Have you ever wondered how to make car trips more fun and what you can do to entertain passengers using Android Auto? The same old radio or playlists are no longer enough: technology has opened the door to a whole world of in-car entertainment. From sharing your phone's screen to playing local videos as if you had a Chromecast, today's possibilities leave no room for boredom on the road.
In this article, you'll find a detailed overview of all the ways Android Auto lets you entertain your passengers. Not just for short trips, but also for long family trips. Plus, you'll discover the best apps, updated tips, and tricks to get the most out of hidden features and official options you probably didn't know about.
Android Auto: Beyond Music and Navigation
Android Auto is known for making driving easier thanks to its features for access maps, calls, messages, and music or podcast appsHowever, this system goes much further: today, it's possible to transform the passenger experience by expanding the entertainment options available directly on the car's screen.
The key to entertaining Android Auto passengers is knowing which additional apps and features you can install or enable., since many of the best tools do not appear officially on the Google Play Store, but their legality and security have been verified by user communities and specialized media.
Sharing your phone screen on Android Auto: Duplication and mirroring
One of the most requested functions is the possibility of Display the content of your Android phone directly on the car's infotainment system screenThis allows you to access videos, photos, games, streaming apps, and browse the internet from the comfort of the passenger seat or rear passengers.
More reliable options: Fermata Auto and AA Mirror Plus
Among the available alternatives, Auto stop and AA Mirror Plus have established themselves as the star apps for mirroring your phone's screen to Android Auto. Although they require installing APK files and activating developer options, the community highly recommends them for their stable performance and the variety of uses they offer.
Fermata Auto: Four applications in one
Fermata Auto stands out for being a complete multimedia suite, including Fermata Mirror and Fermata FS Mirror, which allow full-screen mirroring. Not only will you be able to watch videos and photos from your phone, but you can also access YouTube, DTT, or play any locally stored files.
To install Fermata Auto, it is first necessary activate Android Auto developer options and enable apps from unknown sources. You can then download the APK from sources like GitHub. After installing it and granting permissions (such as storage access and screen recording), you'll have a very powerful multimedia environment at your disposal.
The user experience is fluid, and mirroring usually works without interruptions, although it requires the phone to be on and connected to the car, preferably via cable to avoid high battery consumption. You can watch YouTube videos almost as if you were using the original app, make slideshows of family photos, or play downloaded videos.
AA Mirror Plus: Simplicity and performance
Another popular solution for Screen mirroring is AA Mirror Plus. It's not on the Play Store, but you can download the APK from projects like Android Auto Apps Downloader (AAAD), which is safe and open source. This app offers a agile experience with hardly any delays, with simple setup: you'll just need to accept permissions like accessibility and screen recording.
It works both wired and wirelessly, depending on the compatibility of your car and smartphone. In most cases, a wired connection is recommended to maximize transmission stability and avoid latency issues.
What can be done with duplication?
To entertain passengers in Android Auto, a good option is to use mirroring. This makes it easier to seamlessly watch content with your companions. These are the activities you can perform with this feature:
- Watch videos from your gallery or streaming apps.
- Play from your mobile phone on your car screen (intended for passengers or when the vehicle is stopped).
- Photo slideshows or view documents.
- Browsing the internet or using other applications in large format (always in the hands of passengers).
Local Video Player: Turn Android Auto into a makeshift Chromecast
In addition to full mirroring, another interesting option is Play videos stored on your phone directly on your car's screen, something similar to a Chromecast. For this, there's Local Video Player, an unofficial app that can be downloaded from the AA Store, another secure and widely used repository.
The process is simple: Install AA Store, select Local Video Player and grant access permissions to files and media. The app is lightweight (15MB approximately) and allows you to select any local video using the "Watch in Car" option in the Android Share menu. The video then automatically launches on the Android Auto screen. It even has basic controls for pausing, fast-forwarding, or rewinding content, making it easy to use during long stops, trips with children, or journeys where passengers want to enjoy a movie or TV show without complications.
This mode of operation is especially useful for those looking to avoid connection problems or mobile data restrictions., since the video is played from the device's own local storage.
