Many owners of modern Hyundai Solaris cars are faced with the desire to access navigation, music and instant messengers directly on the screen of the standard multimedia system. However, despite the presence of a screen, the function Android Auto does not always work right out of the box or may be hidden by the manufacturer depending on the region of delivery and the year of manufacture of the model. This question especially often arises among owners of restyled versions 2017–2022.
The activation and configuration process can vary from a simple connection procedure to the need to change settings in the engineering menu or use third-party adapters. It is important to understand that the head unit (MGU) software plays a key role. In this article, we will analyze in detail all the steps necessary for your smartphone and car to start “communicating” with each other correctly.
Before proceeding with complex manipulations, it is worth checking the basic requirements. Make sure that your smartphone supports Android Auto technology (Android 8.0 and above) and that you have a high-quality data cable installed. Often the problem lies precisely in the accessories, and not in the car software.
Checking the compatibility of equipment and software
The first step is to thoroughly diagnose the current state of your multimedia system Hyundai Solaris. Not all standard radios, even with touch screens, have a built-in module for synchronizing with smartphones. In early versions of pre-restyling, this function may not have been available in hardware, while in more recent models it is often simply disabled in software.
You need to go to the settings of the head unit and find the section responsible for connecting mobile devices. If you see an item Android Auto in the list of available options, but it is inactive or missing, this is a signal for further action. For correct operation, a firmware version of at least a certain revision is required, which can be checked in the section Settings → System information.
Pay attention to the type of USB connector in your car. Video and data transmission requires a high-speed port, usually located in the center console or armrest. Ports intended only for charging (often marked with a battery symbol) are not suitable for running the interface.
Use the original cable that came with your smartphone or certified cables marked “Data Sync”. Cheap “charging only” cables are the most common cause of unsuccessful connection.
⚠️ Attention: If your radio has a software version lower than 2.0 or belongs to a series without MirrorLink/SmartLink support, software activation of Android Auto may not be possible without replacing the head unit or installing an external module.
Preparing the smartphone and installing the necessary applications
Successful integration depends not only on the car, but also on the correct configuration of the mobile device. On modern versions of Android (starting from version 10), the Android Auto application is built into the system and does not require separate installation. However, for older phone models or to obtain advanced functionality, you may need to download a separate application from Google Play Market.
Before connecting to the car, perform the initial setup of the smartphone. You'll need to sign in to your Google Account, as this is where your contacts, calendar, and maps are synced. Also make sure that USB debugging is enabled in your phone settings, although this is rarely required for a standard connection, it can help in diagnosing problems.
An important aspect is to allow all access requests that appear on the phone screen when you first pair it. The system may request access to microphone, contacts, SMS and location. Without granting these rights Android Auto interface it will not start or will work with restrictions.
- 📱 Make sure that the smartphone screen is unlocked when you first connect the cable.
- 🔌 In the USB settings, select the “File Transfer” or “Android Auto” mode if the system offers a choice.
- 🌐 Check for a stable Internet connection (Wi-Fi or mobile network) for the initial download of maps and data.
Step-by-step guide for connecting via USB
The most reliable and stable way to use the system in Hyundai Solaris is a wired connection. Wireless adapters exist, but they often introduce delays and can overheat in the summer, so let's start with the classic option. Connect the prepared cable to the smartphone and to the car’s USB port that supports data transfer.
After the physical connection, a pop-up window should appear on the screen of the head unit asking you to launch Android Auto. If the window does not appear automatically, find the application icon on the main screen of the radio or in the Applications menu. In some cases, you need to press the button Phone or Setup on the control panel.
A request to confirm the connection will appear on the smartphone screen. You must agree to the terms of use and allow access to data. After this, the Android Auto interface will occupy the entire screen of the radio, providing access to navigation, music and calls in a simplified mode that is safe for the driver.
☑️ Connection checklist
If the connection was successful, you will see a familiar interface with large icons. Try launching your navigation or music player to check the sound transmission. The sound should switch to the car speakers automatically. If there is no sound, check the volume settings on both the phone and the radio.
Activation of hidden functions through the engineering menu
In some cases, especially on cars intended for CIS markets, the Android Auto function may be hidden by the manufacturer. To activate it, you may need to enter the engineering menu of the head unit. This process requires caution, as incorrect settings can lead to multimedia malfunctions.
