Volkswagen (20 reg) Android Auto connection woes

Recently got a new (to me) 20 reg Golf. It has the infotainment system that uses Android Auto hard wired via usb cable – I have a pixel 6a.

The connection is always fine at first but on longer journeys, say 1hr+ the connection just drops repeatedly. Unplugging and plugging back it it might reconnect, often just hangs “reading usb” and even if it connects, doesn’t last long. I’ve tried a different (new) cable, but all other suggested troubleshooting is pretty standard stuff – latest version of app, different cable, clean out dust etc. Nothing meaningful. What I’d like to work out is how to know what’s actually happening. Because it happens after a while,  is there a full cache issue on phone or car?

Anyone else had these issues?

Ideally as well I’d like to upgrade so it connects to AAuto via Bluetooth but I guess that’s a hardware replacement?

Not had this issue with VW… but i had similar in my LEAF..The purchase of the AAwireless device solved it.Apparently it’s something to do with (this is likely all BS!!) the voltage to and from going up the cable, can make some head units unhappy.AAwireless is more stable.regardless… it works, AND it’s actually a ruddy fantastic bit of kit.

DrP

EDIT – down to £60 quid here…

If it’s dropping the connection and the cable is fine (new cables aren’t always fine) maybe check there’s no fluff in the socket on the phone

(actually – missed that you’d checked for dust – but yes – new cables aren’t necessarily a solution as there are plenty of shite ones on the market so you’ve not necessarily eliminated that variable)

USB-C cables and devices also have a variety of data rate and power capabilities/requirements – clearly indicated by not putting any of that information on the cable or the device

Can you try a different phone?

VW’s are notoriously picky about cables. I had exactly the same problem with my 2018 Golf and an iPhone, it has been cured by buying a VW branded cable (at a price). Hasn’t dropped out in the three years since I bought it so worth it in my opinion

This happens occasionally on my T6.1 van. I had a VW branded cable for 3 years until it went bad and started using the Apple one that came with my phone, that was Ok too. Now using an ikea one for a new phone and it seems OK.

BUT I think infotainment is a bit crap in some instances. Recently hired a T Cross for a week in Spain and the connection would never stay on, wired or wireless.

A while ago the van went in for a bowden cable recall and on the drive back from the garage the connection was on and off constantly, which does make me wonder of VWs connectors are bit rubbish (and had been disturbed)

I’ve got a 2019 octavia and have occasional issues with Carplay.
Nothing short of a full reboot of the head unit will see it talking to my phone when it does happen.
Using a crappy old/short cable which I am sure is to blame for some issues.

All the rentals I get when travelling have Android Android, and the most reliable cable I’ve found are the Amazon Basics braided ones. Have short USB-A and USB-C in my travel bag. Have always worked, in loads of different cars.

I have a 70 Karoq with wired CarPlay.  Would drop in and out on a cheap cable, but has been fine since buying a proper Apple one.   Might just be coincidence though

Interesting… I have an Audi A4 and the CarPlay does exactly that. It’s fine for an hour then disconnects at regular intervals. Have tried different phones and cables. Really annoying…

Thanks all. Seems a new VW cable is first port of call, down from an eye watering price to just about acceptable with postage 

USB-A to USB-C Premium Cable – 30cm

Make sure android auto is allowed full access/background use and no power saving 

I had almost exactly the same symptoms with a Nokia 6.1 (also, it got bloody hot). It was a lottery as to whether it connected at all. I switched to a Pixel 7a when the Nokia finally died and that’s been solid on wired and wireless. Can you try another phone, a partner’s maybe?

Might be worth jumping on VW’s website to see if there’s any firmware upgrades available for the head unit, also.

Depending which head unit you have, it’s also worth a reset of the Android Auto module. This is under the factory reset menu on the head unit. This can cure a multitude of ills

I have exactly the same problem, pixel 7a in a VW t6.1.

Works fine in my Skoda, but exactly as you describe in the van. It’s hard to troubleshoot because it’ll work fine on short journeys.

I took the short cable I use in the Skoda, where it works no problem, out with me in the van the other day, worked on a 70 minute journey no problem. On the way home, I switched back to the cable I have in the van which I know is problematic, but it worked all the bloody way!

The stupid positioning of the usb sockets in the van means I would like to use the longer cable really.

From what I’ve read in various articles, VW are notorious for their shonky infotainment systems and poor communication with external devices. Relying on a mass of touchscreens doesn’t help either, which they’ve actually acknowledged and said they’re reintroducing actual physical controls. Doesn’t help the connectivity with third party devices though.
The Ford Sync system in my car can throw a fit and refuse to connect via BT on occasions, it can be made to connect by turning the car off along with the phone, but it’s just easier to plug the phone into the car, which you have to do anyway if you want to use the phone satnav, which I always do if I’m using satnav – trying to update the Sync system is a nightmare, and my TomTom app gets updated regularly anyway.

@jimmy I have the same exact problem on my octy 18 plate. My guess is that it is to do with the phone reaching full charge.

My workaround is using an AA Wireless adapter Link which gives you a wireless Android auto connection, and if necessary charging the phone using a 12v adapter.

I don’t believe this 1 hour problem is anything to do with the cables as I tried probably 5 different ones including some silly expensive ones.

