Android Auto drops support for Android 9 and 10

Google has upgraded the minimum Android version that Android Auto requires for wired connection from Android 9 to Android 11. The current support page now shows Android 11 as the minimum requirement. Therefore, phones running Android 9 Pie and Android 10 are officially excluded.

Older versions are dropping one by one in Android Auto

Google raises this threshold every few years. For example, Android 6 support ended in 2022, and Android 8 support ended in 2024. Now it's time for Android 9 and 10.

The support page previously stated Android 9 Pie as the minimum version for wired connection. This version was sufficient to connect the phone to a USB compatible vehicle. However, with the new requirement, this is no longer the case.

Wired connection, that is, plugging the phone into the vehicle via USB cable, is the method covered by the change. Therefore, connecting to the vehicle screen with a phone running Android 9 or 10 is not officially supported.

What do people who use old phones experience?

In October, Android 10 users started to receive warnings that support would end. Google's latest change confirmed this information. Moreover, some affected users are already reporting that Android Auto has stopped working.

If your phone is stuck on Android 9 or 10, the options are limited. If the device can be updated to Android 11, this is the easiest solution. However, if the update is not available, you will need to switch to a new phone for in-car connection.

That's why it makes sense to first look at the manufacturer's update status. Because the threshold on the support page is now Android 11 and if the phone remains below this version, the connection cannot be established.

What to look for?

First you need to find out which version your phone is on. To do this, just take a look at the Settings section. Then, it becomes clear what you will do based on the results.

Check the Android version in your phone's Settings.

Wired Android Auto support continues on Android 11 and above.

Official support for Android 9 and 10 has ended.