Google has updated the requirements for Android Auto and now requires at least Android 11 to use it via cable. This leaves out a large number of older smartphones still running Android 9 or Android 10, including the Samsung Galaxy S9, Galaxy Note 9, Galaxy A50, Galaxy A80, and the Sony Xperia XZ2 Compact.
For many people, Android Auto is not just for navigation: it is the main way to play music in the car. Millions of users rely on it every day to control Spotify (and other Android music apps) from the vehicle’s screen without having to touch their phone. With this change, those drivers will lose that function if their phone is stuck on Android 10.
Google confirmed the new requirement on its support page. From now on, any phone running Android 9 or 10 will no longer be officially compatible with Android Auto via cable. Affected users only have a few options: install a ROM based on Android 11 or higher, buy a second-hand phone with a newer version, or take advantage of deals to upgrade.
The move especially affects those who still use those Galaxy S9 and Note 9 phones as “car phones,” precisely because they allowed them to control Spotify safely while driving.