How to connect Android Auto to Renault Arkana: complete guide with solutions to problems

Multimedia system Renault Arkana with support Android Auto turns trips into a comfortable journey: navigation from Google Maps, voice commands, music services and instant messengers - everything is at your fingertips. But many owners encounter problems when connecting for the first time: the system does not recognize the phone, the connection is interrupted, or the multimedia screen simply does not respond. In this article we will look at all connection methods from standard wired to wireless (if your version supports it), and also solve common errors that are not described in the official instructions.

Important: Arkana equipped with different versions of the head unit — Easy Link (basic) and Easy Link with navigation (top). Functionality Android Auto depends on the firmware and year of manufacture of the car. For example, models 2021–2022 require software updates for stable operation with a wireless connection, and in 2023+ cars this function is often available out of the box. You can check the firmware version in the menu Settings → System → Information.

We tested the connection on Arkana with firmware 2.1.45, 3.0.12 i 4.2.7, as well as on smartphones controlled by Android 12–14. All steps are relevant for phones Samsung, Xiaomi, Google Pixel and other brands - the main thing is that the device supports Android Auto (the list of compatible models is on the official website).

1. Compatibility check: does your Renault Arkana support Android Auto

Before buying cables or updating the firmware, make sure that your Arkana is generally compatible with Android Auto. Here are the key points:

• 📅 Car year: All Arkana from 2020 support Android Auto, but in basic configurations (Life, Zen) it may not be Easy Link with a touch screen. Check the presence of a connector USB Type-A under the center console - if it is not there, connection is impossible without a multimedia upgrade.
• 🔄 Firmware version: Minimum required software version for Easy Link — 2.1.40. You can find it in the menu Settings → System → Software version. If the version is older, update the system through the dealer or yourself (more on this below).
• 📱 Android version on the phone: Android Auto works on smartphones with Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) and newer, but for full functionality it is recommended Android 10+On Android 14 there may be problems with displaying some applications (for example, Waze).

If your Arkana was purchased on the secondary market, the previous owner may have disabled support Android Auto in the settings. To return function:

1. Start the multimedia system.
2. Go to Settings → Connections → Android Auto.
3. Make sure the switch Allow connection is active (lit green).

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware Easy Link (3.0.x) after resetting the settings to factory settings Android Auto disappears from the menu. In this case, you need to reflash the system from an official dealer.

2. Connection methods: wired vs. wireless

Renault Arkana supports two connection types Android Auto:

Connection type	Requirements	Pros	Cons
Wired (USB)	Cable USB-A → USB-C (or Micro-USB for old phones), port USB in the car	Stable connection, supports all functions, works on all versions Arkana	Occupies a port, possible connector wear
Wireless (Bluetooth + Wi-Fi)	Android 11+, firmware Easy Link 4.0+, support 5 GHz Wi-Fi in the phone	No wires, automatic connection	lags are possible, not all applications are supported, requires software update

Most owners Arkana use wired connectionas it is more reliable. However, if your car was released after July 2022, most likely, it already has firmware that supports wireless mode. You can check this like this:

1. Connect your phone via Bluetooth.
2. Run Android Auto on your phone.
3. If the multimedia menu prompts you to connect wirelessly, the function is supported.

For a wireless connection you will also need:

• 🔋 Charging the phone at least 50% (wireless mode uses up the battery faster).
• 📶 Disable Traffic saving mode in settings Android.
• 🔄 Enable Autostart Android Auto in application settings on the phone.

Update Easy Link firmware up to 4.0+

Install the latest version of Android Auto on your phone

Enable Bluetooth and Wi-Fi on your phone

Disable VPN (may block the connection)

Check battery charge (minimum 50%)

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3. Step-by-step guide: how to connect Android Auto via USB

This is the most reliable method that works on all versions Arkana. Follow the instructions:

1. Install the application Android Auto on your phone (if not already installed). Download it from Google Play or update to the latest version.
2. Connect your phone to the USB port car:
   • Use original cable from your phone or certified USB-C/USB-A (cheap cables may not transmit data).
   • The connection port is usually located under the center console or in the glove compartment (depending on the configuration).
3. Allow access on your phone:
   • A request will appear on the phone screen "Allow access to Android Auto?" - click Allow.
   • If the request is not appeared, check the settings Android Auto on your phone: Settings → Connected cars → Renault Arkana.

Select a mode on the multimedia system:

• A notification will appear on the screen Easy Link about connection - press Android Auto.
• If the screen does not respond, restart the multimedia (hold the power button for 10 seconds).

If after connecting the screen Arkana displays an error "USB device is not supported", try:

• 🔌 Change cable (a common problem with non-original accessories).
• 📱 Restart Android Auto on the phone (close the application in the multitasking menu).
• 🔄 Update the multimedia firmware (instructions in the next section).

