To change Android Auto app order, open Android Auto settings on your phone, select Customize launcher, then drag apps into your preferred order. Your phone’s Android version and Android Auto release can change the menu path, and only compatible apps appear in the launcher list.
- Make changes while parked, not while driving.
- Use Customize launcher to reorder supported apps or hide them from the car screen.
- Android Auto does not let you freely rearrange every icon or change each vehicle display’s layout.
- If changes do not appear, reconnect the phone and check which account and device are in use.
Android Auto app order is managed through the phone’s Android Auto settings, not through a general vehicle setting. The exact menu labels can differ by phone maker and Android version. Start with these steps while the vehicle is parked.
- Open Settings on your Android phone. Search Settings for “Android Auto” if you do not see it in the menus.
- Open Android Auto settings. On some phones, the menu appears under Connected devices or Connection preferences.
- Tap Customize launcher. This opens the list of apps available to Android Auto.
- Find the app you want to move. Press and hold its drag handle, then move it up or down the list.
- Release the app in its new position. Repeat for other apps, then connect to Android Auto to check the launcher.
Some versions also show checkboxes beside apps. Use those controls to hide apps you do not want in the car launcher. Hiding an app here does not uninstall it from your phone.
Google’s Android Auto setup instructions cover connecting a phone and using the system. Menu labels and available options can change with software updates, so a Settings search is often the quickest route.
Where is Customize launcher in Android Auto?
On many phones, Android Auto settings are available under Settings, then Connected devices, then Connection preferences, then Android Auto. Look for Customize launcher inside the Android Auto settings screen. Phone makers can organize these menus differently, so the path may not match exactly.
If Android Auto does not appear in the Settings list, search for it by name. On newer Android versions, Android Auto is built into the phone’s system software, so it may not appear as a separate app icon. On older phones, an Android Auto app shortcut may open its settings directly.
Settings search results can also vary by Android release. Open the result that leads to Android Auto settings rather than a help page or an app store listing.
What you can and cannot change
Customize launcher controls the order of compatible apps in Android Auto’s app launcher. It may also let you remove an app from that launcher view. It does not change the order of apps on your phone’s home screen or rearrange every control on the vehicle display.
| Change | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Move a listed app | Changes its position in the Android Auto launcher list. |
| Hide a listed app | Removes it from the car launcher view without uninstalling it from the phone. |
| Move an app that is absent | Not possible from Customize launcher; the app must be compatible and available to Android Auto. |
| Change vehicle screen layout | Depends on the vehicle’s infotainment system and display. Phone launcher order does not control every dashboard layout. |
Android Auto supports selected apps and functions for in-car use. A phone app that does not appear in Customize launcher may not offer an Android Auto version, may not be available in your region, or may not be installed or updated on that phone. Do not assume that every app can be added manually.
Some vehicle displays show a taskbar, dashboard, or other interface alongside Android Auto. The car maker controls parts of that display, and the available layout can vary by model year, infotainment firmware, screen size, and vehicle configuration. Reordering apps on the phone will not necessarily move shortcuts controlled by the vehicle.
Why does Android Auto app order not change in the car?
If the launcher still shows the old order, check the simplest causes first. Android Auto may need to reconnect before the display refreshes, or you may have changed settings on a different phone from the one connected to the vehicle.
- Phone has not reconnected: Disconnect Android Auto, wait briefly, then reconnect the same phone.
- Wrong phone is connected: If more than one phone pairs with the vehicle, check which phone is providing Android Auto.
- App is missing from the launcher list: Confirm the app is installed and updated. Some phone apps do not support Android Auto.
- Vehicle shows a separate shortcut area: Check whether the icon is part of the vehicle’s own interface rather than Android Auto’s launcher.
- Settings path or labels differ: Search the phone’s Settings for Android Auto, then open Customize launcher.
- Change appears not to save: Repeat the drag carefully, leave the settings screen, and reopen it to see whether the order stayed.
To separate a phone-side setting from a vehicle-side display issue, try the same phone in another compatible Android Auto vehicle if one is available. If the order follows the phone, the phone settings are likely controlling it. If only one vehicle shows a different arrangement, its interface may be displaying shortcuts separately or handling the launcher differently.
Android Auto connection behavior also depends on the phone and vehicle. For a broader look at head-unit choices and fitment, see our guide to car stereos for Android phones. For wireless connection options, see our overview of aftermarket stereos with wireless Android Auto.
Common mistakes
- Looking for the setting on the dashboard first: App order is usually managed in phone settings. The car screen may show the result but not offer the same controls.
- Expecting phone home-screen changes to carry over: Android Auto uses its own launcher list. Rearranging icons on the phone home screen does not reorder the car launcher.
- Trying to add an unsupported app: Customize launcher can manage apps that Android Auto makes available. It is not an app installer or a way to bypass compatibility limits.
- Changing settings while driving: Set up the launcher before departure. Do not handle the phone or menus while the vehicle is moving.
- Assuming every car uses the same layout: Vehicle screen size, software, and infotainment design can affect how Android Auto appears.
When to get professional help
Changing app order does not normally require a repair shop. Contact the vehicle dealer or an automotive electronics specialist if Android Auto repeatedly disconnects, the infotainment screen freezes, or the vehicle’s menus remain unusable after basic reconnection checks.
