Yes, you can use an iPhone with most modern Android Auto car stereos, but the experience is different from using it with Apple's CarPlay. The primary way to connect is through standard Bluetooth for audio calls and music streaming. For a more integrated experience, you'll rely on the stereo's own built-in features rather than a direct iPhone mirroring function.
The key is to understand that Android Auto is a specific smartphone projection standard designed for Android devices. Your iPhone cannot run Android Auto. Instead, you'll use the head unit's native multimedia system. Most aftermarket stereos from brands like Pioneer, Kenwood, and Sony support both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. If a stereo has CarPlay, that's the ideal way to connect an iPhone. If it only has Android Auto, you use the alternative methods below.
Connection Methods:
- Bluetooth Audio (A2DP/AVRCP): This is the universal method. You can pair your iPhone to stream music, podcasts, and audiobooks from apps like Spotify or Apple Music. It also handles hands-free calling. The control is basic—play, pause, skip—from the stereo's screen.
- USB Connection: Plugging in your iPhone via a USB cable often provides higher-quality audio playback than Bluetooth and allows for charging. The stereo may recognize it as a "USB device" and let you browse music libraries directly through its interface.
- Auxiliary Input (AUX): If your stereo has a 3.5mm AUX port, a simple cable connection provides direct audio. This offers universal compatibility but no charging or on-screen control beyond volume.
The functionality you get depends heavily on the stereo's manufacturer. Here’s a comparison of what to expect with different connection types on an Android Auto-only stereo:
| Feature | Bluetooth Connection | USB Connection | AUX Cable |
|---|
| Audio Streaming | Yes (Compressed) | Yes (Higher Quality) | Yes (Direct Analog) |
| Hands-Free Calling | Yes | Sometimes | No |
| On-Screen Music Control | Basic (Play/Pause/Skip) | Basic to Full Library Browse | No |
| Charging | No | Yes | No |
| Voice Assistant (Siri) | Button-triggered via steering wheel | Button-triggered via steering wheel | No |
| App Integration (Maps) | No | No | No |
To use Siri, you can typically press and hold the voice command button on your steering wheel or stereo, which activates Siri over the Bluetooth connection. For navigation, you'll need to use your iPhone's screen directly, as map apps like Google Maps or Apple Maps won't project onto the stereo. The best solution for a seamless iPhone experience is to choose a stereo that explicitly supports Apple CarPlay.
