Home / Autos & EVs

Photo of code, drone, software
Image: Wikipedia
Autos & EVs

Android Auto Users Can Now Sideload Third-Party Apps

WireByte Staff · July 5, 2026

Google's Android Auto system has been found to allow users to install third-party apps, expanding its capabilities beyond the default offerings. This feature can be enabled by users, but it requires a series of steps and is not officially supported by Google.

Key points

  • Android Auto users can sideload third-party apps by enabling the 'Developer mode' and installing apps from outside the Google Play Store.
  • The process requires users to follow a series of steps, including enabling Developer mode and installing apps from unknown sources.
  • Google does not officially support sideloading apps on Android Auto, but users have found a way to do so without rooting their phones.
  • The ability to sideload apps expands the capabilities of Android Auto, allowing users to access a wider range of apps and services.

Google's Android Auto system has been a popular choice for car owners looking for a convenient and user-friendly way to navigate and access entertainment while on the go. However, users have long been limited to the default apps provided by Google, such as YouTube Music and Google Maps.

A recent discovery has revealed that Android Auto users can now sideload third-party apps, expanding the system's capabilities beyond the default offerings. This feature can be enabled by users, but it requires a series of steps and is not officially supported by Google.

To sideload apps on Android Auto, users must first enable the 'Developer mode' and then install apps from outside the Google Play Store. This process is surprisingly straightforward and does not require users to root their phones.

The ability to sideload apps expands the capabilities of Android Auto, allowing users to access a wider range of apps and services. This could be particularly useful for users who want to access specific apps or services while on the go, such as YouTube or Netflix.

It is worth noting that Google does not officially support sideloading apps on Android Auto, and users should be aware of the potential risks involved. However, for users who are looking to get the most out of their Android Auto experience, sideloading apps may be a viable option.

Sources

WireByte Staff — Editorial Team

The WireByte editorial team synthesises technology news from multiple primary sources, verifies the facts, and links every source. Articles are produced with AI assistance and reviewed under our editorial policy.