Owners of a popular sedan Hyundai Solaris 2021 model often wonder about integrating a smartphone with the car’s multimedia system. This model year, the manufacturer has made a significant step forward, equipping most trim levels with support for modern protocols Apple CarPlay i Android Auto. However, the connection method and the availability of functions directly depend on the type of installed head unit (GU) and software version.
There are two main scenarios for the development of events: using the standard system, if it is already preinstalled, or installing a third-party adapter to expand the functionality of older versions of radios. It is critically important to distinguish between regular screen mirroring and full integration of Android Auto, since the latter option provides a safe interface with large buttons and voice control, specially adapted for driving.
In this article we will analyze in detail the process of setting up wireless and wired connections, and also consider the nuances of working with different firmware versions of the standard head unit. You will learn how to activate hidden menus and which adapters should be purchased for models without factory support.
Checking compatibility and preparing a smartphone
Before you begin, you need to make sure that your car is actually equipped with a multimedia system that supports mirroring protocols. B Hyundai Solaris 2021 usually installs 8-inch diagonal screens with or without navigation. Go to the radio settings menu and find the section Settings → Phone connection. If there are items Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, then the hardware is ready for use.
On the smartphone side, the requirements are also quite strict. For correct operation of the system, an operating system Android 8.0 (Oreo) or higher is required. Older versions may not support newer data encryption protocols used by car head units. Also make sure that you have installed the official application Android Auto from the Google Play store, although on new versions of Android it is often built into the system.
Pay special attention to the quality of the cable. The cheap cables that come with some accessories are often for charging only and do not have data lines. Use a certified USB Type-C cable that supports high-speed data transfer. If the cable is damaged or has kinks, the connection may be broken while moving.
- 📱 Check the Android version in the phone settings (must be 8.0+).
- 🔌 Use an original or high-quality USB cable no more than 1 meter long.
- ⚙️ Make sure it is enabled in the phone settings USB debugging (optional, but useful).
- 🚗 Start the car engine for stable power supply to the on-board network.
⚠️ Attention: If your phone does not see the car when connected, try clearing the application cache Android Auto in the smartphone settings. Accumulated errors often interfere with the initial pairing.
Wired connection of standard system
The most reliable way to activate the interface is to use a wired connection. In Solaris 2021, the USB port is usually located at the bottom of the center console, under the climate control or in the storage compartment. Connect the cable to the smartphone and the car connector. The system should automatically recognize the device and offer to start screen projection.
A request for permission to access phone data will appear on the radio screen. You must press Allow or OK. After this, the interface Android Auto will replace the standard multimedia menu. You will see familiar icons for maps, music and calls, adapted for control from the car’s touch screen.
Sometimes automatic startup does not occur. In this case, you need to manually find the SmartLink or Projectionicon on the head unit screen. In some firmware this function is hidden in a submenu. If the icon is gray or inactive, check whether another phone is connected to the car, since the system often blocks the second device.
☑️ Wired connection checklist
It is worth noting that a wired connection guarantees minimal delay during navigation and no sound desynchronization. This is especially important when using real-time navigators, where every second matters when maneuvering in heavy traffic.
Setting up wireless Android Auto
Many owners want to get rid of wires. In 2021 models, support for the wireless protocol Wi-Fi Direct for Android Auto is not present in all trim levels, but is often activated by software. First, make sure that modules Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Without both modules operating simultaneously, wireless projection is not possible.
The pairing process begins through the car's Bluetooth menu. Go to Settings → Phone connection → Add a new device. An entry like Hyundai Car or similar will appear on the smartphone screen in the list of available devices. Click on it to create a pair. Confirm that the digital codes match on both screens.
After successful pairing via Bluetooth, the system will prompt you to set up an Android Auto connection. Agree to the terms of use. The radio will create its own Wi-Fi access point, to which the phone will connect automatically. This process may take from 30 seconds to 2 minutes the first time you start it.
Why may the wireless connection be slow?
