10 Ways to Fix Spotify Not Working on Android Auto [Step-by-Step]

Fix 1: Check Your Connection Settings

If Spotify isn't working with Android Auto, it might be a connection issue. Disconnect your phone from the car's USB port, open Spotify on your phone, then reconnect the phone to the car. Check if Android Auto recognizes the connection and opens Spotify.

1. Disconnect your phone from the car's USB port.
2. Make sure the Spotify app is open and running on your phone.
3. Reconnect your phone to the car's USB port.
4. Wait for Android Auto to recognize the connection and launch on your car's display.
5. Once connected, try accessing Spotify through Android Auto to check if the issue persists.

Fix 2: Grant Required Permissions to Spotify

Spotify may need specific permissions to work properly with Android Auto. Go to Spotify's settings and make sure the options for Device Broadcast Status and Nearby Devices are turned on. If they're already on, turn them off and on again, then check if Spotify connects.

1. Enable Device Broadcast Status

   

   1. Open the Spotify app on your Android device.
   2. Tap the gear icon (Settings) in the top-right corner.
   3. Scroll down and select Device Broadcast Status.
   4. Toggle the switch next to Enable Device Broadcast to turn it on.
          • If it's already on, try toggling it off and on again to refresh the setting.
   5. Exit the settings and test if Spotify works with Android Auto again.
2. Allow Nearby Devices Permission
   1. Open your device's Settings app.
   2. Scroll down and select Apps or Applications.
   3. Find and tap Spotify.
   4. Tap Permissions.
   5. Ensure Nearby Devices permission is granted (this allows Spotify to connect with other devices, including Android Auto).
   6. Once granted, exit the settings and test Spotify with Android Auto again.

Fix 3: Adjust System Optimization Settings

Make sure your phone is set up correctly for Android Auto. Enable Developer Options and turn on USB debugging. Also, allow Spotify to start automatically when you connect your phone to your car. Disable battery saving for Spotify so it works smoothly.

1. Enable Developer Options (if needed)
   1. Open your device's Settings.
   2. Scroll down and tap About Phone.
   3. Tap Build Number 7 times to enable Developer Options (you may need to enter your device's PIN).
   4. Go back to Settings and open Developer Options (usually found under System or Additional Settings).
   5. Ensure USB Debugging is enabled (this can help with connectivity issues).
2. Configure Autostart Settings
   1. In Settings, go to Apps or Apps & Notifications.
   2. Tap Spotify.
   3. Find and select Autostart or Autostart Settings.
   4. Make sure Spotify is allowed to start automatically when the phone is connected to your car's Bluetooth.
3. Disable Battery Optimization for Spotify
   1. Open your device's Settings, then tap Battery or Battery & Power.
   2. Find and select Spotify from the list of apps.
   3. Look for Battery Optimization and choose Don't Optimize or Not Optimized.
   4. Tap Done or OK to save the changes.
4. Check Bluetooth Settings
   1. Open your device's Settings and go to Connected Devices or Bluetooth.
   2. Find the Bluetooth connection for your car's audio system.
   3. Disable options related to Bluetooth Audio or Media Audio (these can sometimes cause issues with playback).
   4. Ensure that Phone Audio or Calls is enabled so your phone can still communicate with the car.

Fix 4: Set Spotify as the Default Music Service

To make sure Spotify works every time, set it as the default music app. Go to your phone's settings and choose Spotify as your default music service for Android Auto.

1. Use the voice command "Hey/OK, Google" or long-press the Home button.
2. Tap on your profile picture, then go to Settings > Music > Default music library/player.
3. Select Spotify from the list of available music services.

Fix 5: Force Stop and Clear Cache/Data

Clearing Spotify's cache and data can fix many problems. Go to your phone's settings, force stop the app, then clear its cache. If that doesn't work, clear the data (you'll have to log back in and re-download any offline music).

