Ing. Calogero Bono
Google has updated the Android Auto support page and raised the minimum requirement from Android 9 to Android 11. Android 9 and Android 10 are therefore removed from the official list. According to Android Authority, some users are already reporting that the service has stopped working. It matters for anyone using an older phone in the car, but also for companies with fleet smartphones.
A few terms before we get into the facts. Android Auto is the feature that brings your phone's navigation, calls, messages and music onto the car's screen. According to Google it is built into phones and does not need to be downloaded. Wired connection means connecting the phone to the car with a USB cable. Wireless projection is the same thing without a cable, and requires 5 GHz Wi-Fi. Minimum version is the oldest Android release that Google considers supported.
What did Google change on the support page?
According to the official Google page, to use Android Auto with a cable you need a phone running Android 11 or later with an active data plan. You also need a compatible car and a good quality USB cable.
As Android Authority reports, the page previously listed Android 9 Pie as the minimum for USB connection. Now Android 9 and Android 10 are outside the supported range.
Which phones lose support?
Phones stuck on Android 9 or 10 lose support. SamMobile cites among Samsung devices the Galaxy Note 9 series, the Galaxy S9 series, the Galaxy A80 and the Galaxy A50, which received Android 10 as their last major update.
SamMobile writes that the only way forward is to switch to a phone with at least Android 11. It adds that the newest Samsung models have system updates guaranteed for seven years.
Is this the first time it has happened?
No. Android Authority recalls that Android 6 lost support in 2022 and Android 8 in 2024. Now it is the turn of Android 9 and 10.
The official confirmation follows an announcement from October. According to the same outlet, some users with Android 10 had already received notices about the end of support.
What is needed for wireless mode, and does it apply in Italy?
For wireless projection Google requires a compatible phone with an active data plan and 5 GHz Wi-Fi. It states that wireless mode is compatible with any phone running Android 11. You also need a compatible car or car stereo, to be verified with the manufacturer.
In the European Union, using 5 GHz in the car requires the smartphone to meet additional regulatory requirements. According to the page, Pixel 3 and later models meet them. Italy is among the countries where the service is available.
If the problem seems broader to you, also read the Gemini loop case on Pixel and Galaxy.
Limits to know
The sources do not say how many phones are affected, nor when each individual model will stop working. Android Authority mentions users reporting blocks, but this is not a measured figure. We do not know whether Google will apply the block uniformly. You still need to check compatibility between car and phone case by case.
What changes for those working with digital tools
If your company uses old phones as navigation devices or for calls in the car, check the Android version. Just open the phone's settings. If you have employees with outdated personal or company smartphones, you should warn them, because the problem can appear suddenly. If you manage a fleet, include the minimum version in your device purchasing policy. Also, the upcoming Android updates on Google Find Hub show that Google services are aligning with recent versions. If you develop apps for Android, keep in mind that the device base is narrowing.
Our take
Raising the minimum roughly every two years is understandable, because maintaining old versions costs money. But for anyone with a phone that still works, the loss is real, and often replacing the device is the only answer. The critical point is communication, since warnings reached only some of the users. The seven-year update guarantees on new models are a useful signal, but they only apply to people buying today.
Frequently asked questions
Does Android Auto still work with Android 10?
It is no longer officially supported. Google raised the minimum to Android 11 and removed Android 9 and 10 from the list. Some users report that the service has already stopped working.
What is the minimum requirement now?
Android 11. You also need an active data plan, a compatible car and, for the wired connection, a good quality USB cable.
Do I need to download Android Auto?
No. According to Google the feature is built into phones and does not need to be downloaded.
Can I use Android Auto without a cable?
Yes, if your phone and car allow it. You need 5 GHz Wi-Fi, and wireless mode is compatible with any phone running Android 11.
Which Samsung phones are affected?
Those still on Android 10. SamMobile cites the Galaxy Note 9 series, the Galaxy S9 series, the Galaxy A80 and the Galaxy A50.
Which phones will be dropped after Android 10
The calendar of recent years shows that the next cut will come. It is wise to prepare before you are left without navigation.
- Check the Android version of the phones you use in the car and note the date when updates end.
- Before buying a new phone, check how many years of updates the manufacturer guarantees.
- Follow the Android Auto support page for any further changes to the minimum requirement.
