Android Auto Error 8 - Latest Android News and Info

Android Auto Error 8 is a common frustration for users, typically indicating an issue with the communication between your Android phone and your car’s infotainment system. It usually prevents Android Auto from launching successfully.

Causes of Error 8

Several factors can contribute to this error:

USB Cable Issues: A faulty, damaged, or incompatible USB cable is the most frequent culprit. The cable needs to be capable of transferring data reliably, not just providing power.
Android Auto App Problems: Corrupted app data, an outdated version, or even background processes interfering with the app can trigger Error 8.
Phone Compatibility: While Android Auto is widely compatible, older phones or phones with modified operating systems might experience connectivity issues.
Car Head Unit Problems: Sometimes, the car’s infotainment system itself might have software glitches, be outdated, or have compatibility limitations.
Permissions: Android Auto requires specific permissions to access location, contacts, phone calls, and other system resources. Denying these permissions can cause connection failures.
Power Management: Aggressive battery saving modes on your phone might restrict Android Auto’s background activity, leading to Error 8.
USB Debugging Enabled: Having USB debugging enabled in developer options can sometimes interfere with Android Auto’s operation.

Troubleshooting Steps

Follow these steps to resolve Error 8:

Check the USB Cable: Try a different, high-quality USB cable that you know is capable of data transfer. Ensure it’s securely plugged into both your phone and your car’s USB port. Preferably use the original cable provided with your phone.
Restart Your Phone and Car: A simple restart can often clear temporary glitches. Turn off both your phone and your car’s infotainment system completely, wait a few seconds, and then turn them back on.
Update Android Auto: Ensure you have the latest version of the Android Auto app installed from the Google Play Store.
Clear Android Auto Cache and Data: Go to your phone’s Settings > Apps > Android Auto > Storage. Clear both the cache and data. You might need to reconfigure Android Auto after this step.
Check Permissions: Verify that Android Auto has all the necessary permissions. Go to Settings > Apps > Android Auto > Permissions and grant access to location, contacts, phone, microphone, and any other requested permissions.
Disable Battery Saving: Exclude Android Auto from battery saving modes. Go to Settings > Battery > Battery Optimization, find Android Auto, and select “Don’t optimize.”
Disable USB Debugging: If you have USB debugging enabled, try disabling it in Developer options (Settings > Developer options). If you don’t see Developer options, you might need to enable them by tapping the Build number in Settings > About phone multiple times.
Update Car Head Unit Software: Check if there are any software updates available for your car’s infotainment system. Consult your car’s manual or contact the manufacturer for instructions.
Try a Different USB Port: Some cars have multiple USB ports; try using a different one to see if it resolves the issue.
Factory Reset (Last Resort): If none of the above steps work, you can try factory resetting your car’s infotainment system. Note that this will erase all your settings and data on the head unit. Consult your car’s manual for instructions. Also, factory reset your phone as a last resort.

If you continue to experience Error 8 after trying these steps, there might be a hardware issue with your phone, car, or USB port. Contact your phone manufacturer, car dealership, or a qualified technician for further assistance.