To add Waze to Android Auto, install the Waze app on your phone, connect your phone to your car, and then open Waze from the app drawer on your car's display. This gives you community-based traffic and hazard alerts directly on your car's screen, replacing the default Google Maps experience.
Before you add Waze to Android Auto: Compatibility check
Waze now requires Android 10 or higher to run, as support for Android 8 and 9 has been dropped. Your car must also support Android Auto. Check your car's manual or the manufacturer's website to confirm compatibility. A stable internet connection is required for Waze to function, as it relies on real-time data.
How to add Waze to Android Auto
- Install the Waze app from the Google Play Store on your Android device.
- To establish a connection, you may need to enable USB debugging on your Android device. To do this, go to the "Settings" menu, then tap on "System" (or "About phone"), and locate the "Build number." Tap on it several times until you see a message confirming that developer options have been enabled. Then, go back to the main settings menu, tap on "Developer options," and toggle on "USB debugging."
- Connect your phone to your car's head unit using a USB cable or wirelessly, if both your phone and head unit support it.
- Open Waze from the app drawer on your car's display. The app will appear alongside other compatible apps once connected.
Once Waze is open, you can enter a destination and start navigation. The app provides turn-by-turn directions, real-time traffic updates, and user-reported incidents directly on the car's screen.
Set Waze as your default navigation app
To make Waze the default over Google Maps, open the Android Auto app on your phone. Tap the menu icon in the top-left corner, then select "Settings." Scroll down to "Navigation app" and choose Waze from the list. This ensures Waze launches automatically when you start navigation in Android Auto. Tap on "Auto-launch" to enable the automatic launch of Waze when connected to Android Auto. You can also adjust the "maps and navigation app settings" here to further customize your experience.
Use voice commands with Waze on Android Auto
You can start navigation hands-free by saying "Hey Google, navigate home using Waze" or tapping the microphone icon on the car's display. After activating voice control, simply tell Waze where you'd like to go. This allows you to keep your hands on the wheel and eyes on the road while using Waze's community alerts. You can customize your Waze settings on Android Auto, including selecting the types of alerts you want to receive, enabling or disabling voice guidance, and adjusting the volume.
Troubleshooting Waze on Android Auto
If Waze doesn't appear in the app drawer, first check that your phone is running Android 10 or higher. Update the Waze app to the latest version from the Google Play Store. Ensure you have a stable internet connection, as Waze requires online access for real-time data. If problems persist, try restarting both your phone and your car's infotainment system. For mobile data issues, refer to "10 easy fixes for mobile data not working on Android" to restore connectivity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Waze on Android Auto without a USB cable?
Yes, if both your phone and car head unit support wireless Android Auto, you can connect without a cable. Check your car's manual and phone settings to enable this feature.
Does Waze drain my phone battery faster on Android Auto?
Waze uses GPS and mobile data, which can increase battery drain. Using a USB cable for Android Auto typically charges your phone while driving, mitigating this issue.
How do I report a hazard on Waze while using Android Auto?
Waze will prompt you to select the type of incident, such as an accident or police presence.
Can I use Waze and Google Maps simultaneously on Android Auto?
No, Android Auto only allows one navigation app to run at a time. You can switch between them by changing the default in the Android Auto settings on your phone.
What should I do if Waze crashes on Android Auto?
Close the app from the app drawer, then reopen it.
