Use this article if…
- Android Auto won't launch on your MK4, over USB or wireless. This one isn't for iPhone CarPlay.
- For the general MK4 phone path, see Phone pairing. If Bluetooth's silent, see Bluetooth no sound.
Quick answer
If Android Auto won't start, it's usually the app, the cable or a stale pairing. Update Android Auto, use a proven data USB-C cable, turn off aggressive battery optimisation for Android Auto and Bluetooth, then pair again from the headunit.
Problem
- Android Auto won't start over USB or wireless.
Symptoms
- You tap Android Auto and it never starts: it spins, or it drops back to home.
- USB is plugged in, but you get a no device message or constant reconnect chirps.
- Wireless Android Auto fails while USB Android Auto works, or the other way around.
Cause
- Your Android Auto app is out of date, its cache is corrupted, or it doesn't match the MK4 build.
- Your cable is charge-only or poor quality, or the USB-C port is marginal and drops out with movement.
- Battery optimisation or your phone maker's power rules suspend the Bluetooth or USB routing Android Auto expects.
- Android Auto still holds a stale car registration after you updated your phone OS or changed something on the MK4.
Fix Step-by-step
- Update Android Auto from the Play Store, then clear its cache if it plays up after you update.
- Plug a verified data USB-C cable straight into the MK4.
- On your phone, turn off battery optimisation for Android Auto and Bluetooth.
- Delete the MK4 from Bluetooth, forget the car inside Android Auto settings, then start pairing again from the headunit wizard.
- Try another Android handset. That shows you whether it's the phone or the unit.
Notes
- Pairing on any phone: My phone won’t pair
- Wireless stability: Wireless CP/AA
- Bluetooth silent: Bluetooth connects but no audio
- Data for maps: Internet on the MK4
- New unit: First-time setup
- Firmware: MK4 firmware & updates (PVS)
Firmware & updates (quick)
- Check your build: Settings → System → About device / About tablet. Note the build so you can give it to us if we ask.
- When it's relevant: you've worked through the app, cable and pairing fixes with no change, or PVS targeted your build. See the full update guide. It isn't the first thing to try.
- Safe rules: PVS packages only, engine running so it's charging, and don't pull the USB mid-flash.
- Stop and contact PVS: unofficial images, a boot loop after flashing, or any smell or heat.