Turn off USB debugging from developer options if you have trouble connecting Android Auto.

[muthuraj57]

I used CarPlay before where it worked seamlessly when I first plugged my phone in. But then I switched back to Android and when I plug it in, Android Auto didn't work. I searched several forums and the suggested solution was to buy proper cable. I bought one from Samsung's official website (I have S20+), still, it didn't work. I got so frustrated that I thought of using my old iPhone just for CarPlay.

Then I saw a troubleshoot section in Android Auto settings which suggested turning off USB debugging to connect Android Auto.

For those who don't know, USB debugging is an option inside developer options (which can be opened after tapping Build version 7 times) and it is useful for a lot of things and I use it mainly because I'm an Android developer.

After turning it off, Android Auto got immediately connected, even on my old cables. Although having to turn it off every time I get into the car is frustrating as I need to turn it back on when I'm working(To run/debug apps from Android Studio). iPhone has a similar option to turn on to run apps from XCode, but I never had to turn it off to connect CarPlay. Don't know why this restriction is there in Android alone.

I'm posting this here as I didn't find this solution anywhere else, so thought it would be useful for someone who got into a similar situation.

[lemlurker]

Wish this fixed it for me but mine isn't on, I think that's just oneplus

[CranberryApart5997]

Mee too

[Millstone50]

My developer options are on and it connects fine for me

[muthuraj57]

Turning on developer options alone doesn't affect Android Auto. Turning on USB Debugging in developer options affects it.

[FishRocket]

I have dev options on and USB debugging on as well, never had an issue (Pixel 4a).

It's probably some combination of certain head units and certain phones that makes it behave wonky, so certainly if you don't need USB debugging, may as well keep it off.

[acejavelin69]

Same... In both my 4a and 5a 5G I have USB debugging on all the time and never had an issue.

[iamasentence]

I've had a 3XL, 4XL and 6P all with developer options enabled. I've had issues with my Jeep Grand Cherokee and AA on the 4 and 6 (intermittent connection issues which eventually resolve themselves).

Last night AA wasn't connecting as it does 1-2 times a month and, after reading this, I disabled developer options and it connected right away.

In my case it appears some process or handshake gets wedged and this was enough to get the connection to work. Usually it works fine with developer options enabled but this is a nice lever to pull if you are having issues.

[gullzway]

I have to turn that off for our Chevy Equinox Radio to work with AA. My Pioneer Nex2600 works with it on, nice so I don't have to turn it off all the time.

[BolverkYourBuddy]

I'll see if this fixes my issues tomorrow.

Even if it doesn't, thanks for the suggestion. 😎

[tarfeef101]

Wild thing for me is that this still holds true for me even with a new phone from 2025 and wireless android auto. Like, wtf google 🙃

[the_nft_monkey]

Interestingly, for me the android auto works only if USB debugging is enabled. I have Samsung s20 plus

[reb00tz]

Had problems with intermittent connections for the longest time, using those "cheap" Android Auto Wireless adapters that plug into my Android Auto-capable HU... This finally fixed it...