The trick to watch YouTube videos on Android Auto on the car screen

It is important to only watch YouTube videos while the car is stopped, as not doing so is considered illegal. (Fabian Sommer/dpa)

For security reasons, Google has not added a direct feature to watch YouTube videos on the car screen via Android Auto. However, the features of this system allow users to find a solution and enjoy multimedia content while on the move.

Android Auto is an alternative to improve the experience and relationship with our vehicle, allowing us to control key aspects of driving. such as GPS navigation, answering calls and listening to music, but the link to YouTube is not direct and therefore solutions created by third parties must be used.

The trick to being able to view YouTube videos on Android Auto is to install a specific application that is not available in the Google Play Store. This app is called CarStreamand allows you to bring YouTube streaming content directly to the vehicle’s console.

It is important to only watch YouTube videos while the car is stopped, as not doing so is considered illegal. (GOOGLE BLOG)

However, in order to install CarStream it is necessary to use another tool called AAD (Android Auto Apps Downloader), which acts as an application manager. But it is safe if done and used properly:

• Download and install AAAD:

The first thing you need to do is download the AAAD APK from a secure repository like GitHub, since this application is not available in the official Google store. Once you download the file, proceed to install it on your phone.

If you don’t have the option to install apps from unknown sources enabled, you’ll need to activate it. This can be done by going into your phone’s settings, looking for the security option and activating “Unknown sources.”

• Install CarStream via AAAD:

With AAAD installed and configured, the next step is to install CarStream. Open AAAD, find the CarStream application in its menu and select the latest available version. The platform will install the app directly on Android Auto.

It is important to only watch YouTube videos while the car is stopped, as not doing so is considered illegal. (REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo)

• Configure Android Auto to accept CarStream:

Once you have CarStream installed, you need to make sure that Android Auto accepts third-party apps. To do this, you need to enable developer options in Android Auto. This is done by going into the settings menu, scrolling to the bottom where the version number is, and repeatedly tapping on it until developer mode is activated.

Next, you need to go into the developer options from the three-dot icon on the top right and enable the “Unknown sources” option. This will allow the platform to recognize and run unofficial apps like CarStream.

• Connect your phone to your car and use CarStream

Finally, with everything set up, connect your phone to the car using a USB cable. Once connected, you can open the CarStream app from the Android Auto app menu on the vehicle’s screen. From there, you can search for any YouTube video and play it directly on your car’s console, with the sound coming through the vehicle’s speakers.

In addition to CarStream, there is another app that allows you to watch YouTube videos on Android Auto called CarTube. This method is equally simple and is also free. To install CarTube, you must first enable developer options in Android Auto, as explained above. Then, you will download an app called AAStoreavailable on Google, which will allow you to install CarTube.

It is important to only watch YouTube videos while the car is stopped, as not doing so is considered illegal. (Google)

Once installed, you will be asked to accept the permissions required for its operation. Then, connect your phone to the car and open CarTube from the Android Auto app menu. This application works in a similar way to CarStream, allowing the playback of YouTube videos.Tube on the car screen.

It is important to note that these methods do not work on all devices. According to the experience of some users, both options may have compatibility issues with certain mobile models, especially those that do not use a “clean” version of Android. For example, Samsung devices seem to be fully supported, while some OPPO and realme models are experiencing difficulties. It is advisable to test and verify if the process works correctly.

As far as safety is concerned, it is crucial to stress that these methods should only be used when the car is parked and the engine is off. Watching videos while driving is illegal and extremely dangerous, as it can distract the driver and increase the risk of accidents.