Buick Regal supports Android Auto that lets you access your Android apps like YouTube Music, Google Maps, Waze and Spotify through the infotainment screen of your vehicle. You can also make phone calls, send messages or use navigation with voice commands using Google Assistant.
Install Android Auto on your smartphone
You must have an Android device with 5.0 Lollipop or newer version to use Android Auto on Buick Regal. Android 6.0 Marshmallow or higher version is recommended for optimal performance. If your device has Android 9 Pie or older operating system, you must first download Android Auto app from Google Play Store, otherwise the app is built-in.
If you want to use “Hey Google” service with Google Assistant in your Regal, make sure the feature is enabled on your device. On your Android phone, open the Google app. At the bottom right, tap More. Then go to Settings > Voice > Voice Match and turn on Hey Google.
Enable Android Auto in Regal
You must enable Android Auto in Regal’s infotainment system settings before you can use it. This can be done by going to Settings, then open Apps tab and make sure that Android Auto is turned on.
Connect phone to Regal’s USB port
- Connect your Android phone to your Buick Regal USB port using an original USB data cable.
- Accept Android Auto terms and conditions in your vehicle, if any appear.
- You may be prompted to give certain permissions to Android Auto app on your phone, like managing phone calls and SMS messages. Grant all required permissions.
- After a few seconds Android Auto will launch on your Regal’s infotainment screen.
If you’re unsure which USB port supports Android Auto on your particular Regal variant, then consult your vehicle’s owners manual – or you can try plugging in the cable, one by one, in all the USB ports in dashboard and center console.
To go back to the default home screen of infotainment system, press the Exit icon in Android Auto.
Android Auto not working on Buick Regal
If Android Auto does not start on your Regal when you plug in the USB cable and there is no Android Auto icon in the list of apps in the infotainment system, it can be due to a number of reasons:
- Android Auto is disabled in the infotainment system settings of your Regal.
- Android Auto is not installed on your phone, make sure its installed and have necessary permissions.
- The USB data cable you’re using is defective or off-brand. Try a different cable, preferably original cable.
- The connected USB port on your Regal does not support Android Auto. Try other USB ports.
- A software glitch is responsible for the Android Auto problem. Try resetting the Regal’s infotainment system to its factory settings. Also, delete data and cache for Android Auto on your phone by going to Settings> Apps > Android Auto > Storage.
- You’ve an older model of Regal that does not support Android Auto. Only 2016 and later model year Buick Regal vehicles are compatible with Android Auto.
If you still can’t connect Android Auto in your Regal, then you should get your vehicle checked by an authorized Buick dealer.
Using Google Assistant on Buick Regal
Google Assistant is an artificial intelligence–powered voice recognition feature by Google that helps you to concentrate on the road while driving your Regal as you can control the functions of your Android device with voice commands.
The virtual assistant allows you to place phone calls, listen to and send text messages, play music, get directions and use other functions of your Android phone hands-free. You can even ask Google Assistant for current weather conditions, stock prices or upcoming events on your calendar.
To access Google Assistant, press and hold the talk button on the steering wheel of your Regal until you hear an audible alert.
You can also access Google Assistant by pressing the mic button in the Android Auto app.
If “Hey Google” function is enabled in your Android device under Voice Match settings, you can also just simply say: “Hey Google”. After hearing the audible alert, you can begin asking for assistance.
For best results when using Google Assistant, speak clearly and reduce background noise by closing the windows. Also, direct the air vents on dashboard so that they are not pointing towards the vehicle’s microphone.
Which Regal models support Android Auto?
2016 and later model year Buick Regal vehicles are compatible with Android Auto.
Using Waze navigation on Buick Regal with Android Auto
Waze is based on a combination of the Android Location Service and real-time information from the 100 million user database. It is one of the best apps in the world when it comes to including construction work and traffic in the route suggestions. Waze can also provide updated information on accidents and unexpected delays. The app is fully compatible with Android Auto. Just download Waze app from Google Play Store on your phone and press its icon in Android Auto app in your Regal’s infotainment screen.
Using Google Maps on Buick Regal with Android Auto
There’s no list of the best Android car apps without including the top dog in sat-nav apps, Google Maps. Maps is an important part of the Android ecosystem and will likely be the app that you use the most when you’re driving your Regal. For many people, choosing between Waze and Google Maps is a matter of personal preference. We think: Both are great. You do not need to download Google Maps app as its a built-in feature in Android devices.
Using Spotify on Regal
You can use Spotify to stream music on your Regal. Just install the Spotify app from Google Play Store and its icon will appear in the infotainment display when Android Auto is active.
You can use voice commands to play music hands-free on Spotify with Google Assistant. Just add “on Spotify” at the end so that Google Assistant knows which service you’re referring to (e.g. “Hey Google, play my ‘Your Mix of the Week’ playlist on Spotify”).
Google Assistant can play songs, artists, albums, playlists, podcasts, and more. You can also “like” music, ask what’s playing, and control playback (e.g. volume, skip song, play / pause).
Not all apps are compatible with Android Auto
If you think you can use all your Android apps in your Buick Regal with Android Auto, then you’re wrong. The selection of compatible applications is limited, and you have to live with restrictions, especially with messenger apps. SMS messages and WhatsApp can be controlled almost exclusively via Google Assistant. That means you cannot see your message history, but only have new messages read out to you or even dictate messages yourself.
The following apps can be used with Android Auto on your Regal, among others: Phone, Whatsapp, Messages, Facebook Messenger, Skype, Telegram, Calendar, News, Pandora, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Audible, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Waze and TomTom GO.