1. Open your Settings app.
2. Go to Apps or Application Manager.
3. Find and select Spotify from the list.
4. Tap Force Stop to completely close the app. This can help reset any connections causing issues.
5. Tap Storage & Cache.
6. Tap Clear Cache to remove temporary files that might be causing problems.
7. If clearing the cache doesn't work, tap Clear Storage to reset the app, removing all data, preferences, and offline content.
   Note: Use this as a last resort, as it will require you to log in again and re-download offline content.

Fix 6: Update the Apps

Make sure both Spotify and Android Auto are up-to-date. Go to the Google Play Store and check for any updates to both apps. Updating them can fix bugs that might be causing issues.

1. Open the Google Play Store on your Android device.
2. Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the top-left corner, then select My Apps & Games.
3. Look for Spotify and Android Auto in the list of installed apps. If updates are available, tap the Update button next to each app to install the latest versions.

Fix 7: Update and Restart Your Devices

Update your phone and car's infotainment system. After updating, restart both your phone and the car's system to help refresh the connection between Spotify and Android Auto.

1. Update and Restart Your Android Device
   1. Check for updates by going to Settings > Software Update and install any available updates.
   2. Press and hold the power button.
   3. When the power-off slider appears, swipe it to turn off your device.
   4. Once the device powers off, press and hold the power button again to restart it.
2. Restart Your Car's Infotainment System
   If needed, restarting the infotainment system can help resolve issues with Android Auto.
   1. Turn off the car and wait for a few minutes.
   2. Turn the car back on and ensure the infotainment system fully resets.
   3. Note: Consult your car's owner's manual for instructions on restarting the infotainment system, if necessary.

Fix 8: Reinstall Spotify and Android Auto

If the other fixes don't work, try uninstalling and reinstalling both Spotify and Android Auto. This can help clear any issues caused by bad files or settings.

1. To Uninstall Android Auto:
   1. Go to Settings on your Android device.
   2. Tap Apps or Applications, then find Android Auto.
   3. Tap Uninstall and confirm by selecting OK or Uninstall.
2. To Clean Uninstall Spotify:
   • For Android 6.0 or Above:
     1. Go to Settings > Apps > Spotify.
     2. Tap Storage & Cache > Clear Storage.
     3. In Spotify's settings, tap Uninstall.
     4. Go to File Manager > Internal Storage > Android > data and delete the com.spotify.music folder.
     5. Restart your device and reinstall Spotify from the official website.
   • For Android Below 6.0:
     1. Go to Settings > Apps/Applications > Manage Applications > Spotify.
     2. Tap Clear Data.
     3. Go to Storage > Android > Data and delete the com.spotify.music folder.
     4. Restart your device and reinstall Spotify from the official website.

Fix 9: Try an Older Version of Spotify (if needed)

If the latest version of Spotify keeps causing issues, try installing an older version. Some users find that older versions work better with Android Auto. Download an older version of the app from a safe site and see if it works.

1. Go to Settings > Apps or Application Manager and uninstall the current version of Spotify.
2. Download the APK file of an older version of Spotify from a trusted website (ensure it is reliable and safe).
3. Enable installation from unknown sources in Settings > Security.
4. Install the older version and test if it works better with Android Auto.

Note: Be aware that using older versions can leave you without the latest features and security updates, so use this as a temporary fix.

Fix 10: Use External Drive Instead

If your car isn't compatible with Android Auto, or if you prefer an alternative method to play Spotify in your car without relying on an internet connection or a premium subscription, using an external drive can be an excellent solution.

Why Use an External Drive?

• No need for an internet connection.
• No requirement for a Spotify premium account.
• Smooth playback without interruptions or glitches.

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Summary:

You're ready to play Spotify on Android Auto while driving, but Android Auto Spotify stops working. You can follow these method above to attempt to fix this Android Auto Spotify not working issue. You can also contact Google and Spotify to express the specific problem. If you have not got a satisfying reply, you are suggested using an Android Auto Spotify alternative - ViWizard Spotify converter to listen to Spotify in the car.