Update: Google fixed this issue with Latest Android Auto update although it may take some time to roll out to your device
It seems Android Auto hit a speed bump.
Based on 9to5 Google (opens in a new tab), the latest update of Android Auto is causing major problems. A trend Google Support Forum (opens in a new tab) thread says Android Auto 7.8.6 is preventing users Android phone from connecting to their car via USB. Issues are still being reported in the forum thread as of this writing
There doesn’t seem to be a common factor in what causes this problem, other than what is causing the error. The error occurs when the user plugs in their phone and is prompted to update the Android Auto app. After the update, they were asked to reconnect their phone, at which point they received the “phone incompatible” error message.
As of this writing, Google is aware of the problem but has no solution.
Android Auto Error: Affected Phone
Unfortunately, there doesn’t seem to be a common ground between what phones are affected by. Users from different regions, driving different cars, and using various Android phones have been affected. At least one Android phone and iPhone user even commented that Apple CarPlay working on their car had this Android Auto bug – much to their dismay.
However, it appears that some popular phones are being affected. New brand Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 and the locomotive Galaxy S22 Ultra are among the various Samsung phones affected. Also Xiaomi Mi 11 Lite 5G and various types OnePlus phonesalthough nothing new OnePlus 10 Pro. Even a few Google Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro users reported problems.
I personally have an S22 Ultra and haven’t had any issues, but if I do, I’ll be sure to provide an update.
Is there any solution for this Android Auto error?
Although Google doesn’t have an official solution at this time, there was recently a solution suggested by a user in support forum (opens in a new tab). They suggested deleting the app, clearing the data and reinstalling the clean version of the app. This will also require you reconnect and re-pair your device With the car.
We can’t verify that this solution works, so proceed with caution if you decide to give it a try. However, it is currently the best solution available until Google provides something concrete.
For now, the best advice is not to update to Android Auto 7.8.6 when you connect your phone to your car.
