If you are the owner of a smartphone Huawei and want to integrate it with the car's multimedia system, sooner or later you will encounter question: does Android Auto work on Huawei? The answer is not as clear-cut as it might seem. The fact is that after US sanctions and a ban on the use of Google services, many functions on the brand’s devices began to work differently - or disappeared altogether. In this article we will figure out what it is Android Auto for Huawei, which models support the technology, how to set it up and what alternatives exist for car owners with modern multimedia systems.

It’s worth clarifying right away: Android Auto is an application from Google that allows you to duplicate key smartphone functions on the car screen, providing secure control of navigation, music and calls. However, smartphones Huaweireleased after May 2019 are deprived of access to Google Mobile Services (GMS), which directly affects the operation of this service. But this does not mean that owners of such devices will have to give up convenience. Next, we will tell you how to bypass the restrictions and what workarounds it offers itself Huawei.

What is Android Auto and why do you need it

Android Auto is a platform from Google designed for the safe use of a smartphone while driving. It projects a simplified phone interface onto the car display, allowing you to control:

  • 🗺️ Navigation (Google Maps, Waze, Yandex.Maps)
  • 🎵 Music and podcasts (Spotify, YouTube Music, Apple Music)
  • 📞 Calls and messages (with voice control support)
  • 🔧 Voice assistant (Google Assistant)

The main advantage is minimizing distractions: the interface is optimized for quick perception, and control is carried out by voice or large buttons on the touch screen. This reduces the risk of accidents and makes travel more comfortable.

However, for Huawei there is a nuance: without GMS (Google Mobile Services) the standard application Android Auto is not installed via Google Play. But this does not mean that there is no solution at all. Next, we will look at all the available methods.

📊 Do you use Android Auto in a car?
Yes, regularly
I tried it, but it didn’t work
No, but I want to set it up
I don’t know what it is

Do Huawei smartphones support Android Auto?

The answer depends on release date your device:

Device category Android Auto support Notes
Huawei until May 2019 (P30, Mate 20, Nova 4, etc.) ✅ Yes Installation via Google Play, full functionality
Huawei after May 2019 (P40, Mate 40, Nova 8, etc.) ❌ No (officially) Without GMS, but there are workarounds (see below)
Huawei with HarmonyOS (Mate 50, P50, Nova 10) ❌ No Uses its own ecosystem Huawei Mobile Services (HMS)

For devices without GMS (for example, Huawei P40 Pro or Mate 40 Pro) standard application Android Auto not available in the official store AppGallery. However, there are several ways to get around this limitation:

  • 📥 Installing the APK file manually (with the risk of unstable operation)
  • 🔄 Using alternative launchers (for example, AA Genie)
  • 🚗 Switching to a proprietary solution from Huawei — Huawei HiCar
⚠️ Attention: Installing APK from unverified sources may lead to data leak or incorrect. work applications. We recommend using only official or verified alternatives.

How to install Android Auto on Huawei without GMS

If your smartphone Huawei Released after May 2019, you will have to use one of the workarounds. Let's consider the most reliable method - installation via APK file:

Download APK from a trusted source (e.g. APKMirror)|Enable installation from unknown sources in security settings|Connect your phone to the car via USB (use the original cable)|Update the car system firmware to the latest version-->

Step-by-step guide:

  1. Download the latest version Android Auto in APK format from the site APKMirror (check the reviews and rating of the file!).
  2. Go to Settings → Security → Advanced → Installation from unknown sources and allow installation for your browser or file manager.
  3. Install the downloaded APK file If the error "The application is not installed", try an older version (for example, 7.8 or 7.9).
  4. Connect the phone to the car via USB cable (preferably the original one, since cheap cables may not support data transfer).
  5. On the car screen, select the mode Android Auto (can be called "Screen projection" or "MirrorLink").