The wireless protocol uses Wi-Fi frequencies, which may be subject to interference from other devices in the cabin or external signal sources. In addition, encrypting the video stream requires significant computing resources on both the phone and the radio processor, which can cause micro-delays when switching cards.
If a wireless connection cannot be established, your head unit software version may be outdated. In this case, you should contact an authorized dealer to update the firmware. New software versions often contain Wi-Fi stack bug fixes and improve connection stability.
⚠️ Attention: Wireless connections consume significantly more smartphone power. For long trips, it is recommended to use wireless charging or connect a power cable, otherwise the phone may drain faster than usual.
Using external adapters for older versions
If your 2021 version does not support Android Auto out of the box (for example, the basic version with a simple screen), the situation can be corrected using external adapters. These are small devices that connect to the car’s USB port and emulate the presence of a standard system. Hyundai Solaris 2021 does not support Android Auto out of the box (for example, the basic version with a simple screen), the situation can be corrected using external adapters. These are small devices that plug into the car’s USB port and emulate the presence of a standard system.
The market offers devices from various brands, such as Carlinkit, AAWireless and others. The principle of their operation is simple: the adapter is connected to the USB connector of the radio, which thinks that a phone in debugging mode or a specific device is connected to it. The adapter creates its own Wi-Fi network to which your smartphone connects, broadcasting the image to the car screen.
When choosing an adapter, it is important to pay attention to support for the Android Auto version. For stable operation, it is better to choose models that support the latest versions of the protocol. Installation usually does not require complex settings: just connect the adapter, wait for loading and pair with the smartphone as a new Bluetooth device.
| Adapter type | Connection method | Delay (lag) | Price (guideline) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wired dongle | USB in car + Cable to phone | Minimum | Low |
| Wireless basic | USB in car + Wi-Fi/BT | Average | Average |
| Wireless AI-Box | USB in car (full Android) | Depends on load | High |
When purchasing an adapter, make sure that it supports automatic starting when the ignition is turned on. Some cheap models require manual switching of the operating mode through a mobile application.
Solving common problems and errors
Even with proper configuration, users may experience unstable system operation. One of the most common problems is constant connection disconnections. This is often due to overheating of the smartphone or head unit. The process of decoding a video stream creates a high load on the processor.
Another common error is a black screen when the sound is working. This indicates a failure in the video protocol transmission. Try restarting the multimedia system by holding the power button for a long time (about 10 seconds) until the logo Hyundaiappears. This is a forced reboot and does not delete your settings.
If navigation does not work correctly or the voice assistant does not respond, check the permissions for the application Android Auto on your smartphone. Make sure that access to your microphone, location, and contacts is fully permitted. Limiting any of these parameters can lead to partial inoperability of the system.
- 🔄 Perform a “soft reset” of the radio by holding the power button.
- 🗑️ Delete the phone profile from the car’s memory and create the pair again.
- 📶 Disable the mode energy saving on your smartphone during a trip.
⚠️ Attention: Do not try to reflash the head unit with unofficial firmware from the Internet. This can lead to complete failure of the electronics ("bricking") and loss of the car's warranty.
Most connection problems can be solved by simply rebooting both devices (phone and radio) and replacing the USB cable with a known good one.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to watch YouTube via Android Auto on Solaris?
The standard Android Auto interface blocks video applications (YouTube, Netflix) for safety reasons while driving. However, using special adapters such as AI-Box, which run the full version of Android on the radio screen, you can access any applications, including video.
Why does Android Auto not work wirelessly?
Wireless operation requires support from both devices. If your phone supports the wireless protocol, but the radio does not, you will need an external adapter. Also check if the Wi-Fi module is disabled in the head unit settings.
Is Solaris 2021 compatible with Android 14?
Yes, Android Auto is backwards compatible. Smartphones with Android 14 and newer work correctly with Hyundai multimedia systems released in 2021, provided that the current version of the application is used.
How to turn off the sound of the navigator during music?
In the settings of the Android Auto application on your smartphone, go to the section Navigation → Sound. There you can select the option "Play only via Bluetooth" or adjust the volume of prompts separately from the media.