2016 VW Golf Android Auto won't work with LG G4

[CPrice TX]

Unlocked phone, plugged USB. T-Mobile is my carrier.

Hmm when you backed up, was your phone simply unlocked, plugged USB? Might be worth giving it a try, even though I really tried a bunch of stuff. I never paid attention into which step I took before the other, but I know I had good coverage wherever I tried. Also, is your M8 with Verizon or another company?

 

[rdlkgliders]

dgiaffe, I wonder if it is a combo of phone and carrier for you? It seems the Tmobile G4's are pesky to connect but eventually will. Have you ever connected your Verizon G4 to your VW AA? My phone does the same thing screen flash like it wants to hook up and then goes to home screen but it does eventually connect through no real reasonable reason or particular steps. It is just trial and error and persistence. I have been connected for 2 days using my workaround in my post highlighted in red. I am still waiting for VW USA to call me and will report any info I am given. I will also mention the problem you are having with a verizon phone and see if they will comment.
GL
Don

 

[dgiaffe]

Awesome, thanks! Unfortunately, I NEVER was able to even reach the setup wizard. Like I said from my experience yesterday day, the Hyundai Sonata 2016 kicks in the setup right away, which makes me think that yes, it is the phone, but also the car. I'll keep connecting and disconnecting my phone like yours, only when the car's igniton is off, see if that helps. I have a feeling that if I can get through the setup I'll be good afterwards, but I can't get past that step. I really hope to hear if someone from Verizon with a LG G4 has the same issue as me, or if they were actually able to get through the setup.

Still hoping that we don't have to wait on Marshmallow as I don't expect VZW to push it any time soon :|

 

[rdlkgliders]

VW of USA didn't have much to say in regards to problem solving. They have contacted the service department at the dealer my car was purchased and serviced at. The regional manager is corresponding with VW USA the dealer and the techs for the Infotainment system.
The representative said I may need another visit where they can have an engineer take a look. Really the only thing that I have accomplished is bringing awareness to the people who can initiate some action it seems. My conversation today with VW USA was more about catching them up with all the goings on and having them tell me they are on it.

 

[dgiaffe]

Well at least I think that's the important part... Awareness. Breaks my heart to see something like --> https://twitter.com/VW/status/644621810596581376 and not being able to use it lol. Since it's part of their ads, they really need to make it work, no matter where the blame is.

I'm hoping manufacturers have Google support (like actual contacts) for it, hence why Google refers me (not sure if I said it, but the Android Twitter account told me to check with my car dealer for the issue i had) to go through them for support. I guess you will have to harass them to see where it goes and not give up. I'll definitely do that once I get a hold of them. VW's Twitter account acknowledged they received my Direct Message and that they'll get in touch soon.

 

[Windfrenzy]

I was back to the screen blink, then fail thing. Just got it to reconnect. FWIW I did this:
In AA.. Settings, Forget cars
Uninstall AA
Reinstall AA
Plug in phone
Turn on car (in Golf R press start w/o foot on brake) but not start engine .
VZW G3 always connects usb as installer despite using dialer to change startup behavior.
Change usb to media.
Try to connect..blink..mirrorlink.. Fail
Changed usb to PTP
Seat belt on, foot on brake (if I had a rabbit's foot I would have gotten it)
Remembered to open AA and click past intro stuff
Try to connect... Success!

I'll try rdlkgliders' tips about keeping the connection.

BTW, head unit is mib ii with Fender splash screen.

Posted via the Android Central App

 

[CPrice TX]

Well here's a follow-up. Have NOT been able to reproduce this one success. It really shouldn't be this difficult when the Koreans apparently get it right in the Sonata.

Well. I was about to give up, but finally got Android Auto (AA) to work on my 2016 GTI with the latest 0613 update for MIB II.

HTC One M8 with Android 5.0.1. I was having ALL the problems described in this thread. I switched the default connection back and forth from AA to MirrorLink -- it finally worked on AA. I tried every USB setting in my phone -- it finally worked on USB Network Setting "None". I uninstalled AA and re-installed -- it did not immediately work but then...

I read somebody say something about starting the car. I had been sitting without car running trying to connect. So, I started car, put into reverse, backed up about 2 feet and BAM -- AA seemed to reset and took me through all the acceptances and confirmations you must do to make it work.

After all that, my best advice -- uninstall and reinstall AA -- plug in phone BEFORE starting car -- START car -- and make sure you are in a place with excellent data coverage.

