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Google has started pushing a fresh update for Maps on Android Auto that brings a long-requested convenience: the ability to change your navigation “driving avatar” (the icon that represents your car on the map) directly from the vehicle’s own screen.
This July 2025 update builds on the introduction of avatar display support for Android Auto and CarPlay back in May 2025. At that time, the chosen icon would show up on the car’s display, but the selection itself still had to be made inside the Google Maps app on the connected phone. Now, the entire picker is available natively within Android Auto.
What changes
The new “Driving avatar” entry appears inside the Google Maps settings on Android Auto, alongside the familiar options for defining home and work addresses as well as alert preferences. Tapping it brings up a simple palette of icons and colors – exactly the same set that phone users have had access to for years. The driver can scroll through options, select a different vehicle shape, and assign a custom color, then see it appear immediately on the live map.
The process does not require any interaction with the phone after the initial connection. Once Android Auto and Google Maps are both up to date, the setting is accessible without fumbling for the handset, which improves safety and reduces distraction.
Rollout details
The new feature is powered by a server-side switch, meaning it does not depend on a specific APK version alone, though compatibility requires both Android Auto (build 17.8.163744 or newer) and Google Maps (version 26.38.01.980791571 or newer). Early adopters have reported seeing the option within hours of the server update going live. However, even with the correct builds installed, the setting may take several days to appear in all regions. If you do not see it yet, check back later or try force-stopping Maps and restarting Android Auto.
The current rollout appears to target US users first, with an international expansion expected in the coming weeks.
Why it matters
Customizing the driving icon was one of the more popular personalization features in Google Maps on smartphones. Bringing that ability into the car simplifies the setup process and makes it easier for multiple drivers sharing the same vehicle to switch between their preferred avatars without touching the phone.
This update also aligns with Google’s broader effort to reduce phone handling while driving – a key concern for regulators and safety advocates. By allowing drivers to make simple cosmetic changes entirely through the infotainment system, Google keeps interaction within the safe, simplified Android Auto interface.
What else is new
Beyond the avatar picker, the latest Android Auto builds have also refined speed limit and speedometer displays for Maps, showing them even when navigation is not active – a feature that arrived in recent months. Additionally, Google has removed a small Easter egg called “Jimothy” that was briefly visible during development; the company’s internal testing feature is no longer present in the public release.
As for third-party support, automakers continue to weigh Android Auto integration. GM recently described its approach as finding a “sweet spot” for supporting both Android Auto and CarPlay, indicating that the platform remains relevant even as some manufacturers push their own systems.
How to get it
To check for the update, ensure your Android Auto app is at version 17.8 or higher and that Google Maps is up to date via the Play Store. Since the change is server-side, restarting your car may also help. If the driving avatar option is still missing, patience may be the only requirement – Google typically rolls out new capabilities gradually to monitor performance and catch any issues early.
Once available, the new picker appears in the Maps settings wheel on the Android Auto home screen. From there, users can fine-tune their map identity in just a few taps, all while staying focused on the road.
