Android Auto adapts the interface of certain mobile applications so that they can be used on the car screen. They are usually simpler versions in which we do not have to interact too much, but from time to time we will have to write something in Android Autoand there are several ways to do it.
Obviously, Android Auto is not designed for you to write, since it is not comfortable in this regard, even if the copilot does. However, for occasions when dictating an address might be problematic (because you don’t know how to pronounce it, for example), you have different input modes in Android Auto.
On the go, just with the assistant
With the car running, forget to type Android Auto, which makes sense because, in addition to being dangerous, it is not very practical, even if it is the co-pilot who does it. Android Auto directly locks the keypad when the car is running, showing you the text instead Park to use the keyboard.
In these cases, the only way to “write” into Android Auto is with the help of the wizard, although it is not something limited. For example, instead of searching for an address on Google Maps by typing, you can say “Find Calle Pez on Google Maps” and the search is done without you having to type anything.
With the on-screen keyboard
With the car parked, you have two ways to type into Android Auto. The most obvious is to use virtual on-screen keyboard, which inherits the language settings you have configured on your mobile (although it does not support all languages). If you use more than one language, you can switch between them by pressing the globe button.
Android Auto virtual keyboard works almost the same as mobile, and can also hide it by pressing the button on the keyboard. What you can’t do is write emojis or anything other than standard letters, which makes sense because in Android Auto you can only use it to look up directions and not much else. .
With the laptop
If the Android Auto on-screen keyboard is not working for you, for example because the car screen is not very responsive, you should the ability to type on your mobile. If you unlock your phone while the keyboard is displayed in Android Auto, you will automatically see the keyboard on your phone. If this is not the case, press the button with your phone, to the right of the 0 key on the Android Auto virtual keyboard.
This way you can write on Android Auto with Gboard, which can be more comfortable and faster than using the on-screen keyboard. This way you can also switch to any language and even send emojis, if you want.
