How to Enable Android Auto Developer Mode 2026

Android Auto is really important for people who drive nowadays. It lets you use maps listen to music make calls and read messages on your cars screen.. There are some cool things that Android Auto can do that most people do not know about. This is where the Android Auto developer mode comes in for the Android Auto. The Android Auto developer mode is a mode, for the Android Auto that helps you use more features of the Android Auto.

In 2026, more users are installing third party Android Auto apps, testing wireless adapters, and customizing their in car experience. These apps do not show up on their own. This is because Android Auto stops software, from working by default.

Developer Mode unlocks some settings that let you do things like:

• Access advanced Android Auto configuration tools.
• Enable sideloaded apps like media or video players.
• Fix connection issues.
• Use wireless Android Auto adapters properly.
• Let us look at how to deal with the restrictions, on Android 14 and above.

This guide will tell you what to do one step at a time using words and it does not matter if you have a Samsung phone or a Pixel phone or any other Android phone.

What is Android Auto Developer Mode?

Android Auto Developer Mode is a menu. It is for people who make apps and users who want control, over Android Auto on their phone.

Normally Android Auto only shows apps that Google approves for use while driving. This helps keep the driver safe and not distracted.

Some apps you install yourself will not show up. This is because they are not approved by Google.

With Developer Mode you can see all the apps you have installed. You can even use some of them while driving.. You have to be careful. Some apps can still distract you.

You should only use apps that're safe to use while driving.

When you turn on Android Auto Developer Mode you get some options, including:

• Access to the Android Auto settings menu that is just for developers.
• Tools to test and fix problems with apps.
• A way to see information about what is happening with the app.
• Controls to set up projection.
• A way to adjust the screen and how things are displayed.
• The option to use apps that are not supported by Google.

Enabling Android Auto Developer Mode does not make any changes to your car system. It just unlocks some settings, on your Android Auto phone that are usually hidden.

Why you need Developer Mode in 2026

Over the few Android updates the security rules have become really strict. This change started with Android 13. It got even tougher with Android 14. Now they are really cracking down on apps.

If you install an Android Auto app from somewhere other, than the Play Store:

App installs successfully.

App does not appear on car screen.

This happens because Android Auto hides non approved apps.

Enabling developer options android auto allows you to manually approve these apps through the Unknown Sources setting.

Without developer mode, third party apps will never show  no matter how many times you reinstall them.

How to turn on Android Auto Developer Mode [Step-by-Step]

Follow these steps slowly. The process takes less than two minutes.

Step 1 : Open settings on your phone unlock your phone.

• Open the settings app.
• Tap apps or apps & notifications.
• Tap see all apps so you can view every installed app.

Step 2 : Find Android Auto scroll through the list and tap Android Auto.

• If you cannot see it:

Use the search bar and type “Android Auto.”

Some phones hide system apps, so turn on Show System Apps if needed.

Step 3 : Find the version number inside the Android Auto app info screen:

• Scroll down until you see the version.

This is the hidden area used to activate developer mode.

Step 4 : Tap version 10 times tap the version number quickly about 10 times.

A message will appear saying:

• Developer mode enabled.

That’s it. Developer mode is now turned on.

With developer mode enabled, apps like YouTube, Netflix ,Hulu and etc can appear in Android Auto once Unknown Sources is turned on.

How to open developer settings

Now that developer mode is active:

1. Open the Android Auto app on your phone.
2. Now you should tap the three dot menu that's, in the top right corner of the Android Auto app.
3. Select Developer Settings.

You will now see options that were previously hidden.

Turn on unknown sources (Very Important)

This is the step many people miss.

Inside Developer Settings:

1. Scroll down.
2. Find Unknown Sources.
3. Turn it ON.

This setting helps Android Auto find apps that you installed from places not just the Play Store.

If you skip this apps, from sources will not show up even if they are installed properly.

Using Developer Mode with Fermata Auto

One of the main reasons users enable developer mode is to use Fermata Auto.

