Android Auto has a hidden menu and lots of don't know

[ad_1] <img class="e_jg" decoding="async" loading="eager" sizes="(min-width: 64rem) 51.25rem, 80vw" title="android auto developer settings 1" srcset="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/android-auto-developer-settings-1.jpg 1920w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/android-auto-developer-settings-1-64w-36h.jpg 64w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/android-auto-developer-settings-1-1000w-563h.jpg 1000w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/android-auto-developer-settings-1-1536w-864h.jpg 1536w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/android-auto-developer-settings-1-675w-380h.jpg 675w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/android-auto-developer-settings-1-300w-170h.jpg 300w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/android-auto-developer-settings-1-1280w-720h.jpg 1280w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/android-auto-developer-settings-1-840w-472h.jpg 840w" alt="android auto developer settings 1" src="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/android-auto-developer-settings-1.jpg"/> Andy Walker / Android Authority

I’ve mentioned it earlier than, and I’ll repeat it: Android Auto is amongst Google’s finest merchandise. Sure, it has its flaws and might be improved, however the worth it provides to the driving expertise is substantial. It’s much more useful when you unlock its hidden settings and take full benefit of apps from third-party sources.

By default, Android Auto is proscribed to apps put in via the Google Play Retailer, however should you toggle a small setting in its hidden developer menu, you'll be able to increase its app assist, unlocking much more utility.

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<img class="e_jg" decoding="async" loading="lazy" sizes="9.375rem" title="google preferred source badge light@2x" srcset="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/google_preferred_source_badge_light@2x.png 676w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/google_preferred_source_badge_light@2x-64w-20h.png 64w" alt="google preferred source badge light@2x" src="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/google_preferred_source_badge_light@2x.png"/><img class="e_jg" decoding="async" loading="lazy" sizes="9.375rem" title="google preferred source badge dark@2x" srcset="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/google_preferred_source_badge_dark@2x.png 676w, https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/google_preferred_source_badge_dark@2x-64w-20h.png 64w" alt="google preferred source badge dark@2x" src="https://www.androidauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/google_preferred_source_badge_dark@2x.png"/> I exploit this little trick to full impact, however how prevalent is it throughout the bigger Android Auto group? To seek out out, we performed two reader polls to find out the variety of readers who use developer mode and the variety of readers who make the most of apps from third-party sources.

Let’s begin with the primary ballot:

Of the almost 5,000 votes we acquired on this one, ~27.6% of respondents do use Android Auto’s developer settings to a point. That’s a surprisingly excessive share given the excessive share (almost 40%) of customers who had no thought this menu even exists, and the comparatively meager collection of settings that profit on a regular basis customers.

Notably, an additional ~22.6% of voters haven’t tried unlocking developer settings in any respect, however do wish to, whereas a smidgen over 11% don’t imagine that they want entry to it.

Granted, the developer settings menu is comparatively skinny, but it surely does permit customers to change off Wi-fi Android Auto on the root and allow assist for Unknown Sources — apps put in outdoors the Play Retailer. These two settings are price their weight in gold for a lot of.

Talking of, third-party apps on Android Auto are much more common on the platform that Google possible feels snug with.

Do you utilize CarStream or Fermata Auto to play video on Android Auto? 333 votes

Sure, I exploit CarStream.

19%

Sure, I exploit Fermata Auto.

8%

No, I am unable to get both to work.

58%

I exploit one other app (point out which in feedback).

3%

I exploit one other {hardware} answer (point out in feedback).

6%

I exploit one other methodology solely (elaborate in feedback).

5%

Of the ~1,700 votes garnered from this specific ballot, almost half of the respondents use apps on Android Auto sourced past the Play Retailer. A number of nice apps work with Android Auto, however aren’t accessible on the Play Retailer, together with Tubular. Moreover, there are apps like Fermata Auto and CarStream for watching movies within the automotive.

Simply over a fifth of respondents follow Play Retailer apps, whereas 26% are unaware that Android Auto can use apps from third-party sources.

Would you like video playback assist on Android Auto? 3204 votes

Sure, I would like official assist for video playback when parked.

50%

Sure, I would like official assist for video playback when parked and whereas driving for passengers.

40%

No, Android Auto wants consideration elsewhere (elaborate within the feedback).

2%

No, I would not watch video on Android Auto.

7%

For those who use Android Auto’s hidden settings or any apps put in from sources past the Play Retailer, tell us why you unlock them and which apps you utilize in your automotive. Moreover, would you welcome video assist on Android Auto sooner or later? Vote within the ballot above.