14 Fixes for Android Auto Not Playing Music From Youtube, Amazon Music or Spotify

Android Auto is an application that makes it easy for people to access their phone applications, including navigation, music, videos, and more, on their car’s display screen. This feature is especially useful for those who frequently drive their cars or cab drivers. Android Auto provides exclusive features like map navigation and a music system, allowing users to play any music they like in their car. However, in some situations, these Android Auto apps may not function properly due to software bugs or glitches, which can be frustrating.

Android Auto has become dominant for safe and convenient access to music and other applications while driving. But what if Android Auto doesn’t work properly? Many users encountered issues with Android Auto that failed to play music from streaming services like YouTube, Amazon Music, or Spotify. If you’re trying to stream music on the car using the most popular streaming services, but it won’t function properly, don’t brood, you’re not alone. Here, in this guide, we will discuss the most effective solutions that will assist you in listening to your favorite music using your preferred services without any interruptions. Therefore, let’s get right to it.

Reasons Why Android Auto Not Playing Music From YouTube, Amazon Music, or Spotify?

As with most issues with applications or smartphones, the reasons behind this can be numerous. In addition to Audi, Ford, BMW, Skoda, Volkswagen, Volvo cars, and Mercedes-Benz, Android Auto features are compatible with many other manufacturers. Whether you own a Mercedes-Benz or any other car and are trying to play the music with the Android Auto, but it doesn’t play music, it could be frustrating. Worry not, there are several reasons, and you may easily tackle the issue by attempting the listed solutions.

Both the software and hardware issues are the possible reasons behind Android Auto not playing music from YouTube, Amazon Music, or Spotify. To address the problem, let’s first look at the possible reasons. Here are some of the possible reasons includes:

• Decreased Volume Level: If Android Auto is not playing music from YouTube, Amazon Music, or Spotify then there’s a chance that you might have accidentally decreased the volume level on your car. Ensure to check the volume level.
• Internet Connectivity Issue: Another main reason is the internet connection prevents the streaming services from playing music on the car through Android Auto. In order to play music, you must connect your device with a stable internet connection.
• You Haven’t Allowed App Permission: It is possible that you haven’t granted the app-required permissions to play music on the car through streaming services. Ensure to grant the permission and try again.
• Accounts Issue: You might not be logged in to your music streaming services accounts, or there might be an authentication error on the service. In such a case, you should log in to your account to play the music.
• Outdated Streaming Services: There might be a reason that your music service is the real culprit due to an outdated app version. If the services are running on the outdated version, you may encounter certain issues with the app, preventing you from playing the music on your car.
• Configuration Settings: Sometimes, device settings or settings within the apps may not be configured properly to play music such as playback defaults and more. Ensure to check the configuration settings and correct it.
• Software Conflicts: In certain situations, Android Auto does not play music because of software conflicts and temporary glitches. It usually prevents the music services from functioning correctly.
• Wired USB Cable Issue: If your mobile and car are connected via a USB cable, you should check your cable for any defects or faults. In case there’s an issue with the USB cable then you may encounter such issues, which usually affect the application performance.
• In-App Restrictions: Certain music streaming services like YouTube may have a restrictions option that prevents playback when the screen is off or when being used within an application like Android Auto due to licensing restrictions.
• Third-Party App Conflicts: It is possible that due to third-party services on your device, the Android Auto isn’t working properly. In such a case, you should remove third-party services to fix the problem.

Ways to Fix Android Auto Not Playing Music From YouTube, Amazon Music, or Spotify

First, you need to make sure that you have connected your mobile device to the car in order to play music you would like to listen to while driving. If it’s connected to the car and still, you’re unable to play music from various streaming services like YouTube, Amazon Music, or Spotify then you should follow the below workarounds to tackle the problem as soon as possible. Here, we will start with the basic methods and later move on to the more advanced methods.

Fix 1: Check the Stereo Volume Level

Let’s start with the most basic solution. The first thing you should do is check the stereo volume level on your car that you connect to the mobile device. If you want to listen to your favorite music on the car, you need to ensure that the volume levels of your car’s head head unit are set as default instead of zero. In certain situations, people forget to increase the volume and that’s why music isn’t playing in the background.

So, if you haven’t done it already, turn up the volume knob in your car and enjoy the music from Android Auto. Alternatively, if your car has a mute button, then ensure it is toggled off.

Fix 2: Check Your Internet Connection

To play your favorite music from YouTube, Amazon Music, or Spotify on your car, you should connect your device to the internet connection which is stable. If you’re trying to play your music without stable internet data, you may encounter certain issues. In that scenario, connect your phone with a stable internet connection before playing music from streaming services on your car.

Internet connection is essential especially when accessing social platforms, and the application you’re trying to play music on is a social platform that needs stable internet data. Make sure to check whether you’re connected with stable internet data or not. In case, you’re not connected with a stable internet data, then refresh the connection by toggling Airplane Mode.

