How to add any app to Android Auto with AAAnything
Quick answer
To add an unsupported app to Android Auto without root, install AAAnything on a phone running Android 15 or later, choose the app, tap Patch & Install, and connect to your car while parked. It works with many apps, but not with those protected by DRM or integrity checks.
What do you need before you start?
- Phone: Android 15 or later. The developer states this as a hard requirement.
- Car: a vehicle or aftermarket head unit that supports Android Auto.
- The app you want: already installed on your phone.
- Permission to install APKs: AAAnything is installed from GitHub or Obtainium, not as a normal Play Store download.
Root, a bootloader unlock and a PC are not required, according to the developer.
How do you add an app to Android Auto with AAAnything?
- Check your phone and carYou need an Android phone on Android 15 or later, plus a car or aftermarket head unit that supports Android Auto.
- Install AAAnything from GitHubDownload the latest APK from the official GitHub releases page. Allow your browser to install unknown apps when Android asks.
- Run the built-in setupOpen AAAnything and follow its steps. It has shortcuts to the Android Auto settings and developer options it needs.
- Patch an appChoose an app already installed on your phone and tap Patch & Install.
- Connect while parkedPark safely, connect the phone to the car, and open the patched app from the Android Auto launcher.
- Start with a free appTest a free-tier app such as VLC first. The developer's terms say that if free apps do not work on your head unit, Pro will not work properly either.
Need more detail on the first step? See how to download AAAnything safely.
How do you enable Android Auto developer mode?
The app provides shortcuts for its setup. If you need to find the setting yourself, Google documents these steps:
- Open your phone's Settings, go to Apps, find Android Auto, and open its additional settings.
- Scroll to About and tap Version to show version and permission information.
- Tap the Version and permission info section 10 times.
- Tap OK on the Allow development settings prompt.
Developer options then appear in the overflow menu. One of them is the unknown sources setting, which Google says covers media, messaging notification and parked apps. Menu names can vary by phone.
How does patching an app work?
The developer's terms describe AAAnything as client-side tooling that lets you unpack, adjust Android display parameters and re-sign APK files on your own device. Each patched app is signed with keys unique to your installation, so it is meant for your phone only.
What are the other ways to get apps on Android Auto?
| Method | Best for | Main limit |
|---|---|---|
| Official apps from Google Play | Music, navigation and messaging while driving | Only apps built for cars |
| AAAnything (patching) | Your existing phone apps, parked | Android 15 or later; no DRM or integrity-checked apps |
| AAAD (downloader) | Third-party apps made for Android Auto | A set list of apps; free tier allows one download every 30 days |
| Screen mirroring apps | Showing the whole phone screen | Touch may be limited without root, according to third-party articles |
We go through these in more detail in AAAnything vs the alternatives.
The developer's README is the best place to confirm current requirements, because they can change between releases.
Frequently asked questions
Can you add any app to Android Auto?
Not every app. Tools like AAAnything can patch many everyday apps, but the developer says apps using hardware DRM, Play Integrity, signature checks or strict security restrictions cannot be projected. That usually rules out subscription video and many banking apps.
Do I need root to add apps to Android Auto?
Not with AAAnything. The developer says it needs no root, no bootloader unlock and no computer, because the patching happens on the phone itself. Some older screen mirroring tools are reported to need root for full touch control, so requirements vary by tool.
Why doesn't Android Auto show all my apps?
Android Auto only shows apps built for cars and installed from a trusted source such as Google Play. Google's documentation describes this rule and a developer option for unknown sources. Regular phone apps have no car interface, so they do not appear on their own.
How do I add an app to the Android Auto home screen?
For apps with official support, open Android Auto settings on your phone and use the launcher customisation option. Unsupported apps must first be made available with a tool like AAAnything. After patching, the developer says the app appears in the car launcher when you connect.
Will adding apps damage my car or void its warranty?
The developer says AAAnything runs only on the phone over standard Android Auto projection and leaves the car's software untouched. It is still unofficial, experimental software that you use at your own risk. Check your own warranty terms if you are concerned.