Spotify Not Showing on Android Auto? Fixes to Try (2026)

Few things are more irritating than getting in the car, plugging in your phone and finding Spotify has vanished from the Android Auto screen. If you do a lot of driving between client meetings, or use podcasts to catch up on your industry, you'll want it sorted quickly.

Here's what I found when I read Spotify's help pages. I'll be straight with you: Spotify's help doesn't have a page just about Spotify missing from Android Auto. It has a short checklist for the car, plus separate pages for Bluetooth, reinstalling and clearing storage. I've pulled those together and I haven't invented any Android Auto menu names that Spotify doesn't mention.

What Spotify says about using Android Auto in the car

Spotify lists Android Auto as one of several ways to connect your phone to your car. The others are Spotify Connect, Bluetooth, an AUX or USB cable and Apple CarPlay. It also says many car media systems have a Spotify app built into the stereo.

That matters for troubleshooting. If one method fails, another may work while you work out the cause. Spotify adds that for compatible devices you should check with the manufacturer.

The checklist for when Spotify is not showing on Android Auto

This is Spotify's own checklist, in its order. Work down it one step at a time and test after each:

1. Make sure the Spotify app and your devices' software are up to date.
2. Make sure your phone is connected to the internet.
3. Restart the Spotify app.
4. Restart your car by turning the ignition off and then on again.
5. If you can, delete the Spotify app and install it again.

Notice that Spotify puts updates first. A new version of the app on your phone, plus up-to-date software on both phone and car screen, clears a lot of connection problems.

Updating Spotify on your Android phone before you drive

Spotify's help for updating on Android is simple.

1. Open the Google Play Store.
2. Search for Spotify.
3. Tap Update if you see it.

Spotify says if there's no update option, your app is already on the latest version. You can also switch on automatic updates from the three dots at the top of the Spotify page in the Play Store.

If your cable is the problem with Spotify and Android Auto

Spotify says that if an AUX or USB cable isn't working you should check it's the correct cable for your device, and try a different one in case it's damaged. A cable that charges your phone but doesn't carry data can look fine and still fail, so it's worth swapping in another.

Checking Bluetooth when Spotify won't show in the car

If you connect over Bluetooth, Spotify has a separate checklist. It suggests closing Spotify while you set up the connection, then switching Bluetooth on for both devices, pairing them in their settings and opening Spotify to play.

• Check the devices are in range of each other.
• Some devices only allow one connection at a time, so disconnect others.
• In the phone's settings, check Bluetooth allows media sharing.
• Make sure both devices have enough power.

If that doesn't work, Spotify suggests re-pairing. Delete the other device from each one's Bluetooth settings (the option may be called Forget or Unpair), switch Bluetooth off and on for both, then connect again.

Reinstalling Spotify on Android to fix a missing car app

If the checklist didn't fix it, Spotify's reinstall page gives a quick route for newer Android phones. Remember that you'll need to re-download any downloaded music and podcasts afterwards.

1. Open your phone's Settings and choose Apps.
2. Select Spotify from the list.
3. Tap Uninstall.
4. Go to Google Play and install Spotify again.

The same page has a clean reinstall that clears storage and cache first. It's longer, and it includes deleting a folder in your phone's files, so follow Spotify's page exactly if you go that way.

Clearing Spotify's cache on Android

Spotify also names a full cache as a cause of common problems. On Android, tap your profile picture, then Settings and privacy, then Data-saving and offline. Under Storage, tap Clear next to Clear cache. I've written more in my guide to clearing the Spotify cache on phone and computer.

If your downloads vanish from view or you want to refresh them before a long drive, my walkthrough on downloading songs on Spotify is useful, because offline music doesn't rely on a phone signal in patchy areas.

Staying safe while you set up Spotify in the car

Spotify's own advice is to set up before you drive and avoid interacting with your device while the car is moving. Only use your phone when the law allows and conditions are safe. Sort the fix while parked, and keep driving time for driving.

When Spotify still won't appear on Android Auto

Spotify says that if the problem persists, you should reach out to your car or stereo manufacturer for further help. That's because the screen in your dashboard has its own software and settings that Spotify can't see. Tell them what you tried, and in what order, so they don't repeat the basics.

Frequently asked questions

Why is Spotify not showing on Android Auto?

Spotify's help doesn't name a single cause. It suggests updating the app and your devices' software, checking your phone's internet connection, restarting the app and the car, and reinstalling Spotify if possible.

What does Spotify say to try first?

Make sure your app and devices' software are up to date, then check the phone is online, restart the app and restart the car.

Could my cable be the problem?

Yes. Spotify says to make sure it's the correct cable for your device and to try a different one in case it's damaged.

Will reinstalling Spotify delete my downloads?

Spotify says you need to re-download any downloaded music and podcasts after reinstalling the app.

What if nothing works?

Spotify says to reach out to your car or stereo manufacturer if the problem persists.

Are there other ways to play Spotify in the car?

Yes. Spotify lists Spotify Connect, Bluetooth, AUX or USB cable and Apple CarPlay as other options, and some cars have a Spotify app built into the stereo.