To enter the service menu, a combination of buttons on the screen or a physical sequence of clicks is usually used. One of the common methods for Hyundai is to hold the buttons Menu, Setup and Volume in a certain sequence. The exact combination depends on the MGU firmware version.
Sequence for some versions:1. Press the (Volume) button for 5 seconds.
2. In the field that appears, enter the access code (often 8888 or 1234).
3. Find the "Project Setting" or "Feature Setting" section.
4. Activate the "Android Auto" or "Smartphone Projection" checkbox.
⚠️ Attention: Entering the engineering menu is at your own peril and risk. Changing unknown parameters can lead to the radio becoming “bricked”. Write down the initial values before making any changes.
After activating the checkbox, you must reboot the head unit. Sometimes a full factory reset (Factory Reset) is required for the changes to take effect. After the reboot, check for a new icon in the application menu.
What to do if the access code does not work?
Access codes may vary depending on the manufacturer and the specific batch of cars. Try searching for the latest codes for your firmware version on specialized Hyundai owner forums. There is no universal code.
Solving common problems and errors
Even if you follow all the instructions, users may encounter various errors. The most common problem is constant reconnection or a black screen at startup. This often indicates a conflict between the software versions of the phone and the car.
Try updating the Android Auto application on your smartphone to the latest version via Google Play. Also check for updates to Google Maps and Google Play itself. On the car side, updating is possible only through an official dealership or by manually installing the firmware from a USB drive, if such a possibility is provided.
Sometimes clearing the application cache on the smartphone helps. Go to Settings → Applications → Android Auto → Storage → Clear cache. If the problem persists, try uninstalling application updates and installing them again.
| Problem symptom | Possible cause | Method solutions |
|---|---|---|
| The phone charges, but does not connect | Faulty cable or port | Replace the cable with the original one, check another USB port |
| Black screen after connection | Permission or version conflict Software | Clear application cache, update phone software |
| No sound in navigation | Sound settings in the application | Check the sound settings inside Android Auto |
| Constant disconnections | Interference or poor contact | Clean the connectors from dust, disconnect other USB devices |
In 80% of cases the problem is solved by replacing the USB cable with a high-quality shielded wire no more than 1 meter long.
Using wireless adapters for Solaris
If the standard system of your Hyundai Solaris only supports a wired connection, but you want to get rid of wires, you can use external wireless adapters. These small devices, plugged into a USB port, emulate a wired connection, allowing your smartphone to connect via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
When choosing an adapter, it is important to make sure that it is compatible with the version of Android Auto installed in your car. Popular models from brands like Carlinkit or Motorola often work well with Hyundai systems. The setup process is usually simple: insert the adapter into USB, connect your phone via Bluetooth and follow the instructions on the screen.
However, it is worth considering that a wireless connection may consume more power from the smartphone and cause the device to heat up slightly. In addition, in areas with a large number of Wi-Fi networks, interference may occur that affects the stability of the interface.
⚠️ Attention: When using wireless adapters, make sure that the car's USB port provides sufficient current (minimum 1.5A - 2A). Low current can cause the adapter to constantly reboot.
Some users note a delay in sound when connected wirelessly, which can be critical when listening to rhythmic music or using a voice assistant. To minimize delays, it is recommended to place the adapter in the line of sight of the smartphone.
When purchasing a wireless adapter, choose models that support Android 11 and higher, as they have improved data compression protocols and lower video transmission latency.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why Android Auto does not works on my new Solaris?
The feature may be disabled in the region settings or require a firmware update from the dealer. Also check that you are using the correct USB cable and port.
Can you use Android Auto without the Internet?
Basic functions like making calls and playing music from your phone work without the Internet. However, navigation and voice search require an active network connection.
Is it safe to enter the engineering menu?
This is a risky procedure. Errors can disrupt the functionality of multimedia. It is recommended to do this only if you have the exact instructions for your specific software version.
Does Solaris support wireless Android Auto?
Out of the box, most Solaris models only support a wired connection. Wireless mode is only possible through third-party adapters.
What to do if the phone does not see the car?
Try to restart both devices, clear the Android Auto application cache on the phone and check the USB connection settings in developer mode.