How to fix black screen on Android auto

After Android Auto update, users start to report problems. The most common issue is a black screen on the head unit of the car.

In this article, we offer several ways to fix the black screen. After these actions, navigation and other functions of the Android Auto will work correctly.

5 quick ways to remove black screen

In the beginning, we suggest performing the simplest actions. They require a minimum amount of time. You may not be able to fix the Android Auto black screen, but these tips help some users (if you believe the posts on Google forums).

• Restart the phone
• Restart the car's infotainment system
• Disconnect the USB cable and reconnect the devices to the voice device
• Reinstall Android Auto on the phone
• Replace the USB cable with a better one

Clear Android Auto cache

The AA cache stores user data. If the app is updated or a crash occurs, the cache contains incompatible information and results in a black screen. In this case, deleting the cache helps to solve the problem.

Instructions for Android:

1. Go to Setting - Apps - Android Auto.
2. In the Storage section, tap the Clear Data and Clear Cache buttons one by one.
3. Run Android Auto again and check if the app works.

This method is usually the most effective in case of any problems with Android Auto.

Uninstall AA updates

If Android Auto is not working properly or unstable, one way to solve the problem is to go back to the old version.

Although the Android Auto app cannot simply be removed from the system, you can remove any installed updates manually.

1. Go to Settings - Apps.
2. Tap Android Auto.
3. Tap the dropdown menu button with 3 dots.
4. Select the Uninstall updates option.
5. After that, it is advised not to update Android Auto and disable all updates for that app.

Update Android Auto

However, another scenario is possible: the current version of the app has compatibility errors with the head unit, as a result the head unit does not recognize Android Auto, which leads to a black screen. Update the AA version to avoid this situation.

To update the Android app:

1. Go to the Play Store, type Android Auto into the search box and tap Update.
2. Restart your phone to apply the changes.
3. After applying the changes, connect the device to the car head unit
4. Check if black screen appears or if the problem is already solved.

Buy a quality USB cable

Cheap USB cable can cause unreliable connection of the phone with Android Auto installed to the car head unit. The connection may be frequently interrupted, so the navigation will not be displayed on the car screen.

Tips for choosing a USB cable:

• Be guided by the brand name, it should be recognizable
• Choose a cable about 1 meter or less. The shorter the cable, the less likely the connection will be degraded
• Buy a certified cable
• Don't use cheap Chinese cables.
• You can use the USB cable that comes with your Android device: Samsung, etc.

Tip. Blow through the car's USB connector, making sure there are no foreign objects or dust in it. Sometimes the USB port becomes clogged with dirt and cannot be accessed without cleaning. Take a cotton swab and clean the connector and internal contacts using alcohol.

Forget the car in AA settings

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Remove the pairing on your phone with Android Auto.
2. Remove also pairing from the vehicle's head unit.
3. Turn off the vehicle's engine and turn it on again.
4. Reconnect Android device to the head unit, using a USB cable.
5. Re-pair the devices.