Android Auto via USB gets disconnected

IGROK · February 4

Android Auto disconnects randomly on Lexus RX 2023.

It works for 15-30 mins - and just disconnects. (Very annoying on a longer trips to re-connect the phone 5-8 times)

Anyone had this issue? Maybe update is needed?

BTW.:Have tried 3 usb cables already. All behave the same.

Don't see any action pattern that causes this issue.

Going into settings + devices -> you can re connect Android Auto. (But on a longer journeys - experience is very bad.)

JasonH · February 5

We had a similar problem.

I had two suspects:

1. The USB C connector inside the phone was worn and dirty. It therefore made intermittent connection. I washed it out gently with a electrical connector cleaner spray and a toothbrush. That helped.

2. The quality of the USB lead is very important. Cheap leads can't carry the charging current when the phone Battery is low and the connection to the car drops out a lot when the phone Battery is low, or even below perhaps 90%.

It's fine now.

IGROK · February 5

Thanks Jason
I'll take a look into USB-C port issue.
Regarding cables - tried Anker and Ugreen (usually they're of high quality)

I have another suspect - is that Android is killing Background Apps sometimes. Especially those consuming lots of energy.
There is a "Battery Usage" setting - that controls apps running in background.
Android Auto app - was set as "Restricted". Have switched to "Unrestricted" now. But haven't tested it yet.

Will check it later

BTW, thanks for sharing your knowledge. Judging by the lack of answers - not a common issue. So probably it's my phone

Paul Mingay · February 5

Thought the series 5 was wireless 🤔

PDM · February 5

6 minutes ago, Paul Mingay said:

Thought the series 5 was wireless 🤔

only for car play - not AA.

Paul Mingay · February 5

6 hours ago, PDM said:

only for car play - not AA.

Realy ?,,,that's bad

Paul Mingay · February 5

Just now, Paul Mingay said:

Realy ?,,,that's bad

I've got a 2021 rx450h ,and bought a wireless dongle and it's brilliant

IGROK · February 8

So it looks like Samsung Fold is putting Android Auto to sleep (even when it is connected via a wire).

I had to put AA app in Battery setting to "Unrestricted" - it worked, but then the phone changed it to "Optimized" setting. Not sure why it did that.
Will keep monitoring.

BTW, I know that RX phase 5 got a new update to its multimedia software this week. Will be asking the Dealer to update it. Will see if Bluetooth connection for Android will become available.

IGROK · February 9

22 hours ago, IGROK said:

So it looks like Samsung Fold is putting Android Auto to sleep (even when it is connected via a wire).

I had to put AA app in Battery setting to "Unrestricted" - it worked, but then the phone changed it to "Optimized" setting. Not sure why it did that.
Will keep monitoring.

BTW, I know that RX phase 5 got a new update to its multimedia software this week. Will be asking the Dealer to update it. Will see if Bluetooth connection for Android will become available.

Yes, Samsung Fold reverts Android Auto to "Battery Optimized" automatically. Had to switch off "Put apps to sleep" function. Might fix this problem. (will update on results)

IGROK · February 12

On 2/9/2024 at 1:44 PM, IGROK said:

Yes, Samsung Fold reverts Android Auto to "Battery Optimized" automatically. Had to switch off "Put apps to sleep" function. Might fix this problem. (will update on results)

No, it did not solve the issue.
I even tried to use my phone on a Huyndai (Android Auto connected via USB) - worked flawlessly. It's now obvious that RX 2023 software doesn't support properly Android Auto even via USB.

I got a message that there is an update to Multimedia unit. But who knows whether it fixes anything

IGROK · February 19

Nothing works. Tried multiple settings on Battery and etc.

Now I'm trying other Android devices to see if ANY can work with Lexus RX 350h via USB.
- Samsung Fold 5 - has random drop-outs
- AAWireless - disconnects and unable to re-connect

PeterI · February 21

I do have a Pixel 5 (it's basically sitting in a drawer gathering dust) that I can get updated to Android 14 so it should be latest versions of the Android software if you fancy a stock(ish) Android phone to try.

I would say that USB C is VERY picky about both data and fast charging cables.

I've not really used Android Auto because on the gen 4 it doesn't display directions on the HUD and takes over the usb stick I have mp3s on, so I tend to stick with the Lexus Satnav but I've long drive on Friday so I'm happy to have a quick check what the gen 4 / AA does with power.

DavidCM · February 21

Why don't you follow the advice you were given a few weeks ago and get an AAWireless dongle....it does what it's called.

