How to Enhance Sound Quality using Android Auto
How to Enhance Sound Quality using Android Auto
Blog Article
Android Auto has changed the way we connect with our vehicles — from navigation to voice commands to listening to music.
While the functionality is superior, sound quality sometimes seems inferior to a direct Bluetooth or AUX link.
Whether you're a music listener or an audiophile, this guide will demonstrate how to dramatically enhance your Android Auto audio quality for music, podcasts, calls, and everything in between.
Why Android Auto Audio Sometimes Sucks
Let's break down a few reasons why Android Auto audio may not sound as great:
???? Compression:
Statistics such as Spotify or YouTube Music streams are already compressed. How to Enhance Sound Quality using Android Auto can also apply further compression while sending to your car head unit.
???? Wireless vs Wired:
Wireless Android Auto tends to employ WiFi Direct, which will sacrifice audio quality in favor of speed and stability. Wired Android Auto will have superior sound, though still not necessarily perfect.
????️ Head Unit Processing:
Your car stereo may use its own EQ settings, noise reduction, or dynamic range compression that can flatten your music.
????️ Bad Cables or Adapters:
Low-quality USB cables or faulty USB ports may lead to interference, audio quality drops, or unstable connections.
Understanding the reasons fixes them in the right way!
Top Tips to Enhance Audio Quality with Android Auto
Let's proceed with the best practices:
1. Utilize a High-Quality USB Cable
If you're working with wired Android Auto, your USB cable is important — hugely so.
✅ Check for:
USB 3.1 Gen 1 or Gen 2 cables
Cables from reputable brands like Anker, Belkin, or Aukey that are certified
USB-C to USB-C if your head unit allows it (for newer Android phones)
???? Steer clear of super long cables — they can lead to signal degradation.
Pro Tip: If your phone randomly disconnects from Android Auto, that's usually a cable issue as well.
2. Allow Highest Streaming Quality in Apps
Music apps such as Spotify, Amazon Music, and Tidal enable you to select the audio quality setting.
In Spotify:
Settings > Audio Quality > Select "Very High" for WiFi and Mobile Streaming.
In Amazon Music:
Settings > Streaming Quality > Choose HD/Ultra HD.
In YouTube Music:
Settings > Audio Quality on Mobile Network and Wi-Fi > Set to "Always High."
???? Important:
Better streaming quality consumes more data. If you're on a tight mobile data plan, beware!
3. Firmware Update Your Head Unit
Car stereos and Android Auto head units receive firmware updates frequently that resolve:
Audio bugs
Bluetooth/WiFi problems
Streaming optimizations
???? How to Check:
Check your head unit manufacturer's website (Pioneer, Sony, Kenwood, etc.) or their mobile app.
Firmware updates can significantly enhance audio quality and Android Auto stability right away.
4. Equalizer Setting Adjustments
Most head units have custom EQ adjustments available.
Instead of factory flat settings, try manual tuning:
????️ Suggested Basic EQ:
Increase bass slightly for depth (60–100 Hz)
Raise mids modestly for vocals (500–1000 Hz)
Increase highs slightly for clarity (8–12 kHz)
Or select a built-in preset such as "Rock" or "Pop" if it is available.
???? Warning:
Don't overboost the bass — it will muddy the sound and distort at loud volumes.
5. Use Wired Android Auto When Possible
While wireless Android Auto is super convenient, wired connections almost always offer better audio fidelity.
Why?
Wireless Android Auto uses WiFi compression to maintain a fast, stable connection, slightly compromising sound.
Wired sends a cleaner, more direct digital audio signal.
If sound quality is your top priority and your car supports both, go wired!
6. Upgrade Your Car’s Speakers
If you’ve tried everything above and music still sounds dull, the real bottleneck might be your car’s stock speakers.
???? Stock speakers often:
Have limited dynamic range
Distort at moderate to high volumes
Lack bass and treble clarity
???? Upgraded speakers (like from JBL, Infinity, Rockford Fosgate) can:
Deliver crystal-clear highs
Punchier bass
Better vocal definition
Installing a basic speaker upgrade can completely transform your Android Auto audio experience.
7. Install a Digital Signal Processor (DSP)
Want true high-end sound?
A DSP can also clean up and optimize the digital audio signal prior to your amplifier or speakers.
????️ What a DSP Does:
Equalizes frequencies with precision
Eliminates road noise frequencies
Aligns timing for ideal sound staging
Companies such as Helix, AudioControl, and JL Audio produce great automotive DSPs that are compatible with Android Auto systems.
8. Enable Developer Options for Audio Codec Tweaks (Advanced Users)
Some Android phones enable tweaking Bluetooth audio codecs and settings within Developer Options.
Steps:
Go to Settings > About Phone > Tap "Build Number" 7 times to enable Developer Options.
Open Developer Options.
Scroll down to Bluetooth settings.
Select highest quality codec supported (e.g., LDAC).
⚠️ Warning:
This primarily relates to Bluetooth audio. But if your Android Auto connection defaults to Bluetooth (e.g., in wireless AA), it can assist.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Using Cheap Power Adapters
Low-quality chargers may inject electrical noise into the audio stream. Utilize high-quality car chargers with noise suppression.
❌ Disregarding Ground Loop Noise
If you notice a whine that varies with engine speed, it's ground loop.
It can be removed by installing a ground loop isolator on the audio line.
❌ Having Old Software Versions
A last-gone Android Auto app or car system firmware usually results in crackly audio, random volume loss, or sync failure.
Final Thoughts: High-Fidelity Android Auto is Possible!
You don't have to compromise on boring or distorted sound when you use Android Auto.
With some simple upgrades — such as a quality USB cable, improved streaming settings, and perhaps some EQ adjustments — you can achieve almost-premium quality sound from your Android Auto system.
???? Quick Checklist for Best Sound:
Use a certified high-speed USB cable
Set streaming apps to maximum quality
Update phone and head unit firmware
Tweak EQ settings or add a DSP
Replace speakers if needed
Spend a couple of minutes optimizing your system, and every ride will be richer, clearer, and infinitely more fun.