Android Auto is a fantastic tool for integrating your phone with your car's infotainment system, but encountering communication errors can be incredibly frustrating. "Communication Error 8" specifically points to a problem with the connection between your smartphone and the vehicle, often a hiccup in data transfer. This guide provides systematic troubleshooting to get Android Auto working again.
**Understanding Communication Error 8** Error 8 indicates your car and phone are struggling to establish a stable data connection. This could be due to a faulty cable, a congested USB port, software glitches, or incorrect settings. Let's fix it.
**Troubleshooting Steps**
# 1. Basic Connection Checks
* **Inspect and Replace USB Cable:** This is the most common culprit. Use a high-quality, short (under 3 feet), USB-IF certified data cable. Avoid frayed or damaged cables. Try a brand new cable even if yours looks fine. * **Try a Different USB Port:** Your car might have multiple ports; one might be dedicated for data or more reliable. * **Clean USB Ports:** Dust and lint can prevent a good connection. Gently clean phone and car USB ports with a wooden toothpick or compressed air.
# 2. Restart Devices
* **Restart Your Smartphone:** A simple reboot often resolves temporary software glitches. * **Restart Your Car's Infotainment System:** Turn off your car completely, wait a minute, then restart it.
# 3. Software and App Settings
* **Update Android Auto & Google Play Services:** Ensure both apps are updated to their latest versions from the Google Play Store. * **Clear Android Auto Cache and Data:** * Go to `Settings` > `Apps` (or `Apps & Notifications`) > `Android Auto`. * Tap `Storage & Cache`. * First, `Clear Cache`, then `Clear Storage` (or `Clear Data`). This resets preferences. * Consider a "Factory Reset" within Android Auto app settings if clearing data doesn't help. * **Check for Android OS Updates:** Ensure your phone's operating system is up to date.
# 4. Review Phone and Car Settings
* **USB Configuration (Developer Options):** * Enable Developer Options (`Settings` > `About Phone` > tap `Build Number` seven times). * Go to `Settings` > `System` > `Developer Options`. * Set `Default USB Configuration` to `File Transfer / Android Auto` or `MTP (Media Transfer Protocol)`. * **Disable USB Debugging:** In Developer Options, ensure `USB Debugging` is turned OFF, as it can interfere. * **Check Android Auto Settings on Phone:** Open the Android Auto app, go to `Settings` > `Previously connected cars`. Ensure your car isn't blocked. You might need to "Forget" it and re-add. * **Check Car's Infotainment Settings:** Consult your car's manual for specific USB or Android Auto settings.
# 5. Advanced Test
* **Test with Another Phone:** If available, try connecting a different Android phone to your car. This helps isolate whether the issue is with your specific phone or the car's system.
**Conclusion** Communication Error 8 can be persistent, but systematically applying these steps significantly increases your chances of a fix. Most often, a faulty cable or minor software glitch is the culprit. Be patient, and you'll likely get Android Auto running smoothly again.