Every Android Auto user should tweak these three settings

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Android Auto is an intelligent driving companion featuring a smart screen accompanied by large buttons which displays essential information and services like calls, music, navigation, and messages. It is gaining so much popularity that it now comes preinstalled in various popular cars models. You simply need to connect it with your phone and you’re ready to roll.

Additionally, it supports Google Assistant, allowing users to easily communicate with Android Auto just by using the voice commands. Thanks for this, Google.

No doubt it makes your driving experience pleasant, but if you expect more from Android Auto, then you must check the following tweaks to make it even better.

1. Force Day or Night Mode

With default settings, Android Auto automatically switches between day and night modes. In case you want to use the dark or light theme all the time, then you need to alter the Android Auto developer settings.

Similar to Android smartphone developer options, Android Auto also has a secret menu with additional settings. Here’s how you can enable it:

1. Launch the Android Auto app on your phone and select About – available on the left menu.
2. Now, you need to tap on the About Android Auto heading approximately ten times, and you will see a dialog box with a message which reads “Allow Development settings.” Here, tap on OK to enable it. Next, tap on the Menu (three-dot) button and select Developer settings.
3. Under Developer Settings, you will explore various new options. Here, you need to tap on Day/Night to switch between phone-controlled and car-controlled settings.

Image: Viney Dhiman / KnowTechie

Using the phone-controlled option utilizes the sunrise/sunset time of your mobile device instead of your car’s system.

Tip – If you want to disable developer mode, then tap on the Menu icon and select the Quit Developer options.

2. Autolaunch

With default settings, you have to manually launch Android Auto whenever you enter the car to enjoy the services. If you’re one who wants Android Auto to start automatically, then the Autolaunch option is what you need to look at.

1. In the Android Auto app, select Settings – available on the left menu.
2. Next, head over to “Phone screen settings” section and select Autolaunch.
3. Here, you need to move the Autolaunch toggle button to the ON position.

Image: Viney Dhiman / KnowTechie

You can also enable Pocket Detection settings if you don’t want Android Auto to start when your phone is inside of your pocket. Turn ON Pocket detection and then select the car’s Bluetooth.

3. Automatic Replies

While driving a car, you can set your phone to auto-respond with text messages.

With the default settings, “I’m driving right now” is set to be the default message, but you can also customize this text.

Image: Viney Dhiman / KnowTechie

Here’s how to do that:

1. Launch the Settings menu.
2. Here head over to the Messaging section and Tap on Auto reply.
3. In the dialog box, delete the default message and change it to whatever you want to send as an automatic response.

Do you know of other useful Android Auto tweaks? Feel free to share them in the comments.

For more how-to guides and tips, check out:

• How to claim your free monthly games on Xbox One and PlayStation 4 remotely
• Here’s how to unblock someone on Instagram
• Here are the best Android Pie features available to users

Viney Dhiman

Himachali, Mechanical Engineer, Snooker Lover, Avid drinker of Scotch, Content Creator, Traveler and shorter than you (probably).