The Android Auto video player hack with CarStream guide is here and changes your Android Auto video experience on the car display.
Using Apple Carplay, it is normal for users to enjoy normal phone functions such as Apple Music.
Similarly, Android Auto allows Google Assistant (voice commands), Google Maps, messaging, and phone calls among many others using supported apps.
Utilities like YouTube music and Apple TV are now mainstream and desirable even on the go. Being able to use your car head unit screen can be an excellent option for many of us.
Using phone/tablet stands with the YouTube app or some other video player did the job in the past.
However, this comes with caveats, such as carrying or charging independent devices with no autoplay (tied to car start).
The screen itself has to remain stable to avoid auto-rotation or other unintended glitches within the video player. However, the YouTube app won’t usually work on Android Auto.
Specific routinely standard actions can have adverse consequences when it comes to driving. One of them is watching a video.
Harmless under normal conditions, responding to a message on Facebook messenger or watching a video while driving can be fatal.
Therefore, this is blocked by default in Android Auto. This is why this article offers an Android Auto video hack.
As explained earlier, your Android Auto-enabled car is a great on-road companion. The argument that one should be able to tame machines to their liking applies to cars too.
Therefore, unless illegal, playing video on Android Auto is not fundamentally wrong if the safety principles aren’t violated.
This article enables you to tame your Android Auto infotainment system to serve this function.
You can find related posts where hackers will ask you to root your phone or the Android Auto head unit.
We do not encourage such complex procedures and we’ll primarily recommend a simple app that enables your need.
We will also not discuss in great detail methods involving screen mirroring since those can be dissatisfactory in performance. Instead, our preferred Android Auto hidden trick is far simpler.
The Android Auto YouTube hack focused on in this article is not intended to allow bypassing a critical safety feature.
Rather it is intended to enable you to play a video for the passengers or to watch a video while the car is parked.
Please check your local laws/regulations thoroughly to confirm if implementing them is legal. If not, please do not execute this hidden Android Auto hack.
Before you begin, you’ll need an Android phone and an Android Auto compatible unit.
DISCLAIMER
Before you read further, using this or other video player hack might be illegal in your country or state. Remember the risk of getting distracted by the video while driving and its consequences. Check your local legislation and be safe.
Don’t use it while driving!!!!
If you decide to try it, do it at your own risk.
Table of Contents
Let’s dive into our article now.
Android Auto video player hack: How to play video in Android Auto
Installing Android Auto
To follow this method, you will need to install a version of Android Auto that is below version 3.0. With updates, Google blocks possible workarounds.
In this case, there are third-party car applications such as CarStream, which allow us to play YouTube video on Android Auto.
For the uninitiated, there is a way to install the older version of an app (for us, the Android Auto app).
This method involves bypassing the Google Play Store since it will always go for the latest version.
However, you must take extreme care installing an Android app from anywhere else. Getting an app from an untrusted source can gift you with malware instead of (or with) your desired app.
One source trusted by most on the internet is the APK Mirror website. For laypersons, .apk files are Android system equivalent to .exe files in Windows.
On the website, you will find the .apk files for pretty much any app you can find on Google Play.
What’s different is that, aside from the latest version, you can also choose to download previous ones.
Once you navigate to the website, click on the Search button and search for the Android Auto app. Once you do this, you will see several available versions/variants.
Most are compatible with Android O (8.0) and above. Please choose your desired variant and download it on your phone.
Here’s a direct link to a compatible version of the app:
https://www.apkmirror.com/apk/google-inc/android-auto/android-auto-2-9-5749-release
Once you download and execute the .apk file, you’ll be asked if you want to install it from unknown sources.
Proceed and install the app on your phone.
Installing CarStream app on Android Auto
CarStream, formerly known as YouTube Auto, is an app developed by Kiran Kumar. This application enables video playback on Android Auto.
Similarly to how you downloaded the Android Auto app, you can also get and install CarStream from the developer’s website.