I was about to give-up, but it works! (now we will see if it continues over the coming days)

Good Luck everyone!

Chris in Dallas, Texas
2016 MK7 GTI - Carbon Steel - Bone-stock at this point

 

[dgiaffe]

I was back to the screen blink, then fail thing. Just got it to reconnect. FWIW I did this:
In AA.. Settings, Forget cars
Uninstall AA
Reinstall AA
Plug in phone
Turn on car (in Golf R press start w/o foot on brake) but not start engine .
VZW G3 always connects usb as installer despite using dialer to change startup behavior.
Change usb to media.
Try to connect..blink..mirrorlink.. Fail
Changed usb to PTP
Seat belt on, foot on brake (if I had a rabbit's foot I would have gotten it)
Remembered to open AA and click past intro stuff
Try to connect... Success!

I'll try rdlkgliders' tips about keeping the connection.

BTW, head unit is mib ii with Fender splash screen.

Posted via the Android Central App

Tried this, and really followed the exact same steps as you, but no luck. Mine is the VZW G4, i don't know if that is the difference. Like CPrice TX said, doesn't make sense it is that difficult when the Sonata started the app right away. One thing to note is that the Sonata was in the showroom, therefore we just turned on the key to Accessory for the head unit to work and that's it. No seat belt, no brake, no nothing. I also tried that with my GTI by just powering on the head unit, but no luck either.

 

[Matthew Gale]

Hi Everyone,
I live in Canada as well, just bought a 2016 Jetta Comfortline and I have an LG G4 running 5.1.

I was having similar issues, but I think I may have solved it (for my car/phone anyways).
I noticed if I got into my car and plugged in my phone before the bluetooth kicked in, or if it was locked, AA would not start, it would keep failing. Just flashing and vibrating like everyone else did.

I found If I follow these steps, I am having no issues.
-start car phone unplugged
-wait until phone shows up on bluetooth display (main dash display)
-UNLOCK phone so you can see home screen
-Ensure settings in your VW are set to default to AA, not mirror link.
-plug in phone

If you mix this up once, it gets stuck again, and I found there is only one way to get back to square onee
-unplug phone
-go to settings in the VW
-factory settings
-reset app connect
-go to AA settings in your phone, forget all cars
start fresh with steps mentioned above.

This has worked for me. Hopefully this helps, and hopefully Google and/or VW fixes this asap!

 

[Windfrenzy]

Try this:
- Light two candles. Drip some wax on the dash and stick the candles in there.
- Get a lamb. It must be alive and from a sheep that has only fed on organic grass.
- Sacrifice the lamb on the center console and smear the blood on the back of your phone and your face
- Unlock the phone and plug it in.
- Take one of the candles and wave it around the USB cable 4 times. On the first pass, say "Google makes me happy". On the second pass say, "Volkswagen is vunderbar". On the third pass, say "(insert carrier name here) is the best, everyone else just sucks". On pass #4 say, "Apple is for sheep like I sacrifice today"
- Select your phone on the head unit to connect
- Jump back, kiss yourself
- Say, "MARSHMALLOW, MARSHMALLOW, MARSHMALLOW"


...yeah, this is ridiculous. It shouldn't be this hard.

The good news is that it is easily updatable, so we should see improved performance and features in the future.

Posted via the Android Central App

 

[dgiaffe]

Hi Everyone,
I live in Canada as well, just bought a 2016 Jetta Comfortline and I have an LG G4 running 5.1.

I was having similar issues, but I think I may have solved it (for my car/phone anyways).
I noticed if I got into my car and plugged in my phone before the bluetooth kicked in, or if it was locked, AA would not start, it would keep failing. Just flashing and vibrating like everyone else did.

I found If I follow these steps, I am having no issues.
-start car phone unplugged
-wait until phone shows up on bluetooth display (main dash display)
-UNLOCK phone so you can see home screen
-Ensure settings in your VW are set to default to AA, not mirror link.
-plug in phone

If you mix this up once, it gets stuck again, and I found there is only one way to get back to square onee
-unplug phone
-go to settings in the VW
-factory settings
-reset app connect
-go to AA settings in your phone, forget all cars
start fresh with steps mentioned above.

This has worked for me. Hopefully this helps, and hopefully Google and/or VW fixes this asap!

I really hoped it would fix my issue, but it unfortunately didn't. I followed your exact same step and I still get the app flashing and going back to the home screen. Unfortunate.

