10+ Ways to Fix Spotify Not Showing or Not Working on Android Auto

Part 1. Fix Spotify Not Showing on Android Auto

Android Auto is designed to make listening to music on the road simple, with easy controls and access to apps like Spotify. Still, Spotify doesn't always appear in the launcher or app list, even when it works on your phone.

This can happen suddenly, often after an app or system update. One common cause is that Android puts unused apps to sleep, or blocks side-loaded or modded Spotify versions. To fix it, make sure both Spotify and Android Auto are updated, restart your phone and car system, and check that Spotify has the necessary permissions and is set as the default media app. Enabling Developer Mode in Android Auto to allow "Unknown sources" and checking battery optimization settings can also help. Most of the time, these steps bring Spotify back on your screen.

1. Check Android Auto Connection (USB/Wireless)

Spotify not showing? Most of the time, it's just a connection issue. Think of your phone and car like two friends trying to shake hands. If the cable is loose or the wireless link wobbles, the handshake fails. Disconnect your phone, open Spotify, and reconnect it. For wireless setups, make sure both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are on. Android Auto needs a solid connection to recognize the app.

Step 1 Disconnect your phone from the car's USB port.

Step 2 Make sure the Spotify app is open and running on your phone.

Step 3 Reconnect your phone to the car's USB port.

Step 4 Wait for Android Auto to recognize the connection and launch on your car's display.

Step 5 Once connected, try accessing Spotify through Android Auto to check if the issue persists.

2. Enable Spotify in Android Auto Launcher

Even if Spotify is installed, Android Auto might not know it's allowed to appear. Enabling it in the launcher is like showing a library card to get into a restricted section. Once it's enabled, your car will see Spotify and let you use it.

Step 1 Open the Android Auto app on your phone.

Step 2 Tap the Customize launcher option (sometimes under Settings).

Step 3 Scroll through the list of apps and locate Spotify.

Step 4 Make sure the toggle next to Spotify is turned on.

Step 5 Disconnect and reconnect your phone to the car to see if Spotify now appears in Android Auto.

3. Refresh Android Auto

Sometimes Android Auto just gets stuck. Refreshing the system resets the interface and clears small glitches. Think of it like rebooting a stuck vending machine. Suddenly, everything works again.

Step 1 Disconnect your phone from the car's USB port.

Step 2 Close the Android Auto app on your phone.

Step 3 Close the Spotify app on your phone.

Step 4 Reboot your phone to fully refresh background processes.

Step 5 Reconnect your phone to the car's USB port.

Step 6 Wait for Android Auto to recognize the connection and relaunch on your car's display.

Step 7 Check if Spotify now appears in the Android Auto launcher.

4. Configure AutoStart

Turning on AutoStart makes Spotify launch automatically when your phone connects to the car. Without it, you'd need to open Spotify manually every time. It's like making sure your coffee machine starts brewing as soon as you wake up. Automatic and ready to go.

Step 1 In Settings, go to Apps or Apps & Notifications.

Step 2 Tap Spotify.

Step 3 Find and select Autostart or Autostart Settings.

Step 4 Make sure Spotify is allowed to start automatically when the phone is connected to your car's Bluetooth.

5. Disable Battery/System Optimization

Modern phones like to "nap" apps to save battery. If Spotify is sleeping, Android Auto can't see it. Disabling battery optimization keeps Spotify awake and ready to play, even when the phone is idle.

Step 1 Open your device's Settings, then tap Battery or Battery & Power.

Step 2 Find and select Spotify from the list of apps.

Step 3 Look for Battery Optimization and choose Don't Optimize or Not Optimized.

Step 4 Tap Done or OK to save the changes.

6. Set Spotify as Default Music Service

If Spotify isn't your default, Android Auto may choose another app instead. Setting it as default is like telling a waiter which drink to serve first. It ensures Spotify is picked every time.

Step 1 Use the voice command "Hey/OK, Google" or long-press the Home button.

Step 2 Tap on your profile picture, then go to Settings > Music > Default music library/player.

Step 3 Select Spotify from the list of available music services.

7. Force Stop Spotify & Android Auto

Sometimes both apps just need a reboot. Force-stopping them clears temporary glitches. It works like restarting a jammed coffee machine. Everything gets a fresh start, and Spotify may reappear.

8. Clear Cache

Cache files help apps run faster, but sometimes they get corrupted. Clearing them is like cleaning out a messy desk. It gives Spotify a fresh workspace to work from.

Step 1 Open your Settings app.

Step 2 Go to Apps or Application Manager.

Step 3 Find and select Spotify from the list.