IGROK · February 28

On 2/21/2024 at 9:47 PM, DavidCM said:

Why don't you follow the advice you were given a few weeks ago and get an AAWireless dongle....it does what it's called.

Thanks David for advice.
I did try AAwireless and Motorola MA1 - but all fail. They get disconnected the same.

Then I eventually found that the issue is the Sound Notifications/Alerts. RX 2023 model - does a lot of beeping. It looks that after multiple beepings (because they need to sound over the music coming from Android phone) - the USB gets disrupted.
I'll explain in next post with more details

IGROK · February 28

Solution found!!

In case your Android Auto randomly disconnects after 5-25 minutes of driving. Possibly you have issue with too many sound alerts/notifications disrupting USB.

In my Case:

When "drive assist" notifications are set to "sound & visual" - after some beeping my Android phone (connected via USB) - gets disconnected.

Fix:

When I switch Sound Notifications OFF - then no disconnections happen.

(Tested after hours of driving)

Reason:

Beeping sounds (car alerts) - override sound coming from USB connected Android phone.

When too many beeping happen at once (eg speed limit, or car in the blind spot) - USB connection gets disrupted.

I didn't debug USB connection itself, but I'm certain that enabling trace can show the problem.

(Didn't had time to debug).

What I've tried and didn't help:

- Updated Multimedia system

- Used like 8 usb cables including USB 3.0 Gen 1.

- Switching off any Battery optimization (on app level and phone level)

- Tried 2 other Android Auto devices (Motorola and AAwireless) - nothing worked.

- Switching my phone to Dev mode - and enabled "don't sleep when connected via USB"

My phone is Samsung Fold 5. But 2 other Android devices get disconnected too - so in this case it is not Android Auto but Lexus Software.

Hope this helps somebody with same issue.

P.S. I've submitted my findings to my Lexus dealer - so it could be registered as a bug with Lexus software team

DavidCM · February 28

2 hours ago, IGROK said:

P.S. I've submitted my findings to my Lexus dealer - so it could be registered as a bug with Lexus software team

In my case, Lexus and Motorola kept blaming each other.The only solution was AAWireless,which has worked perfectly and seamlessly since.Glad you managed to resolve the problem....despite no help.

Femi · June 2

Dear Ian (IGROK)

I cannot thank you enough. This solution (minimising audio notifications) has resolved my connection problems.

So much appreciated.

Femi

Madz68 · June 6

On 2/28/2024 at 1:12 PM, DavidCM said:

In my case, Lexus and Motorola kept blaming each other.The only solution was AAWireless,which has worked perfectly and seamlessly since.Glad you managed to resolve the problem....despite no help.

Hi, which wireless dongle are you using please? I've just purchased a carlinkit 5.0 2 air device and will be returning it as I can't get it to connect to the car at all. Had loads of back and forth with their tech support, upgrading firmware and changing configs but no joy. It never keeps a stable Bluetooth connection with my Iphone. constantly drops in and out and I never get an initial connection set up message on the car screen. It would be great to know a dongle that works well with my RX450 2021. Cheers.

DavidCM · June 6

The dongle is made by AAWireless.They sell direct and I think at one stage we're available on amazon.

It worked straight out of the box and has continued to work ever since.Quite a number of other members here report similar results.

I found Carlinkit to be a complete shambles,with poor quality goods and even worse customer "service".Others on here have had similar problems with them...avoid them like the plague.

Richolf · June 6

I had an AA wireless on my 21 RX, worked flawlessly, the only thing I noticed was that the Battery did get hammered.

same device has issues on my NX 450

Arizona6565 · June 9

On 2/4/2024 at 10:24 AM, IGROK said:

Android Auto disconnects randomly on Lexus RX 2023.

It works for 15-30 mins - and just disconnects. (Very annoying on a longer trips to re-connect the phone 5-8 times)

Anyone had this issue? Maybe update is needed?

BTW.:Have tried 3 usb cables already. All behave the same.

Don't see any action pattern that causes this issue.

Going into settings + devices -> you can re connect Android Auto. (But on a longer journeys - experience is very bad.)

The next time I go to Lexus for service I want those pesty USB ports fixed. I wiggle the wire a little bit and it connects. But that's not a guarantee it will stay connected. I'm an Electronics Engineer. The Actual USB port does not securely hold the cable once plugged in. Great car lousy USB ports. I have used 4 new cables all with the same result.