Google faces criticism as Android Auto fails to launch on locked smartphones, disrupting car connectivity and core safety features. Users report no fixes yet.
© A. Krivonosov
Google is once again facing criticism over Android Auto issues. Users have been complaining for months about the service's instability, and a recent update has rendered it practically useless for some car owners. Drivers feel the company has worsened the situation rather than improving it.
The problem became widespread after a system update to Android in early December 2025. Android Auto now fails to launch when the smartphone is locked, and pressing the lock button immediately severs the connection with the car. This completely contradicts Android Auto's core purpose of reducing distractions by functioning without phone interaction while driving.
Pixel smartphone owners, including those with the Pixel 10, report this failure most frequently. Forum posts on Google's platforms indicate that standard troubleshooting methods—reinstalling the app, reconnecting the car, or even changing cables—don't resolve the issue. Users suspect the update activated additional security mechanisms that mistakenly block Android Auto from launching when the screen is locked.
Google has acknowledged the problem and requested more information, but has yet to offer a specific fix. This is frustrating for users, especially as the company actively promotes future changes like replacing Google Assistant with the Gemini AI assistant, which is meant to make Android Auto smarter and more convenient.
For now, car owners must either keep their smartphones unlocked or hope for a quick fix. With no official timeline for a patch, Android Auto risks losing user trust precisely where stability matters more than any new features.