Android Auto Third-Party Apps

Eliza Faith
The Tech Space
Published in
6 min readOct 1, 2023

In today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape, Android Auto has revolutionized the way we interact with our vehicles. However, Android Auto imposes restrictions on the types of apps accessible through your car’s infotainment system. While it excels in offering communication, navigation, and entertainment apps, it prohibits visual-based content such as videos and games. But there’s no need to despair; ingenious hacks can enhance your Android Auto experience and seamlessly integrate any app you desire.

Android Auto’s App Compatibility

Android Auto seamlessly integrates with your car’s infotainment system, but it comes with a caveat — only apps compatible with Android Auto are readily available. To check whether a specific app is compatible, simply install it on your Android phone. If it’s compatible, the app will automatically appear in the Android Auto app menu. You can also find a list of Android Auto-compatible apps on Google Play.

However, if your desired app is not compatible with Android Auto, you’ll need the assistance of third-party apps to enable it. Here’s where the magic of WheelPal comes into play.

WheelPal: The Ultimate Android Auto Hack

Introducing WheelPal, the ultimate Android Auto app by CarPlay Hacks. WheelPal is designed to bridge the gap between your car’s infotainment system and your smartphone, bringing a new level of convenience and functionality to your driving experience. With WheelPal, you can customize Android Auto to allow access to previously unsupported apps like Netflix and YouTube. Plus, it’s compatible with all Android versions and requires root access.

How to Install WheelPal:

  1. Download and install the WheelPal app for Android from the official website.
  2. Click the “Add to Home” button that appears in a pop-up window.
  3. Wait for the installation to complete, and the app will appear on your home screen.

How to Activate WheelPal:

  1. Click the “Activate” button and add your email for activation.
  2. Select your desired APK and click on it.
  3. Tap “Get” and follow the prompts to purchase the WheelPal Android app.

Adding YouTube and Netflix to Android Auto

Enjoying YouTube and Netflix on Android Auto is now within reach. With the CarStream app, you can set up your Android Auto to play videos without rooting your device. You can easily download and install CarStream by following the provided guide.

To unlock Netflix on Android Auto, you can use a third-party app called “Android Auto Mirror.” While the installation and configuration may require a few steps, it’s a worthwhile endeavor. This app allows you to mirror your phone’s screen onto the Android Auto display, providing you with access to Netflix and other video-based apps.

VLC Media Player for Android Auto

To watch videos from your Android phone on the Android Auto screen, you’ll need a mirroring app. “Android Auto Mirror” is a recommended choice. Once set up, it allows you to view your recorded or downloaded videos seamlessly. Keep in mind that root access is required for this functionality.

Notable Features of Android Auto Mirror:

  • Full-screen mirror
  • Brightness control
  • Orientation control
  • Sliding gestures for navigation
  • Multi-touch support
  • Phone screen resize

Widely used mirroring app for Android Auto

  1. Android Auto Mirror
  2. Android Auto Stream
  3. Screen2Auto
  4. Android Auto Mirror

This is the most famous Mirroring App for Android Auto. As I mentioned already, this app needs root access on your device to give the maximum out of it. Yet, you can enjoy mirroring functionality with limited functions without root access. It can mirror your phone screen on a large sized Android Auto screen on your car.

AA Mirror features — No Root Access Needed

  • Full screen mirror
  • Brightness Control
  • Orientation Control for Portrait to Landscape
  • Sliding Left to Right — the drawer bar for back, menu and favourites will open
  • Sliding Right to Left — launcher drawer will open to launch application

AA Mirror features — Require Root Access

  • Multi Touch
  • Hardware key support
  • Phone screen resize to for Android Auto Screen of your car

Requirements to install AA Mirror

  • Screen Capture permission
  • Write System Settings
  • Draw over other apps
  • Root Access (for particular functionality)
  • Whitelist app in Power Manager
  • Whitelist app in Auto-start Manager