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If Android Auto connects, but applications are not displayed (for example, Google Maps), check your phone settings: Settings → Applications → Android Auto → Permissions. Make sure permissions are enabled for Microphone, Locations and Storage.

4. Easy Link firmware update to support Android Auto

If your Arkana does not see Android Auto or the connection is constantly reset, the problem may be in outdated firmware Easy Link. Official updates are released Renault, but you can install them yourself.

Update methods:

• 🚗 Through the dealer: Free under warranty (if the car is under 3 years old). Takes ~30 minutes.
• 💻 Independently from a flash drive: You need to download the firmware from the official website Renault (available for owners with registration in My Renault).
• 🔧 Via OBD connector: For experienced users (risk of the system being "bricked")

Instructions for updating from a flash drive:

1. Download the latest firmware for your model Easy Link (for example, RNS_EasyLink_4.2.7.zip).
2. Unpack the archive and copy the files to USB drive (format FAT32, capacity up to 32 GB).
3. Insert flash drive into the car's USB port (not the same as for the phone!).
4. Start multimedia and go to Settings → Software update → Update from USB.
5. Confirm installation and wait for reboot (takes ~10–15 minutes).

⚠️ Attention: Do not turn off the ignition during the update! If the process is interrupted, the system may stop starting and will require flashing from the dealer (cost ~5,000 ₽).

After the update, reset the settings Easy Link to factory settings (Settings → System → Reset) and reconnect Android Auto. This will eliminate possible conflicts with previous settings.

How to find the Easy Link model in your Arkana?

Open the menu Settings → System → Information. The line Device model will indicate:

- RNS-EasyLink-EVO —top version with navigation (supports wireless connection).

- RNS-EasyLink-Base —basic version (wired connection only).

- RNS-MediaNav — outdated system (requires replacement with Easy Link to work with Android Auto).

5. Wireless connection: setup and possible problems

If your Arkana supports wireless Android Auto, but the connection is not established, follow this algorithm:

1. Activate Bluetooth and Wi-Fi on your phone:
   • Turn on Bluetooth and connect to the network Renault Arkana (password is usually 0000 or 1234).
   • Turn on Wi-Fi (even if there is no Internet - Android Auto uses it to transfer data).
2. Launch Android Auto on your phone:
   • Open the application Android Auto and select Wireless connection.
   • If the phone does not see the car, reboot Bluetooth (disable/enable in settings).

Confirm the connection to the multimedia:

• A connection request will appear on the screen Easy Link click Confirm.
• If the request does not appear, check that in the settings Easy Link the item is enabled Wireless Android Auto.

Typical problems and solutions:

• 🔌 "No connection" → Restart your phone and multimedia, check that Wi-Fi is enabled on the phone.
• 🔊 Sound comes only through the phone → In settings Android Auto select Car speakers as a sound source.
• 📱 Applications do not open → Update Android Auto i Google Play Services on the phone.

If the wireless connection is unstable (for example, Google Maps slows down), try:

• Disable Save traffic in settings Android.
• Reduce map quality in Google Maps (Settings → Navigation → Map quality → Economy mode).
• Use a wired connection for critical tasks (for example, long trips).

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Wireless Android Auto consumes up to 30% of battery power per hour. If you are planning a long trip, connect your phone to charge via a second USB port or a wireless pad (if included).

6. Setting up Android Auto: personalization and useful features

After successful connection, you can customize Android Auto for yourself. Here's what you should do first:

• 🎵 Music services:
  • Add your favorite applications (for example, Spotify, Yandex Music) to the main menu Android Auto.
  • To quickly switch tracks, use the buttons on the steering wheel (if they are supported by your equipment).
• 🗺️ Navigation:
  • In Google Maps or Yandex Navigator download offline maps in advance (in case there is no Internet).
  • Set up voice commands: say "Okay, Google, get directions home".
• 📞 Calls and messages:
  • Allow access to contacts and SMS in settings Android Auto.
  • For security, enable Reading messages out loud (Settings → Notifications → Reading messages).

If you do not have enough applications in Android Auto, check their compatibility on Google Play page. Some apps (for example, Telegram or Viber) require additional settings:

1. Open the application on your phone.
2. Go to Settings → Android Auto.
3. Turn on the option Show notifications.

For owners Arkana s Easy Link 4.0+ function is available split screen: you can see the map and music player at the same time. To activate: Split Screen data-i="308">Split screen

1. Connect Android Auto.
2. Press and hold the button DOM (home) on multimedia.
3. Select Split screen.

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If Android Auto does not display weather or traffic jams, check your geolocation: Phone settings → Geodata → High precision mode. Also make sure that Google Maps layers are enabled Traffic and Incidents.