Alternatively, you can change the network mode like 5G/4G from the device settings that usually set the network type mode to a different network mode. This will increase the internet data and provide faster data than before. Afterwards, try playing music from your streaming services and check if the issue has been resolved. If the problem persists, follow the next solution.

Fix 3: Change the Default Music Streaming App

If you’ve a streaming services subscription like Spotify and the default streaming app is set to Apple Music, then you’re unable to play music from streaming services. In that case, you should change the default music streaming app in order to play music.

Make sure to select the streaming app for which you have a subscription. Here’s how you can set a default music streaming app to end your troubles with YouTube, Spotify, not working with Android Auto. Here’s how to change the default music streaming app:

1. Open the Settings app on your Android phone.
2. Head over to Connected devices.
3. Tap on Connection preferences > Android Auto.
4. Under the General section, choose the Customize launcher option.
5. Uncheck the music players that you are not using. Select the music app to which you have a subscription.
6. Finally, restart Android Auto and check if the issue has been fixed.

Note: The exact steps may vary, depending upon the Android skin (One UI, Pixel UI, Color OS, Oxygen OS) you are using. But if you’re unable to find the option, search for “Android Auto” option and then tap on the relevant setting.

Fix 4: Toggle Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Feature

If you have changed the default music app and still are unable to play music on the car from Android Auto, you should toggle the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth option that is usually located in the car’s head unit. If you’re unable to play music via Android Auto and it’s not working, toggling the Bluetooth and Wi-Fi off and on can be considered. Here’s how to do it.

1. Pull down the notification panel on your Android phone from the top of the screen.
2. From the quick toggles, turn off the Bluetooth and Wi-Fi toggles.
3. Once you turn it off, wait for a few seconds and then turn back on.

Now your phone will automatically connect to your car’s music system. Play the music you’d like to listen to check if the issue has been resolved regarding the music system. If the issue persists, you should follow the next solution.

Fix 5: Restart Your Phone

Occasionally, streaming services and apps on the device don’t function properly due to software conflicts and temporary glitches which can be irritating, especially when you want to play music to listen to your favorite music while driving. If the Android Auto is not playing music from YouTube, Amazon music, or Spotify, you should restart your Android phone.

Restarting the device is a straightforward and powerful method that resolves several issues whether it is related to a specific app or software. It fixes various issues including software bugs, glitches, and many others. If the Android Auto is not playing music on the car, try restarting the device and check the results. Here’s how to do it.

1. Press and hold the Power button (side button) for a few seconds.
2. Tap on the Restart/Reboot option.
3. Your phone will automatically shut down and turn back on after a moment.

Fix 6: Restart Your Car’s Head Unit

If restarting the device didn’t help you, it’s time to restart your car’s head unit. While most problems related to Android Auto not working properly are to do with your phone itself, there are times when your car’s infotainment system may not work properly, preventing the Android Auto from not playing music through the car speakers. In such a case, you should restart your car’s head unit.

In some scenarios, the car’s head unit gets frozen or stops responding. Ensure to restart the car’s head unit by turning off the car ignition and waiting for the head unit to shut down. Once the head unit has been turned off, restart your car and let the infotainment system turn back on. Afterwards, check if the issue has been resolved by playing any music.

Fix 7: Clear the Android Auto App Cache Data

It can be possible that due to Android Auto corrupted data and cache, the music is not playing from streaming services like Spotify and YouTube music. In that case, you have to clear the Android Auto app cache data to fix the issue. Here’s how to clear the cache and data:

1. Open the Settings app on your Android phone.
2. Navigate to the Apps section.
3. Tap on “See all apps.”
4. Scroll down and choose Android Auto. [This will bring up the App info menu.]
5. In the App info menu, tap Storage and cache option.
6. Tap on Clear Cache.

Once you clear the Android Auto cache data on your smartphone, then play music you’d like to listen on the car music system to check whether the issue has been fixed or not. If the issue persists, follow the next solution.

Fix 8: Update Android Auto App

Mostly, the outdated version of the Android Auto app can cause several issues on the device including music not playing. This is not common only for Android Auto, almost every app which is running on the oldest version faces several issues including bugs and glitches. Apart from that, it could also be possible that certain outdated apps are malfunctioning or causing a glitch. Worry not, there’s an effective method there that’ll help you in addressing the issue.

The best way to address the Android Auto not playing music on the car music system is to update the Android Auto app on your device. Updating the application improves the performance and fixes the gimmicks or lags. Therefore, if you’re trying to play your favorite music through Android Auto but it doesn’t work, try updating the app version and check the results. Here’s how to check for app update on Android phone:

1. Open the Google Play Store on your phone.
2. In the search menu, type Android Auto and press Enter.
3. From the application lists, select the Android Auto app.
4. You’ll see an update button. Tap on the Update button. [If an update is available.]
5. Once the update is finished, check if the issue has been resolved.

Fix 9: Check for Required Permissions

Permissions are necessary to grant when you’re trying to access certain services and applications on your phone. If the Android Auto is not playing music from YouTube, Amazon music, or Spotify, then it could be possible that you haven’t granted the app permission to function correctly. Make sure to grant the app permission you’re trying to access on your device.

