Use the USB port specifically intended for phone projection and test with a cable that definitely supports data. If a second data cable behaves the same way, confirm Android Auto is enabled in the car and that the exact vehicle/head unit supports it.
Use normal shutdown procedures, keep hardware dry and stop if you see damage, overheating, burning smells or any electrical risk.
Checks to perform in the right order
Start with simple, reversible checks. If one step fixes the issue, stop there instead of changing unrelated settings.
Do not treat charging as a data test
A power-only port or damaged data lines can still charge the phone. Keep this distinction in mind before changing software settings.
Use the documented phone-projection port
Cars with several USB sockets may reserve only one for Android Auto or CarPlay. Check the manual or the labels around the ports.
Swap only the cable
Keep the same phone and port and try a second known-good data cable. If Android Auto starts, you have isolated the first cable as the likely cause.
Check Android Auto in the infotainment menu
Some systems require smartphone projection to be enabled or selected manually. Open the phone/projection section while the car is parked.
Cross-test with another phone
If another compatible phone works on the same port and cable, focus on the first phone. If both fail, the car-side data path deserves more attention.
How to narrow down the cause
- Charging works with every cable but no phone is detected for data: investigate the car's USB data path.
- Another phone works immediately: the port and cable are at least capable of establishing a data session.
- Android Auto works wirelessly but not by cable: focus on cable, connector and USB port rather than account settings.
Official sources used
Procedures can vary by model, firmware or hardware revision. When your device differs, use the official manufacturer documentation for that exact model.