CarPlay: For many people, it often happens that they are sitting in their car, waiting to be picked up, or during a short break, thinking: "I wish I could watch some Netflix now."

Perhaps you're eager to watch the new hit series and film, " The Missing Woman of Compostela ," " The Broken Valley ," or " The Seduction/Merteuilaka ." It should seem simple, right? Just open Netflix on your car's screen. However, when you connect your Android phone to Android Auto, Netflix is ​​nowhere to be found.

In this super detailed guide, we will cover:

• Why Netflix isn't officially on Android Auto.
• The safe and legal way to set things up.
• Method 1: Mirror your screen.
• Method 2: Use an external Android box.
• Method 3: Getting Android Auto in older cars.

Why isn't Netflix on Android Auto? A security issue

Let's start by explaining why you can't find the Netflix app in the Android Auto menu. It's not because Google or Netflix don't like you, it's for security reasons.

Android Auto and its counterpart Apple CarPlay are designed with the primary goal of minimizing distractions while driving. The interface is simple, the buttons are large, voice control is convenient, and the focus is on applications such as navigation and music playback.

Video streaming apps like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+ are deliberately banned. Why? Because watching a movie while driving is extremely dangerous. It can be a serious distraction and is illegal almost everywhere.

Therefore, the official position is clear: No video streaming when the vehicle is in motion.

But wait, doesn't that make this guide useless? Not at all! Think of all the times your car is stopped:

• You are parked in the parking lot and waiting for the children to finish their training.
• You recharge your electric car at a charging station for 30-45 minutes.
• You are on a long journey and you stop at a rest area.
• You arrive early for your appointment and spend time in the car.

In this case, watching a movie on a big screen from the comfort of your car is a great way to relax. This guide is designed for that purpose. We strongly advocate safe and responsible viewing only when the vehicle is parked.

What you will need before you begin

Before we begin, let's make sure you have all the necessary equipment. It's like preparing the ingredients before cooking a good dish.

1. An Android phone: This may seem obvious, but you will need an Android phone running a relatively recent version of the software (preferably Android 11 or higher for good compatibility).
2. A compatible car: Your car's infotainment system must support Android Auto. Most cars from 2016 and later support this feature. You can check your car's manual or do a quick online search using your make and year.
3. A good connection: You can connect your phone to the car using a high-quality USB cable. Some cars also support wireless Android Auto, which is even more convenient. For a fast, secure, and stable experience, consider checking out Aoocci's Wireless Car Adapters and Streaming Screens series .
4. A good data connection is essential: Streaming video uses a lot of data. Make sure you have a stable Wi-Fi connection, such as a cellular hotspot or public Wi-Fi, or a reliable mobile data plan. You really don't want your movie to stop at the best part!
5. Power: Video streaming can quickly drain your phone's battery. To avoid running out of power, it's a good idea to use a reliable car charger. They're designed to keep your device charged even during extended streaming sessions.

Method 1: Step-by-step guide: How to mirror your screen on Android Auto

Since Netflix isn't an official Android Auto app, we need to use a workaround. This workaround is called screen mirroring. Simply put, we're going to make your car's screen display exactly what's on your phone's screen.

Quick tip: This method requires that "Developer options" be enabled on your phone. It sounds technical, but don't worry – it's quite simple and safe if you follow these steps exactly.

Step 1: Enable developer options on your Android phone

This is a hidden menu on your phone that gives you more control. Here's how to unlock it:

• Go to your phone's settings .
• Scroll down and tap " About phone ".
• Look for the entry called " Version Number ". Tap it approximately 7 to 10 times .
• After a few taps, a message will appear saying "You are now a developer!" (or similar).

Great! You're now a developer. Don't panic; this won't permanently change anything on your phone.

Troubleshooting: Unable to access Android Auto developer mode

If you're having trouble enabling Android Auto's developer mode, check if you need to enable this feature in the app's settings. Go to your Android settings, search for "Android Auto," then open Android Auto from the settings and try again. (via: reddit )

Step 2: Enable USB debugging

Now, let's move on to the new menu.

• Return to the main Settings menu.
• You should see a new option called " Developer options " or " System > Developer options ". Tap on it.
• Inside, scroll down until you find " USB Debugging ". Turn the switch on.
• A warning message will appear. Press " OK " after reading it.

This setting allows your phone to communicate with the car's systems for mirroring.

Step 3: Download the screen mirroring app

Due to Google Play's official policy, the official store does not offer screen mirroring apps for Android Auto. Therefore, you need to download a trusted third-party app from outside the Play Store. One of the most popular and reliable apps is Screen2Auto .

To do this, you need to allow your phone to install apps from "unknown sources".

