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1 8 Best Ways to Fix Android Auto Black Screen Issue

8 Best Ways to Fix Android Auto Black Screen Issue

Using your phone while driving is a terrible idea, so interfaces like Android Auto and Apple CarPlay exist. These interfaces run on your car’s display and provide minimal features, allowing you to focus on the road. However, you may face issues with Android Auto that can be frustrating.

Android Auto sometimes disconnects or fails to work. Users have reported another issue — the black screen problem. This occurs when the car’s display turns black while connected to Android Auto. It can be frustrating, especially when navigating. If you’re experiencing the black screen issue with Android Auto, try these easy solutions.

1. Turn Off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth and Back On

Your smartphone connects to your car’s infotainment system through Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. This connection enables Android Auto to function. If you encounter the black screen issue in your car, refreshing the Android Auto connection can resolve it. Simply toggle Wi-Fi and Bluetooth off, then enable them again.

To refresh the connection, follow these steps:

1. Pull down the notification bar on your Android phone to access the quick toggles.

Step 2: Turn off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

Step 3: Wait a few seconds and turn them back on.

Now, let your phone connect with Android Auto.

If you’re experiencing a black screen issue with Android Auto, it may not be because of the app on your phone. It’s possible that your car’s stereo system or head unit is malfunctioning, preventing you from using Android Auto. To resolve this issue, try restarting your car’s head unit.

You can turn off the ignition in your car and wait for the head unit to turn off. Then, restart your car and let the infotainment system turn back on. Try connecting your phone again, and you shouldn’t see the black screen if the issue was with the head unit.

3. Use Wired Android Auto Instead of Wireless

Your smartphone may fail to connect wirelessly to your car’s stereo system, resulting in a black screen on wireless Android Auto. To eliminate the possibility of a phone-related error, connect your phone to the car using a USB cable.

If Android Auto functions well when using a cable, you will need to reestablish the connection between your phone and car using Bluetooth in order to use wireless Android Auto. Please consult this article for a comprehensive guide on the necessary steps.

4. Ensure Your Phone Has Sufficient Battery

Android Auto is power and resource-hungry, meaning if your phone’s battery is low, it may not work properly. You may encounter the black screen issue. So, if your phone is low on battery, it’s advisable to plug it into a car charger while using Android Auto.

Optionally, you can also close background apps on your phone to free up additional RAM. This will ensure that Android Auto has enough resources to run smoothly.

While your car’s infotainment system acts as a screen for Android Auto, all processing still occurs on your phone. Consequently, it may strain your phone’s CPU and lead to overheating. When this occurs, performance is throttled to regulate temperatures.

Throttling performance can prevent Android Auto from functioning properly, causing the black screen issue. If your phone is overheating, let it cool down before using Android Auto. Also, keep your phone out of direct sunlight in your car.

6. Clear Cache of the Android Auto App

Clearing the cache of a malfunctioning app often solves the issue. If Android Auto isn’t working, you can try clearing its cache. Here’s how:

Step 1: Open the Settings app on your smartphone and go to the Apps section.

Step 2: Tap on ‘See all apps.’

Step 3: Scroll down and select Android Auto.

Step 4: Choose the ‘Storage and cache’ option.

To clear the cache, follow step 5: Tap Clear Cache.

Now, connect your phone to Android Auto again to resolve the issue.

7. Update Android Auto From the Play Store

Sometimes, a bug or an outdated version of the Android Auto app could be causing the black screen issue. Alternatively, a specific app version may be malfunctioning on certain devices. To resolve this, update the app from the Google Play Store.

To update the app and resolve the black screen issue, follow these steps:

1. Open the Settings app and go to the Apps section.

Step 2: Tap ‘See all apps.’

Step 3: Scroll down and select Android Auto.

Step 4: Go to the bottom and tap on App details under Store.

Step 5: Go to the app page on Play Store. If there is an update available, tap Update.

Try using Android Auto after the update to see if it makes a difference.

8. Unpair Your Phone and Pair It Back to the Car

The Android Auto app on your smartphone allows you to disconnect from connected cars. You can do this and pair the phone again with your car’s head unit. Here’s how:

Step 1: Open the Settings app on your smartphone.

Step 2: Navigate to the Connected devices section.

Step 3: Tap Connection preferences.

Step 4: Select Android Auto.

Step 5: Go to Android Auto settings. Select Previously connected cars.

Step 6: Select the three-dot menu in the top-right corner of the screen.

Tap on ‘Forget all cars.’

Step 8: Go back to the previous menu and select ‘Connect a car.’ Follow the on-screen instructions to connect your phone with your car’s head unit.

Drive Your Problems Away

We understand the frustration of encountering a black screen on Android Auto while driving. Fortunately, this issue can be resolved by following the steps mentioned earlier. It highlights the inadequate optimization of the interface for all devices, and we hope that Google addresses this issue promptly.