Try this:
- Light two candles. Drip some wax on the dash and stick the candles in there.
- Get a lamb. It must be alive and from a sheep that has only fed on organic grass.
- Sacrifice the lamb on the center console and smear the blood on the back of your phone and your face
- Unlock the phone and plug it in.
- Take one of the candles and wave it around the USB cable 4 times. On the first pass, say "Google makes me happy". On the second pass say, "Volkswagen is vunderbar". On the third pass, say "(insert carrier name here) is the best, everyone else just sucks". On pass #4 say, "Apple is for sheep like I sacrifice today"
- Select your phone on the head unit to connect
- Jump back, kiss yourself
- Say, "MARSHMALLOW, MARSHMALLOW, MARSHMALLOW"


...yeah, this is ridiculous. It shouldn't be this hard.

The good news is that it is easily updatable, so we should see improved performance and features in the future.

Posted via the Android Central App

LOL that one made me laugh. I do agree this is getting VERY ridiculous.

Well, since I ain't giving up, I am even more sure the culprit here is VW. I was able to find a way that emulates AA on a computer, following the instructions here --> Getting Started with Auto | Android Developers and surprise! My phone instantly connects without a problem. I am conscious this is just an emulator, but at least it clears the fact that the phone or the Verizon autorun may be an issue. However, for this to work, you must enable USB Debugging and run the "head-unit" server on the phone. Also, it wouldn't work until the autorun timed out.. so MAYBE it is the culprit as well. I might go try that in my car, just in case it works, but i'm super skeptical.

Also, a VW rep contacted me today by email and asked me some more details. I hope to get some news from him soon. I linked him to this thread.

 

[rdlkgliders]

I just wanted to let anyone interested know that VW USA is still working with me. The VQM (A high level Technical Manager) is working to find a solution. Yesterday I was told they will replace the Radio if need be but are working on solutions. VW has been very good at keeping me up to date an I am to be updated again tomorrow night. I will continue to report my findings and hope you all do the same.
P.S my workaround keeps me connected most the time. If I need to reconnect it is a crapshoot. This last time I reconnected I uninstalled AA and unpaired BT then plugged the phone in with BT on and AA uninstalled The phone asked to install AA and took me trough the procedure and connected.

 

[dgiaffe]

I just wanted to let anyone interested know that VW USA is still working with me. The VQM (A high level Technical Manager) is working to find a solution. Yesterday I was told they will replace the Radio if need be but are working on solutions. VW has been very good at keeping me up to date an I am to be updated again tomorrow night. I will continue to report my findings and hope you all do the same.
P.S my workaround keeps me connected most the time. If I need to reconnect it is a crapshoot. This last time I reconnected I uninstalled AA and unpaired BT then plugged the phone in with BT on and AA uninstalled The phone asked to install AA and took me trough the procedure and connected.

Good to hear you have a contact. The guy from Twitter didn't get back to me after I gave him more details. I still can't even go through the setup. I might try to do like you, uninstalling AA, unpairing Bluetooth and see what it does. Keep us posted!

I also heard US Cellular is pushing Marshmallow on their LG G4 so I am hoping Verizon is not far behind. I read somewhere they typically get updates around the same time as Verizon Wireless, so hopefully this is true and that'll clear these issues.

 

[Benjamin Ley]

Hey There,
Thanks for ALL your comments and investigations!!!!
I had no luck connecting the phone after trying EVERYTHING....
HOWEVER,
I recently had success! LG G4 Auto Auto to VW system!

I had tired everyone's suggestions here!

Something different that I did....

I Ran LG Bridge on my PC and connected my phone, some apps were updated.
I just followed instructions - didn't do anything out of the ordinary!

On the car interface I did choose AA instead of mirrorlink

Next time I connected the G4 to the Car via USB everything started happening and working as it should,
a couple of apps were updated and then I agreed to terms and within 2 min I had Google Maps telling me the way home..

Driving a VW T6 Multivan
Android 5.1

lg.com us support product-help CT10000025-1438110404543-preinstall-apps
(this tells up to get Android 6 (but it was not necessary for me) (removed link info so I could post)
Perhaps LG Bridge did something - perhaps I was just lucky...

I have only tired and had success ONCE since I ran the LG Bridge - - FIngers crossed to will work again next time

All the best to you and yours!

 

[torbach1]

I have 2 different, non LG G4 phones, but had an issue with one of them connecting, and wonder if the resolution I used for that one may help you guys.

The trick was to disconnect Bluetooth between the car and the phone. Make sure the connections are deleted on both sides. Then plug the phone in, make sure it is unlocked and Android Auto is running, then start the car and go through the setup.

