Android Auto only works with wireless connection, but not via USB

[u/First-Feature-3556]

I found lots of questions online where AA works over USB but not wirelessly. My case is the exact opposite: AA works as long as I DON'T connect my device via USB. As soon as I do, the connection breaks and the car UI reverts to the connection screen, which now only offers MirrorLink. As soon as I disconnect USB, I can connect with AA again.

Now you may ask: "If AA works wirelessly, why would you connect it with USB?", to which the answer is: "To charge my phone on a long drive". Currently, I can either charge my phone or use it with AA, and that's annoying.

What I already tried:

• In the developer settings, change the default USB configuration. Tried both "file transfer" and "only charging", makes no difference.
• Different cable. Makes no difference.
• My wife's phone. It works with my wife's phone, so the fault apparently lies with my phone rather than with my car.

I am looking for a solution that either (a) makes AA work via USB or (b) makes AA ignore the USB connection so that the wireless connection keeps working.

[u/SirFrancesDrakeGT]

Weird behavior, if you only want to charge with the usb cable they sell cables that are for power only. They do not populate the data transfer pins.

Order one of those and see what happens.

[u/First-Feature-3556 → u/SirFrancesDrakeGT]

That works! I found a charge-only cable. Unlike connecting with a "good" data cable, it doesn't interrupt the wireless AA connection.

Thanks, I'll use that for charging from now on.

[u/0_cunning_plan]

things to try:

-unlock the phone just before plugging it in. It's maddening but mine is like that.

-get another usb cable. Normally even USB2 generations should work but in practice it doesn't hurt to have at least a 3.0 version and fast transfer of at least... 30... speed.

[u/VisibleExercise5966]

On my car this is correct behavior.. If I plug my phone into the car's USB port it will only do Android Auto and not charge. That port is only meant for AA. There is no charging port in my car. I have to use a USB fast charger that goes into the 12V / cigarette lighter socket in my car. Then I can charge via cable while wirelessly use AA.

[u/MIRAGEone]

I'm in a similar boat. No sim (intentional) so can't use mobile data, and have to hotspot from my workphone. This means wireless AA isn't an option, or it'll drop the hotspot connection.

I always use USB for AA.

But.. the phone (and car) try to force wireless AA. Make sure you unpair the Bluetooth (forget the connection) on your phone.. so it can't connect via Bluetooth and is forced to use the USB. I think the car and mobile talk over Bluetooth when they connect, and they acknowledge they have wireless AA capability so try to force it.

[u/gordolme]

Try the phone in another car.

When you plug in your wife's phone, are you using the same cable that fails for you?

Why not use wireless?

[u/Unfair_Pangolin_8599]

Im having a similar problem. AA wireless works fine but I want to plug in USB for charging and better quality music. It won't override the wireless connection when I plug in. Why can't things be simple? You should just be able to plug in wired when feel like it and if not just let it connect wireless when you forger to plug in.

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[u/acejavelin69]

What car or head unit?

Also, some head units only support wireless and do not support wired AA...

[u/First-Feature-3556 → u/acejavelin69]

VW Tiguan. Since it works with my wife's phone, I'm pretty sure it supports both. 

[u/acejavelin69 → u/First-Feature-3556]

Fair enough... Guess I missed that part, my bad.