This article will show you how to use Gaia GPS with Android Auto.
Gaia GPS now connects with Android Auto, bringing all of its detailed map sources to your vehicle’s dashboard screen. With turn-by-turn directions on saved routes in the Gaia GPS app, Android Auto offers hands-free navigation for a safer and more convenient driving experience on both city streets and backcountry roads.
Gaia GPS in Android Auto will allow you to:
- Display your active map layers on the Android Auto screen
- Get directions to a destination with Google Assistant
- Zoom in and out and toggle course-up mode
- Follow turn-by-turn directions for your Saved Routes
- Record a track
- Save waypoints
To use Gaia GPS with Android Auto you will need the following:
- Gaia GPS account
- Gaia GPS app downloaded to the phone (v2022.1 or later)
- Android Auto-supported vehicle
To launch Gaia GPS on your Android Auto system:
- Connect your phone to your vehicle’s Android Auto system
- Select Gaia GPS from the dashboard screen
- If you’re having issues, you can find troubleshooting steps from Google here
Using Android Auto
Main Map
The main map will mirror the active map sources you have selected in the app.
To change the map source displayed on the Android Auto screen, change your active map source in the app.
And just like the app, if you plan to adventure offline or out of cell service range, make sure to download your maps for offline use before heading out.
Tapping the main map will unhide these controls:
- Location
- Zoom in and out
- Save a waypoint at your current location
- Record a track
- Menu
Location and Zoom
Show your location on the map
To see your location in a 3D fly-along view, tap the location icon.
To go back to a birds-eye view, tap the location icon again.
If you can't see your location on the map, tap the crosshairs icon to show your current location.
Zoom and pan the map
Tap the + and - buttons to zoom in and out. Pan the map by dragging it with your fingers.
Save waypoint
Tap the waypoint icon to save a waypoint at your current location.
You'll see a notification that says "Waypoint saved at your location."
The waypoint will also be available in the app on your phone/tablet in the Saved menu.
Record a track
Tap the record button to start a track recording.
You'll see a notification that says "Track is now recording."
Tap the stop button to end the recording.
The track will also be available in the app on your phone/tablet in the Saved menu.
Menu
Tap the Menu button to:
- View your saved driveable routes
- Add a waypoint at your current location
- Record a track
- Search places and navigate to them
- Adjust settings. In settings, you can use toggles to show or hide waypoints, tracks, and routes on the map.
Routes
Tap to view a list of your saved routes.
The list is sorted from closest to farthest. Due to user safety concerns, Google limits the Routes list to 6 items.
Selecting a route will start navigation. You can search all -- not just the 6 listed -- of your drivable routes using the search button. Press the search icon in the upper right.
Search using the keyboard or press the phone button to use the keyboard on your phone.
Add Waypoint
Tap to save a waypoint. The waypoint will also be available in the app on your phone/tablet in the Saved menu.
Record Track
Tap once to start recording a track. Tap again to stop recording a track. The track will also be available in the app on your phone/tablet in the Saved menu.
Search
1. Search your saved waypoints, routes, and tracks.
2. To control what displays in the search results and the order of search results, use the filter and sort buttons:
Filter by waypoints, tracks, or routes:
Sort by distance, time created (newest), title, and more.
3. Tap a search result.
4. Navigation will start automatically. The navigation screen will show your upcoming turns and estimated time of arrival.
Settings
In settings, you can use toggles to show or hide waypoints, tracks, and routes on the map.
Navigation View
When you select a waypoint, track, or route, navigation will start automatically.
Turn-by-turn directions will be displayed to instruct you to your destination. The arrival time, time until destination, and distance left are shown in the bottom left corner.
Tap "End" to exit the navigation view.
FAQs
Navigate with Google Assistant
You can use Google Assistant to get directions to a destination.
1. With Gaia GPS open in Android Auto, tap the microphone button to activate Google Assistant.
- Or if Gaia GPS is your default navigation app, you can activate Google Assistant from anywhere in Android Auto.
2. Say something like “Navigate home” or “Navigate to Ouray, Colorado.” The app will create a route for you to follow.
Dark Mode in Android Auto
Android Auto will use the day/night setting on your car's head unit.
Choose a Route from your phone
You can choose a route from your phone to follow in Android Auto.
1. From the Gaia GPS app on your phone, find the route in your Saved menu and tap on it to reach the details page.
2. Tap "Navigate on Android Auto."
Important note about feature availability and safety:
Due to the inherent risks of using a screen while operating a vehicle, Google employs strict restraints on how apps behave in Android Auto. As a result, it's not possible to tap on items on the map while driving.
Troubleshooting
"Please allow Gaia GPS to access your location in Android settings."
If you see this message, you need to allow Gaia GPS to access your phone's location.
"Please proceed to use the app on your phone."
If you see this message, you need to log in to the app on your phone. From your phone, open Gaia GPS > Settings > Account > Log in > Have an account? > Sign in
List of routes says "No items"
This means you do not have any drivable routes in your list. Routes must be created in the app or on the website in driving mode. It's not possible to use tracks or imported routes in Android Auto.