It sets up the Bluetooth back in the process, but this resolved a similar issue for me. Probably won't work, but figured I'd suggest it just in case. Best of luck.

Posted via the Android Central App

 

[dgiaffe]

I have 2 different, non LG G4 phones, but had an issue with one of them connecting, and wonder if the resolution I used for that one may help you guys.

The trick was to disconnect Bluetooth between the car and the phone. Make sure the connections are deleted on both sides. Then plug the phone in, make sure it is unlocked and Android Auto is running, then start the car and go through the setup.

It sets up the Bluetooth back in the process, but this resolved a similar issue for me. Probably won't work, but figured I'd suggest it just in case. Best of luck.

Posted via the Android Central App

Thanks! Unfortunately didn't work in my case. Still getting the same behavior.

 

[dgiaffe]

Set an appointment with a regional case manager on Feb 3 @ 4.05pm at my local dealer. So following the steps of rdlkgliders basically lol. Still no luck for me. I've given up until then.

My cousin is visiting me this week-end and he has a canadian LG G4 phone. We'll see if we have more luck with that one..

 

[Windfrenzy]

The one thing I have had some success with and I have many hours invested is once you are blessed with connection to AA shut off car and THEN UNPLUG PHONE INTO USB and before you turn back on car PLUG PHONE INTO USB. this seem to sustain connection until I forget to do this. Also once you turn ignition off or before do not power off stereo. keep trying to connect it will happen you may need to reset or uninstall AA and also disconnect and reconnect usb but it will take eventually.

This is working to keep my connection, so thanks for this advice. When I deviated from this, it went back to blinky behavior and not connecting so I told AA to forget cars, uninstalled, reinstalled, and got the connection back. Then I had a weird reboot of the head unit while listening to Beyondpod in AA but the connection was restored. Thanks guys for keeping at it with VW tech people. Hopefully it will be more robust for us in the future.

Posted via the Android Central App

 

[rdlkgliders]

I am successfully connected more than not with my workaround method. when my brain goes numb and I mess up. I always try to reconnect it first. If it doesn't work I have found forget car uninstall and reinstall AA and cycle bluetooth also cycle ignition and exit AA back to another screen XM radio Etc... ( No real surefire way for me but I can usually reconnect within 5-10 min doing this) I can do the reconnect while driving but my phone screen goes orangeish red and says stop when I stop it continues to install. I usually never open AA on the Phone. I Just Reinstall and turn back on BT and continue to push menu-app connect-and select my device and touch the G4 button. If it goes through the whole thing several times without connecting like mirror link and unlock screen etc... I will do the uninstall and reinstall and sometimes leave BT off for this then try again I always cycle ignition and exit AA back to another source between tries. I then turn on BT and with a fresh install of AA I usually have success it may take a couple tries but I usually get it.
P.S dgiaffe V.W USA has been very good to me and has gotten back to me every time they said they would. I am getting a new Head unit (radio) It will be appx 30 days and I am not convinced it will help unless there are a bunch of people out there with working G4's and other problem phones and we are the minority, who knows. Stay with it VW gave me a pretty fair offer so follow through.

 

[Windfrenzy]

Well. I was about to give up, but finally got Android Auto (AA) to work on my 2016 GTI with the latest 0613 update for MIB II.

HTC One M8 with Android 5.0.1. I was having ALL the problems described in this thread. I switched the default connection back and forth from AA to MirrorLink -- it finally worked on AA. I tried every USB setting in my phone -- it finally worked on USB Network Setting "None". I uninstalled AA and re-installed -- it did not immediately work but then...

I read somebody say something about starting the car. I had been sitting without car running trying to connect. So, I started car, put into reverse, backed up about 2 feet and BAM -- AA seemed to reset and took me through all the acceptances and confirmations you must do to make it work.

After all that, my best advice -- uninstall and reinstall AA -- plug in phone BEFORE starting car -- START car -- and make sure you are in a place with excellent data coverage.

I was about to give-up, but it works! (now we will see if it continues over the coming days)

Good Luck everyone!

Chris in Dallas, Texas
2016 MK7 GTI - Carbon Steel - Bone-stock at this point

I think this has to do with the back up camera. I had AA connected today, put it in reverse, back up camera came on, and when I put it back into drive, the device selection screen of AppConnect came up. Luckily, I picked my phone and it reconnected. Anyway, it confirms that the switch to the back up camera can interfere with and/or reset the AA connection.

Posted via the Android Central App