Android Auto does not launch when using a Samsung Galaxy S23, and the bug is becoming widespread as more customers receive the smartphone.Launched last month, the Galaxy S23 is currently Samsung’s high-end device. The top-of-the-range version is priced at $1,500, so buyers expect nothing less than a smooth experience on all fronts. This doesn’t seem to happen on Android Auto, as the Galaxy S23 seems to hit the same connectivity issues as its predecessor.
Released in early 2022, the Galaxy S22 also struggled to run Android Auto. Samsung eventually sent a fix several months later, but connection errors still plague some devices even today.
The Galaxy S23 error
The problem that the Samsung Galaxy S23 encounters comes down to the same behavior in almost every case.
When the device is connected to the Android Auto head unit, the app does not start and it seems that the connection is not detected.
In some cases, the mobile device starts charging, which is a sign that the connection between the phone and the head unit is active. Android Auto does not appear on the screen, and on head units where manual launch is required, the app icon is not available.
The typical solutions, which involve clearing the cache and data of Android Auto, do not provide any improvements for users.
Photo: Bogdan Popa/autoevolution
The correction
Repairing Android Auto on a Samsung Galaxy S23 involves several steps recommended by Samsung itself. A Galaxy S23 buyer explains that they contacted Samsung support for help and the recommended steps brought things back to normal.
It begins with the removal of all existing profiles from the settings of the Android Auto app. If you have previously used the mobile device with another car, make sure that no settings are saved in Android Auto. This allows you to start from scratch with Android Auto in your car.
The next step is painful to say the least. Samsung apparently advises users to reset the head unit in the car to factory settings. The goal is also to remove all available configurations on the media receiver so that no potentially corrupt files are left behind. If you are not willing to reset the head unit, you can also try resetting the car’s Bluetooth system. Apparently erasing the paired devices is not enough, so reset as much as you can from the receiver.
Photo: Bogdan Popa/autoevolution
The reset process continues on the Samsung Galaxy S23. This is because users must also reset the network settings on the mobile device. Fortunately, you don’t need to reset the entire device, and given Android comes with dedicated settings to remove network settings, using this mode should do it.
After all these steps are completed, restart both the head unit in the car and the media receiver. Connecting the Samsung Galaxy S23 to the car using the cable in the box. This should theoretically give the mobile device a high-speed connection option that prevents any possible disconnection. However, when the mobile device is connected, you must perform all configurations on the main device.
Launch the app by tapping its icon when Android Auto loads on the receiver. In some cases, the app may run automatically, so you don’t need to do anything yet. After Android Auto launches the original setup interface, follow the on-screen instructions to set up the application.
Expected Android Auto behavior should be restored at this point. You don’t have to follow a specific Android Auto configuration, so users can configure the app according to their capabilities.
Photo: Bogdan Popa/autoevolution
Additional recommendations
If this still doesn’t restore Android Auto to your car, make sure you’re already running the latest version of the app. If you are part of the beta program, installing a stable build is the recommended way to go. As such, you can reduce the likelihood of connection issues occurring due to problems in test builds.
At the same time, you need to be sure that your Samsung Galaxy S23 is running the latest version of Android with the latest monthly updates installed. Samsung typically doesn’t include fixes to the Android Auto experience, but if the company decides to deliver improvements on this front, you’ll want them.
If you have already received the Coolwalk interface on your Samsung Galaxy S23, following the aforementioned steps may lead to the removal of the new design. This means that when you get Android Auto up and running, you’ll see the old layout. Google should theoretically put the Coolwalk back into your car in a few days, as the hardware configuration needs to be revalidated by the company using the server-controlled model it uses for the redesign rollout process.