.
Also: I Saw the Future of Android Auto, and Now Google Scared Me Out of My Car
Here’s how to dive.
The Android Auto app doesn’t appear among your regular apps, so you’ll have to go into your Settings to find it.
- From Settings, find Android Auto.
- Tap it, then select “Additional settings in app.”
- Scroll down until you see Version, then tap on it 10 times.
- Select OK.
Once you’ve enabled it, here are some of the biggest changes you can make.
Best Android Auto Developer Settings Changes
1. Force Day/Night Mode
This is my favorite developer setting, and most drivers can use it immediately. By default, Android Auto automatically switches between day and night modes. Depending on your car, this could be triggered by the time of day, ambient lighting, or your headlights.
ALSO: Android phone slow? I changed 2 developer settings to increase instant speed
With this setting, you can set it permanently to day or night, or use “Phone Controlled,” which follows your phone’s system settings (like scheduled dark mode, sunrise to sunset theme, or always-on dark mode). If you’ve ever been frustrated when your Android Auto Map switches to dark mode on a cloudy day or changes back and forth when entering a tunnel, if you find dark mode hard to see or day mode seems too bright, or if you simply prefer one over the other, this is an easy way to maintain consistency.
You can change this option for Maps in traditional Settings, but in Developer Settings, you can change it for the entire interface.
2. Video resolution
This is especially useful if your car has a large display. Typically, Android Auto negotiates with your car to find an acceptable resolution while saving bandwidth. This means that it is not always running at its highest possible resolution.
The options you have will depend on your phone, but you can click on each one to see what it looks like. If you go too high, especially on an older car, the screen may look bad or go completely black, but you can easily switch back.
Once you’ve chosen your new resolution, you’ll likely notice an immediate upgrade in sharpness of everything from your icons to your background art to your maps.
3. Wireless Android Auto
If you use Android Auto only occasionally, you might want to check this out. By default, once you set up Android Auto, it automatically connects whenever you start your car (if your car supports wireless connectivity). This is convenient, but it drains your phone’s battery, even if you’re not using Android Auto.
Also: I’ve used Android Auto for years, and these 5 changes solved my biggest problems
When you uncheck the Wireless Android Auto box, you’ll only connect when you plug the cable in. If you use Android Auto only for navigation on a long road trip, you’re better off saving your phone’s battery by not having it connected all the time.
4. Unknown Source
Android Auto equivalent side loadingSelecting the “Unknown Sources” feature may allow you to install apps that are not officially approved by Google.
Typically, your Android Auto apps are limited to mainstream options. But using unknown apps, you can install specific media players that let you play local content or even YouTube videos (official support is on the way), apps that mirror your entire phone, apps that monitor your car’s diagnostics, including OBD-II data and engine metrics, and better smart home control apps.
Also: Google says this fundamental Android feature is ‘absolutely’ not going away — but that’s changing
For example, I’ve had success using AA Browser as a web browser, CarTube and CarStream to watch YouTube videos on my car’s screen, Fermata Auto to play locally stored videos, and Widgets for Auto to install custom Android phone widgets like weather, a calendar, and smart home toggles.
