I tried gaming on Android Auto and found 4 apps that made car downtime less boring

Android Auto and found 4 apps that made car downtime less boring">

If you're tired of twiddling your thumbs while waiting for school pickup or during a lunch break, you might be surprised to learn that you can play mobile games on your car's screen. A handful of popular games are compatible with Android Auto, making it easy to pass the time on the go. The catalog of Android Auto-compatible games may not be vast, but it's worth exploring.

None of these titles have complex controls or a steep learning curve, making them perfect for short sessions. To play on your car's screen, simply install the games on your phone and ensure your vehicle is in park. The good thing is that you can still use your phone for other things while connected to your car and playing games on Android Auto.

I tried out a few of the available games and found that while they may not run as smoothly as on my phone, they're still enjoyable to play. Here are my top picks: Angry Birds Friends, which I hadn't played in years, was easy to pick back up. The slingshot-style gameplay works well on a car touchscreen, and the levels go by quickly.

Since the game is actually on your phone, your progress saves, so you can keep going across multiple sessions. Beach Buggy Racing (1 and 2) are also great options. Both versions of this cart-racing game feature colorful racers with simple controls, making them perfect for killing 5 or 10 minutes.

I found that Beach Buggy Racing takes more advantage of the bigger screen than any other game on this list, and it's the one that feels most like a "real" video game. Candy Crush Soda Saga and Farm Heroes Saga are also worth checking out, with easy-to-pick-up gameplay and relaxing vibes. Candy Crush Soda Saga, one of the most popular games available for Android Auto, is a great way to zone out for a few minutes.

Farm Heroes Saga, from the same developers as Candy Crush, offers a similar experience with a match-three format and the added challenge of collecting specific pieces. Overall, these games are a great way to make car downtime more enjoyable. Whether you're waiting for school pickup or just need something to do during a lunch break, Android Auto-compatible games are definitely worth checking out.