How to Disconnect and Turn Off Android Auto: Step-by-Step Guide

Android Auto is an interface that connects your phone to your car's head unit. You can use it for navigation, listening to playlists, answering calls, reading messages, and more while driving.

One of the main objectives of Android Auto is to enhance driver safety. However, not everyone needs these features, and sometimes the automatic connection, like starting music, can be inconvenient. So, how do you disconnect, disable, or uninstall Android Auto if you're not planning to use it?

Ways to Disable Android Auto

There are several ways to turn off Android Auto, but not all of them will work on every mobile phone, including Samsung devices. Let's first go over how to disable the software without removing it from the Android OS.

How to Disconnect Android Auto Wirelessly

If you use a wireless Android Auto connection for navigation, you can disable automatic pairing to prevent your phone from connecting via Bluetooth.

Here's a step-by-step guide:

Step 1. Go to your Android phone's settings;

Step 2. Navigate to the "Advanced features" section;

Step 3. Find and select Android Auto settings;

Step 4. Tap "Previously connected cars";

Step 5. Remove all accepted cars from the list using the three-dot menu button (Forget all cars option);

Step 6. Restart Android Auto.

Your device will stop automatically connecting to your car. In the same section, you can also disable auto-run or turn off call and text notifications if those are causing issues.

How to Turn Off Android Auto on Samsung and Other Devices (Android 10+)

Starting with Android 10, Android Auto is included as part of the system by default, making it a system app. This means you cannot simply uninstall it, but you can disconnect it temporarily or permanently:

Step 1. Go to Settings;

Step 2. Select the "Apps" or "App Manager" option;

Step 3. Find Android Auto app (use the search function, as it may not appear in the standard apps list);

Step 4. Tap the "Stop" or "Disable" button.

After that, the Android Auto app will not start until you manually enable it in Settings.

Changing USB Connection Mode to Stop Android Auto

Even after disabling the automatic wireless connection, Android Auto may still connect to your car while charging. Here's how to fix this issue:

Step 1. Connect your phone to your car using a USB cable;

Step 2. Wait for the system dialog to appear on your Android phone;

Step 3. Select the "Charge Only" connection mode;

Step 4. You can also set the connection method via the "Default USB Connection Type" settings on your Android device.

How to Uninstall Android Auto Completely

If you don't need the Android Auto app and are certain you'll never use it, follow these steps to uninstall it.

How to Delete Android Auto on Android 9 and Below

For older phone devices, it's relatively simple:

1. Go to your phone's main settings;
2. Open the app manager or "Apps";
3. Find Android Auto in the list;
4. Tap "Storage";
5. Tap "Clear data";
6. Go back to the previous screen;
7. Tap "Uninstall."

Pros:

• This method will uninstall Android Auto entirely.
• It also clears all data associated with the app.

How to Uninstall Android Auto on Android 12 and Above

This is where complications arise. System apps can only be uninstalled with root access. It's not recommended to use this method unless you are experienced with rooting and understand how it works.

Before proceeding, ensure you back up all important data to your SD card or the cloud. If you're confident about what you're doing, follow these steps:

Step 1. Download the Root Uninstaller app;

Step 2. Open the Root Uninstaller app;

Step 3. Go to the Settings;

Step 4. Find Android Auto and select it;

Step 5. Tap the "Uninstall" button.

Once the operation is complete, you can remove the Root Uninstaller app itself. You can also use other trusted uninstallers, or ones you have previously used.

Removing Android Auto with ES Explorer

This method for disabling Android Auto is suitable for any device.

If the previous method didn't work, you can use any file manager for Android. You will still need an app that grants root access, such as Titanium Backup, Kingo ROOT, Framaroot, or Vroot.

Step 1. After granting root permissions, download ES Explorer;

Step 2. Navigate to the /system/app folder;

Step 3. Select the "Apps" folder under system apps;

Step 4. Find the folder named "Android Auto";

Step 5. Delete it.

After this, the app will be completely uninstalled, including all additional files and updates.

Why Android Auto Won't Start: Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes users face the opposite problem - Android Auto won't start. If you're looking for Android Auto but can't get it to work, check these common problems:

1. Outdated app version - update your Android Auto app
2. Connection issues with your vehicle
3. USB cable problems
4. App conflicts
5. Phone settings blocking the app

Disabling Car Mode

Sometimes it's not Android Auto that causes the inconvenience, but "Driving Mode," a feature that disables notifications and calls while the user is driving. This can be annoying if it causes you to miss important calls. To disable notifications, follow these steps:

Step 1. Swipe down the Quick Access bar at the top;

Step 2. Find the "Driving Mode" or "Do Not Disturb" icon. If it's enabled, tap to turn it off;

Step 3. While driving, you might not be able to disable it directly because of a notification. Tap the notification;

Step 4. Turn off the slider next to "Driving Mode" or "Do Not Disturb."

To permanently disable "Driving Mode," do the following:

Step 1. Go to the Android Auto settings;

Step 2. Uncheck the "Allow notifications" option.

Main Reasons to Disable or Uninstall Android Auto

• Using another navigation app

There are many other navigation apps that may be more functional and convenient than Android Auto. In such cases, Android Auto can become unnecessary.

• The necessary apps are already installed

Many users prefer to use mobile apps or built-in navigation maps directly through the car's operating system without needing to connect to their phone.

• Charging via USB without connection

You may want to charge your phone in the car without being distracted by incoming calls or messages or having Android Auto start automatically.

• Battery consumption concerns

Constantly connecting your device to your car via Bluetooth drains the battery faster. Disabling wireless Android Auto can help preserve battery life.

Additional Android Auto Settings to Customize Your Experience

If you don't want to completely turn off Android Auto but want more control over how it works, you can change Android Auto settings to customize your experience:

1. Open Android Auto settings
2. Adjust notification preferences
3. Disable auto-launch features
4. Customize which apps work with Android Auto
5. Set up widgets for Android Auto if your vehicle supports them