In this article will provide a step by step guide on how to watch YouTube on Android Auto without rooting the device.
What is Android Auto?
Android Auto is a mobile application developed by Google that allows users to connect their Android devices to a compatible car’s infotainment system. With Android Auto, users can access various apps and features on their Android device through the car’s dashboard display and controls. This includes making calls, sending and receiving messages, playing music, getting directions, and accessing other third-party apps like Spotify, WhatsApp, and Google Maps. Android Auto’s interface is designed to be simple and easy to use, with voice commands and large icons to minimize distractions while driving. It is compatible with most Android devices and can be downloaded for free from the Google Play Store.
YouTube is not officially supported
Watching YouTube videos on Android Auto is not officially supported by Google. While Android Auto allows access to a range of apps and features through a car’s infotainment system, YouTube is not included in the list of supported apps due to safety concerns. Watching videos while driving can be a major distraction and increase the risk of accidents on the road. But there is a solution.
CarStream or Fermata Auto for Android Auto
There are two third-party apps called CarStream and Fermata Auto. These apps are compatible with Android Auto Coolwalk Update as well. These apps will allow access to the web version of YouTube. I can’t say which one is better, they both do what they are supposed to do. I prefer Fermata Auto.
Step by Step: Video Guide
Step by Step Guide: Install CarStream or Fermata Auto
Here is a step by step guide on how to get CarStream or Fermata Auto app your Android phone:
Step 1: You need an Android smartphone that supports Android Auto.
Any smartphone running Android 10 and above has Android Auto built-in. You don’t have to download any additional app you can just plug and play.
Android 13 is supported.
Step 2: Enable the installation of third-party apps
In the Setting app of the phone should be a section called “Install Unknown Apps” or “Unknown sources”, usually listed under “Security” or “Privacy” section. In that list, we want to allow Chrome to install apps.
Step 3: Installing AAAD app via Chrome
To download and install the app, users need to follow these steps:
- Open the Chrome browser on the Android device.
- Type the link https://bit.ly/3k1rEjn in the browser’s address bar and hit enter.
- The browser will redirect to the download page for the app.
- Locate the latest version of the app and under the “Assets” tab will be the app name ending in the .apk extension. (AAAD-1.4.4-release.apk)
- Download and install app.
Step 4: Installing CarStream or Fermata Auto via AAAD
Important: These apps must be installed via AAAD otherwise they won’t show up on Android Auto.
Upon opening the app you will be prompted to allow install of apps via AAAD. Similar to the Step 2, this app need permissions to install third-party apps.
This app will contain a compilation of apps related to Android Auto, we want to install CarStream or Fermata Auto. The free version of the app only allows only 1 download every few days so be sure you are tapping on one of those two apps. After tapping on CarStream a list will of app versions pops up, select the latest version.
Step 5: Connect your smartphone to Android Auto and Enjoy!
That’s it! You can now have access to CarStream / Fermata Auto (depending on which one was installed) on Android Auto. The app should appear on the app list screen.
Troubleshooting
Some phones seem to not be supported or they might require some extra steps.
Fix for OnePlus, Realme, Oppo
- Open settings
- Select app management then open the app list
- Find and select “Package Installer”
- Tap “Force stop”
- Download Google’s package installer and install it as a normal APK
After this, whenever a download is finished through AAAD, at least two options will appear for choosing how to install. Two icons should appear, a green one and another one, select the latter and don’t select the option to make it as default (always open with). You can then continue the installation normally.
App not showing on Android Auto
Potential solution:
- Go to your Android Auto app from the phone (settings)
- Scroll down until you see “Version”
- Tap the “Version” 10 times to enable developer mode
- Press the hamburger menu / three dots in the top right and press “Developer Settings”
- Scroll down until you see “Unknown Sources”
- Check this option
- Reboot the device
Now the app should show up in the app list.
Fix for “No messages during drive” on Google Pixel Phones
For Android 14: https://www.apkmirror.com/apk/google-inc/package-installer/package-installer-14-release/
Re-do any installation of AAAD apps (uninstall and install back)
(source: shmyklesa/AAAD)
