Android Auto not connecting via bluetooth to 2021 Mazda

bobster89

This is a continuation of this thread
https://discuss.grapheneos.org/d/14679-mazda-3-2021-android-auto-not-connecting

where I said
"I'm having issues getting android auto to connect. It detects my phone pairs up just like this guy in this timestamped video. (same head unit)
https://youtu.be/WNsy4EBuMg8?si=Q8jxWOGNYRuzZbv_&t=31
but I never see this screen
and it never connects to android auto"

it was marked as solved by moderator, but the issue is only half solved. I can get it working with wired connection, but what I really want is to get it working wirelessly. Has anyone figured out how to get the bluetooth working for GrapheneOS and Mazda android auto head unit? I appreciate any help!

de0u

bobster89 I can get it working with wired connection, but what I really want is to get it working wirelessly.

If you're using a VPN, turn it off?

bobster89

de0u

I don't have a vpn enabled.

de0u

bobster89 I don't have a vpn enabled.

Ok, maybe a DNS-based content blocker? Do you have a private DNS server configured?

When you try to connect, what goes wrong?

By the way, I think earlier (in the other thread) you mentioned Bluetooth. I think Android Auto runs over Wi-Fi, not Bluetooth. Are you trying to connect to the car with Wi-Fi?

bobster89

Sorry to late reply. I'm not using any type of vpn or dns blocking app or configuration. I ensured both my bluetooth and wifi were on, but android auto still doesn't come up. I tried rebooting phone, unpairing and repairing it with wifi and bluetooth on, but issue still persists. Only comes up via cable. It's strange because with exact same pixel 8 pro I had a 2013 mazda 3 with an aftermarket android auto head unit I installed and I could connect to it wirelessly with 0 issues, but for some reason the 2021 mazda 3 with built in head unit doesn't like my phone when wireless.

de0u

bobster89 It's honestly not 100% clear to me that this is supposed to work, see: https://www.reddit.com/r/mazda3/comments/sjof7s/wireless_android_auto_on_my_22_mazda_3/

Also, the 2019 instructions (admittedly not the right ones for your car, but the first ones I found) seem pretty firm on a cable being necessary.

At this point I think it might be best for you to check in with a Mazda dealer, or a Mazda user forum, etc.

bobster89

de0u
I guess I'm not the only one. I do kind of feel like this is more of a grapheneos issue over a mazda dealership fixes it kind of issue given it's not as widespread. That one guy said he used it wirelessly with his kenwood aftermarket head unit. I used a JVC aftermarket head unit wirelessly so seems like the aftermarket ones have no issues, but perhaps mazdas have some quirks. That guy most likely wasn't using grapheneos though since post is 3 years old and the AA feature on grapheneos is like a year old or something. I never heard of the AA wireless adapter so maybe I'll pick one up. I appreciate you finding this stuff. I didn't see it when I looked.

de0u

bobster89 I do kind of feel like this is more of a grapheneos issue over a mazda dealership fixes it kind of issue given it's not as widespread.

If -- hypothetically, but it does seem plausible -- the Mazda head unit does not support wireless Android Auto, then there is nothing any OS on any phone could do to address that. The fact that non-Mazda head units do support wireless Android Auto sheds no light on whether or not the Mazda head units (for any given model and year) do.

It seems to me that consulting a Mazda dealer would be productive for finding out whether the Mazda head unit in a particular Mazda does or does not support wireless Android Auto.

6jarjar6

Hello just got a 2023 Mazda. Everything works except occasionally it says Bluetooth hands free can't connect. I can have Google Maps up and also call and answer phone calls. Also sadly Spotify doesn't show up as media but I can still play music it just doesn't show on the display unit. Also can't control Spotify with skipping songs via the steering wheel. Oddly on my phone it has a car icon when in Spotify.

Added all the permissions I could think of. I think it might be something to do with Bluetooth. My phone is shown as connected on my car and on my phone.

Any help would be appreciated thank you