For instance, if you’re trying to play music on Spotify, then it’s necessary to grant the necessary permissions to play the favorite music you’d like to listen to on your car. To check the app permissions, follow the steps below:

1. Open the Settings app on your phone.
2. Navigate to the Apps section.
3. Tap on “See all apps.”
4. From the application lists, select the desired streaming services Spotify/YouTube/Amazon music.
5. In the App info menu, tap the Permissions option.
6. Here, grants the permission which is necessary by tapping the “Allow” option.

Fix 10: Clear Streaming Services Cache Data

Tried the above workarounds? If so, then it is possible that there’s a problem with the specific streaming services like YouTube, Amazon music, or Spotify. Sometimes, the corrupted cache and data can cause issues as mentioned before. In such cases, clear the cache data of the streaming services on your phone and check the results.

To clear streaming services cache data on your phone, follow the steps below:

1. Open the Settings app on your Android phone.
2. Navigate to the Apps section.
3. Tap on “See all apps.”
4. Scroll down and choose the music services (YouTube, Amazon music, Spotify). [This will bring up the App info menu.]
5. In the App info menu, tap Storage and cache option.
6. Tap on Clear Cache.

Once you clear the cache of the streaming services like Spotify and other apps, check if the issue has been resolved by playing music.

Fix 11: Update Streaming App

You may encounter issues with Spotify and other streaming services if it’s running on the outdated version. If the Android Auto is not playing music from YouTube, Amazon music, or Spotify then you should update these services to the latest version to solve the issue. Here’s how you can check for app updates:

1. Open the Google Play Store on your phone.
2. Tap on the Profile icon in the upper right corner.
3. From the menu, choose “Manage apps and device.”
4. Then, tap on “Updates available.”
5. From the update app list, select the streaming apps like Spotify.
6. Tap the Update button to start the process. [If an update is available.]
7. Once the update is finished, check if the issue has been resolved.

Fix 12: Reinstall Streaming Apps

If updating the streaming services doesn’t work, you should uninstall and reinstall the streaming services like Spotify or Amazon music. It could be possible that there’s an issue with the streaming services itself or it doesn’t install properly that prevents the music from playing on your car speakers.

Uninstalling and reinstalling the streaming services on your device lets you access the music you’d like to listen to through Android Auto on your car. First, uninstall the music apps like Spotify completely and download it from the Google Play Store. Once the Spotify app successfully downloads, try logging in with your accounts and check whether the issue has been resolved or not.

Fix 13: Try Using Wired Android Auto

There’s a feasibility that your mobile device can’t establish a stable wireless connection with your car’s stereo. Unfortunately, if you are unable to play your favorite music from YouTube, Amazon music, or Spotify, then the wireless connection seems to be the real cause. To address the issue regarding the music not playing, consider using wired Android Auto instead of connecting the car with Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.

Try using a wired USB Cable and connect it to the car and smartphone on both sides. If it’s connected, play music from YouTube and other music services to check if the issue has been fixed. Make sure to use the original and good quality USB cable while connecting it to the car and smartphone. If you’re using a local or cheap USB cable, it may prevent you from playing music from YouTube, Amazon music, or Spotify.

Fix 14: Forget and Re-Pair the Connected Car

If none of the above workarounds help you in addressing the Android Auto not playing from YouTube, Amazon music, or Spotify, then you should forget the connected car and re-pair it again. Typically, this unpairs your smartphone from your car’s head unit. Make sure to unpair the phone from the car and then repair it with your car infotainment to establish a connection between the car and smartphone.

To forget the connected car and re-pair it again, follow the steps below:

1. Open the Settings app on your Android phone.
2. Head over to Connected devices.
3. Tap on Connection preferences > Android Auto.
4. In the Android Auto settings menu, tap “Previously connected cars.”
5. Then, click on the three-dot in the upper right corner and tap “Forget all cars” option.
6. Confirm it by tapping on the OK button. [This will remove the paired connected cars from the phone.]
7. Navigate to previous menu and tap on “Connect a car” button at the top.
8. Follow the on-screen instructions to connect your smartphone to your car’s head unit.

Final Words

Android Auto is a popular and convenient feature on smartphone, allowing people to connect their cars with their smartphones to get the best access to navigation, music, etc. However, many users use this feature to play their favorite music on the car music system from YouTube, Amazon, or Spotify. Fortunately, driving without any music can be a boring experience, especially when you’re moving to a long trip. Fortunately, you can easily tackle the problem on your smartphone with Android Auto by applying the solutions outlined in this article.

By following the solutions carefully on your smartphone, you may quickly fix the music not playing and get back to enjoying your favorite music from YouTube, Amazon, or Spotify. In case if the listed solutions don’t work out, then contact the app developers or your car manufacturer’s support service. We hope that this guide was helpful to you. Enjoy listening to your favorite music on a full volume with a full safety!