It feels like every time we get an Android Auto update to fix one thing, two more things break. Right now, I’m monitoring two distinct and highly annoying bugs plaguing Android Auto users: a widespread USB connection blocker and a bizarre media control glitch specific to newer Toyota vehicles. This is besides another annoying bug where WhatsApp voice notes are broken on Android Auto.
Following the recent March 2026 security updates and Pixel Feature Drops, many users are finding that Android Auto absolutely refuses to launch unless they physically unlock their phones first.
Even if you have the “Start Android Auto while locked” slider turned on, the system acts as if it’s being blocked. This seems to stem from Android’s Advanced Protection and USB security protocols superseding Android Auto’s permissions. While this issue first appeared back in December 2025, the March 2026 updates have blown the doors wide open, affecting a massive swath of devices.
I’ve seen verified reports from users rocking:
- Google Pixel series (Pixel 8, 9, 9a, and 10 XL Pro)
- Samsung Galaxy S24 and S25 lineups
- Various Motorola devices
Users are understandably annoyed, as this defeats the plug-and-play (or wireless automatic connection) magic that we’ve come to expect over the last few years.
Android Auto steering wheel controls are acting up
As if the connection issues weren’t enough, owners of the 2026 Toyota RAV4 are dealing with a highly specific media control bug.
When pressing the physical “skip forward” or “skip back” buttons on the steering wheel, Android Auto is registering the command twice. If you are listening to Spotify, it skips two whole songs instead of one. If you are using YouTube Music, it fast-forwards or rewinds the track by 10 seconds rather than skipping to the next song altogether.
"Same issue here. 2026 Rav4. I have a galaxy S24 ultra. When pressing +/next or -/previous on the steering wheel controls, it skips 2 songs instead of 1. This happens wireless or connected with a USB cable." — Toyota RAV4 owner on Google Forums
What is Google doing about it?
There is a silver lining. Google recently admitted to Android Authority that they are actively working on fixing widespread connectivity issues affecting various smartphones (from Pixels to Samsungs). While Google kept the exact technical details close to the chest, it’s highly likely that this upcoming patch will address the USB lock-screen bug.
Furthermore, the Android Auto team has actively responded to the RAV4 steering wheel glitch on the support forums, stating they are reaching out to users via email for diagnostic logs.
Hillary Keverenge
2669 Posts
Tech has been my playground for over a decade. While the Android journey began early, it truly took flight with the revolutionary Lollipop update. Since then, it's been a parade of Android devices (with a sprinkle of iOS), culminating in a mostly happy marriage with Google's smart home ecosystem. Expect insightful articles and explorations of the ever-evolving world of Android and Google products coupled with occasional rants on the Nest smart home ecosystem.
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