apply tocell phoneThe screen’s Android Auto is turning off and the user will no longer be able to use it. The original Android app is now limited to in-vehicle infotainment systems. And this shutdown isn’t surprising, since it’s been a few years since Google stopped offering car-optimized UIs in apps.
Android Auto for phone screens is no longer compatible with Android 12, and a few days ago the app started showing a message that it would stop working soon. The change has been officially released and the app has stopped working completely, even on phones running older Android versions.
However, Google won’t leave you with no choice. Instead, we encourage people to use Google Assistant’s driving mode on their smartphone screen. This pattern provides similar UI and large elements. However, it’s still not a complete replacement.
Unlike Android Auto, Google Assistant driving mode isn’t easy to activate because there’s no dedicated icon in the app drawer. You’ll have to issue a command like “Hey Google, start driving mode.” Another downside here is that the app cannot be used in landscape mode, which will be a downside for most people. It does support most music services, but the UI doesn’t provide the full experience.
