Peter R.

As you have probably discovered by now the current Android Auto requires your Phone to be physically plugged in to the USB socket in your cubby box.

I'm now wondering what to do with the Phone itself. I can't just leave it bouncing around in there while driving, it might get damaged. So what are you folks using to secure your phones when using Android Auto ?

Pete.

fabbrisd1

Put a 1M cable on it and throw it on the passenger seat ..

Peter R.

Hmmmm...Where do I keep the passenger (and before you say 'in the rear', my GLS is a 2-seater)

Pete

Mitch Alsup

To charge, yes, to use, no. On long trips, I plug it in and throw it in the box. On short trips I don't bother.

I happen to have an old Galaxy 3 (circa Oct 2012) and I still get 1.5 days on a single battery charge.
But the again, I use my cell phone like a phone, not like a game device.

rana1224

I went to local MB dealer and they told me to use the bottom USB in the cubby not the top one to get the android auto working. But it did not work. On screen it kept saying device not recognized. I have samsung galaxy s7 edge, i don't think this should be a problem. On phone msg comes up to allow access and clicked ALLOW.
Another person came out and took my vin and went back and came out and said 2017 gls does not have android auto, its in 2018 but have to pay for a smart phone pkg?
Is this true?
Anyone had success getting android auto working on 2017 gls? If yes, can you provide instructions?

Peter R.

Mine's a 2017, and the phone an S8+ and it works, although it was a real barsteward to get it to work. IIRC, first you install the app on you phone. Then, you need to connect the Phone app and the car as a 'new phone' or somesuch, and only then does the car recognise the Android app when you plug the phone into the bottom connector in the cubby box.
The only thing it does wirelessly is fire up the app on your phone when you get into the car.But I haven't found anything useful to do with it yet as the only Auto compatible apps I seem to have are Google Maps and Waze. And as I said, I don't like the idea of my phone bouncing around in the cubby. Although the alternatives suggested are even worse.

And WHY THE BLAZES does autocorrect change the first letter of 'phone' to a capital ?

Pete

rana1224

hmmm, does not seams like a graceful solution like carplay. I was hoping that via mb software upgrade you can get an option just like carplay but android auto. I will use my phone independently instead for now. thanks

storm10

Here you go 2017 GLS-Class. Works on mine perfectly:

storm10

Why would you need to have your phone outside of the middle compartment? When you have everything you need on the big screen... Just leave it in the middle compartment and lock it up..

c4004matic

There is a phone size comparment just above the ashtray in the lower dash. Run a cable from the console usb to the phone and done. A USB cable fits through the front center of the console while closed. Sometimes MB's, small ergonomic faux pas mystify me. Essentially all other brands have figured out that its simple to design the console with a small notch so you can easily run cables from the console to your devices, however, that "tech" still eludes mb interior designers.

rana1224

Missing Android auto option

I don't see android auto in my TEL --> settings compared to the video? Please see attached. What is my car missing?

Knowlegeable1

I have the same problem. No option for android auto. Someone stated the early builds didnt have android auto software installed and need to visit dealer for software update. I havent been back to confirm.

rana1224

My local MB dealer does not know anything about this. they kept saying its an paid option on 2018 GLS. If anyone can guide on how to get this option on the car will be appreciated..