I started avoiding these 5 Android Auto mistakes, and it has greatly improved my drives

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Highlights taken by ZDNET

• Users make a few common mistakes with Android Auto.
• These errors can cause technical problems or cause you to miss features.
• Some errors affect phone settings, others involve wiring.

Android Auto can make your drive less boring, more efficient, and safer, but only if you use it correctly. After spending a few months getting more familiar with Android Auto and discovering many new ways to use it, I started to notice other drivers making the same mistakes I was making.

Also: 4 Android Auto developer settings that make driving a lot easier – how to enable it

You may be making at least one of these mistakes without realizing it. Not only will you miss out on the full potential of the software, but you may also cause problems that make Android Auto unusable.

How to handle these 5 common mistakes

Here’s a look at some of the most common mistakes I see other drivers making with Android Auto, and what you can do to fix them.

Mistake 1: Using cheap yarn

Connecting your phone to Android Auto with a cable from your junkyard or gas station is the source of many problems. Some cables only support data transfer at very low speeds, or not at all, and even a damaged or old cable can cause problems. Android Auto uses a lot of data, and if you use a cable designed only for charging, it may cause connection problems, lags, or random stops.

Also: I switched to MyRadar as my primary Android Auto weather app and I don’t regret it

Be sure to use Android Auto with a data transfer cable from a reputable brand — Anker is a good bet — and that you don’t use an unnecessarily long cord. A long cable makes the connection easy to damage.

Mistake 2: It always connects wirelessly

Wireless is definitely convenient, but it’s not always the best way to use Android Auto. I’ve tested them both ways myself, and the wired version is noticeably faster and more responsive. Wireless connections also tax your phone — it uses Wi-Fi and Bluetooth constantly, which drains your battery.

Also: Overheating from Android Auto? 8 simple fixes that successfully cooled my phone

If you’re just connecting music to your daily drive, you’re probably fine with a phone, but if you’re using multiple apps and navigation, or you’re ready for a road trip, you’ll want to use a cable.

Mistake 3: Turning on battery optimizer/saver

There are many times when you want to make sure that an app doesn’t consume too much battery, but this is not one of them. If you have a battery booster turned on, which suppresses apps that drain too much battery, or a battery saver, which puts limits everywhere, your Android Auto may suffer. To make sure, go to Settings > Apps > Android Auto > Battery and select “Unlimited.”

Mistake 4: Not using offline maps

This is a bug that can catch you off guard when you might need Android Auto the most. You have the option to download the map for offline use in Google Maps, and if you’re on the road or driving frequently in an area without cell service, you may lose your way around. You may not need offline maps, but the one time you do, you’ll be glad you have them.

Mistake 5: Ignoring Gemini voice controls

If you think the voice controls in Android Auto are too frustrating to use because they don’t work (that’s how I was), you’re missing out, because things have gotten a lot better with the Gemini. In two separate tests with the Gemini on Android Auto, I learned that voice controls are much more advanced than just “Play a song” or “Read my texts.” I believe the Gemini integration is one of the biggest improvements to Android Auto in a long time.

Also: These 4 Android Auto settings made my daily commute much less disruptive – where can I find them

Android Auto is best when it “just works,” but little things can get in the way of a great experience. The good news is, most of those things are easily fixed if you know what to look for.