Some Android Auto users are running into an annoying issue with Google Maps: the navigation no longer automatically switches to night mode. Instead, it stays in the bright light theme even after dark. For drivers, this is more than just a visual glitch — it's a genuine distraction from the road.
Typically, Google Maps in Android Auto adjusts its look based on the car's settings. In many vehicles, the dark theme activates automatically with the headlights, making the map, route, and prompts easier on the eyes. But lately, more and more users say that this feature has stopped working.
Complaints are popping up on Google and Reddit forums. Car owners report that Google Maps suddenly gets stuck in day mode. The problem appears exclusively in Android Auto and doesn't seem tied to any particular phone brand or car model. Some of the reports come from beta testers, but the volume of complaints suggests the bug might also affect stable releases.
The issue has been spotted in Android Auto 17.0 and 17.1. Since version 17.0 just hit the stable channel, it's likely the bug is linked to an update of either Android Auto or Google Maps. The exact cause remains unknown, and Google hasn't officially announced a fix yet.
As a temporary workaround, users can roll back Android Auto to a previous version by uninstalling updates, if their device allows it. But a proper fix will probably have to come from Google. In the meantime, drivers affected by the bug will need to manually lower screen brightness or look for other workarounds to keep the bright map from blinding them at night.