Download Android Auto 15.6 Stable: Get Custom Widgets and Fixes
Google has released Android Auto 15.6 stable update, focused on resolving critical connectivity issues affecting several Android phones. It also added a couple of useful features and an experimental custom widgets feature.
The update also lays the groundwork for Material 3 Expressive Design implementation. This update arrives following the controversial Android Auto 15.1 stable release, which introduced Material 3 theming but faced user pushback on certain design choices. It featured new colors, redesigned icons, modified toolbar shapes, and fresh animations. However, user feedback prompted Google to revert certain changes. Such as getting the black homescreen background back.
Android Auto 15.6 stable addresses critical user-facing issues, particularly for Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy devices. This includes resolution of grey screen problems, audio control malfunctions, and system audio failures, eliminating major usability barriers and safety concerns.
It also added a nifty UI that shows additional notifications and prompts whenever there are connectivity issues. Android Auto will show additional information whenever WiFi is turned off and on, and whenever wireless connectivity issues are found.
What’s new in Android Auto 15.6?
The only new feature added in Android Auto 15.6 is homescreen widgets. Google is testing custom widgets for Android Auto. The latest update enables adding several widgets to Android Auto’s homescreen.
The feature is hidden under EarthCompanion, which can either be accessed using Android Auto settings on some devices or through Activity shortcuts. Thanks to AndroidAuthority for finding this feature.
Here is the new code we found:
<public type=”string” name=”settings_customize_add_gemini_shortcut_activity_title”/>
<public type=”string” name=”settings_customize_add_gemini_shortcut_query_helper_text”/>
<public type=”string” name=”settings_customize_add_gemini_shortcut_query_hint”/>
The first shortcut available for activation is Google Gemini. However, it may only show up on Google Pixel devices for now.
Apart from the custom widgets, Google is making it easier for Android Auto to reconnect and now shows a notification if your phone is wirelessly connected. A WiFi notification text will be displayed for wireless reconnect or wireless turn-on.
This will make it easier to diagnose connectivity issues on Android Auto. Here is the code we found:
<public type=”string” name=”android_auto_reconnect_wifi_action_text”/>
<public type=”string” name=”wireless_reconnect_wifi_notification_text”/>
<public type=”string” name=”wireless_turn_on_wifi_notification_title”/>
Another useful feature is getting more information on Android Auto. Instead of just time and body, you will now get time, sender, and body.
<public type=”string” name=”android_auto_screenshot_action_text”/>
<public type=”string” name=”time_and_sender_and_body”/>
How to Access Android Auto Homescreen Widgets?
Step 1: Download and install the latest Android Auto 15.6 beta or stable update from below.
Step 2: Install any activity launcher app like Activity Launcher or APK Analyzer.
Step 3: Launch the Activity Launcher app. Search for Android Auto. Inside the app, search for Earth. You will find 3 activities, including Earth Picker, Earth Companion, and Earth Host.
Step 4: Run the Earth Companion. Select the + sign on the top right corner.
Step 5: Select the App you want the widgets for like Gemini.
Step 6: This will show the widgets, limited to one, and a Scale to adjust the size of the widget.
Step 7: The Earth Host activity will show how the widget looks like.
Android Auto 15.6 bug fixes for Android devices
Grey Screen Problem Eliminated
The most significant fix in Android Auto 15.6 addresses the grey screen issue that plagued Android users. This problem prevented car displays from functioning properly when connected to your phone, showing only a grey screen with the Android Auto watermark. The issue was officially resolved, but the 15.6 stable includes additional stability improvements for this fix.
Users reported that despite following standard troubleshooting procedures including cache clearing, data deletion, and factory resets of car entertainment systems, the problem persisted until the official update. The update further solidifies these fixes and addresses edge cases that may have slipped through initial patches.
Audio Control Functionality Restored
Music playback controls represent a critical safety feature for Android Auto, allowing drivers to manage audio without manual phone interaction. The 15.6 update resolves fast-forward and rewind functionality issues that forced drivers to physically handle their phones while driving—a dangerous practice that defeats Android Auto’s core safety purpose.
This fix extends across multiple music streaming platforms and podcast applications, ensuring consistent behavior regardless of the audio source. The restoration of these controls eliminates a significant safety hazard and improves the overall user experience for those who rely on Android Auto for entertainment during commutes.
Complete Audio System Restoration
Early 2025 saw widespread reports of complete audio loss following Android Auto updates. Users found themselves unable to hear navigation instructions, phone calls, or media playback through their vehicle’s audio system. The 15.4 stable includes comprehensive audio pipeline improvements that address these critical failures and ensure reliable sound delivery across all supported vehicle models.
SiriusXM Navigation Improvements
Satellite radio subscribers using SiriusXM through Android Auto experienced menu navigation difficulties that hampered their ability to browse channels and content. The integration repairs in version 15.4 restore full functionality to SiriusXM’s interface, allowing seamless navigation through channels, favorites, and content categories.
Connectivity fixes
Some Android users continued experiencing broader connection problems. These issues may have been fixed, mostly on devices running the latest version of Android 16.
Voice Command Malfunctions
Voice commands serve as Android Auto’s primary safety feature, enabling hands-free operation while driving. Some Android users reported non-functional voice commands despite confirmed microphone enablement. This forces dangerous manual interaction with devices, undermining Android Auto’s safety mission. Google acknowledged this critical issue and is prioritizing a solution.
Google Assistant Error Messages
Generic “oops, something went wrong” errors when using Google Assistant through Android Auto should also have been fixed with this update. These errors prevented voice-based control of navigation, communications, and media, forcing manual phone interaction while driving.
- Also read:
Download Android Auto 15.6 APK
Android Auto 15.6.654414 stable is available through multiple distribution channels to accommodate different user preferences and technical capabilities.
The official Android Auto listing is now available on Play Store. However, the latest version takes some time to reflect as it is a phased update.
Beta registration
Android Auto 15.6 beta is also available for download. Get it by signing up for the beta version.
Manual APK Installation
Advanced users can manually install Android Auto 15.6 using split APK installers. The application now uses bundled APK format, requiring specialized installation tools like SAI Installer to properly install all application components. Manual installation allows immediate access to the latest beta without waiting for phased rollout completion.
- Android Auto 15.6 stable download
- Android Auto 15.6.654414 APK (rename .APKM to .ZIP)
- Then install Split APKS/XAPK/APKM/ZIP using SAI Installer (FOSS)
