SHORT ANSWER
To Add WhatsApp: On the paired smartphone, go to Settings → Android Auto → Customise Launcher → select WhatsApp.
Android Auto supports several communication apps, including WhatsApp. By adding WhatsApp to the Android Auto screen, you can send & receive messages while driving. With simple voice commands, you can do all the required things on WhatsApp without touching your smartphone.
How to Add WhatsApp to Android Auto
First, you need to install the latest version of WhatsApp on the smartphone that you want to link with the device. Head to the Google Play Store and install the app.
1. On your smartphone, open Settings and search for Android Auto.
2. Open Android Auto and tap on the Customise Launcher option.
Note – If you’re using the dedicated Android Auto app, launch it and choose General Settings → Customise Launcher.
3. Scroll down to the WhatsApp and select the box next to it
4. If you want to move WhatsApp, long-press on its name and drag it to the desired location.
5. With your smartphone connected to the car, restart Android Auto to get the icon.
How to Use WhatsApp on Android Auto
After adding WhatsApp, you can send and reply to messages by simply using the voice assistant. Just ensure that you have turned on mobile data is turned on your Android smartphone.
To Send a Message
Activate the Voice assistant by tapping the Microphone icon on the Android Auto screen or simply saying, “Hey, Google.”
Now, say “Message <contact name> on Whatsapp.” The voice assistant will ask to say the message. Say the message you want to send, and the assistant will read the message for confirmation.
- Say, Send if the message has no errors.
- Say, Change Messages if it has errors.
- Say, Cancel if you don’t want to send the message.
To Reply to a Message
Whenever you receive a message on WhatsApp, a pop-up will appear on the Android Auto screen.
Tap the Play option, and the voice assistant will read the message. Tap the Show message to view the message on the car screen itself.
After reading the message, you will get the prompts to reply or mute the conversation.
Does Android Auto Support WhatsApp Audio Calls?
Yes. It is possible. Users with Pixel and Samsung Smartphones can make audio calls from Android Auto while driving. This feature is expected to roll out for other smartphones very soon.
To make a WhatsApp call, activate the voice assistant and then say, “Call <contact name> on WhatsApp.” Instead, launch the Phone app, select the contact, and tap on the WhatsApp icon to start the call.
While receiving a call, you will receive a notification on the Android auto screen. From there, you can either answer or decline the call.
Once the call is connected, the screen will display icons for the following controls.
- To put the call on hold
- To mute and unmute the microphone
- To cut the call
- To switch the call to the phone
FAQ
There may be temporary glitches or issues with the internet connection. To fix the issue, clear the Android Auto cache & WhatsApp cache on your smartphone. If it fails, disconnect your smartphone from the car and connect it back.
On your Android device, launch Settings and go to Android Auto → Customise Launcher → Uncheck the box next to WhatsApp.