Chevy Equinox Android Auto not working – causes and how to fix it

Android Auto is a great way to stay connected while driving in your Chevy Equinox. It allows you to access your favorite apps, view navigation maps, and listen to music without having to take your hands off the steering wheel. If Android Auto does not launch when you connect your Android phone to your Equinox, it could be due to a number of reasons which we will go through in this article.

Chevy Equinox
Chevy Equinox – (Jonathan Weiss / Shutterstock)

1. Android Auto not installed

If you want to use Android Auto in your Chevy Equinox, you will need to download and install the app from Google Play Store on your phone. You must have a phone with Android 8.0 (Oreo) and up to use the app. However, if your phone has Android 10 and above operating system, you don’t need to download the app, as it is integrated into the operating system.


2. Android Auto is disabled

If Android Auto is not working, one possible reason could be that the feature is either disabled on your phone or in the infotainment system of your Equinox.

Allow new cars to be added in Android Auto

First and foremost, open the Android Auto settings on your phone and check if it is enabled. In Samsung phones, go to Settings > Connected Devices > Android Auto > Previously connected cars, and turn on the slider button next to ‘Add new cars to Android Auto’.

Navigate to Settings > Connected Devices > Android Auto > Previously connected cars.

Enable auto launch

Another thing to check when troubleshooting issues with Android Auto is whether or not the app is set to start automatically when the USB cable is connected. This feature can be enabled or disabled in the app settings, and if it is disabled, the user needs to manually open the app each time the phone is connected to the car.

Navigate to Settings > Connected Devices > Android Auto > Start Android Auto automatically.

Allow Android Auto to launch while phone is locked

Another thing to check is whether or not the app is allowed to start while the phone is locked. By default, Android Auto might be set to not start when the phone is locked for security reasons. Go to Android Auto Settings and turn on the slider button next to ‘Start Android Auto while locked’.

On Samsung phones, go to Settings > Connected Devices > Android Auto

It’s important to keep in mind that allowing Android Auto to start while the phone is locked can pose a security risk, as it may allow unauthorized access to your phone’s data. So consider your preferences and security concerns before enabling this option.

Enable Android Auto in the infotainment system

Android Auto enable / disable option under Settings > Apps in Chevrolet Infotainment System 3.

Android Auto may be disabled in your vehicle, make sure it is enabled in the infotainment system settings.


Manually connect Android Auto

If Android Auto does not launch automatically in Equinox when the USB cable is plugged in, you can try manually connecting it by tapping the “CONNECT A CAR” option in the Android Auto settings.

Follow the on-screen prompts to connect your phone to the infotainment system of your Equinox. Once the phone and car are connected, you should be able to use Android Auto in your vehicle.

3. Bad USB data cable

A good quality data cable is important for a stable and consistent connection between your phone and the infotainment system of your Equinox. If the data cable that you’re using is of low quality, or if the cable is damaged, it can cause the connection to drop out or be lost entirely, making it difficult or impossible to use Android Auto.

Slow data transfer

A low-quality cable may not be able to handle the data transfer required for Android Auto. This can result in slow loading times or buffering when trying to use the app.

It is always recommended to use a high-quality, official or OEM data cable for Android Auto to ensure a stable and consistent connection.

No long cables

According to Google, the USB cable for Android Auto should be under 3 feet (1 meter) in length without using USB hubs or cable extensions in order to ensure proper functionality. Longer cables can cause signal degradation, leading to connectivity issues and a poor user experience.

4. Connected USB port not supported

Your Chevy Equinox may have multiple USB ports, but not all of them support a data connection for Android Auto. This means that while you may be able to charge your phone using any USB port, not all of them will allow you to connect your phone to the infotainment system for the purpose of using Android Auto. Try plugging in the USB cable to other USB ports or check the owners manual to identify which USB port supports data connection for Android Auto.

USB data port location in Chevy Equinox.

5. Software glitch

Reset the infotainment system

If you are experiencing issues with Android Auto in your Equinox, it could be due to a software glitch in the infotainment system. In this case, one potential solution is to reset the infotainment system. This will restart the system and can help to clear up any bugs or errors that may be causing the problem. It’s important to note that resetting the infotainment system may erase some settings, so make sure to check the owners manual of your vehicle or consult with the dealer before proceeding with the reset.


