A modern car is hard to imagine without smartphone integration, and owners of Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 Pro often face the desire to bring navigation, music and calls to the screen of the head device. Android Auto turns the multimedia interface into a convenient control tool adapted for safe use while driving. However, the initial setup process on MIUI devices can have its own features that differ from stock Android.
Owners of the Redmi Note 8 Pro are lucky because it is based on a fairly clean version of Android with a MIUI shell, which provides high compatibility with automotive systems. However, aggressive battery optimization and background processes sometimes require manual adjustments, understanding these nuances will avoid connection breaks and ensure stable operation of navigation maps on the way.
In this article, we will take a look at all the steps of connection, from choosing a quality cable to hidden developer settings, learn how to get around typical connection errors and why Android 10 or higher is critical for the correct operation of the wireless protocol. Proper preparation of the smartphone will take no more than 10 minutes, but will significantly improve driving comfort.
Verification of system requirements and compatibility
Before you start pairing devices, you need to make sure that your Redmi Note 8 Pro meets the basic technical requirements. Although the model was released a few years ago, its hardware stuffing is quite suitable for using modern Google services. The key factor is the version of the operating system: for stable operation, Android 10 or newer is recommended.
It is also important to check that all the necessary components of Google Play Services are available. In some regions or when using global firmware without Google services (which is rare for this model, but possible), the functionality will be limited.
- 📱 Operating system: Android 6.0 and higher (Android 10 recommended)+).
- 🌐 Network: stable internet connection for initial setup.
- 🔌 Cable: quality USB-Data transmission cable (not just charging).
- 🚗 Head unit: support for Android Auto from the car radio.
Note that to run wireless (Wireless Android Auto) your car must support this standard and your smartphone must have a 5GHz Wi-Fi module. Redmi Note 8 Pro features dual-band Wi-Fi, which theoretically allows you to use wireless connectivity if the car’s head unit supports it.
Preparation of the smartphone and installation of applications
Start by updating all system components. Go to Settings → About Phone → System Update and check for new versions of MIUI. After the OS update, go to the Google Play Store and find the Android Auto app. Many devices already have it preinstalled as a system component, but its version may be outdated.
If the app is not found in the store or marked as "Not compatible with your device", this may indicate regional restrictions. APK-Files from trusted sources, but this is extremely rare for the Redmi Note 8 Pro.
☑️ Checklist of preparation Redmi Note 8 Pro
Once you install the app, take your time to plug in the cable. Open the settings of the Android Auto app itself in the smartphone menu. Here, check the app version and make sure it has all the permissions you've requested. MIUI is known for its strict control over permissions, so ignoring this step can lead to malfunctions.
⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi devices with shell MIUI Often, aggressive energy savings are enabled. If Android Auto suddenly shuts down while driving, check the battery settings for that app and select "No Limits" mode".
Permits and Battery Optimization in MIUI
This is the most critical stage for Xiaomi owners: The MIUI shell by default limits the background activity of apps to save charge, which is categorically contraindicated for Android Auto.The application must have constant access to the microphone, GPS and network, even when the smartphone screen is out.
Go to Settings → Apps → All apps, find in the list of Android Auto. Click on “Activity Control” (or “Charge Saving”) and select “No Limits” option, which will prevent the system from “killing” the navigation or music when the phone is not actively used.
Then check for auto-start. In the same app settings menu, find the Auto-Start switch and activate it. This will allow Google services to start immediately after the phone is turned on, which will speed up the process of connecting to the car. Without this step, you will have to manually open the app every time before you travel.
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For quick navigation to the battery settings of a particular application in MIUI, you can use the search in the settings: enter “Start” and select the desired application from the list.
Be sure to include all the necessary permissions in the App Permissions menu, especially access to location (select "always allow"), microphone and notifications. If you use third-party navigators (such as Yandex.Navigator or Waze), the same settings should be applied to them.
Wired connection through USB-cable
The classic and most reliable way to connect is to use USB-For the Redmi Note 8 Pro, which is equipped with a port USB Type-C, high-quality cable is important. Cheap charging-only cables don't have data lines, so you can't connect to a tape recorder.
Connect your smartphone to USB-The port of the car, which is usually marked with a smartphone symbol or Android Auto. The phone will request permission to access data. You must click "Allow" or "OK." If you previously ticked "Do not ask again", the connection will automatically happen.
| Type of problem | Possible cause | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| The phone is just charging. | The cable does not support data transfer | Replace the cable with an original or certified MFi/USB-IF |
| Persistent communication breaks | Poor contact in port or dust | Clean the Type-C port with a soft brush, check the cable |
| Connection error | Conflict of versions | Update Android Auto and Google Play Services |
| Phone's not being determined. | Wrong USB mode | In USB settings, select File Transfer (MTP) mode. |
If the connection is successful, the Android Auto interface will appear on the car screen. The smartphone can display connection status or a minimalistic control panel at this time. Note that when you wire the phone can heat up, especially if you are simultaneously charging and active navigation.
Organization of wireless connection (Wireless)
Owners of the Redmi Note 8 Pro can appreciate the convenience of wireless Android Auto if their car supports this feature (Wireless Projection).This eliminates the need to insert a cable every time. The technology uses Bluetooth for initial pairing, and then creates a direct Wi-Fi connection to transmit multimedia data.
To activate, make sure that Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are on your smartphone. In the Bluetooth menu on your phone, find your car's device and pair. Then the Android Auto app may prompt you to configure wireless connectivity. Follow the instructions on the head screen.
Secrets of a stable Wi-Fi connection
Consider that wireless mode consumes much more power, and on long trips, the phone may run out even if it is connected to wireless charging, the power of which may not have time to compensate for the power consumption of navigation and radio modules, in which case periodic wired connection is still preferable.
⚠️ Note: At the first wireless connection, the process may take up to 2-3 Do not attempt to start navigation until full synchronization, otherwise the interface on the car screen may fail.
Solving common errors and failures
Even when set up correctly, there can be situations where Android Auto stops working correctly. Often the problem lies in the cache of Google apps. If you see a black screen, freezes or no sound, try clearing the cache of Google Play, Android Auto itself and Google Maps.
Do this through the Settings menu → Apps → [Select App] → Memory → Clear cache. Don’t confuse it with Data Cleanup, as it will reset the app settings. Also helps to reboot the smartphone itself, a banal but effective method for MIUI that resets the hanging network services.
Another common problem is that the voice assistant is not working properly. If "OK, Google" is not responding to commands in the car, check the Google Assistant settings to see if the primary device is selected for audio output, and sometimes the system tries to play the response through the phone's speaker, rather than through the car's acoustics.
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In 90% of cases, connection problems on Xiaomi are solved by removing battery restrictions and replacing them. USB-cable.
If nothing helps, you can try removing Android Auto app updates (return to the factory version) and re-updating it through the Play Store, which allows you to reset internal configuration files that may have been damaged during previous system updates.