Steps to mirror an app from a phone to Android Auto

  1. First, get Root Access to your Android Device. (Several apps are available to get it done and this is not mandatory as you can use AA Mirror with limited functions in a no-root phone).
  2. Install Android Auto on your Android device if you haven’t already downloaded it.
  3. Open Android Auto
  4. Select About from Menu
  5. Go to ‘About Android Auto’ and tap on the header a few times till the developer mode is turned on.
  6. Click on the 3 dots icon to open the menu and open “Developer Settings.”
  7. Set Application Mode to Developer.
  8. Scroll down and enable “Unknown Sources”.
  9. Then you need to download two APK files via the WheelPal App.
  10. Change the Screen Settings of AA Mirror. For that Open AA Mirror → Settings → Screen Settings. If you are expecting to watch movies and other media, better to set the Screen Settings as follows:Overwrite screen brightness — OnScreen brightness value — 255Screen rotation — ForceRotation degree — 90 degreesImmersive mode — Full immersive
  11. Open AA Phenotype Patcher. Tap the three dots in the top right corner.
  12. Click on “App Lists” and check “AA Mirror”.
  13. Go back, and tap “Patch.” When complete, exit the app.
  14. Then connect your Android Auto. Tap the icon in the bottom right corner.
  15. Among the applications that appear, AA Mirror should be available. By tapping it, you can access all Android apps on your device, including YouTube, Netflix, and VLC to watch videos.

2. Android Auto Stream

Android Auto Stream or AA Stream is also a mirroring app which can be used to mirror your Android phone screen on the car’s screen. This app also requires root access for its functionality.

Also, the developers of AA Stream suggest you to ulcer versions of Android Auto if you are planning to mirror your phone with non-default Android Auto apps running on the screen.

Steps to install AA Stream

First, get Root Access to your Android Device. (Several apps are available to get it done and this is not mandatory as you can use AA Mirror with limited functions in a no-root phone).

  1. Install Android Auto on your Android device if you haven’t already downloaded it.
  2. Enable the Developer Settings on your Android Auto by tapping a few times in the About Android Auto section you find in the Main Menu.
  3. Enable “Unknown Sources” which you find at the bottom of the menu.
  4. Then you need to download AA Stream with the WheelPal App.
  5. Now you can make the necessary modifications and adjust the settings by following the guide provided by the AA Stream developers.

Visit AAStream Official Website

3. Screen2Auto

Screen Auto is one of the latest mirroring apps which can be introduced as a combination of Android Auto Mirror and Android Auto Stream.

Features of Screen to Auto

  • Available for free download
  • No registration or sign up process
  • Gives access to non default Android Auto Apps
  • Require Root Access
  • Video playing facility

Steps to download Screen2Auto

  1. Enable third party apps to be downloaded on your phone as the apk is not downloaded from Google Play. (Android Auto Menu → Settings → Security → Check Unknown Sources)
  2. Download Screen2Auto APK via WheelPal App
  3. Install it and use it as a normal application.

Visit Screen2Auto Official Website

Hardware Solutions for Android Auto

If you prefer a hassle-free solution, consider hardware adapters that allow you to add any app to Android Auto. These wireless Android Auto adapters provide quick and easy access to a wide range of apps, including video streaming services like Netflix, YouTube, Hulu, and more. You can find these adapters at the CarPlay Hacks store, and the WheelPal app helps you choose the best one for your preferred apps.

Notable Android Auto Adapters:

  1. Carlinkit Ai Box Wireless Android Auto Adapter
  2. Carlinkit Wireless Adapter
  3. Onince Ai Box Wireless Carplay Adapter

These adapters offer features like USB Type-C connectors, dual Bluetooth connectivity, built-in GPS, and compatibility with various Android devices and car models.

Conclusion: Enhance Your Android Auto Experience

While Google has imposed restrictions on certain apps for Android Auto due to safety concerns, you can still enjoy non-default apps using the hacks described in this article. Some methods require root access, but others don’t, making it accessible to a broader audience.

In summary, you can enjoy YouTube on Android Auto with CarStream, mirror any app with Android Auto Mirror, and expand your app library with hardware solutions. Stay tuned for more Android Auto hacks and tips to elevate your in-car experience.

Discover the full potential of Android Auto with WheelPal and open the doors to a world of possibilities.

For more information on Android Auto third-party apps and the revolutionary WheelPal app, visit carplayhacks.com.

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Eliza Faith
The Tech Space

Content Marketing Specialist | Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Specialist | Blogger | Freelance Writer | Digital Marketing Enthusiast | Entrepreneur