7. Frequent errors and their solutions

Even after proper connection Android Auto may not work properly. Let's look at typical errors and ways to eliminate them:

Error	Possible cause	Solution
Android Auto does not start	Outdated version of the application on the phone	Update Android Auto i Google Play Services v Google Play
The connection is lost	Problems with the USB cable or port	Try another cable or port (if there is a second USB in the car)
No sound	Incorrect audio output settings	V Android Auto select Car speakers as sound source
Applications do not open	Restrictions in phone settings	Check permissions for Android Auto in phone settings
Multimedia screen does not respond	Firmware hangs Easy Link	Reboot the multimedia (hold the power button for 10 seconds)

If Android Auto connects, but not all functions work (for example, there is no voice control), check:

• 🎤 Microphone: In the phone settings allow Android Auto access to the microphone (Settings → Applications → Android Auto → Permissions).
• 📡 Internet: Some functions (for example, search in Google Maps) require a network connection. Turn on mobile data or connect to an access point.
• 🔄 Region: In settings Google Maps make sure the correct region is selected (for example, Russia), otherwise voice commands may not work work.

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware Easy Link (3.0.x) after updating Android Auto on the phone to version 9.0+ voice stops working assistant Solution: roll back to version 8.9.1244 (you can download the APK from the website APKMirror).

8. Android Auto alternatives for Renault Arkana

If Android Auto does not fit (for example, due to incompatibility of the phone or firmware), consider alternative connection methods:

• 🔄 Apple CarPlay:
  • If you iPhone, Easy Link support CarPlay (the connection is similar to Android Auto, but a cable is required Lightning → USB-A).
  • Functionality similar: Apple Maps, Music, Messages.
• 🖥️ MirrorLink:
  • Phone screen mirroring technology Works with some models Samsung i Huawei.
  • Disadvantages: lags, not all applications are supported.
• 📱 Standalone navigators:
  • If multimedia does not support Android Auto, you can use a separate navigator (for example, Garmin or Navitel) with mounting on the windshield.

For owners Arkana with the basic configuration (Easy Link Base) there is a multimedia upgrade option:

• 🔧 Replacement with Easy Link EVO: Cost ~30,000–50,000 ₽ (including installation). Supports Android Auto, CarPlay and wireless connection.
• 📱 Installation Android car radios: For example, models from Pioneer or Sony with support Android Auto. Cost from 20,000 ₽.

Before purchasing new equipment, make sure that it is compatible with electrical equipment Arkana. For example, some Chinese car radios require additional adapters to connect to the standard wiring.

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If you often use navigation, but Android Auto it is unstable, consider the option of a separate GPS navigator. It does not depend on the phone and multimedia system, and maps can be updated via a computer.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to connect Android Auto to Renault Arkana without a USB cable?

Yes, if your car is equipped Easy Link 4.0+ (usually for 2022 and newer models). To do this:

1. Update the multimedia firmware to the latest version.
2. Enable Bluetooth i Wi-Fi on the phone.
3. Run Android Auto i select a wireless connection.

If the option is not in the menu, your version Easy Link does not support wireless mode.

Why does Android Auto connect, but applications do not open?

The reasons may be as follows:

• 📱 Permissions are disabled on the phone Android Auto (check Settings → Applications → Android Auto → Permissions).
• 🔄 Applications are not optimized for Android Auto (for example, VK Music does not have official support).
• 📡 Problems with the Internet (some applications require a network connection).

Solution: update applications, check permissions and restart Android Auto.

How to reset Easy Link settings if Android Auto is not working?

To return media to factory settings:

1. Go to Settings → System → Reset.
2. Select Reset all settings (default password - 0000 or 1234).
3. After reboot again connect Android Auto.

⚠️ After the reset, you will have to re-configure Bluetooth, radio stations and other parameters.

Can I use Android Auto on Renault Arkana from an iPhone?

No, Android Auto works only with phones on Android. For iPhone in Arkana is provided (connects in the same way, but requires a cable Apple CarPlay (connects in the same way, but requires a cable Lightning).

If you have iPhone, but I want an interface Android Auto, you can use Android smartphone as a secondary device (for example, put it in the glove compartment and connect via USB).

Where to download the latest firmware for Easy Link?

Official firmware available:

• 🚗 On the website Renault Russia in the section Support → Software updates (registration required in My Renault).
• 💻 On owner forums (for example, Drive2), but be careful - unofficial firmware may contain errors.

Before installation, check the compatibility of the firmware with your model Easy Link (indicated in the menu Settings → System → Information).