How to Watch YouTube Videos in Android Auto without Root

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Regardless of what device you use, YouTube is one platform that you can stream and enjoy as long as the device has the ability to connect to the internet and has at least a basic web browser. YouTube is the preferred source of entertainment for tons of users around the world, as the platform always has something for viewers to enjoy.

However, there is one particular platform where watching YouTube can be a bit of a hassle. You see, vehicles with a modern head unit, especially if it’s an Android Auto head unit, don’t have a way to enjoy YouTube content while you are on the move. So, what can you do?

Well, there is a way for you to enjoy YouTube videos as well as any other videos, including videos from your smartphone to your car’s head unit while you are driving. Let’s take a look.

Can You watch YouTube in your Car via Android Auto?

This is one of the most asked questions that a lot of users who own a vehicle with Android Auto have been asking. There are a select number of car brands with Android head units that let you watch content from the official YouTube app, but only when your car has been put in park. But what’s the point of watching videos when your car is in park via your car’s infotainment system? Could you simply use your phone or tablet while your car is parked and enjoy the same content, right?

One reason why you and many other Android Auto users cannot play videos while they are driving is simply that Google has blocked all video-playing apps by default within the Android Auto system. So, why has Google done this? Google wants to ensure that the driver’s safety is always a top priority when it comes to driving and using Google’s buffet of apps and services.

Being distracted by content on screens while driving (especially cars with comically large screens) can be very distracting to the driver. However, there are specific streaming apps that allow you to stream content while you are driving, but since YouTube is a Google product, you can’t watch anything.

So, is it possible to overcome this restriction and play YouTube content while you are driving via Android Auto? Yes, you can. Before we dive into the steps, we just want to be clear that we do not recommend that people watch content while driving. Staying free from distraction and safe driving is critical when driving.

How to Watch YouTube in Android Auto while The Car is Moving?

As this is a system powered by Android, there is a workaround that you can use to have YouTube video playback even when you are driving. For this process, we will be making use of the AAAD app. This app should and must be downloaded only from the official GitHub page. Do not download the app from any other source.

How to Watch YouTube Videos in Android Auto

Download the AAAD app from GitHub by following this link.
With the download complete, tap on the APK file to install it to your smartphone.
If you haven’t enabled the option to install apps from unknown sources, your Android smartphone will prompt you asking if you want to enable the ” install from unknown sources option.
Once you have enabled it, the AAAD app will be installed to your smartphone.
Now, launch the app, but make sure to give it the necessary permissions that the app requires.
Here you will see a list of various apps.
Under the multimedia section, tap on the Install button for Fermata Auto or Car Stream app (latest version).
Download the Fermata auto app to install it on your smartphone.

With the necessary steps that are required for your Android smartphone now completed, it’s time to head over to your car to continue the setup for your Android Auto.

Switch your vehicle on.
Now, connect your Android smartphone to Android Auto like you usually do.
You can choose between using wired or wireless Android Auto.
Launch the Android Auto app on your dashboard.
The Fermata auto that you installed will now be available on your car’s dashboard.
Launch it, and now you can enjoy your local videos from your phone and YouTube videos whenever you want in your car via Android Auto.

There can sometimes be an issue where this may not work properly, especially if you have an Android smartphone that is running on Android 14 or newer. In this case, you can get yourself a wireless Android Auto adaptor either on Amazon or at any big box stores.

Why choose Fermata Auto over Car Stream?

When you were installing the AAAD app on your smartphone, you had the option to pick between CarStream and Fermata Auto. Both apps are perfect for Android Auto use, however. There are a few differences and reasons which makes using Fermata Auto a better pick over CarStream.

You see, CarStream will let you access only YouTube content on your Android Auto. It also has a decent and simple user interface that a person of any age can navigate around without any issues. It’s also a lightweight setup and doesn’t use many resources as its only function is YouTube video playback.

Fermata Auto, on the other hand, acts as a media player for your Android Auto. It can play videos from any streaming service of your choice, and it can also play local videos from your phone. Speaking of the user interface, it can be a little complicated. Fermata Auto can be a little resource-heavy. There is also a dedicated web browser that you can use if you are trying to search for something or read an article online.

Will there be an Official way to enjoy YouTube via Android Auto?

Well, Google has made it clear that proper and native YouTube app support will be coming soon to Android Auto. However, for that to work perfectly fine with your Android smartphone, you will have to be running Android 17 or newer, and you won’t get to use the native YouTube app when it comes out for Android Auto. So, if you don’t have a phone running on Android 17 or newer, using the AAAD app and the Fermata App workaround is the best way to enjoy video playback in your car via Android Auto.

Closing Thoughts

What are your thoughts about the whole YouTube native support for Android Auto, and do you think Android Auto should give its users the option to play videos even when the vehicle is not in park? Let us know your thoughts below. Also, do you plan on using this workaround for YouTube Android Auto in your vehicle?

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