4 Android Auto default settings you should change right away – here’s why
4 Android Auto default settings you should change right away – here’s why
https://www.zdnet.com/article/change-these-android-auto-default-settings-now/
Publish Date: 2026-06-11 12:54:00
Source Domain: www.zdnet.com
Artie Beaty/ZDNET
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ZDNET’s key takeaways
- You should change some of Android Auto’s default settings.
- Without changing these settings, your UI is cluttered and busy.
- Toggling the settings makes Android Auto less distracting.
Android Auto is designed to make driving easier, but there’s a good chance you’re not using it to its full potential. The software is highly customizable, and its developer settings let you tinker and tweak the operation and interface to your liking.
Also: I switched to MyRadar as my main Android Auto weather app and don’t regret it
Even if you’re not especially into customizing, there are some settings you should change right away. By default, Android Auto has some settings that don’t make for the best driving experience. Here’s a look at four of those, and why you should change them now.
1. Decline to start music automatically
This feature can be convenient, but it can also be annoying. By default, Android Auto resumes where it left off every time you start your car.
Also: Overheating from Android Auto? 8 easy fixes that effectively cooled off my phone
This capability means you’ll hear the high-energy playlist or intense podcast you were listening to last night before you even back out of the driveway the next morning.
If you’re the only one who uses your car, this feature might be fine, but if you switch cars with family members or have kids getting in and out of your vehicle, you probably don’t want this capability enabled. The good news is that it’s simple to restart your media, so go ahead and turn off automatic start. You can find this option in your phone’s main settings app by searching for Android Auto, then toggling “Start music automatically.”
2. Turn off message notifications
There are at least two message notification settings you probably want to change. By default, Android Auto shows part of any text message that you get. This feature isn’t necessarily a good thing. If you…
