Introduction: The Problem of Automatic Day/Night Mode

Are you using Google Maps on Android Auto and the automatic day/night mode has stopped working? Is your screen stuck in day mode even at night, or vice versa? This frustrating bug affects many Android Auto users. In this comprehensive guide, we explain how to fix the automatic day/night mode in Google Maps step by step.

Why isn't Automatic Mode working?

Main Causes of the Bug

The malfunction of the automatic day/night mode can have several causes:

• Google Maps settings out of sync : Incorrect configuration in the app
• Corrupted Android Auto cache : Temporary data blocking automatic switching
• System settings conflict : Android Dark Mode interfering
• Outdated version : Known bug in some versions of Google Maps or Android Auto
• Faulty light sensor : Hardware problem with the smartphone or car radio

Solution 1: Check your Google Maps settings

Step 1: Access the Settings

1. Open the Google Maps app on your smartphone
2. Tap on your profile picture in the top right corner
3. Select Settings
4. Go to Navigation

Step 2: Configure Day/Night Mode

1. Look for the "Map Theme" or "Appearance" option.
2. Check that "Automatic" is selected
3. If it's already set to "Day" , wait 5 seconds, then switch back to "Automatic".
4. Test on Android Auto to see if the problem is resolved.

Solution 2: Clear the Android Auto cache

On Android

1. Go to your smartphone's settings
2. Select Applications or Application Manager
3. Find Android Auto in the list
4. Tap on Storage
5. Click on Clear cache
6. Then tap on Erase data (you will need to reconfigure Android Auto)
7. Restart your smartphone

Why Does It Work?

A corrupted cache can prevent automatic brightness detection. Clearing it forces Android Auto to recreate its configuration files, which often resolves the issue.

Solution 3: Clear the Google Maps cache

Detailed Steps

1. Open Android Settings
2. Go to Applications
3. Select Google Maps
4. Tap on Storage
5. Click on Clear cache
6. Restart the application

Note: Do NOT click "Clear data" for Google Maps, otherwise you will lose your saved places and history.

Solution 4: Disable Android Dark Mode

Potential Conflict

Android's system dark mode can sometimes conflict with Google Maps' automatic mode on Android Auto.

How to Test

1. Go to Android Settings
2. Select View
3. Temporarily disable Dark Theme
4. Try Google Maps on Android Auto
5. If it works, the conflict is confirmed.

Permanent Solution

You can keep Android dark mode enabled, but configure Google Maps in "Automatic" mode independently of the system.

Solution 5: Update the Applications

Google Maps

1. Open the Google Play Store
2. Search for "Google Maps"
3. If an update is available, click "Update"

Android Auto

1. In the Play Store, search for "Android Auto"
2. Update if necessary
3. Restart your smartphone after the updates

Why Is This Important?

Google regularly fixes bugs in updates. The day/night mode issue has been reported in several versions and resolved with patches.

Solution 6: Check the Permissions

Required Permissions

For automatic mode to work, Google Maps and Android Auto need certain permissions:

1. Go to Settings → Applications → Google Maps
2. Select Permissions
3. Verify that these permissions are enabled:
   • Location : Always allowed
   • Body sensors (if available)
   • Storage
4. Repeat for Android Auto

Solution 7: Reinstall Google Maps

Last Resort

If no solution works, a complete reinstallation may resolve the problem:

1. Uninstall Google Maps (only the updates if it's a system app)
2. Restart your smartphone
3. Reinstall Google Maps from the Play Store
4. Configure your settings again
5. Test it on Android Auto

Solution 8: Check the Light Sensor

Sensor Test

Automatic mode depends on your smartphone's brightness sensor :

1. Go to Settings → Display
2. Activate "Automatic brightness"
3. Cover the sensor (at the top of the screen) with your hand
4. The screen should darken
5. If nothing happens, the sensor may be faulty.

Alternative Solution

If the sensor is not working, use manual mode in Google Maps and manually switch between day and night as needed.

Solution 9: Problem Specific to the Car Radio

Aftermarket Android Car Radios

If you are using an aftermarket Android car radio (such as those compatible with Autokit or CarPlay), the problem may be with the car radio itself:

• Check the brightness settings of the car radio
• Some car radios have their own day/night mode which can conflict with each other.
• Consult your car radio's manual to disable its automatic mode.

Summary of Solutions

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Google Maps remain stuck in day mode at night?

This is usually due to a corrupted cache or incorrect settings . Try clearing the cache for Android Auto and Google Maps, then check that "Automatic" mode is enabled in Google Maps' navigation settings.

Automatic mode works on my phone but not on Android Auto

This is a known bug. The most effective solution is to clear the Android Auto cache and restart your smartphone . If the problem persists, reinstall Android Auto.

Do I need to enable Android dark mode for it to work?

No, on the contrary. The system dark mode can sometimes conflict with Google Maps' automatic mode. Try temporarily disabling it to test.

Automatic mode only works in one direction (day → night or night → day)

This specific bug is often resolved by manually switching between modes in Google Maps settings (Day → Automatic → Night → Automatic), and then restarting the application.

My Android car radio has its own day/night mode, is that a problem?

Yes, this can create a conflict . Disable the automatic mode on your car radio and let Google Maps manage the theme change.

After an Android update, automatic mode no longer works

Major Android updates can reset certain settings. Check the permissions for Google Maps and Android Auto, and clear the cache of both apps.

The problem returns after a few days

If the bug keeps recurring, it's probably a version issue . Check that Android Auto and Google Maps are up to date. If they are, report the bug to Google through the app.

Conclusion

The bug with Google Maps' automatic day/night mode on Android Auto is frustrating but usually easy to fix. In 90% of cases, clearing the Android Auto cache and checking the Google Maps settings is enough to resolve the issue.

Our recommendation: Start with solutions 1 and 2 (settings + cache), which are the fastest and most effective. If the problem persists, proceed to the following solutions in order.

If none of the solutions work, the problem may be with your ambient light sensor or a bug specific to your smartphone model. In this case, use manual mode while waiting for a fix from Google.

Need help with Android Auto? Check out our other technical guides on using Android Auto with compatible car radios.