Step 4 Tap Force Stop to completely close the app. This can help reset any connections causing issues.

Step 5 Tap Storage & Cache.

Step 6 Tap Clear Cache to remove temporary files that might be causing problems.

Step 7 If clearing the cache doesn't work, tap Clear Storage to reset the app, removing all data, preferences, and offline content.

9. Update Apps

Old versions of Spotify or Android Auto can cause miscommunication. Updating ensures both are speaking the same language and fixes known bugs.

10. Restart Phone & Car

A full restart refreshes all systems. Think of it as rebooting a busy office. Sometimes the simplest step solves everything.

Step 1 Check for updates by going to Settings > Software Update and install any available updates.

Step 2 Press and hold the power button.

Step 3 When the power-off slider appears, swipe it to turn off your device.

Step 4 Once the device powers off, press and hold the power button again to restart it.

11. Reinstall Apps if Needed

If problems keep happening, reinstalling gives both apps a clean slate. It replaces any corrupted files or settings, making Spotify and Android Auto feel brand new.

Step 1 Turn off the car and wait for a few minutes.

Step 2 Turn the car back on and ensure the infotainment system fully resets.

12. Enable Developer Mode & Unknown Sources (Advanced)

For advanced users, turning on Developer Mode can bypass certain restrictions. It's not for everyone, but it can help Spotify appear if all else fails.

Step 1 Open your device's Settings.

Step 2 Scroll down and tap About Phone.

Step 3 Tap Build Number 7 times to enable Developer Options (you may need to enter your device's PIN).

Step 4 Go back to Settings and open Developer Options (usually found under System or Additional Settings).

Step 5 Ensure USB Debugging is enabled (this can help with connectivity issues).

13. Try an Older Spotify Version

Sometimes updates introduce bugs. Going back to an older version is like using a tried-and-true recipe. It's familiar and reliable.

Step 1 Go to Settings > Apps or Application Manager and uninstall the current version of Spotify.

Step 2 Download the APK file of an older version of Spotify from a trusted website (ensure it is reliable and safe).

Step 3 Enable installation from unknown sources in Settings > Security.

Step 4 Install the older version and test if it works better with Android Auto.

Part 2. Fix Spotify Not Working on Android Auto

Even when Spotify shows up, it may not always work reliably. Music might play, but controls can freeze, audio may drop, or the app may stop unexpectedly. Real-world performance varies with updates, devices, and car systems.

To fix most issues, restart Android Auto and your phone, force-stop both apps, clear caches, and make sure Spotify can run in the background without battery restrictions. Updating both apps often helps, and sometimes reinstalling Spotify or opening it before connecting can solve persistent problems. These steps usually keep playlists running smoothly while driving.

1. Restart Android Auto

Restarting clears temporary glitches and refreshes the interface. Think of it like rebooting a stuck appliance. Playback often starts working again after a restart.

Step 1 Disconnect your phone from the car's USB port or wireless connection.

Step 2 Close the Android Auto app on your phone.

Step 3 Close the Spotify app on your phone.

Step 4 Reboot your phone to reset background services.

Step 5 Reconnect your phone to the car.

Step 6 Wait for Android Auto to launch and check if Spotify now works properly.

2. Check Connection & Audio Output

Spotify might be playing, but the sound isn't coming through the car. It's like water going down the wrong pipe. Check USB, Bluetooth, or wireless connections and make sure the audio output is correct.

Step 1 Make sure your phone is securely connected to the car via USB or paired via Bluetooth.

Step 2 If using a wired connection, ensure the USB cable supports data transfer.

Step 3 Swipe down on your phone to check the USB connection mode and set it to Android Auto / File Transfer.

Step 4 Confirm that the car's media system is set to play audio from Android Auto.

Step 5 Test Spotify playback through Android Auto to see if the issue persists.

3. Turn Off Spotify Offline Mode

Offline mode blocks streaming. If it's on, Spotify acts like it has no internet. Make sure streaming is active so your songs keep playing.

Step 1 Open the Spotify app on your phone.

Step 2 Tap the gear icon (Settings) in the top-right corner.

Step 3 Scroll down and find Offline Mode.

Step 4 Toggle Offline Mode to Off.

Step 5 If you have downloaded songs you want to play offline, start playback on the phone first.

Step 6 Reconnect to Android Auto and test if Spotify now plays correctly.

4. Force Stop Spotify

Force-stopping resets the app's temporary state. Think of it like pressing the reset button on a misbehaving device. Glitches clear, and playback resumes.

