How to Run Netflix on Android Auto Today

For many people, it might be that you're sitting in the car, waiting for a pickup, or taking a short break, and you think, "I'd like to watch some Netflix now."

Maybe you're dying to see hot new shows and movies like "Monster: The Ed Gein Story," "Genie Make a Wish," or "On the Come Up." This should seem simple, right? Just open Netflix on your car's screen. However, when you connect your Android phone to Android Auto, Netflix is nowhere to be found.

In this super detailed guide we'll cover:

Why Netflix isn't officially available on Android Auto.
Safe and legal way to configure.
Method 1: Screen Mirroring.
Method 2: Using an external Android box.
Method 3: Get Android Auto in Older Cars.

Why Is Netflix Not on Android Auto? It's All About Safety

First, let's talk about why you can't find the Netflix app in your Android Auto menu. It's not because Google or Netflix doesn't like you; it's a security issue.

Android Auto and its counterpart, Apple CarPlay, were designed with the primary goal of minimizing distractions while driving. The interface is simple, the buttons are easy to see, and the voice controls are convenient and focused on apps like navigation and music.

Video streaming apps like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+ are intentionally blocked. Why? Because watching videos while driving is incredibly dangerous. It can be a serious distraction and is illegal almost everywhere.

Therefore, the official position is clear: no video streaming while the vehicle is in motion.

But wait, doesn't that make this guide pointless? Absolutely not! Think of all the times your car has been stationary:

You park your car in the parking lot and wait for the kids to finish their training.
You charge an electric car at a charging station for 30-45 minutes.
You are on a long journey and stop at a rest area.
You arrive at the meeting early and spend time in the car.

In that case, watching a movie on the big screen from the comfort of your car is a great way to relax. This guide is designed for just that. We 100% advocate for safe, responsible viewing only when your vehicle is parked.

What you'll need before you start

Before we begin, we make sure you have all the right equipment ready. It's like preparing the ingredients before cooking a delicious meal.

Android phone: This may seem obvious, but you'll need an Android phone with a relatively recent software version (Android 11 or later compatibility preferred).
Compatible car: Your car's infotainment system must support Android Auto. Most 2016 and newer cars support this feature. You can check your car's owner's manual or quickly check online for your model and year.
Good connection: You can connect your phone to your car using a high-quality USB cable. Some cars also support wireless Android Auto, which is even more convenient. It's a good idea to use a reliable connection, and for a fast, secure, and stable experience, check out the Aoocci Car Wireless Adapter and Streaming Display series .
Strong data connection: Streaming video uses a lot of data. Make sure you have a stable Wi-Fi connection, such as a cellular hotspot or public Wi-Fi, or a stable cellular data plan. You definitely don't want your video buffering while it's at its peak!
Power: Streaming video can quickly drain your phone's battery. To avoid draining your phone's battery, it's a good idea to use a reliable car charger. These are designed to keep your device charged even when streaming for extended periods of time.

Method 1: Step-by-step guide: How to mirror your screen to Android Auto

Since Netflix isn't an official Android Auto app, we need to use a workaround. This workaround is called screen mirroring. Simply put, it allows your car's display to mirror exactly what's on your phone's screen.

Quick Tip: This method requires enabling "Developer Options" on your phone. It sounds professional, but don't worry – it's quite simple and safe if you follow these steps carefully.

Step 1: Enable developer options on your Android phone

This is a hidden menu on your phone that gives you more control. Here's how to unlock it:

Go to your phone settings .
Scroll down and tap " About phone ".
Locate the entry named " Version Number ". Tap it about 7-10 times .
After a few taps, you'll see the message "You are now a developer!" (or similar).

Great! You're now a developer. Don't panic; this won't permanently change anything on your phone.

Troubleshooting: Can't access Android Auto developer mode

If you can't enable Android Auto developer mode, check if you're currently in the app's settings and need to enable the feature within the app. Go to your Android settings, search for "Android Auto en," then open Android Auto from Settings and try again. (via: reddit )

Step 2: Enable USB debugging

Now let's move on to the new menu.

Return to the main Settings menu.
You should see a new option called " Developer options " or " System > Developer options ." Tap it.
Inside, scroll down until you find " USB Debugging ." Turn on the switch.
A warning message will appear. Tap " OK " after reading.

This setting allows your phone to communicate with your car's systems for mirroring purposes.

Step 3: Download a screen mirroring app

Due to official Google Play policies, the official store doesn't offer screen mirroring apps for Android Auto. Therefore, you'll need to download a trusted third-party app from outside the Play Store. One of the most popular and reliable apps is Screen2Auto .

To do this, you need to allow your phone to install apps from "unknown sources."

