If you're someone who spends a lot of time in the car and is looking for a way to entertain yourself when you're stopped, you've probably heard of Android Auto. This system allows you to access a variety of functions on your phone, such as navigation or messaging, but Google has limited certain actions for security reasons, such as playing videos. However, there are ways to bypass these restrictions using unofficial apps. In this article we'll tell you about the different options you have to watch videos on android auto, whether from YouTube, other streaming platforms or even from your mobile's internal storage, without putting your device at risk.
Android Auto's main goal is to avoid distractions while driving, so it doesn't officially allow video playback. But if the car is parked, there should be no problem enjoying some audiovisual content. Below, we present the applications you can use and how to configure them so that you can watch videos on android auto In a simple way.
How to watch YouTube videos on Android Auto
One of the most popular ways to watch videos on android auto is by using third-party applications that allow you to bypass the limitations imposed by Google. The main application for this purpose is Car Stream, a tool that brings YouTube videos directly to your car screen.
CarStream is an app not available on Google Play, so you will need to download it from an external repository, such as GitHub. To do so, you need to use an app manager for Android Auto that must also be installed from outside the Play Store. The most recommended one for its ease of use is YYYD (Android Auto Apps Downloader), which will allow you to access CarStream.
These are the steps you have to follow to to install CarStream on your Android Auto:
- Download AAAD from a trusted site like GitHub.
- Install the APK on your device. You may need to enable the 'Unknown Sources' option in your device's security settings.
- Open AAAD and select CarStream from its menu, downloading the latest available version.
- Once installed, open CarStream and provide the necessary permissions for it to run.
When you connect your phone to the car using a USB cable and open Android Auto, you will see that CarStream is available within the application menu. From there, you can Search for and play YouTube videos easily on the car screen, with the audio coming through the vehicle's speakers. It is important to remember that, although this is possible, You should never watch videos while driving. Use this feature only when the car is parked.
Watch videos from other streaming platforms
If you are not satisfied with YouTube and prefer watch videos from other platforms, like Netflix or any other streaming website, is also possible thanks to other tools created by third parties. WebViewAuto is one of these options and will allow you to load any website directly on the Android Auto screen, facilitating access to streaming video services.
Installation WebViewAuto The process is similar to that of CarStream. The first step is to download the APK from GitHub, install it on your device and grant the necessary permissions. This app offers the advantage of allowing you to add shortcuts to your favorite websites, for example, the Netflix website itself.
Another alternative you can use is mirror your mobile screen in Android Auto. For this, there are tools such as AA Mirror y Screen2AutoBoth allow you to view what is displayed on your mobile screen directly on the car screen. These apps can be installed from AAAD following a very similar process to that of CarStream.
Watch videos stored locally on your mobile
If you prefer play videos that you already have stored on your mobile, you can turn to an app called Local Video Player. This app integrates directly into the Android 'Share' menu, allowing you to send local videos to your car's screen quickly and without any complications.
To Install Local Video Player, you will need to follow the same steps described above: enable unknown sources in Android Auto, download AAAD or AA Store and install the app from there. Once you connect your phone to the car, simply select the video you want to play, press 'Share' and choose Local Video Player. The video will play smoothly on the car screen, allowing you to enjoy your personal content comfortably.
Watch videos from a USB flash drive
Not only can you send videos from your mobile, it is also possible to play them from a USB flash drive connected to your phone, as long as you have a wireless connection to Android Auto. To do this, you need an accessory that turns your Android Auto system into a wireless one, such as ottocast or the popular Motorola MA1These devices allow you to connect wirelessly to the car's system.
Once you have a wireless connection, you can connect a USB flash drive with videos directly to your phone using a USB-C adapter. After that, simply open the video from your phone, share the playback with Local Video Player and the content will be easily sent to the car screen.
The possibilities for watching videos on Android Auto are multiple, whether you prefer watch streaming content as if you choose local reproductionThe important thing is that you use these tools whenever the car is stopped and you do not represent a danger to yourself or other drivers.