Before arranging service, note the phone model, Android version, vehicle model year, infotainment system, and whether the connection is wired or wireless. Those details help identify whether the issue points to phone software, vehicle firmware, a cable or port, or a compatibility limit. Avoid changing vehicle firmware or wiring based only on a launcher-order problem.
Gear that can help
If you need wireless Android Auto adapters for this job, these picks already appear in our wireless Android Auto adapters guides. Check the full guide for fit and who should skip each one.
Pros
- Combines wireless CarPlay and wireless Android Auto in one adapter
- Compact 0.98 x 0.98 x 1.06-inch design helps reduce cable clutter
- Compatible with USB-A and USB-C vehicle ports when using the included adapter
- Supports Android 11 or later phones with Wireless Android Auto enabled
Cons
- Requires a vehicle with factory wired CarPlay or Android Auto
- Not compatible with BMW, Tesla, or vehicles without a wired system
Specifications
| Color | Black |
|---|---|
| Size | Ultramini |
| Dimensions | 0.98 x 0.98 x 1.06 inches |
| Weight | 0.01763698096 Pounds |
| Product Group | Wireless |
Best For / Avoid If
Best for buyers prioritizing
- Combines wireless CarPlay and wireless Android Auto in one adapter
- Compact 0.98 x 0.98 x 1.06-inch design helps reduce cable clutter
- Compatible with USB-A and USB-C vehicle ports when using the included adapter
Consider another option if
- Requires a vehicle with factory wired CarPlay or Android Auto
- Not compatible with BMW, Tesla, or vehicles without a wired system
Pros
- Supports wireless Android Auto in vehicles and head units with wired-only Android Auto
- Includes a multifunction button for pairing and switching between phones
- Companion app supports updates, troubleshooting, customization, and localized Wi-Fi settings
Cons
- Only compatible with vehicles or head units that exclusively support wired Android Auto
- Requires an Android 11 or higher phone on Google's official Android Auto compatible smartphone list
- External interference from sources such as cell towers, Wi-Fi hotspots, dashcams, or other wireless devices may affect connection stability
Specifications
| Color | Black |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 2.16535 x 1.37795 x 0.59055 inches |
| Weight | 0.03968320716 pounds |
| Product Group | Wireless |
| Binding | Electronics |
Best For / Avoid If
Best for buyers prioritizing
- Supports wireless Android Auto in vehicles and head units with wired-only Android Auto
- Includes a multifunction button for pairing and switching between phones
- Companion app supports updates, troubleshooting, customization, and localized Wi-Fi settings
Consider another option if
- Only compatible with vehicles or head units that exclusively support wired Android Auto
- Requires an Android 11 or higher phone on Google's official Android Auto compatible smartphone list
- External interference from sources such as cell towers, Wi-Fi hotspots, dashcams, or other wireless devices may affect connection stability
Pros
- Supports both wired CarPlay and wired Android Auto vehicles
- Compact 0.35 x 1.3 x 0.8-inch design with a silver aluminum-alloy housing
- Automatic reconnection can reduce the need to repeat setup on each trip
- Provides wireless access to navigation, music, calls, and other compatible functions
Cons
- Requires a vehicle with factory wired CarPlay or wired Android Auto
- Does not add CarPlay or Android Auto to vehicles without existing support
- Not compatible with BMW or Tesla, and is not intended for vehicles with factory wireless CarPlay or wireless Android Auto
Specifications
| Color | Silver |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 0.35 x 1.3 x 0.8 inches |
| Weight | 0.0125 Pounds |
| Product Group | Wireless |
Best For / Avoid If
Best for buyers prioritizing
- Supports both wired CarPlay and wired Android Auto vehicles
- Compact 0.35 x 1.3 x 0.8-inch design with a silver aluminum-alloy housing
- Automatic reconnection can reduce the need to repeat setup on each trip
Consider another option if
- Requires a vehicle with factory wired CarPlay or wired Android Auto
- Does not add CarPlay or Android Auto to vehicles without existing support
- Not compatible with BMW or Tesla, and is not intended for vehicles with factory wireless CarPlay or wireless Android Auto
For a closer look at a related choice, see How to Connect Android Auto.
FAQ
Can I reorder Android Auto apps from the car screen?
Usually, app order is changed in Android Auto settings on the phone through Customize launcher. Some vehicle systems provide their own shortcut controls, but those controls may affect only the vehicle interface, not the Android Auto app list.
Can I put any Android app in Android Auto?
No. The app must support Android Auto and be available to the connected phone. If it is absent from Customize launcher, you cannot add it there manually.
Does hiding an app uninstall it?
No. Hiding an app from Customize launcher removes it from the Android Auto launcher view. The app remains installed on the phone unless you uninstall it separately.
Why is Customize launcher missing?
Menu placement varies by Android version and phone maker. Search Settings for Android Auto, open its settings, and look for Customize launcher. If the option remains unavailable, update Android Auto and the phone’s system software where updates are offered, then check again.
Sources and further reading
- Set up Android Auto (Google): Find connection setup steps and basic guidance for using Android Auto with a compatible phone and vehicle.