If after connecting the application does not starts:

  • 🔄 Reboot the phone and car system.
  • 📱 Check if developer mode and USB debugging are enabled (Settings → About phone → Build number (press 7 times) → Settings developer → USB debugging).
  • 🚘 Update the firmware of the car's multimedia system (instructions are usually in the user manual).
⚠️ Attention: On some models Huawei (for example, Mate 50 Pro) even after installation The APK application may not recognize the connection to the car. due to HarmonyOS limitations. In this case, the only alternative is to Huawei HiCar.
💡

If Android Auto is constantly disconnected, try disabling battery optimization for this application in the phone settings. This may solve the problem with random connection breaks.

Huawei HiCar: Huawei's Android Auto alternative

Huawei HiCar is the brand's response to Google's restrictions. This is a proprietary system that runs on devices Huawei c HMS (Huawei Mobile Services) and is supported by many modern cars (mainly Chinese and European brands, such as Audi, Volkswagen, BYD).

How is HiCar different from Android Auto?

Function Android Auto Huawei HiCar
Navigation Google Maps, Waze Huawei Petal Maps, Baidu Maps, Yandex.Maps (limited)
Music Spotify, YouTube Music Huawei Music, QQ Music, local files
Voice assistant Google Assistant Celia (Huawei voice assistant)
Supported vehicles Most brands (Toyota, Hyundai, Ford etc.) Limited list (mainly Chinese and European models)

How to set up Huawei HiCar:

  1. Make sure your car supports HiCar (a list of compatible models is available at Huawei official website).
  2. Download the application Huawei HiCar from AppGallery.
  3. Connect the phone to the car via USB or Wi-Fi (depending on the car model).
  4. Follow the instructions on the car screen to pair the devices.

If your car does not support HiCar, you can try using wireless screen projection via Miracast or Huawei Cast, but this is less convenient than specialized solutions.

List of cars supporting Huawei HiCar

The list includes many models from Audi (2020+), Volkswagen (2021+), BYD, Changan, Geely, as well as some BMW and Mercedes-Benz cars (needs to be specified for a specific configuration). the list can be found in the official HiCar application or on the car manufacturer's website.

Problems and errors when connecting Android Auto to Huawei

Even if you managed to install Android Auto on Huawei, you may encounter typical problems and their methods. solutions:

  • 🔌 "Device not supported" —appears when connected to a car.

    Solution: Try a different USB cable (preferably the original one) or restart your phone and car system. If this does not help, check whether the mode is enabled File transfer (MTP) when connecting.

  • 🔄 The application constantly disconnects during a trip.

    Solution: Disable battery optimization for Android Auto in the phone settings and add it to the list "Protected applications".

  • 📵 No sound when playing music or navigation tips.

    Solution: Check the sound settings in the car (the wrong source may be selected) or reinstall the application.

  • 📱 The phone screen is not projected on the car display.

    Solution: Update the firmware of the car's multimedia system or try connecting via another USB port (if there are several of them).

⚠️ Attention: On some cars (for example, Toyota or Hyundai older 2018) Android Auto may work unstable due to outdated firmware of the head unit. In this case, only updating the car software from an official dealer will help.

If none of the methods help, it is worth considering alternatives:

  • 📱 Using Huawei HiCar (if supported by the car).
  • 🎧 Connecting a phone for Bluetooth for music and calls (without screen projection).
  • 📱 Installing a magnetic holder and using the phone as a navigator (less safe).

Comparison of Android Auto and Huawei HiCar: what better?

Choice between Android Auto and Huawei HiCar Depends on your car and priorities. Let's compare the key aspects:

Criterion Android Auto Huawei HiCar
Car compatibility ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (most brands) ⭐⭐⭐ (limited list)
Navigation applications Google Maps, Waze, Yandex.Maps Huawei Petal Maps, Baidu Maps (limited)
Music services Spotify, YouTube Music, Apple Music Huawei Music, QQ Music, local files
Voice control Google Assistant (full integration) Celia (limited commands)
Operation stability High (on supported devices) Average (depending on the car firmware)

When you should choose Android Auto:

  • 🚗 Your car does not support Huawei HiCar.
  • 🗺️ You need Google Maps or Waze for navigation.
  • 🎵 You use Spotify or YouTube Music.