- Once you have installed both apps, open the Android Auto app on your phone;
- Now open the application menu using the three horizontal lines at the top-left of your screen. Some users distastefully call this the hamburger menu (yikes!);
- Once inside, click the About button;
- A window will open up. Within the window, tap “About Android Auto“;
- Under certain circumstances, it will present further options, within which you must repeatedly tap the Version button. Otherwise, repeatedly tap About Android Auto until you see Developer Option (Developer Setting) inside the gear menu;
- Inside the Developer Settings, ensure that a box named Unknown Resources is checked;
- You will find video resolution options within the same Developer Settings (480p, 720p, or 1080p). Select your preference and move on from developer mode options.
- Launch the CarStream app on your phone, and your linked unit will play your selected video using a YouTube viewer;
- So here it is: Your very own Android Auto YouTube player on your car screen!
To install CarStream, you can also check the video below:
Are CarStream Android videos not working?
Unfortunately, every now and then we have small issues with technology. Sometimes it’s big and other times it’s just a little detail.
If you are having trouble and CarStream not working, please check out the Kiran Kumar’s page, its creator’s site.
Scroll down and you’ll find specific instructions for many situations.
If you are still having difficulties you can learn more and ask questions on the XDA developers forum.
The XDA developer forum is dedicated to helping its members make the most out of their mobile devices.
Should you find any trouble, you now have two valuable resources to fix the issues, the creator’s site, and the XDA forum.
The VLC Android Auto hack
Note that this method requires a rooted Android device. Since rooting bypasses several regular security features in Android, it is not encouraged.
Also, there is no single method to root all Android phones. Hence, rooting is not covered in the scope of this article.
- You should search the specific rooting method for your Android device separately to follow this procedure;
- Install Android Auto on your phone as per the usual procedure. First, unlock developer settings using the same procedure as highlighted in the previous section;
- Next, download an app called AA Phenotype Patcher using this link. Similarly, download the AA Mirror .apk file from here and then install both apps;
- Now open the AA Mirror app and navigate to the Screen Settings menu. Configure the following settings. These are necessary to ensure proper video playback on your Android Auto head unit:
- Overwrite Screen Brightness – On
- Screen Brightness Value – 255
- Rotation Degree – 90 degrees
- Screen Rotation – Force
- Immersive Mode – Full Immersive
- Now open the AA Phenotype Patcher app;
- Select the three dots in the top right corner;
- Next, navigate to the App list and select AA Mirror app;
- From the previous screen, select the Patch option.
After following this procedure, AA Mirror is listed among your apps in the Android Auto interface.
Now, you can use this app to mirror your phone screen on your head unit, including VLC, to play videos.
Twitch Android Auto hack
Twitch is a popular content collaboration platform primarily used for gaming. The app’s current state allows you to browse content while streaming video.
The video can be minimized within the app and recalled by clicking the minimized window. You can also stream videos on Android Auto using Twitch.
Another widespread usage of Twitch is the audio-only feature, which can be selected in-app for safe driving.
How to read videos from a local source with Android Auto
If you prefer to play video or listen to audio from a local source you can use Plex and CarStream.
This Android Auto hack is amazing allowing you to watch videos on the Android Auto unit on your dashboard.
Year after year we so huge progress in technology and it wasn’t long ago that what we’re talking about in this article would seem impossible but now you know how to play videos on a car’s head unit using this guide on the Android Auto YouTube hack.
Click here for the Android Auto compatibility with your infotainment system. Beware that we have another informational article for you about wireless Android Auto.
If you have an iPhone and are looking for a similar CarPlay hack, hit that link. By the way, you can use the CarPlay app on an iPad and we cover it in that article, too.
You can access lots of different apps that are compatible with Android Auto by searching on the Google Play Store on your cell phone.
There are lots of different categories of apps that are compatible with Android Auto including social media apps, messenger apps, streaming services, and lots more to keep you and your passengers entertained while you are driving.
If you are worried about being detached from your cell while you are driving then Android Auto removes this worry because Android Auto is compatible with most messenger apps.
