5 Android Auto mistakes you're probably making - and how to fix them

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ZDNET's key takeaways

• Users make several common mistakes with Android Auto.
• These mistakes can trigger technical issues or cause you to miss features.
• Some mistakes concern phone settings, others involve cables. 

Android Auto can make your drive less boring, more efficient, and even safer, but only if you're using it the right way. After spending several months getting very acquainted with Android Auto and discovering a number of new ways to use it, I've started noticing other drivers make the same mistakes I used to make. 

Also: 4 Android Auto developer settings that make driving so much easier - how to enable them

Chances are, you're making at least one of these mistakes without realizing it. Not only could you be missing out on the software's full capability, but you might also be causing issues that make Android Auto unusable. 

How to handle these 5 common mistakes

Here's a look at some of the most common mistakes I see other drivers make with Android Auto, and what you can do to fix them. 

Mistake 1: Using a cheap cable

Connecting your phone to Android Auto with a cable from your junk drawer or from the gas station is the cause of many problems. Some cables only support data transfer at very slow speeds, or not at all, and even a damaged or old cable can cause issues. Android Auto uses a lot of data, and if you're using a cable that's designed for charging only, it might cause connection problems, lagging, or random dropouts. 

Also: I switched to MyRadar as my main Android Auto weather app and don't regret it

Make sure you're using Android Auto with a data transfer cable from a reputable brand -- Anker is a good bet -- and that you're not using an unnecessarily long cable. A longer cable makes the connection susceptible to degradation. 

Mistake  2: Always connecting wirelessly

Wireless is definitely convenient, but it's not always the best way to use Android Auto. I've tested both ways myself, and the wired version is noticeably faster and more responsive. A wireless connection also taxes your phone more -- it uses Wi-Fi and Bluetooth constantly, which drains your battery. If you're just connecting for music on your daily drive, you're probably good with wireless, but if you're running multiple apps and navigating, or settling in for a road trip, you'll want to use a wire.

Also: Overheating from Android Auto? 8 easy fixes that effectively cooled off my phone

Mistake 3: Turning on battery optimizer/saver

There are lots of times you want to make sure an app isn't sucking up too much battery, but this isn't one of them. If you have battery optimizer on, which throttles apps that are hogging too much battery, or battery saver, which enacts restrictions across the board, your Android Auto will likely suffer. To make sure, head to Settings > Apps > Android Auto > Battery and choose "Unrestricted." 

Mistake 4: Not taking advantage of offline maps

This is a mistake that can catch you off guard when you might need Android Auto most. You have the option to download a map for offline use in Google Maps, and if you're road-tripping or you regularly drive in an area without cell service, you might lose navigation. You may never need offline maps, but the one time you do, you'll be glad you have them. 

Mistake 5: Ignoring Gemini voice controls

If you're under the assumption that voice controls in Android Auto are too frustrating to use because they never work (I was that way), you're missing out, because things have gotten a lot better with Gemini. In two different trials with Gemini in Android Auto, I've learned that voice controls have progressed far beyond "Play a song" or "Read my texts." I believe that Gemini integration is one of the biggest improvements to Android Auto in a long time. 

Also: These 4 Android Auto settings made my daily commute less distracting - where to find them

Android Auto is at its best when it "just works," but small things can get in the way of a great experience. The good news is, most of those things are easy fixes once you know what to look for.