post Re: Why does Pandora not start automatically on Android Auto? in Automotive

Why does Pandora not start automatically on Android Auto?

Wuzn_me — Fri, 21 Aug 2026 17:54:14 GMT

I have it set to start automatically on Android Auto but it doesn't. I had no trouble a couple of weeks ago but now when I turn on my car, Pandora says "tap to open". I wouldn't mind that at all but I shuffle my music and there is absolutely no way of doing that on Android Auto. Is it a bug or an I missing something?

So frustrated!

Re: Does not start automatically on Android Auto

TannerPandora — Wed, 19 Aug 2026 23:29:09 GMT

Hi @Wuzn_me

Sorry for the trouble and frustration with this!

Since you mentioned that Pandora was previously starting automatically with Android Auto, I’d like to first get a little more information about your setup and double-check a setting that may affect this.

Could you let me know the following?

Make and model of your phone
Android version
Pandora app version
Android Auto version

Also, please open the Pandora app on your phone and go to Settings > Advanced. Under Bluetooth for devices, check whether Launch from car is enabled or disabled.

Let me know what you find, along with the information above. Thanks for the help!

Re: Does not start automatically on Android Auto

Caseyjones — Fri, 21 Aug 2026 14:25:50 GMT

Same issue, start from car is turned on.

Android version 16

Phone is S25 ultra

Pandora version 2608.1

Android Auto version 17.3.662854-release

Music started up automatically just fine until a week or so ago, in my Nissan ariya.

Re: Does not start automatically on Android Auto

TannerPandora — Fri, 21 Aug 2026 18:05:04 GMT

Hi @Caseyjones

Welcome to community! Thanks for posting.

Could you tell me a little more about what happens when you connect to Android Auto?

If Pandora is already playing or recently playing on your phone before you connect, when you connect to AA does it require you to manually start it again?
Or, if Pandora hasn't been playing, does it fail to launch automatically when you connect to Android Auto, requiring you to manually open Pandora and start playback?

In the meantime, could you confirm that the following settings are enabled?

From Settings on the Pandora app:
-Launch from Car is enabled

From Settings on Android Auto app:
-Automatically Resume Media is enabled

Additionally, I'm interested to know if you open Pandora on your phone without connecting to Android Auto, do you have to select music to start playing or does it need start automatically?

Thanks for your help with these details, and for confirming those options are enabled. I've gone ahead and passed your experience along to our engineering team for review. Thanks again!

Re: Why does Pandora not start automatically on Android Auto?

Caseyjones — Fri, 21 Aug 2026 18:14:11 GMT

@TannerPandora thanks for the reply! Launch from car and automatically resume are both turned on. Pandora will play if it's already active on my phone when the car starts, but the app will not launch automatically otherwise. It has to be manually started either via phone or the on screen display.

Re: Why does Pandora not start automatically on Android Auto?

TannerPandora — Fri, 21 Aug 2026 18:47:48 GMT

Incredibly helpful, @Caseyjones! Thanks for the follow up. I've passed along the details to our engineering team for further review.

Thanks for your patience in the meantime!

Re: Does not start automatically on Android Auto

Wuzn_me — Fri, 21 Aug 2026 23:22:43 GMT

pixel 10xl pro

Android 17

Version 2608.1

Android Auto version 17.3.662854-release

Yes, it is enabled.

If I leave the car and go back within 30 min (in assuming because I went shopping and I typically spend less than 30min), if starts automatically. I know for sure if I'm away from the car for more than an hour, it disconnects and i have to open it on my phone and choose shuffle.