What is Android Auto?
Android Auto is a function of Android-based smartphones that allows them to be connected to the entertainment systems of modern vehicles so that the driver can control through said systems the applications of his mobile device related to road navigation, music or communication.
All this without having to resort to the phone.
To do this, all you have to do is install the application of the same name on your phone and establish the connection with the car screen via USB cable or Bluetooth.
Android Auto Compatible Apps
The Android Auto application is compatible with Android 5.0 onwards and can be downloaded for free from the Google Play Store, although devices equipped with Android 10 or higher already have it as standard.
Once this is done, it is possible to view and use the various applications compatible with Android Auto from the entertainment screen: Waze, Spotify, TuneIn Radio, Deezer, Google Maps, among others, the control of which is in no way detrimental to safe driving of a vehicle.
This is not the case with YouTube and with good reason, since diverting attention from the road to watch a video may well be considered reckless driving.
Trick to play YouTube videos on your car screen
However, there is a trick to be able to use YouTube in vehicle entertainment systems that support Android Auto and thus allow the rest of the occupants to spend a moment of distraction.
The trick is made up of several steps. The first ones ensure the activation of the developer mode of the Android Auto mobile application, while the rest of the steps allow you to discover one of its secret functions.
Access Developer mode in Android Auto
Open the Android Auto app on your Android phone. Tap the menu icon and select Settings.
Then scroll down the screen to the Version or (Software Version) section. Press 10 times in a row on this section until the notice appears indicating that developer mode has been enabled.
Now, click on the menu icon in this same configuration section and select Developer Settings. Tap on App Mode and select Developer.
Now, go back to the previous menu and select Customize app menu. Then check that Car Apps is turned on.
Connect Android phone to car display
To finish, connect your Android phone to the vehicle’s screen. When the Android Auto interface opens, select the Car Apps option.
In the new menu that opens, select UX Prototype. This will open the YouTube interface on Android TV, ready to do voice searches and browse through its extensive catalog.
Note: We do not recommend using YouTube on the car display while it is in motion.