The first time you try to download a Screen2Auto APK file (APK is the Android application file format), your phone will ask for permission. This leads you to a setting called "Install apps from unknown sources."
Give your browser or file manager permission to install apps.
You can search for the latest version of Screen2Auto on websites like XDA Developers . XDA is a large and trusted community of Android enthusiasts. Here's a link to the popular XDA Developers forum , where you can search for the latest version of Screen2Auto and see detailed discussions. Only download from trusted links within these forums.

Step 4: Install and configure the app

Once you download the APK file, open it to install Screen2Auto.
Don't open it immediately after installation. First, connect your phone to your car using a USB cable (or wirelessly if you have Android Auto).
Android Auto should launch on your car screen as usual.
You should now receive a prompt from Screen2Auto on your phone. Grant it all the necessary permissions. This is necessary for it to function properly.

Step 5: Mirroring and watch Netflix!

If everything is set up correctly, you should see a new Screen2Auto icon on the Android Auto screen.
Tap it. Your phone screen should now be mirrored on your car's display!
Now, simply open the Netflix app on your phone. Find a movie you've always wanted to see—like "On the Come Up," an inspiring story about a young rapper fighting to achieve his dreams, or "The Outrun," a captivating tale of healing and nature. The video and audio will now play through your car's screen and speakers.

That's it! You did it. Just remember the golden rule: only do this when your car is safely parked.

Method 2: Using an external Android box

This is a dedicated hardware solution that runs Android independently of your phone.

Buy an Android Box: Buy a compatible external Android device such asthe Aoocci Adapter and connect it to your car's USB port.
Connect the box: Connect the Android box to the vehicle's USB port.
Set up your mailbox: Follow the on-screen prompts to set up your device, which may require an internet connection.
Install and play Netflix: The box runs its own Android operating system, and you can install the Netflix app directly from the Google Play Store or similar app store without relying on your phone.

Important notes:

Safety: Android Auto is designed to minimize driver distraction, so streaming apps are often restricted.
Driver Safety: Passengers are advised to watch videos and the video content should not interfere with the driver's safe driving.
DRM Protection: Some apps and methods may be subject to Digital Rights Management (DRM) protection, which may result in no video, only sound, or a black screen.

Method 3: How to get Android Auto in older cars?

Maybe you're thinking, "Screen mirroring is a bit too technical for me," or you simply want a cleaner, more reliable setup. If so, this method is the best choice for you. It's the ultimate upgrade for your car entertainment system.

The idea is simple: add a dedicated smart display to your car. These super-convenient touchscreens come with Android Auto and CarPlay built-in. It's like installing a completely new, high-tech brain in your car.

The Aoocci CarPlay/Android Auto touchscreen is a great example. It's a super cool device. You can mount it neatly on your dashboard. Then connect your phone to it, and boom—you have a fully official Android Auto interface. No complicated hacks or programming options required.

Why choose a smart display?

Super easy: Very easy to set up. Plug and play. No complicated settings required on your phone.
Super stable: Because it runs on the official Android Auto system, the connection is super reliable. You won't encounter the issues that sometimes occur with screen mirroring apps.
Super Safe: These monitors are designed specifically for cars. They typically have higher-quality, brighter screens that are clearly visible in daylight. Touch response is also super smooth.
All in one: Navigation, music, calls, and of course, a great way to watch Netflix, all in one neat device.

How to watch Netflix on a smart display:

Watching Netflix is easy with a touchscreen display like aoocci CarPlay/Android Auto. Here's how:

Install the display: First, you'll need to install the smart display in your car. This is usually very simple. You simply mount it on your dashboard and connect it to a power source (usually via the car's 12V socket or USB port). The installation process is very painless.
Connect your phone: Next, connect your Android phone to the display. This can usually be done wirelessly or with a USB cable. The display will automatically launch the Android Auto interface.
Using a video player app: Now comes the best part. Many smart displays, including aoocci models, have their own app stores. These include official or fully compatible video player apps. You can download video apps directly from the display.
Watch online or upload videos: Once you've installed the video app, you can log in to your Netflix account directly on your display. You can then watch "On the Come Up" directly online or stream it instantly if you've downloaded "The Outrun" for offline viewing. The video will play perfectly on your clear screen, and the audio will play through your car speakers.

Smart Displays Summary

If you want a "set it and forget it" solution that works every time you get in the car, this smart display is perfect for you. Just a small investment can completely transform your driving experience. It makes watching Netflix or any other streaming service as easy and convenient as using a tablet.

This is the smoothest, highest-quality method we've ever covered. For a premium experience, be sure to check out Aoocci CarPlay/Android Auto touchscreen . It's designed to give you a stunning, large-screen experience right on your dashboard.