# Android Auto

> Control maps, media and messaging, with the Google Assistant while you drive

Canonical page: [https://chrome-stats.com/d/com.google.android.projection.gearhead](https://chrome-stats.com/d/com.google.android.projection.gearhead)

## Overview

- **ID:** `com.google.android.projection.gearhead`
- **Platform:** Android
- **Type:** Android app
- **Status:** Available
- **Publisher:** Google LLC
- **Category:** AUTO\_AND\_VEHICLES
- **Downloads:** 12,366,042,015
- **Rating:** 4.14 / 5 (6,217,739 ratings)
- **Version:** 17.6.663454-release
- **Last updated:** 2026-09-11
- **First published:** 2015-03-19
- **Publisher country:** US
- **Size:** 45 MB
- **Data as of:** 2026-09-13
- **Store listing:** [Google Play Store](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.projection.gearhead)
- **Website:** [http://www.android.com/auto](http://www.android.com/auto)
- **Privacy policy:** [http://www.google.com/policies/privacy](http://www.google.com/policies/privacy)

## Description

Android Auto is your intelligent driving companion, designed to keep you focused and entertained on the road. Featuring a simplified interface with large buttons and robust voice controls, it enables seamless access to your favorite apps. Just say “Ok Google” to navigate using Google Maps or Waze, get real-time traffic updates, manage calls and messages across multiple platforms including SMS, WhatsApp, and Skype, and enjoy music from apps like Spotify and Pandora.

Compatible with over 400 car models and requiring Android 6.0 or higher, Android Auto enhances safety by reducing distractions—offering custom do not disturb modes and voice commands for hands-free control. Discover a growing list of compatible apps and optimize your driving with Android Auto today.

## Rankings

- #15 — Overall
- #10 — Auto and vehicles (Free)
- #1 — android
- #2 — auto
- #3 — modheader
- #6 — navigation

