Have you bought a new car with Android Auto support or want to connect your Xiaomi to a multimedia system, but can’t find the app on the menu? This problem is familiar to many owners of smartphones on MIUI – standard Xiaomi firmware often hides or moves system services. In this article, we will discuss all the ways to find, install and activate Android Auto on Redmi, POCO and Xiaomi phones (including models from 2023-2026).
It's important to understand that Android Auto may already be pre-installed on your device, but hidden in the depths of the MIUI settings, or you need to download it separately from Google Play. We'll look at both options, and we'll also solve the typical problems: why the app doesn't appear in the list of programs, how to update it to the latest version, and what to do if the car doesn't recognize the phone. If you're using Xiaomi 13/14, Redmi Note 12 or POCO F5, the instruction will be right for you.
1. Verification of preinstalled Android Auto in MIUI
On most modern Xiaomi smartphones (especially flagships and models for the global market), Android Auto is installed by default, but can be hidden.
- 🔍 Open the Settings. → All applications and type in the search bar "Auto." If there is an application, it will appear in the results.
- 📱 Check the Google folder on the home screen or in the app menu – sometimes Android Auto is placed there along with Google Maps and Assistant.
- 🔄 If nothing is found, try updating Google services: go to Settings → The phone. → Updating the system → Update Google Play Services.
On some MIUI firmware (especially the Chinese versions), Android Auto can be disabled at the system level, in which case only manual installation from Google Play or third-party sources (as discussed below) will help.
⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI China ROM (for example, Xiaomi 12S Ultra for Chinese market) Android Auto may be missing due to Google's restrictions in China.Solution - firmware global version MIUI or installing through APK.
2. Install Android Auto via Google Play
If the preliminary search did not give results, download the application officially:
- Open the Google Play Store and search for Android Auto.
- Select the official Google LLC app (the icon with the car logo on a green background).
- Click Install and wait for the download to be completed.
- After installation, launch the application and follow the on-screen instructions for initial setup.
Important: Android Auto requires:
- 📱 Android 10 or newer (on) MIUI 12/13/14 No problem).
- 🚗 Multimedia system in a car with support for Android Auto (check compatibility on the website of the car manufacturer).
- 🔌 USB-Type C Cable (preferably original or certified).
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If Android Auto doesn’t start after installing, try clearing the app’s cache in Settings → Apps → Android Auto → Storage → Clear the cache.
3. Search for Hidden System Applications in MIUI
MIUI is known for hiding some system utilities to find the hidden Android Auto:
- Go to Settings → Applications → Application Management.
- Slip on three dots in the upper right corner and select Show All Apps.
- In the list, find Android Auto (can be called “Auto” or “Car Projection”).
- If the application is disabled, click Enable.
On some firmware (e.g. MIUI 14 for Xiaomi 13 Pro), Android Auto can be integrated into Settings → Connections and Sharing → Projection on the car. Try this path if standard search doesn't work.
What to do if Android Auto is not on the list of apps?
4.Configuring the connection to the car
After installing Android Auto, you need to connect your phone to the multimedia system correctly.
Unlock the phone screen
Connect. USB-cable to the car port (usually marked with an Android Auto or Smartphone icon)
Allow access to notifications and contacts on the phone (a request will appear)
Select Android Auto mode on the car screen-->
If the connection does not occur:
- 🔌 Try another one. USB-cable (cheap cables often do not support data transmission).
- 🔄 Reboot your phone and your car’s multimedia system.
- 📱 In Android Auto settings on your phone, enable the option to Allow Unknown Sources (if available).
⚠️ Note: On some cars (e.g. Toyota or Mazda before 2020), Android Auto requires activation through a dealership!
5. Solving typical Android Auto issues on Xiaomi
Even after a successful installation, errors can occur.
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| Android Auto is not running | An outdated version of the app or Google Play services | Update both components in Google Play |
| Connection is broken | Poor quality. USB-cable | Use the original cable and check the port on your phone |
| No sound in the car. | Media Output Settings on the Phone | In Android Auto, select Settings → Sound → Exit through the car |
| The app doesn't see the car | There is no support for Android Auto in the firmware of the car | Update the multimedia system through the dealer |
If the problem persists, try resetting Android Auto's settings:
- Go to Settings → Applications → Android Auto → Storage.
- Click Clear Data and Clear Cache.
- Reboot the phone and reconnect.
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On Xiaomi phones with MIUI 14 and later Android Auto can conflict with the branded shell. In this case, disabling the optimization of the battery for the application in Settings → Battery → Battery Optimization will help.
6. Alternative ways of connection (wireless mode)
Since 2023, Android Auto has been supporting wireless Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, but not all Xiaomi cars and phones support it.
- Make sure your car is compatible with Android Auto wireless (the list is available on the official website).
- Turn on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on your phone.
- In Android Auto settings, select Wireless Connection and follow the instructions.
For Xiaomi 13/14 and Redmi Note 12 Pro+ wireless mode is stable, but on budget models (for example, POCO M5) there may be delays.
On phones with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor (such as Xiaomi 13 Ultra), wireless Android Auto runs without lag, but requires updating the car’s firmware to the latest version.
7. Update Android Auto and MIUI for compatibility
If Android Auto is unstable, check the relevance of the software:
- 📱 Update. MIUI: Settings → The phone. → Updating the system.
- 🔄 Update Android Auto and Google Play Services to Google Play.
- 🚗 Update the firmware of the multimedia system of the car (via the menu of car settings or at the dealer).
For example, for the Xiaomi 12T Pro, the critical MIUI 14.0.4 update fixed connectivity issues with BMW and Audi.Always check update notes!
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If Android Auto stopped working after the update, try to roll back to the previous version via APK. Download the desired version from APKMirror and install manually.