How to turn Android Auto on Xiaomi phone: step-by-step instructions 2026

Why you need Android Auto on Xiaomi and what it gives

Modern Xiaomi smartphones (including the Redmi and POCO lines) support Android Auto, a special mode that converts the phone’s interface for safe driving. When connected to the car’s radio recorder via USB or Wi-Fi (on supported models), you get easier access to navigation, music, calls and messages, minimizing distraction from the road.

However, many Xiaomi owners face problems when connecting first: the app does not start, the radio does not see the phone, or compatibility errors occur. The reason often lies in the features of the MIUI shell, which can block background activity of Android Auto or restrict access to data. In this article, we will discuss the unique nuances of settings for Xiaomi that are not described in standard instructions from Google.

Important: Android Auto functionality depends on the MIUI version and the stereo model. For example, on Xiaomi 13 Pro with MIUI 14, wireless mode (Wi-Fi) is available, and on the budget Redmi Note 10, only wired connection. You can check the compatibility of your model on the official Google list, but we will give universal solutions for all devices.

Requirements for Android Auto on Xiaomi

Before setting up, make sure your smartphone and car meet the minimum requirements.

• 📱 Android Version: Not Lower than Android 10 (for Android) MIUI 12+). On Android 9 and older, functionality is limited.
• 🚗 Magnet: Must support Android Auto (check in the manual to the machine). Wireless connection (Wi-Fi) is available only on Android Auto Wireless radios.
• 🔌 Cable USB: original or certified USB-C (Cheap cables can cause connection errors.
• 📶 Internet: for the first setup, you will need a network connection (update of the application, download maps).

Pay special attention to the MIUI version. On Xiaomi with MIUI 13/14, Android Auto is more stable than on MIUI 12, where there may be problems with the background. If your phone has not been updated for a long time, we recommend checking for updates in Settings → About Phone → System Update.

Step 1: Install and configure the Android Auto app

While Android Auto is pre-installed on most Xiaomi smartphones, it is often removed as an “unnecessary” app, and if you don’t have one, download the official version from Google Play:

1. Open the Google Play Store.
2. Enter Android Auto in search.
3. Install an app from Google LLC developer (avoid clones!).
4. After installation, launch the application and follow the instructions for initial setup.

⚠️ Note: On some Xiaomi models (e.g, POCO X3 Pro) Android Auto may not appear in the app menu after installation:

Go to Settings → Apps → App Management, find Android Auto and click Open. If the app is not listed, restart your phone.

After the first launch, Android Auto will request permissions:

• 📍 Access to location (for navigation).
• 📞 Contacts and Contacts (for hands-free).
• 💬 Notifications (for reading messages).
• 🎵 Media and files (for music playback).

Allow all requests — without them, functionality will be limited. If you want to change permissions later, do it in Settings → Apps → Android Auto → Permissions.

Install Android Auto from Google Play| Allow all application requests | Connect phone to charge (recommended) | Check radio compatibility | Update MIUI to the latest version-->

Step 2: Configure MIUI to work correctly with Android Auto

The MIUI shell is known for aggressive battery optimization, which can interrupt Android Auto in the background. To avoid problems, follow these steps:

1. Turn off battery optimization for Android Auto: Go to Settings → Apps → App Management → Android Auto. Select Battery Limits. Set No Limits mode.
2. Add Android Auto to Autostart: Open Settings → Apps → Auto Run. Find Android Auto and turn on the switch.
3. Allow background: In the same Android Auto settings, find Background Activity. Select Allow.

⚠️ Note: Some Xiaomi firmware (especially custom ones) may not have Battery Limitations, in which case use an alternative method:

Install the Don’t Kill My App from Google Play – it will show you the exact instructions for your Xiaomi model to disable optimization.

We also recommend turning off Power Saving Mode in Settings → Battery and Performance, as it can block Android Auto's background processes.

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If Android Auto spontaneously shuts down after you connect to the radio, check the Resolution settings → Additional → Change the system settings for the application. Sometimes MIUI resets this setting after updates.

Step 3: Connect Xiaomi to the car’s radio

Now, the connection itself, the way it works depends on the type of connection, wired (USB) or wireless (Wi-Fi), and let's look at both.

Wired connection (USB)

This is the most reliable and versatile method that works on all Xiaomi models and the tape recorder:

1. Turn on the ignition of the car (the engine does not need to start).
2. Connect your phone to the tape recorder with USB-cable (preferably original).
3. On the radio screen, select the source of Android Auto (can be called AA or Smartphone).
4. On the phone, confirm the permission to connect (if the request appears).

If the connection does not occur:

• 🔄 Try another one. USB-cable (cheap cables often do not support data transmission).
• 🔌 Connect the phone to another USB-port of the radio (if there are several).
• 📱 Reboot the phone and tape recorder.
• 🔧 Update the firmware of the tape recorder (the instructions are usually in the manual for the car).

Wireless connection (Wi-Fi)

Available only on Android Auto Wireless and Xiaomi smartphones with MIUI 13+ (e.g. Xiaomi 12/13/14 series, Redmi K50 Pro).

1. Make sure that the radio is Wi-Fi and Android Auto Wireless.
2. On your phone, open Settings → Connections → Wi-Fi and connect to the radio network (usually the name begins with the model of the car).
3. Launch the Android Auto app on your phone.
4. Follow the instructions on the screen to pair devices.

⚠️ Note: The first wireless connection may require Bluetooth confirmation. Make sure Bluetooth is enabled on both devices.

Solving common Android Auto errors on Xiaomi

Even after you set it up properly, you can have failures, and we've collected the most common problems and ways to fix them:

If none of these methods worked, try resetting the network settings on your phone (Settings → Connections → Resetting Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth settings).

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Most Android Auto errors on Xiaomi are related to aggressive MIUI optimization. Always check your battery settings and background activity before contacting the service.

Additional settings for experienced users

If you want to customize Android Auto as much as possible or solve specific problems, use these tips:

• 🎨 Change Wallpaper: In Android Auto, go to Settings → Wallpaper and select one of the proposed options or upload your image.
• 🔊 Customize voice commands: Activate OK, Google in voice assistant settings to control navigation and voice music.
• 🚫 Disable unnecessary notifications: C Settings → Notifications Select Which Applications Can Show Alerts on the Screen of the Magnetist.
• 📱 Use it. ADB for deep tuning: Using the adb shell pm grant com.google.android.projection.gearhead command android.permission.WRITE_SECURE_SETTINGS You can unlock hidden functions (developer rights required).

⚠️ Attention: Use ADB-commands can lead to unstable operation of the system. Before experiments, back up your data through Settings → Additionally. → Backup and reset.

For owners of Xiaomi with root rights (root) are available additional features, for example:

• Install modified versions of Android Auto (e.g., AA Phenotype Patcher to unlock wireless mode on incompatible radios).
• Change build.prop to emulate supported devices.

However, remember: any changes to system files can lead to loss of warranty and unstable phone operation.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Android Auto on Xiaomi