These apps include Skype, Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, and even Kik. So with Android Auto, you never have to worry about being detached from the world outside your vehicle.
There are also lots of apps that you can use to safely entertain yourself while you drive.
If you like to stream music then you will be happy to hear that Android Auto is compatible with Spotify, Pandora, Amazon Music, and a lot of radio apps.
If you prefer to listen to audiobooks while you drive then you can also safely do this with Android Auto as it has apps that are compatible with Google Play Books, and Audible.
So it is clear that a wide variety of apps work on Android Auto.
If you want to find out more about the wide variety of apps that work on Android Auto, check out our complete guide to Android Auto apps.
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
What apps work on Android Auto?
You can access lots of different apps that are compatible with Android Auto by searching on the Google Play Store on your cell phone.
There are lots of different categories of apps that are compatible with Android Auto including social media apps, messenger apps, streaming services, and lots more to keep you and your passengers entertained while you are driving.
If you are worried about being detached from your cell while you are driving then Android Auto removes this worry because Android Auto is compatible with most messenger apps.
These apps include Skype, Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, and even Kik. So with Android Auto, you never have to worry about being detached from the world outside your vehicle.
There are also lots of apps that you can use to safely entertain yourself while you drive.
If you like to stream music then you will be happy to hear that Android Auto is compatible with Spotify, Pandora, Amazon Music, and a lot of radio apps.
If you prefer to listen to audiobooks while you drive then you can also safely do this with Android Auto as it has apps that are compatible with Google Play Books, and Audible.
Can Android Auto display text messages?
Yes! You can use Android Auto to display text messages, and this is actually one of the key features of this service.
For most people, their cellphone plays a huge part in their day-to-day life, and the thought of being detached from them can be scary.
Even if it is only for a short period while you drive.
Thankfully, services like Android Auto were designed to ensure that you never have to detach from the virtual world.
Android Auto has always been compatible with text messaging, meaning that any messages you receive while you drive will be displayed through Android Auto.
You also have the option to set your Android Auto system to read your text messages allowed so that you won’t have to take your eyes off the road (even for a second).
Android Auto is now also compatible with other messaging apps that you might use regularly, including WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger.
So, if you use these services rather than the traditional messaging service on your phone you will also be able to see your text messages on your Android Auto display.
So if you need to drive somewhere, but are waiting on an important message, then Android Auto allows you to do both at the same time.
With this service, you never have to worry about being away from your phone, and for a lot of people, this can give a lot of peace of mind.
Can Android Auto play movies?
Yes, you can use Android Auto to play movies in your car!
Traditionally the service was limited to navigational apps, social media, and music streaming apps, but now you can also stream movies through Android Auto to keep your passengers entertained. S
o Android Auto is ideal if you want to stop those “are we there yet?” shouts from the back seat.
Android Auto is excellent because it is compatible with the majority of the Android apps which are accessible on the Google Play Store.
This means you have lots of options to choose from if you want to play movies for your passengers while you drive.
If you wanted to you could purchase movies from the Google Play Store itself and stream them using the Google Play ‘Movies & TV’ app.
You could also stream movies through apps such as Netflix or Amazon Prime Video if you prefer.
But remember, Android Auto is designed to keep you safe while you drive.
So, having a movie play when you are supposed to be concentrating on the road could be considered dangerous.
For this reason, you might need to override a few settings in order to get these apps playing through your car’s monitor.
But once you do this then you can easily play movies for your passengers to your heart’s content.
Can we play YouTube in Android Auto?
Yes, you can play YouTube in Android Auto! However, accessing this app is more difficult than others because you can’t actually download it on the Google Play Store.
There is a way to download the YouTube app so that you can use it on your Android Auto system, let’s take a look at how you do this.
But before we do that, let’s make it clear that you shouldn’t be using this app while you are driving.
If you do use it while driving, it should be controlled by a passenger, and only they should watch what is being displayed on the screen.
