To stop Android Auto from starting music automatically, turn off the “Start music automatically” option in your phone’s Android Auto settings. Cinco Días describes a path through Settings, Connected devices, Android Auto, and the startup or launch settings; menu labels can vary by phone.
Turn off automatic music playback
On your phone, follow the available settings labels:
- Open Settings.
- Select Connected devices.
- Open Android Auto.
- Go to the startup or launch settings.
- Turn off Start music automatically.
This setting controls media playback. Android Auto’s launch behavior is separate, so turning off music autoplay does not by itself stop Android Auto from opening.
If music still starts, check the connection
A car or another Bluetooth accessory may send a playback command when it reconnects, Cinco Días notes. Try removing your phone from the car’s Bluetooth device list and pairing it again. If your car supports wired Android Auto, test the connection with a USB cable. These are troubleshooting steps, not guaranteed fixes.
Keep Android Auto available for maps
A Toyota Corolla 2022 owner described a two-setting approach: turn off automatic music and set Android Auto’s automatic-start option to Always. The owner said Android Auto then remained available for maps while the radio stayed selected until they chose Spotify or iVoox. That result is the owner’s account of one car, not a result established across vehicles.
What happens when a media app connects
Google’s Android for Cars developer guidance says a media app should not start music just because Android Auto or Android Automotive OS connects to its media service. It recommends that the app begin in a stopped, paused, none, or error state. The car system can still resume or start playback in response to the vehicle’s state or a user action. This guidance is for app developers, not a phone setting.
A user in Google’s Android Auto Community reported on December 21, 2024, that autoplay continued with the option disabled on a Pixel 9 Pro and Samsung S23 Ultra using YouTube Music and Tidal. The Android Auto team requested more information on January 3, 2025.
Quick reference
- To stop automatic music: turn off Start music automatically in Android Auto settings.
- To keep navigation available: adjust music playback separately from Android Auto’s automatic-start setting.
- If audio continues: re-pair Bluetooth or test wired USB if your car supports it.
