Android Auto Users Can Bypass Limits with Sideloading Apps

Android Auto users who want more flexibility can sideload apps onto their system, but this comes with trade-offs regarding security and safety.

To enable sideloading, users need to go through a few steps. First, they must enable Developer Mode on their phone by rapidly tapping the Build number seven times in Settings > About. This will allow them to install third-party apps.

Next, they need to turn on Developer Mode for Android Auto by going to Settings > Connected Devices > Android Auto and tapping Version and permission info 10 times quickly. Then, they must tap the three-dot menu at the top, select Developer settings, and check the box for Unknown sources.

This will make it possible to load apps from their phone into Android Auto. Users can install the Android Auto Apps Downloader (AAAD) to access popular apps like CarStream, which allows YouTube playback, AAMirror, which lets the phone screen mirror to the dashboard, and Fermata Auto, a media app that handles video, IPTV, and a web browser.

However, sideloading also carries risks. Users open themselves up to malware exposure by skipping Google's security screening, and they may inadvertently enable features that are not designed for safe use while driving, such as watching videos.