• The first time you try to download the Screen2Auto APK file (APK is the file format for Android applications), your phone will ask for permission. This will take you to a setting called "Install unknown apps".
• Give your browser or file manager permission to install the application.
• You can search for the latest version of Screen2Auto on websites like XDA Developers . XDA is a large and trusted community of Android enthusiasts. Here's a link to a popular XDA Developers forum where you can search for the latest version of Screen2Auto and see detailed discussions. Be sure to download from trusted links on these forums.

Step 4: Install and configure the application

• Once you have downloaded the APK file, open it to install Screen2Auto.
• Do not open it immediately after installation. First, connect your phone to your car using a USB cable (or wirelessly if you have wireless Android Auto).
• Android Auto should start on your car's screen as usual.
• You may now receive a request from Screen2Auto on your phone. Grant it all the necessary permissions. This is essential for it to function correctly.

Step 5: Mirror and watch Netflix!

• If everything is configured correctly, you should see a new Screen2Auto icon on your Android Auto screen.
• Tap it. Your phone screen should now be reflected on your car's screen!
• Now, simply open the Netflix app on your phone. Find the movie you've always wanted to see—like "On the Come Up," an inspirational story about a young rapper struggling to pursue his dreams, or "The Outrun," a captivating tale about healing and nature. The video and audio will now play through your car's screen and speakers.

And there you have it! You did it. Don't forget the golden rule: only do this when your car is safely parked.

Method 2: Use an external Android box

This is a dedicated hardware solution that runs Android independently of your phone.

• Buy an Android Box: Purchase a compatible external Android device, such as an Aoocci Adapter , and connect it to your car's USB port.
• Connecting the box: Plug the Android Box into the USB port of your vehicle.
  Configure the box: Follow the on-screen prompts to configure the device, which may require connecting it to the Internet.
• Install and play Netflix: The box runs its own Android operating system, and you can install the Netflix app directly from the Google Play Store or a similar app store without depending on your phone.

Important notes:

• Safety: Android Auto is designed to minimize driver distraction, so streaming apps are often limited.
• Driver safety: Passengers are advised to watch the video, and the video content should not interfere with the driver's safe driving.
• DRM Protection: Some applications and methods may be subject to Digital Rights Management (DRM) protection, which may result in no video, only audio, or a black screen.

Method 3: How to get Android Auto in older cars?

Perhaps you're thinking, "Screen mirroring is a bit technical for me," or you simply want a cleaner, more reliable setup. If so, then this method is the best choice for you. It's the ultimate upgrade for your car entertainment system.

The idea is simple: add a dedicated smart screen to your car. These super-convenient touchscreens integrate Android Auto and CarPlay. It's like installing a whole new high-tech brain in your car.

The Aoocci CarPlay/Android Auto touchscreen is a great example. It's a really cool device. You can neatly install it on your dashboard. Then, connect your phone and bam – you have a fully official Android Auto interface. No complicated tweaking or developer options required.

Why choose a smart screen?

• Super easy: Very easy to set up. Plug and play. No complicated settings to adjust on your phone.
• Super stable: Because it runs on the official Android Auto system, the connection is incredibly reliable. You won't encounter the bugs that sometimes occur with screen mirroring apps.
• Super safe: These screens are designed specifically for cars. They generally have a higher quality screen that is brighter and easily visible in daylight. The touch response is also very smooth.
• All-in-one: Navigation, music, calls, and of course the perfect way to watch Netflix, all in one sleek device.

How to watch Netflix on a smart screen:

Watching Netflix is ​​easy with a screen like the Aoocci CarPlay/Android Auto touchscreen. Here's how:

• Installing the screen: First, you need to install a smart screen in your car. This is usually very simple. You simply attach it to your dashboard and connect it to a power source (usually via the car's 12V socket or a USB port). The installation process is very straightforward.
• Connect your phone: Next, connect your Android phone to the screen. This can usually be done wirelessly or via a USB cable. The screen will automatically boot to the Android Auto interface.
• Using the Video Player App: Now for the best part. Many smart displays, including aoocci models, come with their own app stores. These include official or fully compatible video player apps. You can download video apps directly to the display.
• Watch online or download movies: After installing the video app, you can log in to your Netflix account directly on the screen. You can then watch "On the Come Up" directly online, or stream it immediately if you've downloaded "The Outrun" for offline viewing. The video will play perfectly on the screen, and the sound will come through the car speakers.

The final word on smart screens

If you want a "set it and forget it" solution that works every time you get in your car, then a smart display is ideal for you. A small investment can completely transform your driving experience. It makes watching Netflix or any other streaming service as simple and convenient as using a tablet.

This is the smoothest and highest-quality method we've ever implemented. For a premium experience, try the Aoocci CarPlay/Android Auto touchscreen . It's designed to provide you with an excellent large-screen experience right on your dashboard.