What is Android Auto?
Android Auto is Google's in-car connectivity platform that mirrors your Android smartphone onto your car's head unit screen. Instead of looking at your phone while driving, Android Auto puts Google Maps, Spotify, phone calls, and messages directly on your dashboard — controlled by touch or voice so your eyes stay on the road.
Android Auto works with any Android phone running Android 6.0 or later. It connects to your head unit either wirelessly over Wi-Fi or via a USB cable, depending on your unit and phone compatibility.
All EXTNIX head units support both wireless Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay — so whether your household has Android phones, iPhones, or both, one head unit covers everyone.
Wireless Android Auto vs Wired — What's the Difference?
Wired Android Auto connects your phone to the head unit via a USB-C or USB-A cable. It's reliable and works with virtually all Android phones. The cable also charges your phone while connected.
Wireless Android Auto connects over Wi-Fi and Bluetooth — no cable needed. Your phone pairs automatically every time you start the car, and Android Auto launches within seconds of the engine starting. All current EXTNIX head units support wireless Android Auto.
If you prefer to keep your phone plugged in for charging, wired connection is always available as a fallback even on wireless-capable units.
What Can You Do with Android Auto?
Once connected, Android Auto gives you full access to:
- Google Maps and Waze — real-time navigation with live traffic, speed cameras, and lane guidance
- Google Assistant — hands-free voice control for calls, messages, navigation, and music
- Spotify, YouTube Music, Apple Music, and other streaming apps
- Phone calls and SMS — read and reply by voice without touching your phone
- WhatsApp and messaging apps — receive and reply hands-free
- Google Podcasts, Audible, and audio apps
Everything is displayed in a simplified, large-icon interface designed for use while driving. You cannot access your full phone — only driving-relevant apps appear, keeping distractions minimal.
Is Android Auto Legal in Australia?
Yes. Using Android Auto on a properly installed head unit is legal in Australia because you are interacting with the head unit screen, not your handheld phone. Australian road rules prohibit holding and using a mobile phone while driving — a mounted, integrated head unit does not fall under this restriction.
Using voice commands via Google Assistant while driving is fully legal and the safest way to interact with Android Auto on the road.
Which Cars Can Be Upgraded to Android Auto?
Almost any car can be upgraded to Android Auto by replacing the factory head unit with an Android Auto-compatible aftermarket unit. EXTNIX carries plug-and-play head units for a wide range of popular Australian vehicles including:
- Toyota Hilux, LandCruiser, Prado, RAV4, Kluger, Corolla, Camry
- Ford Ranger (PJ/PK, PX, PX2, PX3)
- Nissan Patrol, Navara, X-Trail
- Mitsubishi Triton, Pajero, ASX
- Mazda BT-50, CX-5, Mazda 3
- Holden Colorado, Captiva, Cruze
- Subaru Outback, Forester, Liberty
- Hyundai Tucson, Santa Fe, i30, i45
- Jeep Wrangler, Cherokee, Grand Cherokee
- Volkswagen Amarok, Tiguan, Golf
Each EXTNIX head unit comes with the correct plug-and-play wiring harness for your specific vehicle — no cutting, no splicing, no permanent modifications to your car's factory wiring.
Does Android Auto Work Without Internet?
Android Auto requires your Android phone's data connection to use online features like Google Maps live traffic, streaming music, and Google Assistant. If you are in an area with no mobile coverage, offline Google Maps (downloaded in advance on your phone) will continue to work for navigation. Music stored locally on your phone will also play without data.
The head unit itself does not require a SIM card or separate data connection — it uses your phone's connection via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.
How is Android Auto Different from Having an Android Head Unit?
This is one of the most common questions EXTNIX customers ask.
Your EXTNIX head unit runs Android as its operating system — this is what powers the touchscreen, the settings, and the unit's built-in apps. Android Auto is a separate app that runs on top of this, mirroring your phone's apps onto the screen.
Think of it this way — the head unit is the screen and the speaker system. Android Auto is the connection between that screen and your phone. You get the best of both — a powerful Android-based head unit with a fast, familiar Google interface driven by your own phone's apps, contacts, and preferences.
How Do I Set Up Android Auto?
Setting up Android Auto on your EXTNIX head unit takes about two minutes:
- Download the Android Auto app on your Android phone from the Google Play Store (it comes pre-installed on most Android phones running Android 10 or later)
- Enable Bluetooth and Wi-Fi on your phone
- Start your car and open the Android Auto app on your head unit
- Follow the on-screen pairing prompts — accept permissions on your phone
- Once paired, Android Auto will connect automatically every time you start the car
After the first setup, everything is automatic. You do not need to open any apps or plug anything in — wireless Android Auto launches on its own within seconds of the engine starting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Android Auto work with all Android phones? Android Auto works with Android phones running Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) or later. Most phones sold in Australia since 2016 are compatible. For wireless Android Auto, your phone needs to support wireless projection — most Android phones from 2019 onwards support this.
Can I still use the head unit if my phone is not connected? Yes. When your phone is not connected, the head unit operates normally using its built-in Android system — you can use the built-in navigation (if installed), listen to AM/FM or DAB+ radio, play music via Bluetooth, or use the reversing camera. Android Auto is an additional layer on top of the head unit's own functionality.
Will my steering wheel controls work with Android Auto? Yes. EXTNIX head units retain your factory steering wheel controls — volume, track skip, and call answer all work through Android Auto the same way they work with the head unit's built-in system.
Does Android Auto replace Google Maps on my phone? No. Android Auto displays Google Maps on your head unit screen, but your phone continues to operate normally in your pocket or mount. Your phone's own Google Maps, data, and settings power the Android Auto display.
Can I use YouTube or watch videos through Android Auto? No — Android Auto restricts video playback for safety reasons. You cannot watch YouTube or video content through Android Auto while the car is in motion. The head unit's own Android system does support video playback when the car is stationary.
Is Android Auto free? Yes. Android Auto is a free app from Google. There are no subscription fees. You use your phone's existing data plan for online features like navigation and music streaming.
Ready to Upgrade?
All EXTNIX head units support wireless Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay. Use the Find Your Car tool to see the units available for your specific vehicle, or browse the full head unit range below.
Find Your Car → Shop by Vehicle
Browse All Head Units → Double Din & Universal Units
Have a question about compatibility? Call us on 1300 096 212 or contact our team — we'll confirm the right unit for your car before you order.