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SYNC® 3 plus Android Auto™

This informative easy to follow video will help explain how you can control certain smartphone features and apps via your SYNC 3 System like music, phone calls, messaging, Google Maps, live traffic updates and more.

The power of SYNC 3 plus Android Auto

Android Auto helps you control some apps from your smartphone using the touchscreen. You can also talk to Google™ using the voice command button on your steering wheel. Once you’re connected, you’ll access apps that can help you make calls, listen and reply to text messages, and play your music and podcasts. Google Maps also provides voice-activated navigation, live traffic information, and estimated travel time.

For a full list of compatible Android Auto apps go to Google Play.

*Android Auto is compatible with Android smartphones running 5.0 (Lollipop) or higher. Most core features require a data plan or are enhanced by a data connection.

Connect your smartphone

To use Android Auto, your phone must be compatible with SYNC 3, and be running Android 5.0 (Lollipop) or higher. You must also have the latest version of the Android Auto app downloaded on your phone and update other Google apps, for example Google, Google Maps, and Google PlayTM Music. We recommend you are connected to Wi-Fi when you download and update these apps. You will also need to enable Android Auto in your vehicle. To enable Android Auto, press the Settings icon in the Feature Bar at the bottom of the touchscreen. Next, press the Android Auto Preferences icon (you may need to swipe the touchscreen to the left to see this icon), and choose Enable Android Auto. Finally, your phone must be connected to SYNC 3 via a USB cable.

Note: You must enable Android Auto in your vehicle before you connect your phone via a USB cable.

To connect, plug your smartphone into any USB port in your vehicle* using your device’s manufacturer-provided USB cable. The first time you connect, you’ll see a pop-up message on your vehicle’s SYNC 3 touchscreen asking if you want to connect. Press Continue, and when the next pop-up appears, press Agree to accept the terms and conditions. You will also be asked to accept terms and conditions on your smartphone. Other steps may also be presented on your smartphone, follow the on-screen prompts to complete setup. Finally, if 911 Assist® is turned off, you may see another pop-up asking you to Set 911 Assist to On.28

Once you’re connected, Android Auto will appear in the touchscreen, giving you access to your phone, text, Google Maps, and other apps. When connected to Android Auto, your smartphone screen may be locked out. Android Auto does not control any of the standard functions in your vehicle.

* For the exact location of USB ports, please consult the Owner Manuals for your vehicle.

SYNC 3 functionality

When you’re connected to Android Auto, many SYNC 3 features, such as the optional Navigation system and SYNC® AppLink™, will be unavailable. You can, however, access a limited number of SYNC 3 features by pressing the Tachometer icon in the bottom right corner of the touchscreen. This takes you to an integrated view that allows you to use certain SYNC 3 and Android Auto features. To exit this view and return to Android Auto, press the Android Auto icon in the Feature Bar.

Note: SYNC does not control Android Auto while in use. Google is solely responsible for Android Auto functionality.

Data plan usage

When you use Android Auto, you may potentially use your own data plan when accessing apps and features, such as Google Maps and others. Data usage varies by smartphone. Use the following as a guide* of typical usage when connected with Android Auto:

  • One hour of streaming music: Approximately 5MB

See the AT&T Data Calculator for more examples of data usage.

For more support on Android Auto, visit the Android Auto Help Center or tweet @Android using #androidautohelp.

*Examples based on averages and are estimates only. The actual amount of data used for these activities can vary. The definition of standard definition streaming is streaming at 533 kbps and for HD streaming is 2000 kbps. Note that 1 MB = 1,024 KB, and 1 GB = 1,024 MB.

Disable Android Auto

You can disable Android Auto from the SYNC 3 screen. To disable Android Auto, press the Settings icon in the Feature Bar, then press the Android Auto Preferences icon (you may need to swipe the touchscreen to the left to see it), and select the smartphone you want to disable. When the next screen appears, select the drop down arrow, and press Disable on the following screen to confirm your selection.