November 11, 2026, 4:30 pm | Read time: 2 minutes
An old smartphone as an affordable and helpful companion for driving? That no longer works with every device. Google is raising the minimum requirements for Android Auto and will exclude smartphones with Android 10 or older versions in the future.
Android Auto requires at least Android 11
Those who want to continue using Android Auto will need a device with at least Android 11 in the future. On smartphones with an older version, Google is already displaying a warning about the impending end of support.
However, the exact end date remains unclear. Google does not specify a concrete shutdown date. Therefore, Android Auto may still work on affected devices for now. A later app update or a server-side change could end support at any time.
Also of interest: Update for Android Auto simplifies operation
Update check could help
Before users buy a new smartphone, it’s worth checking the settings. Under “About the phone” or a similarly named menu item, the installed Android version can be checked.
If Android 10 is still installed, users should then search for available system updates. If Android 11 or a newer version is available, the issue might be resolved without needing to switch devices. If the manufacturer no longer offers an update, the only long-term solution for continued use of Android Auto is to purchase a newer smartphone.