I fixed my Android Auto dashboard layout so my passenger can stop DJing against my will
Android Police 2026-06-24 16:15:10
Context: The author, Conor Cawley, an Android Police writer, discovered a way to customize the Android Auto dashboard layout to prevent passengers from changing the music without the driver's consent. This issue arises as Android Auto allows music streaming capabilities to be controlled by the car's owner, but passengers can still access and change the music by interacting with the car's display. The author provides a step-by-step guide on how to modify the Android Auto settings to keep passengers from taking control of the music.
Key Facts
- The Android Auto interface can be customized to move the media controls closer to the driver, making it more difficult for passengers to change the music.
- Disabling taskbar widgets for Android Auto removes the quick controls for apps, including music streaming apps, preventing passengers from changing the music.
- Disabling "Hey Google" detection ensures that passengers cannot control the media using voice commands.
- The Android Auto settings can be adjusted from a smartphone, and the changes will be enabled as soon as the car is started.
- The settings to modify the Android Auto layout, disable taskbar widgets, and "Hey Google" detection can be found in the Connected devices, Display, Digital assistant, and Advanced sections of the Android Auto settings page.