Is Android Auto Compatible with Xiaomi, Redmi, and POCO Devices? User Experiences and Tips
Android Auto has long been a lifesaver for drivers, allowing hands-free navigation, media playback, and communication by pairing smartphones with car infotainment systems. However, the experience can vary depending on the brand and model of your smartphone. Xiaomi, along with its sub-brands Redmi and POCO, has gained popularity worldwide for offering value-for-money devices. But how well do these devices work with Android Auto?
Compatibility and Performance
Overall, Xiaomi, Redmi, and POCO devices demonstrate good compatibility with Android Auto. Most newer models from these brands come with MIUI or HyperOS—Xiaomi’s custom versions of Android—designed to support a broad range of applications, including Android Auto. Despite this, users may still encounter some quirks and issues.
Software Updates and HyperOS Version: The performance of Android Auto largely depends on the version of Xiaomi HyperOS and the underlying Android version. Frequent updates from Xiaomi can either enhance or disrupt Android Auto connectivity.
Use of Xiaomi HyperOS: Devices running MIUI 12 or later versions generally show fewer issues with Android Auto. Even users on older MIUI versions report relatively smooth experiences.
Common Issues: Some users face intermittent connectivity problems, where the phone either fails to connect or loses connection unexpectedly.
App Crashes: Android Auto might crash or freeze due to Xiaomi HyperOS’s aggressive battery management, which sometimes closes background apps.
Resolution and Scaling Issues: Given the variety of screen sizes and resolutions in Xiaomi, Redmi, and POCO devices, some users report scaling problems where the Android Auto interface doesn’t fit the car display properly.
Model-Specific Performance: High-end models like the Xiaomi Mi 11 or POCO F3 generally run Android Auto more smoothly due to better hardware and optimization. Budget models, like the Redmi Note series, may experience more performance issues due to less powerful hardware.
Tips for Improving Android Auto Performance
To enhance the performance of Android Auto on Xiaomi, Redmi, and POCO devices, consider the following tips:
Update Your Software: Ensure your device firmware and the Android Auto app are up-to-date. Updates often resolve existing bugs and improve compatibility.
Change Battery Saver Settings: Prevent the battery saver from restricting Android Auto. Go to Settings > Battery > App Battery Saver and set Android Auto to “No limits.”
Use High-Quality USB Cables: Poor-quality USB cables can hinder Android Auto performance. Use a high-quality USB cable to support data transmission and charging.
Clear Cache: Clearing the cache for Android Auto and related apps can resolve many issues. Go to Settings > Apps > Manage Apps > Android Auto > Clear Data and Cache.
User Feedback and Experiences
User feedback on the performance of Android Auto with Xiaomi, Redmi, and POCO devices is mixed.
Positive Experiences: Many users report that, after tweaking settings and updating their devices, Android Auto works smoothly and provides a seamless interface.
Negative Experiences: Some users experience persistent issues such as connectivity problems, app crashes, and display scaling issues.
Overall, while Xiaomi, Redmi, and POCO devices are compatible with Android Auto, the user experience can vary. Most issues can be resolved through software updates, proper settings adjustments, and using quality accessories. Before purchasing a device from these brands for use with Android Auto, check recent user feedback and forums for model-specific issues. With some effort, most users can achieve a smooth Android Auto experience with their Xiaomi, Redmi, or POCO devices.