Disable Bluetooth

Sometimes, an existing Bluetooth connection on your phone can prevent Android Auto from working properly in Equinox. When your phone is connected to the car via Bluetooth, it may not allow the USB data cable to establish a connection. To fix this issue, you can try turning off Bluetooth on your phone and then connect the USB data cable.

Delete Equinox from your phone

If you are having trouble getting Android Auto to work, one troubleshooting step you can try is deleting the existing connection profile of your Equinox from your phone and then reconnecting the USB cable. This can help to clear any existing connection issues between the phone and the infotainment system. To do this, you will need to go into Android Auto settings under Connected Devices on your phone and delete your Equinox under ‘previously connected cars’ submenu.

Navigate to Settings > Connected Devices > Android Auto > Previously connected cars > Select your car name > FORGET.

Once you have removed your Equinox from your Android phone, you can reconnect the USB cable and set up the connection again. This can help fix any bugs or glitches that may have caused the initial connection issues and allow Android Auto to work properly.

6. Update the software

It’s important to check for any software updates available for both the phone and the infotainment system of your Chevy Equinox. The issue might be caused by an outdated software version of the phone or the infotainment system, which may not be compatible with each other.

Keeping the software up to date ensures latest features and security patches for both the phone and the infotainment system. This may also help resolve any compatibility issues with Android Auto and ensure a smooth experience while using the app.

7. Try other Android phone

If you are having trouble getting Android Auto to work in your Equinox and you have tried all other troubleshooting steps, try using a different Android phone. This is because the issue might be caused by a compatibility problem between the phone and the infotainment system.

8. Android Auto not supported

Your Chevy Equinox or the aftermarket multimedia system (if equipped) may not be compatible with Android Auto. Visit the official website of Android Auto and verify if your vehicle is supported. 2018 and later model year Chevy Equinox vehicles are compatible with Android Auto.

Reset Android Auto app

If Android Auto is not working properly in your vehicle, try resetting the app by deleting its cache and data.

  1. Open “Settings” on your Android phone.
  2. Scroll down and tap on “Apps” or “Applications.”
  3. Find the Android Auto app and tap on it.
  4. Tap on “Storage.”
  5. Tap on “Clear cache” and then “Clear data.”
Settings > Apps > Android Auto > Storage > Clear cache and data

Clearing the cache and data will delete any temporary files and settings that may be causing issues with the app. This will not delete any data stored on your phone, such as contacts or music.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Android Auto work without mobile data?

Yes, Android Auto can work if you do not have a mobile data plan, but it may have some limitations. Without mobile data, you won’t be able to use certain apps that require an internet connection, such as navigation apps that need to download maps or streaming apps that need to access the internet to stream music. However, many core features of Android Auto, such as making phone calls, sending and receiving text messages, and playing music stored on your phone, do not require an internet connection and should work as usual.

Can you use offline Google Maps on Android Auto?

Yes, you can use offline Google Maps on Android Auto. Google Maps allows you to download maps for offline use, which can be helpful when you don’t have a reliable internet connection or want to conserve your mobile data.

Is there a monthly charge for Android Auto?

No, there is no monthly charge for Android Auto. It is a free app developed by Google that allows you to use certain apps on your Android phone through your vehicle’s infotainment system. However, it’s important to note that some apps that you use through Android Auto may require a subscription or a paid account to access certain features or content. For example, if you use a music streaming app through Android Auto, you may need to have a paid subscription to access certain songs or playlists.

Author: Nabeel K
Email: nabeel@wheelsjoint.com



1 thought on “Chevy Equinox Android Auto not working – causes and how to fix it

  1. Rita Reply

    Thanks for the tips. The setting “ALWAYS” was the one that worked for my Samsung S23 Ultra and 2018 Equinox. The key is to use Google Play and search for Android Auto. There will be a message to go to Settings. From there I could find “Start Android Auto automatically”, changed “Default (set by car)” to “ALWAYS”. Restarted phone and it worked.