Is there any way to stop Android Auto from activating Bluetooth?

p0well34

I have a Wired Android Auto setup and every time I plug into it Bluetooth turns on. The unit works when I turn the Bluetooth off but the phone reactivates it after numerous seconds. I'm trying not to cruise around town with my Bluetooth on. Any advice? Thanks in advance

earthsojourn

I thought I would give this post a bump. I've seen some recent posts about SignalTrace, and leaving WiFi and Bluetooth on while driving seems to be a real concern.

That said, I suspect there isn't much we can do, since Bluetooth is required for Android Auto, and the only option would be to stop using Android Auto.

p.s. I do have Wireless Android Auto disabled in settings, but it still turns Bluetooth back on even when disabled.

moonlitmartyr

earthsojourn was thinking this too, I turned off Bluetooth entirely on the head unit in settings and that seems to do it. I use wired exclusively so it doesn't need Bluetooth regardless. Maybe all head units support this?

earthsojourn

moonlitmartyr Unfortunately, my Kia doesn't have the option to disable Bluetooth. Even if I remove the paired phone, when I connect with Android Auto it automatically pairs again.

moonlitmartyr

earthsojourn I have a non factory head unit from Sony, I'm guessing car OEMs are a bit different in that regard.

thure

In the Android Auto settings (something like Apps -> Google Play -> Android Auto) you can turn off the permission for the wireless connection. For my car it works and I can use Bluetooth with a second phone while Android Auto is connected via cable.

earthsojourn

thure I already have wireless connection disabled.

However, thank you for mentioning this, as that did prompt me to fiddle with the Android Auto settings.

I discovered that the Settings -> Apps -> Sandboxed Google Play -> Android Auto -> "Allow permissions for handling phone calls" is what causes my phone to automatically enable Bluetooth. So, the tradeoff (at least on my Kia) is that I will need to pull over to take phone calls while in the car.

moonlitmartyr

earthsojourn that's really good to know, I'll test as well.

moonlitmartyr

earthsojourn yep this keeps Android auto from forcing Bluetooth on constantly. Thanks!!