Android Auto Now Requires Android 11, Drops Android 9 and 10

Android Auto now needs Android 11 or newer. As of 9 November 2026, Google's official Android Auto help page lists Android 11 as the minimum version for connecting a phone to a car with a USB cable, replacing the old Android 9 floor. The Android Auto Android 11 requirement means phones stuck on Android 9 or Android 10 are no longer supported. Updating is free if your phone can still get Android 11; if it can't, a new phone is the only fix.

What Google changed

Google's "Get started with Android Auto" page now says a wired setup needs an Android phone running Android 11 or higher, an active data plan, a compatible car and a good USB cable. Until recently, the same page named Android 9 Pie as the lowest supported version, according to Android Authority, which spotted the update.

Wireless Android Auto was already tied to Android 11. That has not changed: you still need Android 11, a phone with 5 GHz Wi-Fi and a car or stereo that supports wireless projection.

Android Auto Android 11 requirement at a glance

The warnings started in October

This did not come out of nowhere. In early October 2026, owners of Android 10 phones began seeing a "Phone will no longer be supported" message when they plugged into their cars, as SamMobile reported on 5 October. At the time, Google had not set a cut-off date, and its own documentation still said Android 9 was fine.

The updated help page settles that confusion. Android Authority also says some affected users report that Android Auto has already stopped working for them, so this is no longer just a warning.

Which phones are affected?

Any phone whose last official update was Android 9 or Android 10 falls outside the supported range. Both Android Authority and SamMobile name the Samsung Galaxy S9 and Galaxy Note 9 series, which topped out at Android 10. SamMobile adds the Galaxy A50 and Galaxy A80 to the list, while Android Authority mentions the Sony Xperia XZ2 Compact.

To check your own phone, open Settings, then About phone, and look at the Android version. If you see 9 or 10, try Settings and Software update first. If no newer version is offered, the phone has reached the end of the road for Android Auto.

Our Opinion

We understand why Google is doing this. Android 10 launched in 2019, and maintaining a car interface for very old software slows down new features like Gemini on the dashboard. Still, Android Auto is something people use while driving, and losing it suddenly is a real safety and convenience problem. The October warnings gave users a heads-up, but Google never published a firm date, which left many drivers guessing. If you rely on Android Auto and your phone is stuck on Android 10, it is time to plan an upgrade. A budget phone with Android 15 or newer will serve you better than a five-year-old flagship that can no longer talk to your car.

Is your phone affected by the new Android Auto requirement? Tell us in the comments below, and stay tuned to Phone Opinions for more Android news.

Source: Google Android Auto Help. This story was originally reported by Android Authority.

FAQ

What Android version do I need for Android Auto?

Google now lists Android 11 or higher for both wired and wireless Android Auto. Wireless use also needs a phone with 5 GHz Wi-Fi.

Does Android Auto still work on Android 10?

No, Android 10 is no longer officially supported. Some users report it has already stopped working, so updating to Android 11 or switching phones is the only fix.

Will Android Auto work on the Galaxy S9?

The Galaxy S9 and S9+ officially stopped at Android 10, so they fall below Google's new minimum and are no longer supported for Android Auto.