## Permissions and access

### Permissions

- `android.permission.ACCESS_COARSE_LOCATION`
- `android.permission.ACCESS_FINE_LOCATION`
- `android.permission.ACCESS_LOCAL_NETWORK`
- `android.permission.ACCESS_NETWORK_STATE`
- `android.permission.ACCESS_NOTIFICATION_POLICY`
- `android.permission.ACCESS_WIFI_STATE`
- `android.permission.ACTIVITY_EMBEDDING`
- `android.permission.ADD_ALWAYS_UNLOCKED_DISPLAY`
- `android.permission.ADD_TRUSTED_DISPLAY`
- `android.permission.ASSOCIATE_COMPANION_DEVICES`
- `android.permission.BIND_APPWIDGET`
- `android.permission.BLUETOOTH`
- `android.permission.BLUETOOTH_ADMIN`
- `android.permission.BLUETOOTH_CONNECT`
- `android.permission.BLUETOOTH_PRIVILEGED`
- `android.permission.BLUETOOTH_SCAN`
- `android.permission.CALL_PHONE`
- `android.permission.CALL_PRIVILEGED`
- `android.permission.CAPTURE_SECURE_VIDEO_OUTPUT`
- `android.permission.CHANGE_COMPONENT_ENABLED_STATE`
- `android.permission.CHANGE_NETWORK_STATE`
- `android.permission.CHANGE_WIFI_STATE`
- `android.permission.COMPANION_APPROVE_WIFI_CONNECTIONS`
- `android.permission.CONTROL_INCALL_EXPERIENCE`
- `android.permission.CREATE_VIRTUAL_DEVICE`
- `android.permission.DUMP`
- `android.permission.ENTER_CAR_MODE_PRIORITIZED`
- `android.permission.FOREGROUND_SERVICE`
- `android.permission.FOREGROUND_SERVICE_CONNECTED_DEVICE`
- `android.permission.FOREGROUND_SERVICE_LOCATION`
- `android.permission.FOREGROUND_SERVICE_MICROPHONE`
- `android.permission.GET_INTENT_SENDER_INTENT`
- `android.permission.INTERACT_ACROSS_PROFILES`
- `android.permission.INTERNET`
- `android.permission.LOCAL_MAC_ADDRESS`
- `android.permission.LOCATION_HARDWARE`
- `android.permission.MANAGE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE`
- `android.permission.MANAGE_USB`
- `android.permission.MANAGE_USERS`
- `android.permission.MODIFY_AUDIO_ROUTING`
- `android.permission.MODIFY_DAY_NIGHT_MODE`
- `android.permission.MODIFY_PHONE_STATE`
- `android.permission.NEARBY_WIFI_DEVICES`
- `android.permission.PERSONAL_CONTEXT_PUBLISH_HINTS`
- `android.permission.PERSONAL_CONTEXT_READ_SETTINGS`
- `android.permission.PERSONAL_CONTEXT_RECEIVE_INSIGHTS`
- `android.permission.POST_NOTIFICATIONS`
- `android.permission.POWER_SAVER`
- `android.permission.QUERY_ADVANCED_PROTECTION_MODE`
- `android.permission.QUERY_ALL_PACKAGES`
- `android.permission.READ_BASIC_PHONE_STATE`
- `android.permission.READ_CALENDAR`
- `android.permission.READ_CALL_LOG`
- `android.permission.READ_CONTACTS`
- `android.permission.READ_PHONE_STATE`
- `android.permission.READ_PRIVILEGED_PHONE_STATE`
- `android.permission.RECEIVE_BOOT_COMPLETED`
- `android.permission.RECEIVE_SENSITIVE_NOTIFICATIONS`
- `android.permission.RECEIVE_SMS`
- `android.permission.RECORD_AUDIO`
- `android.permission.REQUEST_COMPANION_PROFILE_AUTOMOTIVE_PROJECTION`
- `android.permission.REQUEST_COMPANION_SELF_MANAGED`
- `android.permission.REQUEST_OBSERVE_COMPANION_DEVICE_PRESENCE`
- `android.permission.SEND_SMS`
- `android.permission.START_ACTIVITIES_FROM_BACKGROUND`
- `android.permission.SYSTEM_ALERT_WINDOW`
- `android.permission.TETHER_PRIVILEGED`
- `android.permission.TOGGLE_AUTOMOTIVE_PROJECTION`
- `android.permission.UPDATE_APP_OPS_STATS`
- `android.permission.USE_BIOMETRIC`
- `android.permission.VIBRATE`
- `android.permission.WAKE_LOCK`
- `android.permission.WIFI_ACCESS_COEX_UNSAFE_CHANNELS`
- `android.permission.WRITE_SETTINGS`
- `androidx.car.app.ACCESS_SURFACE`
- `androidx.car.app.NAVIGATION_TEMPLATES`
- `com.google.android.finsky.permission.GEARHEAD_SERVICE`
- `com.google.android.gms.permission.CAR_SPEED`
- `com.google.android.projection.gearhead.DYNAMIC_RECEIVER_NOT_EXPORTED_PERMISSION`
- `com.google.android.projection.gearhead.permission.START_PROJECTED_ACTIVITY`
- `com.google.android.providers.gsf.permission.READ_GSERVICES`

## Review summary

Android Auto is easy to use with strong navigation and solid app integration, but it suffers from persistent connectivity problems, update-related bugs, limited app/customization options, and inconsistent voice commands. Some apps also misbehave (YouTube Music, WhatsApp). Overall, it works well when connected but reliability and update stability limit its usefulness.

### Pros

- Easy to use and functional, driver-friendly experience.
- Strong navigation/map experience with dependable driving guidance.
- Good hands-free integration with music and messaging apps (Spotify, WhatsApp, Teams).
- Generally reliable when it connects.

### Cons

- Unstable connectivity: frequent drops, device recognition failures, and inconsistent wireless/USB connections.
- Update-induced bugs: loops, crashes, and interface problems after software updates.
- Limited app ecosystem and customization: few compatible apps and inability to customize appearance or display.
- Voice command issues: misinterpretations and inappropriate actions (e.g., incorrect calls, replying decisions).
- App-specific integration problems: some apps (YouTube Music, WhatsApp audio) failing to work properly with Android Auto.

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Source: [Chrome-Stats](https://chrome-stats.com/d/com.google.android.projection.gearhead)