Android Auto Fails on One UI 9 for Some Galaxy Phones

What is the compatibility issue?

Since the rollout of One UI 9, a number of Samsung Galaxy owners have reported that Android Auto either crashes or refuses to launch when the phone is connected to a car head unit. The problem appears to be limited to devices running the newest Samsung skin, while older versions of One UI continue to work without interruption.

How the problem appears on Galaxy devices

Users describe the following symptoms:

Android Auto screen freezes on the initial loading page.
Connection drops after a few seconds, forcing the app to restart.
In some cases the phone displays a generic "App stopped" message.

These issues have been reported on models such as the Galaxy S22, S22 Ultra, and the recent Galaxy A53. The common factor is the presence of One UI 9, which suggests a software conflict rather than a hardware defect.

Why the dashboard matters

The dashboard is the central hub that lets drivers access navigation, music, and messaging without taking their eyes off the road. When Android Auto fails, drivers are forced to rely on the phone’s native interface, which can be distracting and unsafe.

Possible workarounds

While Samsung has not released an official patch, the community has identified a few temporary fixes that may restore functionality.

Clear cache and data for Android Auto. Go to Settings > Apps > Android Auto, then tap "Storage" and select "Clear cache" followed by "Clear data".
Reinstall the Android Auto app. Uninstall the app from the Play Store, restart the phone, and install the latest version again.
Disable battery optimization for Android Auto. In Settings > Battery > Battery usage, find Android Auto and set it to "Not optimized".
Switch to a previous One UI version. Some users have rolled back to One UI 8.1 using Samsung's Smart Switch tool, which restores Android Auto compatibility.

These steps are not guaranteed to work for every device, but they have helped a portion of the community.

What Samsung says

Samsung’s official support page acknowledges the issue and advises users to keep their device software up to date. The company has not provided a timeline for a dedicated fix, but it recommends the general troubleshooting steps listed above. For the latest guidance, visit the Samsung Support Center.

Community reports and next steps

Forums such as Android Auto Help and the XDA Developers community have been active with user‑generated solutions. Many users have posted logs that point to a conflict between the new One UI notification manager and Android Auto’s background services.

Google’s own support article suggests that developers may need to update the Android Auto app to accommodate changes in One UI 9. Until an official update is released, affected owners should monitor both Samsung and Google channels for announcements.

Key takeaways for owners

Check for software updates daily; a patch may arrive without notice.
Back up your data before attempting a rollback to an earlier One UI version.
Consider using a wired connection if you are currently on wireless, as some users report better stability.
Report the issue through the Android Auto app’s feedback feature to help prioritize a fix.

While the dashboard headache remains unresolved, the steps above give owners a chance to regain some functionality while waiting for an official update.