5. Clear Cache

Old or corrupted cache files can interrupt playback. Clearing them is like cleaning a cluttered workbench. It helps the tools, in this case Spotify functions, work properly again.

6. Check Bluetooth Settings

Make sure your phone is connected properly to the car's Bluetooth. Sometimes the device is paired but not selected, or audio is going somewhere else. Fixing this ensures Spotify plays where it should.

Step 1 Open your device's Settings and go to Connected Devices or Bluetooth.

Step 2 Find the Bluetooth connection for your car's audio system.

Step 3 Disable options related to Bluetooth Audio or Media Audio (these can sometimes cause issues with playback).

Step 4 Ensure that Phone Audio or Calls is enabled so your phone can still communicate with the car.

7. Enable Broadcast Permission

Spotify needs permission to broadcast to other devices, including Android Auto. Without it, the app may not communicate correctly with your car system.

Step 1 Open the Spotify app on your Android device.

Step 2 Tap the gear icon (Settings) in the top-right corner.

Step 3 Scroll down and select Device Broadcast Status.

Step 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.

Step 5 Exit the settings and test if Spotify works with Android Auto again.

8. Allow Nearby Devices Permission

Nearby Devices permission lets Android Auto detect Spotify on your phone. Make sure it's on in Spotify settings. Otherwise, your car might not recognize the app.

Step 1 Open your device's Settings app.

Step 2 Scroll down and select Apps or Applications.

Step 3 Find and tap Spotify.

Step 4 Tap Permissions.

Step 5 Ensure Nearby Devices permission is granted (this allows Spotify to connect with other devices, including Android Auto).

Step 6 Once granted, exit the settings and test Spotify with Android Auto again.

9. Re-enable Spotify in Android Auto

Sometimes Android Auto temporarily forgets the app. Re-enabling Spotify ensures it shows up and plays properly.

Step 1 Open the Android Auto app on your phone.

Step 2 Tap Customize launcher or App settings.

Step 3 Scroll to Spotify and toggle it off, then toggle it back on.

Step 4 Disconnect and reconnect your phone to the car.

Step 5 Wait for Android Auto to refresh and check if Spotify now functions normally.

10. Update Apps

Outdated versions can cause bugs and instability. Keeping both Spotify and Android Auto updated ensures smooth communication between your phone and car.

Step 1 Open the Google Play Store on your Android device.

Step 2 Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the top-left corner, then select My Apps & Games.

Step 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.

11. Sign Out & Back Into Spotify

Signing out resets your account data. It's like starting fresh. Login or syncing issues often get fixed this way.

Step 1 Open the Spotify app on your phone.

Step 2 Tap the profile icon (Privacy & Settings) in the top-right corner.

Step 3 Scroll down and tap Log Out.

Step 4 Reboot your phone to refresh background processes.

Step 5 Open Spotify again and log back in with your account.

Step 6 Reconnect your phone to Android Auto and test playback.

12. Reinstall Apps if Needed

If nothing else works, reinstalling both apps replaces corrupted files and clears persistent problems. It gives Spotify and Android Auto a clean slate to work perfectly again.

To Uninstall Android Auto:

Step 1 Go to Settings on your Android device.

Step 2 Tap Apps or Applications, then find Android Auto.

Step 3 Tap Uninstall and confirm by selecting OK or Uninstall.

To Clean Uninstall Spotify:

For Android 6.0 or Above:

Step 1 Go to Settings > Apps > Spotify.

Step 2 Tap Storage & Cache > Clear Storage.

Step 3 In Spotify's settings, tap Uninstall.

Step 4 Go to File Manager > Internal Storage > Android > data and delete the com.spotify.music folder.

Step 5 Restart your device and reinstall Spotify from the official website.

For Android Below 6.0:

Step 1 Go to Settings > Apps/Applications > Manage Applications > Spotify.

Step 2 Tap Clear Data.

Step 3 Go to Storage > Android > Data and delete the com.spotify.music folder.

Step 4 Restart your device and reinstall Spotify from the official website.

Part 3. Use Alternative Playback If Spotify Is Still Not Working on Android Auto

If the usual fixes don't work, you still have options. Connect your phone directly to the car via Bluetooth or USB and play Spotify from the phone's screen. You can also use local files, like MP3s on a USB drive, for offline listening. Many drivers keep a small media player or USB drive with favorite songs as a backup. Tools like ViWizard Spotify Music Converter make it easy to download and convert playlists, albums, podcasts, and audiobooks to MP3 for offline use on phones, tablets, or USB drives. No Premium subscription is needed - just add tracks, select the format, and convert. While it's not as seamless as Android Auto, it ensures you'll always have music on the road.

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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.