When is it better to use Huawei HiCar:

  • 📱 Your smartphone Huawei works on HarmonyOS and does not support GMS.
  • 🚘 Your car is included in the official list of compatible models.
  • 🔒 You prefer the Huawei ecosystem and do not use Google services.
💡

If your car supports both systems, try both and choose the one that is more convenient for everyday use. The main thing is safety and minimal distractions while driving.

The future of Android Auto on Huawei: what to expect?

The situation with Android Auto on Huawei remains ambiguous. On the one hand, the brand is actively developing its own ecosystem HarmonyOS and HMSwhich it does Huawei HiCar a more promising solution for new devices. On the other hand, many users still prefer the usual Google services, especially when it comes to navigation or music services.

Possible development scenarios:

  • 🔄 Return of GMS on new models Huawei (unlikely in the coming years due to sanctions).
  • 📱 Expanding HiCar compatibility with a larger number of cars (a trend is already observed among European brands).
  • 🤝 Collaboration with third parties to integrate popular services (for example, Yandex.Maps or Spotify) in HiCar.
  • 🚀 Development of alternative solutionssuch as CarLink or other launchers adapted for Huawei.

For now, owners Huawei without GMS have to choose between:

  1. Installation Android Auto via APK (with the risk of unstable operation).
  2. Switching to Huawei HiCar (if supported by the car).
  3. Using alternative connection methods (Bluetooth, magnetic holder).

If you are planning to buy a new car and integration with a smartphone is critical for you, check in advance, supports whether its multimedia system Android Auto or Huawei HiCar. This will save time and nerves in the future.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Android Auto on Huawei

Is it possible to install Android Auto on Huawei P50 Pro?

Technically yes, but with reservations. On Huawei P50 Pro (as on other models without GMS) you will have to install the APK file manually. However, due HarmonyOS The application may be unstable or may not connect to the car at all. An alternative is Huawei HiCarif your machine supports it.

Why doesn't Android Auto see my Huawei Mate 40?

This is a typical problem for devices without Google Mobile Services. The reasons may be the following:

  • An incompatible APK version is installed (try version 7.8 or 7.9).
  • The USB cable does not support data transfer (use the original cable).
  • The mode is not enabled in the phone settings File transfer (MTP).
  • Car firmware is outdated (requires update from dealer).

If all else fails, try Huawei HiCar or wireless screen projection via Miracast.

Which cars support Huawei HiCar?

The list is constantly expanding, but today Huawei HiCar is officially supported in cars of the following brands (2020 and newer):

  • Audi (selected models)
  • Volkswagen (mainly Chinese versions)
  • BYD, Changan, Geely, Great Wall (most models)
  • BMW and Mercedes-Benz (limited configurations)

For accurate information, check compatibility on official website Huawei or in the app HiCar.

Can I use Android Auto on Huawei without connecting to USB?

Officially Android Auto on Huawei works only via USB. However, there is a workaround for wireless connection:

  1. Install Android Auto via APK.
  2. Connect your phone to the car via USB at least once for the initial setup.
  3. Enable Bluetooth i Wi-Fi on the phone and in the car.
  4. In the settings Android Auto select "Wireless connection" (if your car supports it).

Please note that the wireless version may work less stable, especially on devices without GMS.

What to do if Android Auto is on Huawei constantly crashes?

The problem with crashes is usually associated with:

  • Incompatible APK version —try an older or newer version.
  • Battery optimization —add the application to exceptions in the phone settings.
  • Conflict with other applications —try disabling other apps running in the background.
  • Unstable USB connection —use a different cable or port.

If the problem persists, consider using Huawei HiCar or alternative launchers such as AA Genie.