Your eyes should remain on the road at all times. Android Auto has strict policies, and the danger of drivers being distracted by a YouTube-style app is the reason you cannot download this through the Google Play Store.
In order to download the ‘YouTubeAuto’ app then you will need to sideload it onto your device using APK sideload.
Once you have done that, you will then have to run the Android Auto system in developer mode, otherwise, the service will block the app from running.
Figuring out how to do this can be tricky to begin with, but once you get the hang of it, the process of side loading is easy, find out more about how to complete this hack here.
Can you play Netflix on Android Auto?
Yes, you can play Netflix on your Android Auto system. However, the app isn’t easily available on the app store due to the Android Auto safety restrictions, which makes accessing this app a little more tricky.
So let’s have a look at how you can access this app and stream Netflix for your passengers on the go.
Similar to downloading the YouTube app, for Android Auto, you will also have to sideload the Netflix app.
To do this, you will first have to enter the Android Auto app on your form, access the settings, and click on the option entitled ‘version’.
Here, you will be able to change the system to developer mode which will, in turn, allow you to scroll down the settings and enable ‘Unknown Sources’.
From there, you will have to access the APK sideload on your browser, through which you will be able to download something known as ‘AA Mirror Debug’.
The rest of the process is easy, and you can find out more about how to do it by following this handy guide that we put together earlier.
Once you have done this, it will allow you to access the Netflix app from the Google Play Store through the Android Auto system, meaning that your passengers can stream Netflix as much as they want while you focus on the road.
How do I add texts to Android Auto?
Android Auto has always been enabled for text messaging, so it is very easy to add and send texts using this system.
The process is, of course, all hands-free, meaning that you can safely send and receive texts without having to take your eyes off of the road at any point in the journey.
To add texts in Android Auto, you will need to activate the system by saying “Ok Google”. You can then request “text”, “message”, or “send a message to (contact name)”.
Once you have given your request, the Android Auto system will request that you dictate the message that you want to send to the receiver.
As voice recognition software can often be inaccurate, once you have finished your message the system will recount it back to you.
This allows you to address any errors in the message before it is sent by saying “Change Message” or “Cancel” if the errors are so big it is easier to start again.
Once you are happy with the message, all you need to say is “send” and it will be on its way to the receiver, leaving you to relax until Android Auto notifies you that you have had a reply.
How do I use Facebook Messenger on Android Auto?
Using Facebook Messenger on Android Auto is easy once you know how to do it. So let’s take a look at what you need to do.
The first thing that you will need in order to use this service is the Facebook Messenger app.
This app can be easily downloaded from the Google Play Store if you don’t already have it on your cell phone.
Once you have the app, you can then open the Android Auto app and enable this service to work with Facebook Messenger notifications.
After this is done, Android Auto will notify you of any new messengers received through Facebook Messenger while you are driving.
It will also give you the option to send new messages to your Facebook friends using the same commands that you use for regular texting.
The only difference is that you will need to specify that you want to use Facebook Messenger in the command.
Like with anything, using Facebook Messenger on Android Auto will take some getting used to.
But once you get the hang of it you can easily send and receive messages from your Facebook friends.
That means you will never have to remove yourself from the virtual world of social media. Not even when you are driving.
Wrap up
Your Android Auto YouTube woes are finally over! Using these methods, you can play video on your car screen by converting it into a YouTube viewer.
Since the Android Auto ecosystem is constantly updating and evolving, be sure to stay abreast with the latest developments.
For example, a viewer or viewing mode that works for your Android Auto screen today might not always work the same way.
Be sure to comply with all applicable laws and regulations while using your Android Auto screen in YouTube viewer mode.
On top of CarStream for Android Auto, apps like VLC can also be used to stream local video.
To avoid complexity, we have detailed the most straightforward Android Auto hack requiring the least technical expertise. Using this, you can expand the functionality of your Android Auto unit.
With great power comes great responsibility. The responsibility that your Android Auto habits do not stray into an illegal domain rest firmly on your shoulders.
The burden of using secure sources for older Android Auto app versions also lies with you.
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