Before a long trip it is normal to check the tire pressure, that we have filled the tank and, why not, also that Android Auto is configured to our liking. After all, taking a turn is not the same as spending hours in the car on a long trip.
For long journeys, always I prepare my Android Auto with six settings which seem more appropriate to them and which are supplemented by data backup settings.
No message sound
A long trip brings a lot of message notifications and sometimes they can be distracting or even annoying. For example, if you are in the car talking to another person and notification noise keeps interrupting you because it has happened that a group you are part of is very active.
In my case, I prefer completely disable the message sounda notification tone that sounds when a new message arrives and is also quite annoying if you're listening to music. This can be changed both in the car's Android Auto settings and on the mobile.
Do not show notifications
Of course, sometimes I prefer to be even more radical and completely disable message notificationsespecially if someone else is in the car with me. Otherwise, with just a glance at the car screen, you can see my private conversations with other people.
Even if message notifications don't appear, you can still ask Assistant to read your messages when you have a quieter moment. The difference is that I read messages when I want and not as they arrive.
Start Android Auto with the phone locked
I still use the cable to use Android Auto and unfortunately this means that from time to time it disconnects. Often this is done at the least opportune moment.
That's why I prefer to score Start Android Auto with the phone lockedthe connection will then be re-established without having to handle the phone to ensure it is unlocked.
Customize the app menu
This is also very useful to me rearrange Android Auto apps to put at the top, as close as possible, those that I use the most and directly hide those that do not interest me.
Additionally, this same menu can be used to create powerful shortcuts to call emergency services or share your location with someone using Assistant. But all this must be configured before and from your mobile.
Unknown sources
Android Auto Developer Settings opens the door to a whole world of unofficial apps. More precisely, the adjustment of Unknown sources with which it is possible to use applications that Google has not explicitly approved for use on Android Auto.
This is how I can use real wonders like Fermata Auto in Android Auto or many other apps for Android Auto that are not available in the Android app store.
Offline maps downloaded
Finally, although this is not technically an Android Auto setting, it directly affects navigation with Google Maps on the system: the offline map download.
Offline maps not only reduce data consumption, but allow uninterrupted navigation even when passing through areas without coverage or where the Internet connection suffers. Before a long trip, I try to make sure offline maps cover all or most of the route.
Cover image | Generated with AI
In Xataka Android | Android Auto: 23 tips and tricks to get the most out of Android in the car
Table of Contents
