After a Decade of Waiting, Android Auto Might Finally Listen
Google—the tech giant found in millions of cars through Android Auto—is once again facing scrutiny over persistent issues with its service. According to a report from Android Authority, evidence discovered in recent software builds hints that some improvements requested by users could be on the way. For almost ten years, drivers have been vocal about inconvenient limitations. Now, there are indications Google is starting to respond.
The Daily Struggles: Radio and Alarm Frustrations
Connecting a smartphone to your car, through Android Auto or Apple’s CarPlay, is now standard for many drivers. Yet Android Auto still has some functional gaps. Right now, while you can access many services through screen mirroring, Android Auto does not let users control radio stations directly from its interface. To change the station, drivers must leave Android Auto and switch to the car’s own infotainment system. This extra step is disruptive and has led to understandable frustration.
The situation with alarms is similar. If an alarm is triggered while driving, drivers are forced to handle their phone or smartwatch to manage it—Android Auto does not allow alarm dismissal from the dashboard screen. For example, a scheduled reminder for a banking appointment remains unsilenceable unless the user handles their device directly, highlighting the lack of integration and adding to drivers' daily stress.
New Features Reportedly on the Way
For nearly a decade, users have asked to manage alarms through Android Auto, but with no results. The latest findings from Android Authority bring some hope. Technical language within the software such as “Search for stations” and “There are no stations available at the moment” suggests that search and selection features for radio stations could finally be in development.
Google has not provided detailed information, but in a statement to Android Authority said, “fixes are starting to be deployed.” However, no official release date has been shared. So, despite the promise of progress and confirmation that work has been ongoing for months, drivers are still left waiting for concrete updates.
Why Are Fixes So Complicated?
Upgrading Android Auto is not straightforward. As a mirroring-based solution, it must support a wide variety of in-car electronic systems and meet standards such as DAB+, HD Radio, DRM, ISDB-T, and CDR. On top of that, Google must ensure all updates comply with strict road safety requirements, further complicating the rollout of new features, particularly anything involving media or alarms. Operating a smartphone while driving to turn off alarms remains strongly discouraged for safety reasons.
In the meantime, users have traded tips online—like resetting devices or clearing app caches—but none have reliably resolved these issues. Many continue to experience repeated disconnections on devices like the Galaxy S26 or are forced to unlock Pixel phones to keep using Android Auto, making daily use a hassle.
