Google has begun rolling out a fix for widespread Android Auto connectivity issues that have affected users of Pixel smartphones and Samsung’s latest Galaxy S26 devices.

The problems, which surfaced over recent weeks, disrupted both wired and wireless connections, leaving many drivers unable to reliably access navigation, calls and media through their in-car systems.

Users reported frequent disconnections, failed launches and repeated prompts requiring phones to be unlocked before Android Auto could start.

The issue appeared to impact a broad range of devices, particularly Pixel handsets and Samsung’s Galaxy S series, suggesting a software-related fault rather than isolated hardware defects.

Reports across support forums and online communities indicated the problem became more noticeable following recent updates, with some users pointing to Android security features as a possible cause.

Google has now confirmed that fixes are “beginning to roll out”, though the company has not provided detailed information on the root cause or the exact changes included in the update. The rollout is expected to be gradual, meaning some users may receive the fix sooner than others.

The disruption has highlighted the growing reliance on smartphone integration in vehicles, where inconsistent performance can significantly impact everyday driving – particularly for commuters and long-distance journeys who depend on Android Auto for real-time navigation and communication.

In the meantime, users experiencing issues are advised to check for updates via the Google Play Store and ensure both the Android Auto app and system software are up to date.