Android Auto data usage: how much it consumes

Does Android Auto use data connection?

The app works through the WiFi or mobile connection. Without an Internet connection it will not be able to open other services such as Spotify or navigation. If you use a navigation app (Google Maps or Waze), Android Auto uses GPS as well.

Android Auto works with apps that transmit and receive large amounts of mobile data, such as Google Maps and the "Ok Google" voice assistant. It needs an Internet connection to function properly.

What services Android Auto is connected to

When it comes to services for navigation, Android Auto is compatible with Google Maps and Waze.

Google Maps gives detailed information about the GPS location and movement along the route in real time. AA selects the most convenient and fastest routes, shows data jams, and supports voice commands.

Waze is a social navigator designed so that the driver himself can report incidents on the road, data jams, to supplement the information about the route. In this way drivers help each other to use a more accurate map during trips, while increasing their rating in the app.

Android Auto allows you to receive incoming and make outgoing calls, send messages, listen to music, podcasts and audiobooks. It supports services such as Play Music, iHeartRadio, Amazon Music, Spotify, Pandora, Audible.

If the app is compatible with Android Auto, this will be reported in the description before downloading to your smartphone.

How much data Android Auto uses

(per hour / per day / per month)

The amount of mobile data you consume depends on how often and for how long you use the app, how many services you use, how your device is set up - whether it has restrictions set to save data.

If you use the Android Auto app actively, it is worth activating a data plan with unlimited Internet access.

Can I use Android Auto without the Internet?

The quick answer to the question is: Yes, you can use Android Auto offline in limited mode.

Using Android Auto offline:

• Download the necessary maps and routes in advance, then Android Auto will open them offline, no wifi or mobile data required. This is the only thing you can do for the app to work without a network connection.
• If you have a route in an area with poor signal, save an offline map in advance and use it when you don't have a wired connection.

Using Android Auto online:

• All other functions of Android Auto can work online. It is desirable that the connected mobile device has unlimited mobile data.
• Otherwise, if your phone has a data plan with a limited Internet package, the MBs allocated will be quickly spent while the app is running.

What does mobile data consumption depend on?

The amount of mobile Internet consumption depends on the settings of the app, the smartphone and the intensity of use of services through Android Auto.

If you use Google Maps navigation only, the online mode will consume data from 5MB / hour.

If you open new maps, zoom in and out, then much more data will be consumed due to constant loading.

How to disable data consumption in Android Auto

Tips:

If you use Google Maps and other services via Android Auto in online mode, you will need a large amount of data.

• Consumption can be in the hundreds of megabytes per day.
• To use data more sparingly, save routes and open them offline when needed.
• Download a map that you use all the time so you don't have to pay for mobile Internet unnecessarily.

To do this, do the following:

1. Go to Google Maps, and log in to your profile.
2. Tap the "Offline maps" section.
3. Tap the "Download offline map" button.

4. Highlight the desired area on the map.
5. Tap the Download button.

Make sure the process has started and wait for it to complete.

If you do not want to waste data to download maps, save them when connected to Wi-Fi. Set the download limit in the Settings:

1. In the app, tap on the gear icon ("Settings").
2. Go to "Download Settings."
3. Turn on the "Only when Wi-Fi is available" option.

Now the app will not download anything through the mobile connection.

There is another way to reduce data consumption:

1. Locate the "Data Transfer" section in your smartphone settings.

2. Select Android Auto from the list of apps.

3. Turn off the "Background Connection" option.

After this, the app will not be able to update itself and send data in the background, which will save a significant amount of data.

How to see mobile data usage in your phone settings

To check how much Internet data is spent on your mobile device, use the Settings section.

To do this, you need:

1. Go to "Settings" in the main menu.

2. Select "Mobile networks", "Connections", "Internet" (the name of this item varies from model to model).

3. Find the "Data usage" item.

4. Here you will see the total mobile data consumption stats.

5. Select the app of interest, in this case Android Auto, and see the spent megabytes specifically for it.

6. The report period can be selected via the drop-down list.

What is Android Auto

Android Auto is an app that synchronizes navigation functions of your smartphone with your car's onboard computer.

After installing the app on the mobile device and pairing with the control system of the car, Android functions are displayed on the dashboard. Apps downloaded to the smartphone and compatible with Android Auto appear on the display.

The app works only with some cars, but their list is constantly growing, with system updates that support Android Auto features. The meaning of this app is that the driver is not distracted from driving and could still use the necessary functions of the smartphone. For example - listening to music, watching the map, making calls and receiving messages.