Games on Android Auto: Fun for stops and passengers
The latest versions of Android Auto have started to include the possibility of playing directly on the car screen, although this feature is only available in certain versions (Android Auto 14.1 or higher and Android 14 or 15 on mobile).
For obvious security reasons, Games can only be run when the vehicle is parkedCurrently supported titles include classics like Farm Heroes Saga, Candy Crush Soda Saga, Angry Birds 2, and Beach Buggy Racing. While the offering is limited for now, it is expected to expand gradually.
These games are controlled via the car's touchscreen, so the experience is similar to that of a tablet. It's perfect for making the wait before starting the car more bearable, for when children have to stay in the car, or for entertaining passengers at any time while the vehicle is stopped.
Access Android Auto in any car: External displays and universal compatibility
A common myth is that only the latest generation cars can enjoy Android Auto. However, today There are solutions such as the Alxum SK6901 screen, allowing the system to be installed in vehicles of any age. This 9-inch external screen is compatible with both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. It also connects via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, requiring no professional installation.
Its advantages include universal compatibility (from Android 10 and iOS 8), the support for voice control (Google Assistant or Siri), the ability to use Mirror Link to mirror your phone's screen (ideal for YouTube videos or gaming), and a quick and portable setup. It even includes a rearview camera to help with parking and an adjustable adhesive mount for installing it in minutes.
These types of screens turn any car into a smart vehicle. With their adaptation, you can enjoy all the features of Android Auto and CarPlay without having to invest in more expensive original systems or change your car.
Tips and tricks to get the most out of Android Auto on your travels
While the advanced options require installing external apps, Android Auto has numerous native features and settings. This will help improve the travel experience for all vehicle occupants:
- Start Android Auto automatically when connecting your phone: From the settings you can configure the system to always activate, even with the screen locked.
- Application organization: Select and arrange your favorite apps to appear on your car screen and be instantly accessible.
- notification control: Avoid distractions by filtering messages or activating “Do Not Disturb” mode.
- Answer calls easily thanks to the automatic hands-free system, or call again by tapping on the last call on the screen.
- Integration with music and podcast apps like Spotify, Audible, and Google Podcasts, with the option to download content in advance.
- Equalization and audio customization directly from compatible music apps.
- Voice control with Google Assistant, to send messages, check the weather, search for nearby places, or play content without taking your eyes off the road.
- Quick search for gas stations, restaurants and hotels along the way, with up-to-date information and the option to read reviews before stopping.
- Customizing your display with dark or day mode, which helps reduce eye strain on night journeys.
- Developer mode: Access advanced options, such as further customizing Android Auto behavior.
Safety: Number one priority in on-board entertainment
While it's tempting to take full advantage of multimedia options, safety must always be the priorityIt's essential that mirroring, video playback, and gaming functions be used exclusively by passengers or while the car is stationary. Drivers should limit themselves to using Android Auto-approved apps, such as maps, phone, and voice control, to avoid distractions and potential fines.
Avoid using mirroring apps or video games while driving. To protect your safety and that of other occupants. These options are designed for entertainment during stops, long trips with children, or when you need to wait in the car.
More possibilities for everyone: Android Auto and the evolution of in-car entertainment
Currently, the variety of applications and devices compatible with Android Auto allows any user transform your car into a multimedia entertainment centerFrom listening to your favorite playlists and podcasts to watching videos, screen sharing, gaming, or personalizing your travel experience, it's all possible with the right setup.
You don't need a state-of-the-art vehicle to entertain passengers with Android Auto.Thanks to external devices and alternative apps, the same features can be installed in older or more professional cars. And with each update, the Android Auto ecosystem expands its capabilities, incorporating new apps, improving compatibility, and offering greater flexibility for users and manufacturers.
Android Auto is no longer just a tool for efficient and comfortable driving., becoming a true ally for enjoying the journey in company. Today, both drivers and passengers can choose how to spend their time on the road, with the peace of mind that there are safe, versatile options tailored to every need.
Whether through mirroring, local video playback, gaming, or simply using traditional entertainment apps, traveling has never been more fun thanks to Android Auto. Share this guide so other users can learn how to make car trips more fun..
