Using Android Auto

By connecting an Android telephone to your car you can, amongst other things, listen to music, make calls, get directions, as well as use certain apps.

Android Auto

With Android Auto you can connect an Android phone to the car and, amongst other things, make calls, play back music and use certain apps directly in the centre display.

To use Android Auto, the app must be installed on the phone and the phone must be connected to the car's USB port.

Android Auto

Starting Android Auto

The first time you connect

The first time you connect your Android telephone, do as follows:

Connect the Android phone to the USB port (connect to the port with a white frame when there are two USB ports).
Read the information in the pop-up message and then tap on OK.
Tap on Android Auto in the app view.
Read the terms and conditions and then tap on Accept to connect.
The tile with Android Auto is opened and compatible apps are shown.
Tap on the desired app.
The app starts.

If the device has been connected before

If your Android telephone has been connected before, the following occurs when the phone is connected:

If the setting for automatic start is selected, Android Auto is started automatically and the device name will appear. Tap on the device name to open the Android Auto subview and view compatible apps.
If the setting for automatic start is not selected, open the Android Auto app from the app view.
The tile with Android Auto is opened and compatible apps are shown.
Press on the desired app to start the app.

Automatic start

If you want to change the settings for Automatic start, do as follows:

Press Settings in top view.

Press CommunicationAndroid Auto and select whether to use automatic start or not:

  • Tick the box Android Auto starts automatically when the USB cable is connected.
  • Untick the box Android Auto does not start automatically when the USB cable is connected.

 Note

This box is ticked again automatically when the user manually starts Android Auto in App view.

Greyed-out/illuminated icons

If the icon for Apple® CarPlay®1 or Android Auto is greyed out, this means no device is connected. When you connect your device the icon will be illuminated. If the icons are not visible at all then the car does not have support for Smartphone Integration.

16w17 - Support Site - Download center - display
The icon for Android Auto or Apple CarPlay illuminates when your phone is connected.

Tips for using Android Auto

For helpful tips for using Android Auto, see Tips for using Android Auto.

More information about how to get started can be found on Android Auto's website.

 Note

By using Android Auto, you acknowledge the following: Android Auto is a service provided by Google Inc. under its terms and conditions. Volvo Cars is not responsible for Android Auto or its features or applications. When you use Android Auto, your car transfers certain information (including its location) to your connected Android phone. You are fully responsible for your and any other person’s use of Android Auto.

 Note

For installation of Android Auto to be possible, the car must be equipped with two USB ports (USB hub)2. If the car only has one USB port then it is not possible to use Android Auto.

It is not possible to install Android Auto on the XC90 or XC90 Twin Engine model year 2016 since they do not have the USB hub. It is not possible to retrofit the USB hub on these models.

To use Android Auto you need to install the Android Auto app on your mobile phone. For information about markets in which the app is available, see the Android Auto website.

Android Auto runs in the background if another app is started in the same tile. If you want to show Android Auto in the tile again - tap on the Android Auto icon in App view.

  1. 1 Apple, CarPlay, iPhone, Siri, iOS and iPhone are registered trademarks of Apple Inc.
  2. 2 Option.

This article is applicable to

  • Car model/model year
  • XC90 and XC90 Twin Engine/Recharge Plug-in Hybrid from model year 2016 to 2022.

  • S90, V90 and V90 Cross Country from model year 2017 to 2021.

  • XC60, XC60 Twin Engine/Recharge Plug-in Hybrid, V90 Twin Engine/Recharge Plug-in Hybrid and S90 Twin Engine/Recharge Plug-in Hybrid from model year 2018 to 2021.

  • XC40 from model year 2018 onwards.

  • V60, V60 Twin Engine/Recharge Plug-in Hybrid, V60 Cross Country, S60, S60 Twin Engine/Recharge Plug-in Hybrid from model year 2019 to 2022.

  • XC40 Twin Engine/Recharge Plug-in Hybrid from model year 2020 onwards.

  • The range of models may vary depending on market.