This hidden setting changed the way I use Android Auto — and I'm never going back

One of the great things about Android is that (for now, at least) you can install pretty much whatever you want, regardless of whether it came from Google Play or not. But that freedom has its limits, and all those sideloaded apps aren't going to appear on Android Auto.

Or at least, that's what Google wants you to think. There is actually a way to unlock Android Auto, and access all the apps Google doesn't want you to be able to use in your car. It doesn't matter what the app actually is; if you've ever been frustrated that you can't access a piece of mobile software on your car screen, then you're going to want to follow these steps. If you're anything like me, it will absolutely change your driving experience.

I had personally found it incredibly frustrating that a particularly niche music streaming app, which was only available via sideloading, wasn't available in my car. Not only did this mean it wasn't available on my car's infotainment screen via Android Auto, it also meant that I couldn't use the steering wheel's media buttons to control anything.

I had to rely on my phone or smartwatch if I came across a track I wasn't in the mood for, and needless to say, that isn't very safe. Unlocking Android Auto and ensuring sideloaded apps were allowed made all those problems go away, and my driving soundtrack has never sounded so sweet to my ears.

Here's how I made it happen, and all the steps you need to take to do it yourself.

How to unlock Android Auto's developer settings

Things to be aware of

I should point out that allowing Unknown Sources doesn't mean you can use whatever apps you like with Android Auto. Google has been very strict about what is and isn't allowed to operate on your car screen, and there's no hidden setting (that I know of) that will change that. It means you're limited to audio, navigation and messaging, alongside select utilities and games.

You will not be allowed to tune into Netflix or YouTube using your infotainment screen, nor should you ever attempt to. The whole point of tools like Android Auto is to let you use your phone while you keep your eyes on the road.

There are also other settings you can toggle on and off as you like. For instance, if you want to disable wireless Android Auto and stick with a wired connection, that's right at the top of the developer options menu.

Likewise, you can tell Android Auto to do a bunch of stuff like collect GPS data, alter the screen resolution, tinker with audio codecs and more. So if there's ever been anything you particularly dislike about Android Auto, these additional hidden settings are the first place you should go.

As for me, I'm just glad that I can stream whatever songs I want while taking full advantage of my car's media controls.

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