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The Tech Grandkid · thetechgrandkid.com/guides/android-car/

Connect your Android phone to your car

For: Android phone, including Samsung Galaxy

Last checked October 14, 2026 against official help from Google and Samsung. Written for Pixel and Samsung Galaxy phones with Android Auto.

Connecting your phone to the car lets you make hands-free calls and hear maps and music through the car speakers. You pair it once, and it should connect on its own after that.

This page is for you if

  • The car won't connect to your phone
  • You got a new phone or a new car
  • Android Auto won't start on the car's screen

Good to know first

Put the car in park with its screen on before you start. Every car is different, so keep the car's manual handy. Menus also vary by phone maker and Android version.

Do these steps

  1. Start pairing on the car

    Open the menu to add a new phone on the car's screen. On many cars, you press and hold the voice button on the steering wheel to open it. The car's manual has the exact steps.

  2. Open Bluetooth on your phone

    Swipe down from the top of the screen. Touch and hold Bluetooth, then tap Pair new device. On a Samsung, open Settings, tap Connections, and turn on Bluetooth.

  3. Tap the car

    Tap the car's name when it shows up. If a code appears on both screens, check that it matches and confirm it.

  4. Start Android Auto

    If your car works with Android Auto, it should start on the car's screen within a few seconds. If it doesn't, tap Android Auto on the car's screen. Your phone may ask you to update Android Auto first.

If it won't connect

  1. Try a USB cable

    Many cars need a cable for Android Auto. Plug the phone into the car's USB port. Use a good cable, like the one that came with the phone, and plug it straight in without a hub.

  2. Forget the car and pair again

    On your phone, touch and hold Bluetooth. Tap Settings next to the car's name, then tap Forget. Then pair again from step 1.

  3. Check the car's software

    The car's system may need an update. The car's dealer or maker can help.

Good to know

  • For Android Auto without a cable, keep the phone's Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and Location turned on.
  • After you connect, set the car stereo to the right source, like Bluetooth or USB. Otherwise you won't hear anything through the car speakers.

Check it with the source

We wrote these steps from these official pages. If your screen looks different, the official page is always right.

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