Android Auto works through your phone's USB cable or wireless connection, not through Lexus's built-in system

Your Lexus RX 350 does not run Android natively, so you cannot install Android Auto directly into the vehicle's infotainment system the way you would on an Android tablet. Instead, Android Auto is a mirroring service that runs on your phone and displays on your RX 350's touchscreen through a wired or wireless connection. Your phone does the work; the car's screen shows what your phone is doing.

This means you need three things: an Android phone running Android 6.0 or later, a compatible Lexus RX 350 model year (2017 and newer have the hardware to support it), and either a USB cable or a wireless connection. The process takes about five minutes the first time, and after that Android Auto launches automatically when you plug in or connect wirelessly.

Key Takeaways

  • Android Auto displays on your RX 350's touchscreen by mirroring your phone, not by installing software into the car itself.
  • Your RX 350 must be a 2017 model year or newer to support Android Auto through the Lexus infotainment system.
  • You can connect via USB cable (most reliable) or wireless connection (requires your phone and car to be on the same Wi-Fi network first).
  • The first time you connect, you will see a prompt on your car's screen asking you to confirm that you want to allow Android Auto; after that it launches automatically.
  • Google Maps, Waze, Spotify, and most messaging apps work through Android Auto, but some apps designed only for phones will not display on the car screen.

Check your RX 350 model year and current software version

Android Auto support was added to Lexus vehicles starting with the 2017 model year. If your RX 350 is 2016 or older, your infotainment system does not have the hardware to display Android Auto, and no software update will change that. You can still use your phone for navigation and calls, but the car's screen will not mirror Android Auto.

If your RX 350 is 2017 or newer, check whether your infotainment system is running the current software. Lexus releases updates through the Lexus app or through your dealership. Older software versions sometimes have bugs that prevent Android Auto from connecting reliably. You can see your current software version by going to your car's Settings menu, then About, then Software Version. Write down the version number and compare it to what Lexus lists as current for your model year on their support website.

Connect via USB cable (the most reliable method)

Plug a USB cable into the USB port on your RX 350's dashboard (usually located near the bottom of the center console or in the armrest) and connect it to your Android phone. Your phone will ask whether you want to allow the car to access your device; tap Allow. Your car's screen will then show an Android Auto prompt asking you to confirm that you want to use Android Auto on this vehicle.

Tap Allow on the car's screen. Android Auto will launch and show you the home screen with large icons for navigation, phone, and media. From this point forward, every time you plug your phone into that same USB port, Android Auto will launch automatically without asking again. If you want to disconnect, straightforward unplug the cable; the car will return to its normal infotainment screen.

USB connection is more stable than wireless, especially while driving, because it does not depend on Wi-Fi strength or Bluetooth interference. If you experience lag, freezing, or disconnections, switching to a wired connection usually solves the problem.

Set up wireless Android Auto (requires initial USB connection)

Wireless Android Auto is more convenient than plugging in a cable every time, but it requires a working USB connection first to set up. Plug your phone into the USB port with the cable as described above. Once Android Auto is running on your car's screen, look for a settings icon (usually a gear symbol) in the Android Auto interface and tap it.

Select Connected Phones or Wireless Projection (the exact name varies by model year). You will see an option to enable wireless connection for this phone. Tap it and confirm. Your phone and car will pair over Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. After this one-time setup, your phone will connect wirelessly to Android Auto whenever you get in the car, as long as both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network and Bluetooth is turned on.

Wireless connection is convenient, but it can be slower to launch than USB and may drop if your phone moves out of Bluetooth range or if Wi-Fi signal is weak. If you experience problems, go back to the USB cable.

Troubleshoot if Android Auto does not appear on your screen

If you plug in your phone and nothing happens, first check that your phone is unlocked and that Android Auto is installed. Open the Google Play Store on your phone, search for "Android Auto," and make sure it shows an Open button rather than an Install button. If it says Install, read it first.

Next, check your phone's USB settings. Some phones default to "Charging Only" mode when plugged in. Go to your phone's Settings, then Connected Devices or USB, and change the mode to File Transfer or MTP. Unplug the cable, wait five seconds, and plug it back in. Your car's screen should now show the Android Auto prompt.

If you still see nothing, restart both your phone and your car's infotainment system. To restart the infotainment system, turn off the engine, wait 30 seconds, and turn it back on. Then plug in your phone again. If Android Auto still does not appear after these steps, your RX 350 may need a software update, or there may be a hardware issue with the USB port. Contact your Lexus dealership to have them check the infotainment system software version and test the USB port.

Use Android Auto while driving safely

Android Auto is designed to work with your car's touchscreen and steering wheel controls so you can keep your hands on the wheel. Use the large icons on the Android Auto home screen to launch navigation, make calls, or play music. Do not reach for your phone to tap the screen while driving.

Voice commands work through Android Auto as well. Press and hold the voice button on your steering wheel (or say "Hey Google" if your phone supports it) and give a command like "Navigate to [address]" or "Play [song name]." This keeps your attention on the road. If you need to adjust something on your phone itself, pull over first.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Android Auto wirelessly without setting it up with a USB cable first?

No. Wireless Android Auto requires an initial USB connection to pair your phone with your car's infotainment system. After that one-time setup, you can use wireless connection. This is a security measure to prevent unauthorized devices from connecting to your car.

What if my RX 350 is older than 2017?

Vehicles older than 2017 do not have the hardware to display Android Auto on the infotainment screen. You can still use your phone for navigation and calls by holding it or mounting it on the dashboard, but the car's screen will not mirror Android Auto. Upgrading the infotainment system is possible but expensive and usually requires a dealership visit.

Will Android Auto drain my phone's battery?

Android Auto uses more battery than normal phone use because the screen is active and the phone is communicating with the car. If you are using a USB cable, the car can charge your phone at the same time, which offsets the drain. With wireless connection, your battery will drain faster, especially on longer drives. Consider keeping a car charger in your vehicle.

Can I use Android Auto and Apple CarPlay at the same time?

No. Your RX 350 can only display one mirroring service at a time. If you plug in an iPhone, it will launch Apple CarPlay. If you then plug in an Android phone, it will switch to Android Auto. You can pair multiple phones to your car, but only one can be active at a time.

Do I need a data plan for Android Auto to work?

Yes. Android Auto requires an internet connection to use navigation, streaming music, and messaging apps. If your phone is connected to your car's Wi-Fi hotspot or to a mobile data plan, Android Auto will work. Without data, you can still make calls and access offline maps if you downloaded them beforehand, but most features will not function.