Unless you have custom software on your phone, you should be good to go. Android Auto lets you use essential apps via your car's dashboard, similar to Apple's CarPlay. It quickly replaced the patchwork approach of built-in infotainment systems. Most modern Android smartphones built over the last decade include support. A group of 28 car manufacturers pledged to support it.

Almost all Android smartphones sold since 2018 running stock or manufacturer-released Android will support Android Auto with version 9 or later. Google says most wired connections work with version 9 or higher. Version 10 was the first to come with Auto pre-installed. If running Android 9, users can install it from the Google Play Store for wired use. Over 500 vehicles now come with Android Auto support, but compatibility depends on the car's age.

Wireless Android Auto is only available for phones running Android 11 or later, so models released in the last five to six years are most likely to support it. A phone must also include support for 5 GHz Wi-Fi connections (Wi-Fi 5 or later). Older phones, phones without Google services, and third-party installations are the exception.

The Android ecosystem is more fragmented than iOS. Phones with native Android releases work best. Custom ROMs like Graphene OS and Calyx OS may lack default support or require specific configurations. Both Google and the Open Automotive Alliance have tried to make Android Auto universal, but compatibility ultimately depends on the specific device and car model.