How to Fix Spotify Not Appearing on Android Auto

Having trouble with Spotify not showing up on Android Auto? This common issue can be frustrating, especially if you rely on Spotify for your favorite playlists during drives. In this guide, we’ll walk through the reasons behind this issue and offer step-by-step solutions to get Spotify back on Android Auto so you can enjoy your music effortlessly while driving.

Why Spotify May Not Appear on Android Auto

There are several reasons Spotify might not show up on Android Auto, ranging from app compatibility to connectivity settings. Compatibility issues, outdated apps, and specific Android settings are common factors that can disrupt Spotify’s visibility on Android Auto. Ensuring your apps and settings are configured correctly can usually solve the problem. For an overview of navigating Android Auto and finding available apps, see How to View All Apps on Android Auto.

The Importance of Android Auto for Spotify

Android Auto is designed to make it safer and more convenient to access essential apps while driving. For music lovers, this means being able to play Spotify hands-free. When Spotify doesn’t appear, it defeats the purpose of a smooth, safe music-streaming experience. Hands-free convenience and safe driving are the main benefits that Android Auto provides, making this issue a high-priority fix for users.

Troubleshooting Steps to Fix Spotify on Android Auto

Let’s go through the best ways to troubleshoot and fix the issue of Spotify not appearing on Android Auto.

Step 1: Check Spotify in Android Auto’s App Drawer

First, ensure that Spotify is correctly installed and appears within the Android Auto app drawer:

1. Open the Android Auto app on your phone.
2. Go to the App Drawer (where all supported apps appear).
3. Check if Spotify is listed. If it’s missing, tap the “+” icon to add a new app.
4. Select Spotify from the list of available apps and confirm.

This simple check can often solve the problem if Spotify wasn’t initially added to Android Auto.

Step 2: Reinstall Spotify and Android Auto

Outdated or corrupted files can prevent Spotify from functioning correctly. Try reinstalling both Spotify and Android Auto to ensure they’re updated:

1. Open your phone’s Settings.
2. Navigate to Apps or Application Manager.
3. Locate Spotify and Android Auto in the list.
4. Tap on each app and select Uninstall.
5. Go to the Google Play Store and reinstall both apps with their latest versions.

This will clear any app-level issues that might be causing Spotify to malfunction with Android Auto.

Step 3: Restart Your Phone

Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve underlying issues with Android Auto connectivity:

1. Press and hold the power button on your phone.
2. Select Restart or Reboot.
3. Once the phone restarts, connect to Android Auto and check if Spotify is working.

Step 4: Enable Device Broadcast Status in Spotify

Device Broadcast Status allows Spotify to communicate with other apps, including Android Auto:

1. Open Spotify on your phone.
2. Go to Settings (gear icon in the top right).
3. Scroll down to Device Broadcast Status and make sure the toggle switch is enabled.

This setting is crucial for ensuring Spotify is discoverable by Android Auto.

Step 5: Adjust Battery Usage Settings

Your phone’s battery optimization settings may be preventing Spotify from running in the background. Adjusting these settings can help:

For Google Pixel phones: 1. Go to Settings > Apps > Spotify > App battery usage. 2. Tap on Optimized and select Unrestricted to ensure Spotify isn’t restricted by power-saving settings.

For Samsung phones: 1. Go to Settings > Battery and Device Care > Battery. 2. Tap App Power Management and disable Put unused apps to sleep. 3. Add Spotify to the list of apps that won’t be put to sleep.

Step 6: Access Android Auto’s Hidden Developer Settings

For additional customization and troubleshooting, you can access Android Auto’s developer settings by following these steps:

1. Open the Android Auto app.
2. Go to Settings and scroll to About.
3. Tap on Version and Permission Info 10 times to unlock hidden developer options.
4. Adjust any relevant settings that may help improve app performance.

Be cautious when adjusting these settings, as they are intended for advanced users.

Step 7: Check Android Operating System Compatibility

Android Auto requires a minimum of Android 9 or higher. If your device runs an older version, compatibility issues may prevent Spotify from appearing. To check your Android version:

1. Go to Settings > About Phone.
2. Check the Android version and update if necessary.

Additional Tips for a Smooth Spotify and Android Auto Experience

These additional tips will help you optimize your setup and avoid future issues with Spotify on Android Auto:

• Clear Cache: Regularly clearing the cache for both Spotify and Android Auto can prevent data buildup that may slow down or disrupt performance. Go to Settings > Apps > Spotify > Storage and tap Clear Cache. Repeat for Android Auto.
• Bluetooth Connectivity: Ensure Bluetooth is functioning correctly if you’re connecting wirelessly. Sometimes, resetting Bluetooth connections can help restore stable performance.
• Try Different USB Cables: If you connect via USB, a faulty cable can interfere with Android Auto functionality. Try a high-quality, data-transfer-capable USB cable to see if the issue resolves.
• Update Vehicle Software: If you’re using a newer car model, ensure that your car’s software is updated, as outdated firmware can sometimes interfere with Android Auto.

Conclusion

Fixing Spotify’s absence on Android Auto involves checking app settings, updating software, and ensuring proper connectivity. By following these troubleshooting steps, you’ll be able to restore Spotify to Android Auto and enjoy seamless music streaming during your drives. Regular maintenance, like updating apps and adjusting settings, can help prevent future issues, making sure that you stay connected to your favorite music while on the road. Happy listening!