4 Android Auto developer settings that make driving so much easier - how to enable them

For most users, Android Auto is a convenient way to handle navigation, music, and messages while driving. However, for those willing to dig deeper, there are several developer settings that can significantly change the look and functionality of your car's infotainment system. Just like your Android phone, Android Auto has its own developer mode that lets you access settings not intended for everyday users.

Enabling these settings is relatively straightforward and only takes a minute. To access Android Auto's developer settings, you'll need to navigate to your phone's settings, as the Android Auto app doesn't appear among your regular apps. One of the most useful developer settings is the ability to control the day and night mode.

By default, Android Auto automatically switches between day and night mode based on the time of day, ambient lighting, or your headlights. With this setting, you can permanently set it to day or night, or use 'Phone controlled,' which follows your phone's system settings. This feature is particularly useful if you find the automatic switching frustrating or if you prefer a consistent look.

Another setting worth exploring is the display resolution. Android Auto usually negotiates with your car to find a resolution that's acceptable while saving bandwidth. However, with developer settings, you can tweak this to achieve a higher resolution, which can significantly improve the sharpness of your icons, background art, and maps.

Just be cautious not to set it too high, as this can cause the screen to look worse or go completely black. Additionally, you can disable wireless Android Auto to conserve your phone's battery life. By default, Android Auto connects automatically whenever you start your car, which can drain your phone's battery even if you're not using Android Auto.

Unchecking the Wireless Android Auto box will ensure that you only connect when you plug in the cable. Lastly, selecting the 'Unknown sources' feature lets you install apps that aren't officially sanctioned by Google. This opens up a range of possibilities, including installing niche media players, apps that mirror your entire phone, and improved smart home control apps.

For example, you can use AA Browser as a web browser, CarTube and CarStream to watch YouTube videos on your car's screen, or Widgets for Auto to install custom Android phone widgets.