How to Turn Wired to Wireless Android Auto in UK Vehicles
How to Turn Wired to Wireless Android Auto in UK Vehicles
Blog Article
Android Auto is a godsend for most drivers, providing an easy method of having vital apps such as Google Maps, Spotify, and WhatsApp on hand from the vehicle's infotainment screen. Yet numerous vehicles still demand a wired USB connection to run Android Auto. If you’re driving a vehicle that only supports wired Android Auto but want the convenience of a wireless connection, you’re in luck. There are several ways to convert your wired Android Auto setup to a wireless one, even if you’re in the UK.
Here, we will guide you through the How to Turn Wired to Wireless Android Auto in UK Vehicles, with all the adapters required and advice on how to make the process as easy as possible.
What is Wireless Android Auto?
Before going into how to transform your wired Android Auto, let us first define what wireless Android Auto is. Wireless Android Auto allows you to connect your Android phone with your car's infotainment system through Wi-Fi rather than through a USB cable. After the setup, your phone does not need to be plugged in every time you drive. The setup has some advantages such as a neater dashboard, lesser cable mess, and greater convenience while driving.
Why Switch from Wired to Wireless Android Auto?
Following are some reasons why you may prefer to switch from wired Android Auto to wireless:
Convenience: Wireless Android Auto enables your phone to connect automatically to your car's infotainment system without having to plug it in every time.
Cleaner Dashboard: No more cluttered cables taking up space in your car's interior. Wireless Android Auto offers a cleaner, more organized dashboard.
Enhanced Safety: With wireless Android Auto, you can keep your phone in a hidden position and still view navigation, music, and messages without distraction.
Greater Mobility: You can transfer your phone between locations in your car, meaning greater flexibility and convenience while on the road.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Change Wired to Wireless Android Auto
Step 1: Check Whether Your Car is Compatible with Wireless Android Auto
Before converting your wired Android Auto setup to wireless, it’s important to confirm that your car’s infotainment system is compatible with wireless Android Auto. Here’s how to check:
Infotainment System: The system must support Android Auto and ideally, the wireless version. Many newer cars and infotainment systems support wireless Android Auto out of the box, but older models may require an upgrade or may not support it at all.
Operating System on Your Phone: Wireless Android Auto needs Android 11 or later. Ensure your phone operates on a suitable version of Android.
Wi-Fi Support: The infotainment system in your car must have Wi-Fi Direct support, because that is the way the phone will wirelessly talk to the system.
If your vehicle is already supported by wireless Android Auto, you can simply walk through the pairing process to toggle over to wireless mode. If it's not, then you will have to use an adapter.
Step 2: Buy a Wireless Android Auto Adapter
If your vehicle is not equipped with wireless Android Auto, the best option is to get a wireless Android Auto adapter. These tiny devices fit into your vehicle's USB port and allow wireless connectivity between your phone and your vehicle's infotainment system. Below are some of the best wireless Android Auto adapters available in the UK:
1. CarLinkit 4.0 Wireless Android Auto Adapter
The CarLinkit 4.0 is one of the best-selling wireless Android Auto adapters available. It's reputed for its fast performance and stable connection. It provides both wireless and wired Android Auto support, making it a cakewalk to transition.
Key Features:
Works with most vehicles that have wired Android Auto support.
Plug-and-play installation with automatic connecting once the first pairing is done.
Has high-speed wireless connectivity and steady performance.
Little to no lag while using apps such as Google Maps, Spotify, and more.
2. OTTOCAST U2-X Pro Wireless Adapter
The OTTOCAST U2-X Pro is yet another top-notch wireless adapter that supports wireless Android Auto for vehicles that support only wired connectivity. It is compatible with both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, thus suitable for households with multiple devices.
Key Features:
Dual-functionality for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Easy setup and seamless connectivity.
Reliable and fast connection, even with demanding apps like navigation and streaming services.
Supports high-definition media playback.
3. Axxess AXADP-USB Wireless Android Auto Adapter
If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, the Axxess AXADP-USB adapter is a great choice. It offers a simple plug-and-play solution for converting wired Android Auto to wireless, without compromising on performance.
Key Features:
Works with most vehicles that support wired Android Auto.
Small form factor that's a breeze to stash when not in use.
Rock-solid wireless connection, great for GPS and music streaming.
Step 3: Install and Connect the Wireless Android Auto Adapter
Having your wireless Android Auto adapter in hand, your next step is installation. Here's how to get everything installed:
Plug the Adapter into the USB Port: Put the wireless Android Auto adapter into the USB port in your vehicle (where you would usually plug your phone in for wired Android Auto).
Pair the Adapter with Your Phone: Pair the adapter according to the instructions that come with it to connect your phone. Normally, this involves turning Bluetooth and Wi-Fi on your phone.
Enable Wireless Android Auto on Your Phone: After the adapter is connected, your phone will itself ask you to enable wireless Android Auto. This can ask you to update the Android Auto app or configure settings within the app itself.
Automatic Connection: After it is configured, your phone will connect to the car's infotainment system automatically every time you enter the car, allowing it to have a wireless Android Auto experience.
Step 4: Test the Connection
After setting up, it's time to test the wireless connection. Here's what you need to check:
App Launching: Check that apps such as Google Maps, Spotify, and WhatsApp launch without a problem.
Navigation and Music Control: Check the responsiveness of touch controls and the switching between apps.
Voice Commands: Use voice commands to send messages, place calls, or ask for directions to test how good the voice recognition is.
Stability: Take a drive and observe whether the connection stays stable, particularly while switching between locations with varying signal strengths.
Step 5: Troubleshooting Wireless Android Auto
If you have problems with the wireless connection, these are some troubleshooting steps:
Check Wi-Fi Settings: Verify that your car's infotainment system is Wi-Fi Direct-enabled and that your phone is on the right network.
Update Software: Ensure that your phone's Android Auto app and your car's infotainment system are updated to the latest software versions.
Restart the System: In some cases, simply restarting your phone and the car's infotainment system can fix connectivity problems.
Check Compatibility: If the problem persists, check the compatibility of your car's infotainment system with wireless Android Auto.
Conclusion
Turning wired Android Auto wireless in your UK vehicle is simpler than you imagine. Through a wireless Android Auto adapter, you can experience cable-free convenience while seamlessly accessing your phone's apps and functionalities through your automobile's infotainment system. With the CarLinkit 4.0, OTTOCAST U2-X Pro, or any other wireless adapter, the installation is fast and straightforward.
Wireless Android Auto offers more than just convenience—it helps improve safety, reduces dashboard clutter, and enhances your overall driving experience. So, if you’re tired of dealing with tangled cables, consider upgrading to a wireless setup today and enjoy a smoother, more modern driving experience!