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Android Auto’s developer settings are tucked away, but they are not a secret set of seven consumer features: Google documents the menu as a tool for app development and testing. You can open it by tapping Version and permission info ten times in Android Auto settings. The controls include an option for certain untrusted apps, wireless and display-related settings reported on some versions, and a debug-logging control Google recommends for troubleshooting.
How to unlock Android Auto developer settings
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Open Android Auto settings on your phone. On Android 10 or later, Google documents this route: Settings > Apps & notifications > See all apps > Android Auto > Advanced > Additional settings in the app. Labels and placement can vary by phone brand. Google’s Android for Cars testing guide describes the developer-mode procedure.
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In Android Auto settings, scroll to About and tap Version to reveal version and permission information.
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Tap Version and permission info ten times.
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When prompted with Allow development settings?, accept.
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Open the overflow menu and select Developer settings. To leave developer mode, choose Quit developer mode from that menu.
Google says the mode only needs to be enabled once. This is separate from your phone’s Android Developer options; the Android Auto procedure uses its own version screen. Google’s Android Auto bug-report instructions also describe entering and leaving this menu.
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What the settings are for
The available controls and labels can vary with Android Auto versions. Google’s developer documentation presents the menu in a testing and development context, rather than as a fixed bundle of consumer features.
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Unknown sources: a limited app exception
Google describes Unknown sources as an option that lets apps not installed from a trusted source run in Android Auto. As Google’s Android for Cars developer documentation puts it, “Android Auto has a developer option that lets you run apps that aren’t installed from a trusted source.” The exception is limited to media apps, messaging notifications, and parked apps; it does not apply to apps built with the Android for Cars App Library. Turning it on does not guarantee that a sideloaded app will appear in the launcher or work in your car.
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It is not a general permission to add any app to the car display, and it should not be treated as permission to watch video while driving. Google’s developer guidance distinguishes parked apps and places restrictions on driving interactions.
Wireless Android Auto
Android Authority reports a developer-menu toggle for enabling or disabling wireless Android Auto. It may be useful when diagnosing a wireless connection or when you deliberately prefer a cable. A wireless adapter is an optional hardware route for compatible vehicle and phone setups; it does not unlock the menu or make an incompatible setup work. The control is described in Android Authority’s guide to Android Auto developer settings.
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Display and diagnostic controls
Tom’s Guide reports settings related to display resolution, GPS collection, audio codecs, and wireless mode. These are examples reported for the menu, not a guaranteed inventory that every Android Auto version exposes. Display and codec options are technical controls, so changing them without a specific testing or troubleshooting need may make the experience less reliable. Google’s testing guide frames developer settings around building and testing apps.
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Force debug logging for troubleshooting
Google’s support procedure gives a concrete reason a regular user may be asked to open this menu: Android Auto troubleshooting can involve enabling Force debug logging before submitting a bug report. Follow Google’s bug-report instructions if support or troubleshooting steps call for it, rather than changing unrelated developer controls.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Why the menu is hidden—and what that means
“Hidden” means the menu is not shown by default; it does not establish that Google is trying to keep useful settings from users. Google documents how to enable and exit developer mode, and describes the options as part of app testing. The available documentation does not establish an exact set of seven features or a fixed list that applies to every phone and Android Auto release.
Use the menu when you have a specific purpose—such as following Google’s debug-logging steps, testing an app, or troubleshooting wireless behavior. For ordinary use, leaving unfamiliar display, codec, or app-source settings unchanged avoids introducing variables that can complicate troubleshooting.
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