Android Auto connection issues are leaving Pixel and Samsung users stuck at the worst moments, often when they need navigation or music during a drive. Reports have surged across forums, with drivers saying setups that worked reliably before are now failing without warning.
The problem affects both wired and wireless connections, though wired setups appear to be hit harder. In many cases, Android Auto won’t connect at all, or it drops out shortly after launching, which disrupts everyday use.
What stands out is how sudden this feels. Previously stable connections are breaking with no obvious change from the user side, and there’s still no confirmed cause.
Most complaints center on Pixel and Samsung Galaxy phones, though some Motorola users are also affected, suggesting the issue is broader than a single brand.
Complaints are piling up across Reddit and Google support forums, pointing to a consistent pattern. Android Auto either refuses to connect or fails to maintain a stable link, even when everything appears to be set up correctly.
Wired connections seem especially unreliable right now. Plugging in a phone may do nothing, or it may trigger a short-lived connection that drops within minutes. Wireless problems are also increasing, though they appear slightly less severe for now.
This creates a frustrating experience for drivers who depend on Android Auto for directions, calls, and media during daily commutes.
Recent updates are a likely trigger, although nothing has been officially confirmed. Reports suggest the issue began appearing after the latest software rollouts, including the March update for Pixel devices.
Attention has also turned to Android 16’s Advanced Protection Mode, a security feature that may block USB connections while a phone is locked. That behavior could interfere with Android Auto in wired setups, especially when a car tries to launch it automatically.
Some users have seen temporary improvement after disabling the feature, but results are inconsistent and don’t offer a dependable fix.
There’s still no official response or reliable solution, leaving users to troubleshoot on their own.
Factory resets, cable swaps, and settings changes have all been tested, but none consistently restore normal behavior. These workarounds take time and don’t guarantee success, which adds to the frustration.
Android Auto is meant to be dependable in the car, and right now it isn’t meeting that expectation.
Until a proper fix arrives, users can try adjusting settings like Advanced Protection Mode or switching to wireless connections as a temporary fallback, though neither approach guarantees stable performance.
BYD has launched the third-generation Qin Plus DM-i in China, and the first thing that caught my eye is its price. According to CarNewsChina, the plug-in hybrid sedan starts at 79,900 yuan, which is about $11,980. That’s an incredibly low price for a brand-new car, especially by US standards.
What’s even more impressive is the range. The Qin Plus DM-i can drive up to 137 miles on electricity alone, which should cover most people’s daily commutes without using a drop of gas. Once the battery runs out, the 1.5-liter engine takes over. Thanks to its 17-gallon tank and roughly 91 mpg with a drained battery, the combined range reaches up to 1,423 miles.
Apple won the PC market’s worst quarter, but that’s not the entire story. It won the race by stumbling less than everyone else.
PC makers shipped just 57 million computers worldwide in Q3, which might look good, but it’s a 21% year-over-year plunge (via Counterpoint Research). And despite Apple’s Mac shipments falling by 11%, to 5.6 million, its market share rose from 8.7% to 9.8%. How did that happen?
Update (October 22 23:54 PT): In response to our query, GM clarified that offline recording support is already available on eligible vehicles. Like Tesla's Sentry Mode, it requires owners to connect a USB drive to save incident recordings, which can be viewed on the vehicle's infotainment screen. The upcoming Connected Cameras feature will build on this by giving owners remote access to these recordings via the revamped OnStar app, allowing them to check footage without walking out to their car.
General Motors has announced plans to add a new Connected Cameras feature to its OnStar service starting next year, giving drivers a way to monitor parked vehicles remotely and capture footage of certain incidents.