Android Auto fails after Android 16: black screens, no connection

Updating to Android 16 has turned into a headache for many: judging by numerous posts on Google’s forums, the new release is completely knocking out Android Auto. The app fails to connect to a car’s infotainment system, stalls on a black screen, and then displays a message saying it couldn’t connect.

The issue affects not only Google Pixel owners but also Samsung users, which effectively rules out hardware faults. One affected driver reported using a Pixel 9 Pro XL where Android Auto worked flawlessly on Android 15 but stopped launching after the move to Android 16. When the phone is plugged in, the car’s display goes dark for 10–15 seconds, while the location icon on the handset flashes—clear signs that the system is trying and failing to establish a link. The pattern points to a software-level regression introduced with the update.

Clearing the cache, wiping data, or reinstalling the app doesn’t help. Some say that uninstalling Android Auto updates via Google Play and then reinstalling them brings temporary relief, but only for a few sessions. A representative of the Android Auto Team has appeared on the forums requesting additional diagnostic information from users, yet there is still no concrete fix or patch.

Glitches like this do occur with major Android releases, and Google usually fixes them with a subsequent update. In parallel, the company is pushing ahead with a substantial Android Auto redesign. Upcoming versions are expected to integrate Gemini AI in place of Google Assistant to handle more complex voice requests, alongside the addition of widgets and a refreshed media card in the Coolwalk interface. These features are planned for rollout by the end of the year; in the meantime, drivers are counting on Google to resolve the Android 16 breakage before the new extras arrive. A timely patch matters more than fresh features when your dashboard goes black.