^^^
If only someone had made a similar suggestion earlier… 😉

DrP

DrP
Full Member
^^^
If only someone had made a similar suggestion earlier… 😉

DrP

backing you up brotha!

Ha! love it!!!

Far too much effort, will be wholly underappreciated…but 10/10 there!!!

DrP

My guess is that it is to do with the phone reaching full charge.

I thought this might be the case, there’s a setting in my pixel for “smart charging” which I turned off in case that had something to do with it.

But my pixel works without problem in my Skoda, but doesn’t work in the VW, surely it would be problematic in both of it was something to do with that?

If it is to do with with charging to 100%. There’s a setting in Android which stops the charging at 85%, not sure if it would disconnect at 85% just like it does st 100%.

settings>battery and device care>battery>more battery settings>enable protect battery

@cerrado-tu-ruido I don’t have that setting in Pixel.

Have problems on my SEAT Leon…have ordered one of @DrP’s suggested gadgets…..

I don’t have that setting in Pixel.

Had a look, it’s a Samsung thing, not Android.

Had occasional problems with wired Airplay in my 18 plate Passat (often no sound on initial connection), usually dived by disconnecting and reconnecting.

Wireless airplay in current car is worse – same sound issue but no easy way to disconnect/reconnect, also problems with sound coming via phone rather than car and mic not working.

Unfortunately I think the tech just isnt as good as it should be.

Same issue with Seat/pixel 7a. Seems as above to be related to reaching full charge. What seems to work is set an alarm beyond your journey and that triggers adaptive charging. But it’s a ball ache.
Needs a software update.

ratherbeintobagoFull Member
Had occasional problems with wired Airplay in my 18 plate Passat (often no sound on initial connection), usually dived by disconnecting and reconnecting.

How did you find the system in the Passat generally? I’m thinking of getting one but unsure whether 2018ish or 2019+ is better.

down from an eye watering price 

Pffftt!!!!!

My Vitara could be either the USB plug in the centre console, or the cable from that, to the HU.

Both are at least £60, and I have no way of knowing which one is faulty.

Anyone know if the AA dongle would work for me? Does it use the USB solely for power, and do the data transfer stuff via BT?

If so, I might invest in one.

Try the different settings for how the USB connection works once you have connected your phone to the car.

If the android auto setting doesn’t work, maybe the usb controlled by connected device will work.

@gray It was fine, could have a map repeater in the smart display, and the system was definitely better than the one in my wife’s 66 plate Golf.

I had the 150 1.4 TFSI and it was a great car, mainly got rid as it was accident damaged x2 (long story) and we got a good deal.

I’d have had the DSG if I was buying again though.

Yes, same issues, see https://singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/vw-androd-auto-keeps-crashing/

My current theory for more reliability is connecting the phone before starting the car or radio. Generally (clinging to a forest) this gets a more reliable connection.

Not tried a wireless connection yet 

Anyone know if the AA dongle would work for me? Does it use the USB solely for power, and do the data transfer stuff via BT?

AAwireless unit just plugs into the USB port on your car. This connects and powers the device.

It connects to your phone briefly via BT, THEN maintains the proper connection via wifi. Takes about 8 seconds from turning on the car, to being connected.

Never have to take the phone out my pocket…fab

..

DrP

My only issue with using a wireless unit is I use the phone to navigate through Android Auto so doesn’t it need a clear access to the satellites?

Is that really a thing? The only car I’ve had an issue with no satellite signal was a carbon fibre McLaren 😉

[Yeah I know, humble brag…. Except it’s not mine, I just borrow it occasionally]

Yeah, just duct tape the phone on to the roof. Blue tooth still works fine. The only issue is that you can’t charge your phone unless you have a long cable. 

Doesn’t everyone do this?

My current theory for more reliability is connecting the phone before starting the car or radio. Generally (clinging to a forest) this gets a more reliable connection.

With the Nokia I found the opposite. Plugging it in started to initialise the AA connection then turning the ignition interrupted it, often sending it daft.

My only issue with using a wireless unit is I use the phone to navigate through Android Auto so doesn’t it need a clear access to the satellites?

It’ll be using the phone’s GPS receiver regardless of how it’s connected to the car. It’s not hooking up to a satellite via Wi-Fi or picking it out of the sky with the front-facing camera.😁

I just second-guessed myself here and checked. There’s a lot of conflicting (and old) information out there but seemingly Android Auto will try to use the car’s GPS antenna if the car allows it. In any case, the GPS connection is unrelated to how it’s connected to the car.

There was a time where TomTom type add-on devices had issues with some cars due to some sort of coating on the windscreen (Citroen jumps to mind). But technology has improved and in any case, I’d expect any car natively supporting Auto to have taken that into account by design.

Never have to take the phone out my pocket…fab

Sod it. Ordered one.

Doesn’t list my car specifically, but there are other models that use the same HU that are compatible, as well as Maruti Suzuki (India) where it is listed, and also the same HU

These were being raved about on a Audi owners group

I need to sort something out & will probably take a punt on one.

@snaps for the sake of £20 posted I took the punt. Just arrived, initial connection seemed a bit shaky but it works. Only thing it doesn’t seem to do is pick up voice commands, which is a bit of a trade off but for quicker regular journeys it’ll do the job. Thanks .