Android Auto app runs fine in desktop-head-unit emulator but not showing up in Volkswagen launcher

Question

To start with Android Auto development I checked out some example projects (https://github.com/android/car-samples/tree/main/car_app_library), compiled them in Android studio (fixed some depreciation issues) and successfully tested them in desktop-head-unit emulator. Also set up a small Hello World on my own, which works the same way. I made sure that in Android Auto settings on the phone "unknown sources" is checked. All good unless I connect to my real car system. All the apps are not showing up in the car launcher, also not able to add them through "settings" app. Restarted the phone, compiled apps to lowest possible SDK target version. Nothing worked out.

Any idea how to fix this? Thanks

Answer 1

how did you enabled "unknown sources" on Android Auto device? there is no option in there... can you provide a device/manufacturer of your Android Audio unit?

afaik there is no other way for testing app than mentioned simulator, no option for running debug in a physical car. app MUST be distributed through Google Play

To test your app in real vehicles, it must be installed from a trusted source such as the Play Store. During the early phases of development, you can use Internal App Sharing or an Internal Test Track to distribute your app to devices without going through the Play Store review process.

source

Answer 2

According to the Google docs - The "unknown sources" setting only applies to media and messaging apps and doesn't apply to apps built using the Android for Cars App Library

Answer 3

You may be using the debug app for testing, which could be the reason for this.

To do a test on manufacturing Android Auto, your app must have a released variant to conduct the test on the production vehicle's Android Auto.

I also had the same issue, but it got fixed after the release variant.

I hope this helps.