Android Auto bug forcing some Pixel users to unlock their phones before connecting

https://www.xda-developers.com/android-auto-bug-forcing-some-pixel-users-to-unlock-phones-before-connecting/

Publish Date: 2026-03-21 11:00:00

Summary

A March Android Auto update has made some Pixel devices require unlocking to start Android Auto over USB.
Android Advanced Protection can reset USB protection and block Android Auto for affected Pixel phones.
Google has acknowledged the issue; the timing of the fix is unclear.

It looks like a recent Android Auto update is causing issues for some Pixel users.

It’s unclear how widespread this problem is, but recent posts on the Android Auto support page indicate that several users are unable to seamlessly connect their Pixel smartphones to the in-car infotainment system via a USB cable (via autoevolution and Android Police).

Usually, you can just plug your phone into a USB port connected to your vehicle, and Android Auto instantly launches. Following a recent March update, Pixel owners now need to unlock their device to get the Android Auto projection system up and running (the bug doesn’t seem to affect wireless Android Auto).

“After a recent update (March 2026), I now have to unlock my phone for my car unit to start Android Auto. The ‘Start Android Auto while locked’ slider is in the on position. The Bluetooth connection in my car is configured as a Trusted device in Extend Unlock,” reads a post from a user in Google’s community forums.

Several Pixel devices, including the Pixel 8, Pixel 9a, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and more, are mentioned in the Android Auto support post, so it’s unclear how many devices are affected by the problem. For what it’s worth, my Pixel 10 Pro still seems to connect instantly to Android Auto with my Ioniq 5.

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