Owners of Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco smartphones often face the non-obvious logic of the company shell: the question of where Android Auto in Xiaomi arises for a reason: unlike pure Android, there is no one button or obvious switch in the menu.
MIUI and the new HyperOS are built on deep customization, which is why many of Google’s standard features are hidden or replaced by their own counterparts. Often users search for an app icon, unaware that the service is already built into the system, but requires the correct activation through the connection settings.
In this article, we will discuss why you don’t see the feature, how to turn it on different versions of firmware, and what to do if the machine stops seeing the phone.
Why Xiaomi doesn’t have a separate Android Auto app
The main reason for the confusion is the architecture of the operating system: Since Android 10, the Android Auto component has been integrated directly into the system services of Google Play Services, which means that a separate phone application (Phone Screen) no longer exists in the classical sense.
On Xiaomi devices, the situation is aggravated by the fact that in Chinese versions of firmware, Google services can be disabled by default, and in global versions – hidden for optimization.
⚠️ Warning: If you're looking for a "Android Auto" shortcut on your desktop to run it as a navigator, you won't find it.
Owners of older models may face the fact that the system will offer to download a separate APK-However, for modern Redmi Note and flagship Xiaomi Mi just have a Google account and updated services.
Search for function in MIUI and HyperOS settings
To activate interaction with the car, you need to manually check the connection status. In the shells MIUI 12/13/14 and HyperOS, the path to the settings may differ, but the logic remains the same. You need to go to the section responsible for connecting external devices.
Follow the path: Settings → Connected devices → Connection settings. This is where the switch that allows the smartphone to transmit the interface to the car screen hides, and without activation, the machine will only see the phone as a drive or a sound source.
In some regions and firmware versions, menus may be renamed. Look for items with the words "Android Auto" or "Projection." If there is no item, it may be that the system of the region is installed incorrectly (for example, China is chosen instead of Russia or Europe).
- 📱 Open the settings and enter "Auto" in the search".
- 🔗 Go to the Connected Devices section.
- ✅ Make sure that the Android Auto switch is activated.
- 🚗 In the car menu, select the smartphone connection mode.
Instructions: how to connect a smartphone to a car
The pairing process requires a certain sequence of actions. An error at any stage can cause the phone to charge, but the navigation interface will not start. First, make sure that Bluetooth and pairing mode are on board the car.
Connect a USB cable to a car port. It's critical to use an original or certified data-enabled cable. Cheap charging-only cables are responsible for 80 percent of connection problems.
☑️ Checking before connection
Once you connect, you'll see a request for permission on your smartphone screen, and you'll have to click "Accept" and agree to all the terms of use, and the system may suggest you download additional components, you'll agree.
If the connection is successful, the Android Auto interface will appear on the radio screen. If you see only the logo and the process is frozen, try turning off the cable and restart both devices.
Version comparison: MIUI vs HyperOS
With the transition to the new HyperOS operating system in Xiaomi 14, Poco F6 and other devices, the menu structure has changed. Google is actively promoting its Android Auto standard, but Xiaomi is implementing its own solutions for cars.
HyperOS has a deeper integration with automotive systems through the CarWith protocol (similar to Xiaomi’s Apple CarPlay), but the classic Android Auto hasn’t gone away, just its settings could be moved to “More” or “Additional Settings”.
| Function | MIUI 14 | HyperOS | Pure Android |
|---|---|---|---|
| Location of the menu | Connected devices | Connections and sharing | Connections |
| Stability | Tall. | Medium (beta tests) | Reference |
| CarWith Support | No. | There is. | No. |
| Wireless Auto | Depends on the model. | Improved. | Depends on the version. |
Users note that HyperOS sometimes requires manual auto-start of Google services, as the new system more aggressively manages the power consumption of background processes.
Problems with wireless connection (Wireless)
Wireless Android Auto is a convenient feature that eliminates unnecessary wires, but on Xiaomi smartphones it often works unstable. It requires support from the car (5 GHz Wi-Fi module in the head unit) and the presence of dual-band Wi-Fi in the phone.
A common problem is connection breaks or the inability to initiate a connection, because MIUI can kill the Android Auto process to save power, and you need to add service to battery exclusions.
⚠️ Warning: Wireless connection consumes battery power and can cause smartphone heat in the summer. Use cable if battery is drained.
To set up wireless mode, go to Settings → Connected Devices → Connection Settings → Wireless Android Auto. Turn on the switch and follow the instructions on the car screen. The first pairing will still require a cable.
The Secret to a Stable Wi-Fi Connection
Solving Typical Errors and Bugs
The most common error is, “Android Auto won’t start.” Often, this is solved by simply cleaning the app cache. Go to Settings → Apps → All Apps → Android Auto → Memory → Clean.
The second important thing is component versions. Make sure you update three key elements: the Google app, Google Play Services, and the Android Auto app itself (if installed separately from the store).
- 🔄 Update all apps through Google Play Store.
- 🗑️ Clear the cache of Google and Android Auto apps.
- 🔌 Replace. USB-cable-on.
- 🚫 Turn off the power saving mode for the time of connection.
If nothing works, try removing Android Auto app updates to the factory version and then updating it again through the store.
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Useful tip: Always unlock your smartphone screen before connecting. Many Xiaomi models do not initiate USB data transfer if the screen is turned off or locked with a password.
Alternatives: CarWith and Screen Mirroring
If Android Auto doesn’t work or doesn’t work, Xiaomi offers its own CarWith platform, which is available in newer versions of HyperOS and allows you to display navigation, music and calls in an interface optimized for cars.
There's also a "Translation" or "Wireless Projection" mode that simply duplicates the phone's screen onto a radio, which is less convenient to control on the go, but allows you to run any application, including YouTube, which is forbidden in standard Android Auto.
To activate alternative modes, go to the control panel (curtain) and look for the "Translation" or "CarWith" option. The car must support the Miracast protocol or have a partner application installed from Xiaomi.
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CarWith is a native alternative from Xiaomi that often runs more stable and faster on their devices, but requires support from the car.