How to permanently disable Android Auto on Xiaomi Redmi: 5 proven ways

Android Auto on Xiaomi Redmi smartphones automatically activates when you connect to the car multimedia system, even if you do not use it. For many owners, this becomes a source of irritation: the application runs in the background, consumes battery power and mobile traffic, and sometimes blocks other functions of the phone while traveling. In this article, we will discuss all possible ways to completely disable Android Auto – from standard settings to hidden commands for power users.

Redmi’s feature (unlike other brands) is that the manufacturer often hides the options to disable Google services in deep MIUI menus. This is due to Xiaomi’s policy of integrating with the Google ecosystem, but you can bypass the restrictions. We tested all methods on the Redmi Note 12 Pro+, Redmi 10 and Redmi K50 models with the latest versions of MIUI 14/15 – the instructions are relevant for all devices in the series.

Why is Android Auto turning on on on its own?

Android Auto is installed by default on all Xiaomi smartphones with Google services (GMS), its automatic launch provoked by three key factors:

• 🔌 Bluetooth connection to the car radio recorder. HFP (Hands-Free Profile and Auto activate.
• 📶 Geolocation triggers: If the phone detects you're on the move (by GPS Or sensors, it can run the app.
• 🔄 Google Play Services Background Processes: They scan connected devices and force you to open Auto, even if you haven't used it.

On Redmi, the problem is compounded by MIUI aggressively cacheing frequently used apps, and even after manually shutting down Android Auto can restart in 10 to 15 minutes, and the only sure way to get rid of that is to shut down completely at the system level.

Method 1: Disconnect via standard MIUI settings

The easiest method is to use the built-in MIUI options, which are suitable for users who don't want to go into technical details.

1. Open Settings → Connected devices → Connect to the device.
2. Select Android Auto from the list of available protocols.
3. Transfer the AutoRun slider to the Off position.
4. Return to the main settings menu and go to Applications → Application Management.
5. Find Android Auto in the list, open its settings and click Disable (do not Delete!).

⚠️ Note: Some Redmi models (e.g. Redmi) 9A) Autostart may not be available. In this case, proceed to Method 2.

Close the application in multitasking

Turn off Bluetooth.

Check out the MIUI version (Settings → About the phone)

Make a backup copy of important data-->

Method 2: Limiting background activity

If a complete shutdown of an application causes a crash (e.g., Google Maps to stop working), it is possible to limit its background activity, a method that is less radical, but is effective in 80% of cases:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management → Android Auto.
2. Choose the Battery. → Battery consumption management.
3. Set a limit to limit background activity.
4. Go back and in the permissions section, turn off: 📍 Geolocation 🔄 Auto-start 📱 Display over other windows

After this, Android Auto will not start automatically, but will remain available for manual activation.

💡

If Android Auto continues to launch after limiting background activity, try clearing the cache of the Google Play Services app (Settings → Apps → Show All → Google Play Services → Storage → Clear Cache).

Method 3: Disconnect via ADB (for power users)

If the standard methods don't work, you'll have to use Android Debug Bridge (ADB), which requires you to connect your phone to your computer, but it's guaranteed to disable Android Auto at the system level.

• 💻 Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux
• 🔌 USB Type C C Cable (original)
• 📦 Installed drivers Xiaomi and ADB Tools

Instructions:

1. Activate Developer Mode on Redmi: Go to Settings → About Phone. Tap 7 times on MIUI Version. Go back to Settings → Additional → Developer. Enable USB Debugging.

Connect the phone to your computer and confirm the debugging permission.

cmd

adb shell pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.google.android.projection.gearhead

Reset the device.

⚠️ Note: This command does not remove Android Auto completely, but only disables it for the current user. MIUI If you want to remove the app permanently, use the command without the flag. --user 0, This can lead to instability in other Google services.

Method 4: Use of third-party utilities (without root)

If you're uncomfortable with ADB, you can use specialized applications, and we tested three of the most reliable ones.

For use of App Inspector:

1. Install the application and provide access to the Special Opportunity Services.
2. Find the listing at com.google.android.projection.gearhead (this is Android Auto).
3. Click Disable and confirm the action.

⚠️ Note: Some utilities (e.g. Debloater) can remove critical system components. → Additionally. → Backup and reset.

Method 5: Completely remove Android Auto (requires root)

If you're willing to take drastic measures and your Redmi has root rights, you can delete Android Auto forever.

1. Install a file manager with root support (such as Root Explorer or FX File Explorer).
2. Go to /system/priv-app/PrebuiltGmsCore or /system/app.
3. Find the files: PrebuiltGmsCore.apk (contains Android Auto components) GmsCore.apk

.apk

.bak

PrebuiltGmsCore.bak

Reboot the phone.

After that, Android Auto will disappear from the system, but some Google features may stop working, such as:

• 📍 Accurate location in Google Maps.
• 🔍 Voice search for Google Assistant.
• 📱 Automatic data synchronization between devices.

💡

Removal of systemic APK-files without backup can cause a phone to "brick."If Redmi doesn't turn on after a reboot, try returning the original file names through TWRP Recovery.

What to do if Android Auto is still running?

If none of these methods worked, the problem may be:

• 🔄 Updates MIUI. After major updates (for example, with the MIUI 13 on MIUI 14) settings are reset.
• 📱 Third-party firmware. Custom firmware (such as LineageOS or Pixel Experience) can automatically restore remote system applications.
• 🔧 Google Play Services is down. Sometimes it helps to reinstall services completely through the Internet. ADB: adb shell cmd package install-existing com.google.android.gms

In extreme cases, you can use an alternative launcher (for example, Nova Launcher), which blocks the automatic launch of unnecessary applications.

1. Install Nova Launcher from Google Play.
2. Click on the empty space on the home screen and select Settings Nova.
3. Go to Apps and Notifications → Hidden Apps.
4. Add Android Auto to the Hidden List.

FAQ: Frequent questions about disabling Android Auto on Xiaomi Redmi