2020 Android Auto issues?

Hello,

Noob (to the forum and Tacomas) here, first post... I searched and found an answer to my first question (no, I cannot use wireless Android Auto with my stock unit, must plug it in to the usb, annoying but that's where we are), but I'm not seeing anything about this one:

Is anyone else having an issue with Android Auto doing two things at once? I can use google maps on Android Auto just fine and it seems to work smooth, UNTIL I decide to listen to a podcast (using google podcast app). If I do both... the podcast starts skipping and pausing AND google maps becomes very slow and glitchy (to the point of being useless when it's time to make a turn). I believe that it also does this with google play music and maps at the same time, but I can't remember for sure. EDIT: it does the same with google play music.

To be clear... It's completely useless to multitask. If I go to toggle between maps and music, the transition takes a couple seconds. If I hit pause on the music, it takes about two seconds for the music to actually pause. About as poor of a performance as you could imagine. Just wondering if it's my phone or the truck.

My phone is a Pixel 3 running Android 10.

I have a 2020 TRD OR with the upgraded interior and audio packages. Any feedback is appreciated.

Thanks,
Chris

 

What phone are you using?

 

Pixel 3 running Android 10 (I edited the original post to reflect that).

 

Same issue here and I have a Pixel 3 XL. Perhaps this is phone specific?

I've had to stop using Android Auto all together... would love a solution!

 

While I see your connected with a cable, try turning bluetooth off on the phone.

Seems there are issues with the pixel 3 and android auto where sound skips and stutters when using maps. Some have had luck by turning off bluetooth (usually a issue when the phone is paired with the headunit, but also plugged in for android auto)

 

I had a similiar problem with a pixel 2xl.... changing the usb cable worked for me.

 

I also have a Pixel 3. It's it because you have sound on for all? How is maps supposed to tell you to turn without pausing music? I use mine in my work car for podcasts, books and maps. Never a problem but I have sound off on maps.

 

Reading more online right now on this issue, its not just tacomas android auto, but its been going on for over a year with other cars.

If your screen is on google play music there should be no skipping, even with maps in the background. But the second you bring maps up to the front it will skip.

Perhaps turn off voice over/notifications in the maps app and see if that helps. Something something phone not able to process both audio streams at the same time.

 

Ditto, it is unusable in the current state.

I just tried this. Funny thing is... I can't shut off bluetooth. It will shut off for a second and then automatically try reconnecting. I even tried airplane mode. Must be something new with Android 10. Never had this happen before. Strange.

 

I have sound off in maps.

 

this was going to my recommendation. sounds like the cable is struggling to transfer enough data so a better cable may fix the issue. worth a shot, not too expensive to get something good. something like a USB-A to USB-C 3.1.

 

I had almost the same issue with a note 9, changed the cable to one recommended for android auto and it runs smooth now

 

I haven't noticed significant issues using my Pixel 2. The worst I've noticed is sometimes audio will cut out randomly for a second or two. Responsiveness is fine.

Running a 90deg USB-C cable from Taco Garage.

 

As 5nahalf pointed out... This is not looking like a Toyota problem. It's most likely an Android Auto problem. Since my OP I have found multiple reddit threads reporting the same problem with different makes and models. Lots of people (there and here) saying a different USB cable fixes it, so it must be extremely sensitive to the strength of the data signal. I'll be investing in some cables and will report back. I appreciate all the feedback.

 

I also have a honda with Android Auto and it works well with my Pixel 3 XL, but no dice in the taco, sake USB cable. I'm going to try to swap the cable, but figured it was worth mentioning.

 

Well damn... Still could be a weak(er) signal coming from Taco to phone where a better cable might improve it, but now I'm not very confident

 

So it could be possible that the cable behind the dash is lacking also. This could be a cause for other companies to have issues too.

They take the normal cable they used for usb and try to cram more data through it to run android auto. Not really sure how to fix something like that without getting toyota to make a whole new cable.

 

Agree that it seems that the cabling used in the dash could very well be the culprit. Not only does my music skip, and interface is very laggy, but the slightest bump of the cable at the USB A end in the dash will cause a complete disconnect.

 

...except for the fact that apple carplay doesn't seem to have the same issues.

 

carplay probably uses less bandwidth than android.