Many people install Fermata Auto and expect it to show immediately on their car screen. Instead, nothing appears. This causes confusion, but the problem is usually simple.

Android Auto hides apps that are not officially approved. After you enable developer mode and turn on Unknown Sources, Android Auto is allowed to display them.

To make Fermata Auto appear:

1. Install the app on your phone.
2. Open it once so Android registers it.
3. Enable developer mode.
4. Turn on Sources.
5. Disconnect your phone from the car and then reconnect it.

When you reconnect you should see Fermata Auto in the list of apps, in Android Auto.

Make sure to check the Android Auto app list to see if Fermata Auto appears.

How to Install Fermata Auto on Android (Step by step guide)

Instructions for Samsung Phones

If you have a Samsung device the menus might look a little different.

Helpful tips:

• Enable show system apps if Android Auto is missing.
• Allow background activity for Android Auto.
• Disable battery optimization if apps disappear.

Samsung software sometimes restricts background services, which can hide apps temporarily.

Instructions for Pixel and Other Android Phones

Google Pixel phones usually do what the steps say to do.

For Xiaomi, OnePlus, Oppo or Vivo devices:

• Look under App Management, not Apps.
• Allow background running permissions.
• Remove Android Auto from battery restrictions.

These small changes often fix visibility problems.

Using Developer Mode with wireless Android Auto

If you use a wireless adapter like AAWireless, developer settings can also help improve stability.

Developer options allow you to:

• Check connection logs.
• Fix resolution issues.
• Troubleshoot startup problems.
• Improve wireless detection.

If wireless Android Auto disconnects often, enabling developer mode is a good first step.

Apps Not Showing in Android Auto? Troubleshooting Fixes

If your apps are still not showing up in Android Auto after you turn on developer mode do not worry. This happens a lot especially when you have a version of Android.

The table below explains the problems that people have a lot and the easy things you can do to make your Android Auto apps show up right.

Developer Mode OFF vs Developer Mode ON (Feature Comparison)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is Android Auto Developer Mode safe? 

Yes, it’s safe. Turning on developer mode doesn’t harm your phone or car. It simply unlocks hidden settings in Android Auto so you can do more with your apps.

A few tips for safety:

• Only install apps you trust.
• Never watch videos while driving.
• Use the extra features responsibly.

Even in developer mode, Android Auto keeps safety features active to protect you on the road.

2. Why aren’t my apps showing in Android Auto? 

This is a common problem. Most of the time, apps don’t appear because;

• Unknown Sources isn’t turned on.
• You didn’t reconnect your phone after enabling developer mode.
• Apps were installed before developer mode was activated.
• Cached data or battery restrictions are blocking the app.

How to fix it:

• Enable Unknown Sources in the Developer Settings.
• Clear the Android Auto cache.
• Reinstall the app if needed.
• Disconnect and reconnect your phone to your car.
• Doing this usually makes the apps appear.

3. What mistakes do people usually make? 

Small mistakes cause most issues. Make sure you:

• Turn on Unknown Sources.
• Reconnect the phone after making changes.
• Install apps only after developer mode is active.
• Disable battery optimization that could block Android Auto.

Following these simple steps solves most problems quickly.

4. What are the benefits of developer mode? 

Once you turn it on, Android Auto becomes much more flexible:

• You can see apps that normally don’t show, like Fermata Auto or CarStream.
• It helps fix connection issues faster.
• You can test new features or advanced settings.
• Wireless Android Auto works more reliably.
• You get more control over how the system behaves.

For many users, developer mode turns Android Auto from a basic app into a powerful tool for media, navigation, and customization.

5. Can I turn off developer mode later? 

Yes. To go back to normal:

• Go to Settings → Apps → Android Auto.
• Clear the app data.
• Restart your phone.

Developer options will disappear, and Android Auto will return to its default state.

6. Will enabling developer mode affect my car warranty? 

No. Developer mode only changes settings on your phone. It doesn’t affect your car or its warranty in any way.