Wireless Android Auto on Lexus NX, how to connect

Lexus NX 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.

Lexus NX 350 F Sport – (photo by Lexus)

Install Android Auto on your smartphone

You must have an Android device with 5.0 Lollipop or newer version to use Android Auto on Lexus NX. 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 NX, 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.

Wireless Android Auto on NX

If you have 2022 or later model year Lexus NX, you can use Android Auto wirelessly.

Requirements for wireless Android Auto

You must have a compatible Android phone with an active data plan, 5 GHz Wi-Fi support, and the latest version of the Android Auto app in order to use wireless Android Auto feature on your NX. Wireless projection is compatible with these Android versions:

  • Any phone with Android 11.0
  • A Google or Samsung phone with Android 10.0
  • A Samsung Galaxy S8, Galaxy S8+, or Note 8, with Android 9.0

How to set up wireless Android Auto

  1. Enable WiFi and Bluetooth on your Android device.
  2. Turn on the ignition in your NX and put the vehicle in Park (P).
  3. Press Settings icon in your NX’s infotainment system sidebar.
  4. Press Bluetooth & Devices.
  5. Press Connect New Device.
  6. Select your vehicle name, which usually is “LEXUS”, on your Android phone’s Bluetooth discovery list. The discovery list is usually located under Settings > Connections > Bluetooth, but it can differ depending on your device make and model.
  7. A Bluetooth pairing request pop-up will appear on your phone with a pin-code. Make sure it matches the code displayed on your NX’s infotainment screen (for safety reasons) and then press Pair in your vehicle, also select Pair on your phone.
  8. Then touch Yes on Message access request prompt on your phone if you want to access your phone messages via Android Auto in NX.
  9. Accept Android Auto terms and conditions in your vehicle.
  10. 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.
  11. Android Auto will launch on the infotainment display. If it doesn’t launch automatically, touch its icon on the home screen.

Android Auto via USB

  1. Connect your Android phone to your Lexus NX USB port using an original USB data cable.
  2. Accept Android Auto terms and conditions in your vehicle, if any appear.
  3. 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.
  4. After a few seconds Android Auto will launch on your NX’s infotainment screen.
USB data port location in Lexus NX second generation (model year 2022+).

If you’re unsure which USB port supports Android Auto on your particular NX 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.

Android Auto

Android Auto not working on Lexus NX

If Android Auto does not start on your NX 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 NX.
  • 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 NX does not support Android Auto. Try other USB ports.
  • A software glitch is responsible for the Android Auto problem. Try resetting the NX’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 NX that does not support Android Auto. Only 2020 and later model year Lexus NX vehicles are compatible with Android Auto.

If you still can’t connect Android Auto in your NX, then you should get your vehicle checked by an authorized Lexus dealer.


Using Google Assistant on Lexus NX

Google Assistant is an artificial intelligence–powered voice recognition feature by Google that helps you to concentrate on the road while driving your NX 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 the mic button in the Android Auto app.

Press mic button to start Google Assistant.

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.

Video: Using Google Assistant in Lexus

Watch this video to see how to use Google Assistant in Lexus vehicles.

Which NX models support Android Auto?

2020 and later model year Lexus NX vehicles are compatible with Android Auto.

Using Waze navigation on Lexus NX 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 NX’s infotainment screen.

Using Google Maps on Lexus NX 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 NX. 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.


Video: Using Google Maps with voice commands

Watch this video to see how to use Google Maps, make phone calls and play music in Lexus vehicles with Android Auto.

Using Spotify on NX

You can use Spotify to stream music on your NX. 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).

Video: Sending text messages

Watch this video to see how to sent text messages in Lexus vehicles with Android Auto.

Not all apps are compatible with Android Auto

If you think you can use all your Android apps in your Lexus NX 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 NX, among others: Phone, Whatsapp, Messages, Facebook Messenger, Skype, Telegram, Calendar, News, Pandora, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Audible, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Waze and TomTom GO.

Video: How to set up Android Auto in Lexus (USB)

Watch this video to see how to set up Android Auto in Lexus vehicles.
Author: Nabeel K
Email: nabeel@wheelsjoint.com



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Talal
Talal
1 year ago

There is no wireless android auto in the 2022 NX

jjletho
jjletho
1 year ago
Reply to  Nabeel

no in Europe …on my nx 2022 is not working wireless

henri
henri
1 year ago
Reply to  jjletho

the authorized dealer said that it will take half a year before Lexus releases a SW with wireless AA support

György Szigeti
György Szigeti
1 year ago
Reply to  jjletho

Szia nekem sem működik NX 350H 2022 csak vezetékesen.

Auto Translation: Hi, NX 350H 2022 doesn’t work for me either, only wired.