Does Android Auto use my phone's data?

Yes, because maps and streaming music use the phone's connection. You can download maps and music before the trip to use less.

For the car

What is Android Auto and how does it work in the car?

Android Auto is Google's system that brings your Android phone's apps to the car screen: Google Maps or Waze, music, calls, and messages it reads aloud so you can reply by voice. It works over a USB cable or wirelessly. It is the CarPlay equivalent for people who use Android instead of an iPhone.

Wired or wireless

With a cable, you plug the phone into the USB port and the screen shows Android Auto. In the wireless version, the phone connects over Bluetooth and then 5 GHz WiFi, and it starts automatically when you get in the car.

The wireless version requires a phone with Android 11 or later (some models from Android 10) and 5 GHz WiFi.

Add-on screens for the car

If your car does not have Android Auto, a dashboard screen adds it without replacing the original stereo: it is powered from the lighter socket and sends sound over Bluetooth, FM or an aux cable. Many include Android Auto and CarPlay together.

What you see on the screen comes from the phone: maps and music use its mobile data and GPS, so a plan with enough data for your trips helps.

What to check before you buy

Make sure the screen says Android Auto, not just CarPlay.
For wireless use, check that your phone has Android 11 or later and 5 GHz WiFi.
Check how the sound comes out (Bluetooth, FM or aux) depending on your car's stereo.