Step-By-Step Mercedes-Benz Android Auto Setup Guide

Android Auto puts Google Maps, calls, messages and music from your Android phone on your Mercedes-Benz screen so you can use them with fewer distractions. If your Mercedes-Benz has smartphone integration, setup is quick. You plug in your phone or connect it once wirelessly, and Android Auto takes it from there. Watch the video, then follow the steps that match your Mercedes-Benz.

How to Set Up Android Auto in Your Mercedes-Benz

Before you start

1. Park your Mercedes-Benz and start it.
2. Check your phone. Android 9 or newer works with most wired connections, and wireless needs Android 11 or newer. Android Auto is built into Android 10 and newer. On Android 9, install the Android Auto app from Google Play first.
3. Have a high-quality data cable ready, and make sure your phone has an active data plan.

Choose your connection type

Not sure which one your Mercedes-Benz has? Check the list of compatible models below or look in your owner’s manual. Wireless Android Auto is available on many newer models, and some vehicles need a USB connection.

Option A: Wired Android Auto (USB cable)

1. Find the USB port with the smartphone integration symbol, which looks like a phone outline next to a screen outline. It’s usually in the center console.
2. Plug your cable into that port and into your Android phone.
3. The screen asks you to park and follow the instructions on your phone the first time. On your phone, choose how you want to continue with the Android Auto prompts.
4. When the data protection notice appears on the screen, select Accept & Start.
5. The first time, select Start Automatically. Your main Android phone then connects on its own each time you get in.
6. Android Auto opens on the screen. You can control it with the touchscreen, the controller or touchpad, the hard keys or your voice.

Option B: Wireless Android Auto (Bluetooth® and Wi-Fi)

1. Turn on Bluetooth® and Wi-Fi on your phone.
2. On the Mercedes-Benz screen, select Phone > Connect Device. If this is your first time, select Connect New Device.
3. Select your phone when it appears, and confirm the pairing code on your phone.
4. Follow the prompts on your phone, then select Accept & Start on the data protection notice.
5. Choose Start Automatically if you want your main phone to connect every time you get in.

Menu names can differ by model year, so your owner’s manual has the exact steps for your Mercedes-Benz. If you don’t see a wireless option, use a USB data cable.

Using Android Auto in Your Mercedes-Benz

Once you’re connected, press and hold the voice control button on your steering wheel, or say “Hey Google,” and ask for what you need. You can also use the touchscreen.

From the touchscreen or by voice, you can:

• Get directions with Google Maps, including real-time traffic
• Make phone calls and send texts hands-free
• Listen to music, podcasts and audiobooks

Many third-party navigation, messaging and music apps also work with Android Auto. To go back to the Mercedes-Benz screen, select the Mercedes-Benz star icon or press the Home button.

Turn Android Auto Off

For a wired connection, unplug the cable. To stop wireless connections, remove your phone from the connected devices list on the Mercedes-Benz screen. You can also open Settings on your phone, search for Android Auto, tap Previously connected cars and forget your Mercedes-Benz.

Android Auto Not Connecting? Try These Fixes

If Android Auto won’t connect or keeps disconnecting, go through these one at a time and test after each. They follow guidance from Google and Mercedes-Benz.

• Restart your phone and turn your Mercedes-Benz off and on again.
• Try a different high-quality data cable and the USB port with the smartphone integration symbol. Some USB ports only charge, and a worn or charge-only cable is a common cause of wired problems.
• Update your phone’s software and the Android Auto app in Google Play.
• If you chose Decline & End on the data protection notice, reconnect your phone and select Accept & Start.
• Connecting wirelessly? Make sure Bluetooth® and Wi-Fi are on and your phone runs Android 11 or newer. If your Mercedes-Benz doesn’t support wireless, use a USB cable.
• Remove your phone from the connected devices list on the Mercedes-Benz screen, then connect it again.
• Open Settings on your phone, search for Android Auto, tap Previously connected cars, forget your Mercedes-Benz, and set it up again.
• Still stuck? Schedule a service appointment with Mercedes-Benz of Hunt Valley and our team will take a look.

Mercedes-Benz Models With Android Auto

These models support Android Auto. Features vary by model year, trim and option package, and wireless Android Auto depends on your Mercedes-Benz, so confirm what yours includes.

Looking for a Mercedes-Benz with Android Auto? Browse all new vehicles or our pre-owned inventory at Mercedes-Benz of Hunt Valley. Have an iPhone instead? Follow our Apple CarPlay setup guide.

View New Mercedes-Benz Inventory

Android Auto FAQs

How do I set up Android Auto in my Mercedes-Benz?

Park your Mercedes-Benz and plug your Android phone into the USB port marked with the smartphone integration symbol. Follow the prompts on your phone, then select Accept & Start on the data protection notice and choose Start Automatically so your phone connects on its own next time. On models with wireless Android Auto, you can also connect from Phone > Connect Device on the screen.

Does my Mercedes-Benz have Android Auto?

Most Mercedes-Benz models from 2017 on do. Check the model list on this page, since features vary by model year, trim and option package.

Can I use Android Auto wirelessly in my Mercedes-Benz?

Yes, on many newer models. Turn on Bluetooth® and Wi-Fi on your phone, then select Phone > Connect Device on the Mercedes-Benz screen and follow the prompts. If you don’t see a wireless option, use a USB data cable.

Why won’t Android Auto connect in my Mercedes-Benz?

Start with the basics. Use a high-quality data cable in the USB port with the smartphone integration symbol, restart your phone and your Mercedes-Benz, and update your phone and the Android Auto app. Then remove your phone from the connected devices list on the screen and connect it again.

Why does Android Auto keep disconnecting?

Start with the cable, since a worn or low-quality cable is a common cause. If you connect wirelessly, keep Bluetooth® and Wi-Fi on and make sure your phone runs Android 11 or newer. If it keeps dropping, forget your Mercedes-Benz in your Android Auto settings, remove your phone from the connected devices list and set it up again.

How do I turn off Android Auto in my Mercedes-Benz?

For a wired connection, unplug the cable. To stop wireless connections, remove your phone from the connected devices list on the Mercedes-Benz screen. You can also open Settings on your phone, search for Android Auto, tap Previously connected cars and forget your Mercedes-Benz.

Which Android phones work with Android Auto in a Mercedes-Benz?

Wired use works with most phones on Android 9 or newer, and wireless needs Android 11 or newer. Android Auto is built into Android 10 and newer. On Android 9, install the Android Auto app from Google Play.

Does Android Auto use my data?

Yes. Android Auto needs a phone with an active data plan for features like maps and streaming, so carrier rates may apply.