Android Auto drops support for two Android versions, leaving older phones behind

Google has discontinued Android Auto support for Android phones running on Android versions 9 and 10, with the minimum requirement now set at Android 11. Android Auto has been a popular feature, enabling users to access apps like Google Maps, Spotify, and YouTube through their car's infotainment screen. However, Google has gradually phased out support for older Android versions.

As reported by Android Authority, Google updated its Android Auto support page, stating that devices must now run Android 11 to use the feature on both wired and wireless connections. The change primarily impacts users who connect their phones via USB cable, although wireless connections had already required Android 11 or newer.

Android 11 is now the minimum requirement for both connection methods. Previously, Android 9 was the minimum requirement, but with the update, both Android 9 and 10 are no longer supported. This means that smartphones running these versions can no longer access Android Auto. Google had previously warned Android 10 users in October 2026 about the impending change.

Currently, there's no definitive date for Android Auto's end-of-life on affected devices, but some users have already reported issues. Users with older Android phones that cannot be updated to Android 11 may need to purchase a newer device to continue using Android Auto.