Question Is Google blocking auto media streaming?

[Thwartedthong]

I have a Sony Xperia 10v3 XQ-CC54 updated to Android 14.
I connect to my cars head unit via Bluetooth to stream either Apple music or DAB on the BBC sounds App.
It's been working fine, I'm self employed so do a lot of business miles with this set up, handy for receiving phone calls and using Google maps to navigate.
I have had similar issues to what I'm describing from Android Auto which makes Bluetooth connections unstable so I've disabled
Last couple of weeks a recent update has rendered the "media" slider permanently closed off on the android Bluetooth settings UI.
My cars touch screen display still works, Google maps voice is still played through the car stereo, I can still receive phone calls hands free through the car stereo but any music that was once streamed is coming out of the phones speaker.
I'm so annoyed that these insidious controls have been forced upon me without warning or user consent. Is there a work around or have the Google Hierarchy enforced this change in the name of "Road Safety"

 

[VidJunky]

Welcome to Android Central forums. You don't mention what you've checked or tried so forgive me if I suggest things you've already looked at or tried.

Frist can you tell us what exactly updated? The system OS, the Android Auto app, a security update, Bluetooth or one of your players? Or is this just what you suspect given the sudden occurrence of this issue?

When you say that, something has affected your BT slider, do you mean the volume indicator for BT with you touch the volume rocker? Is it all the way up, down, or somewhere in between? I don't think this has much if anything to do with your issue because you are still able to make calls, and use Maps. If the volume was off or the cause neither of these would work either. That is, if the slider you're talking about is the volume slider. Additionally if the volume is maxed, which most would want it to be in this situation because it makes the sound your getting sound better if the volume is controlled by the stereo vs being low on the phone and having to max out the volume on the stereo to hear the audio.

Have you checked your actual BT settings for the connection between the phone and your car? You can access this in multiple ways, but the easiest is, while connected to the car, pull down your quick settings interface by dragging two fingers from the top of the screen, pressing and holding the BT icon until your BT list is displayed, then touching the car connection's name. Do not touch the toggle, touching the name will open the specific settings for this connection. Are calls and Media both toggled?

Have you tried forgetting the connection between the phone and the car, and trying to pair them again? I don't really see this as an issue because again everything else works except the media apps you've named. However, this is a quick and simple step and there are cases where the connection is the issue.

What happens when you attempt to play media with those apps you mention? They act like they are playing but you get no sound, the sound plays but plays through the speakers but it makes all of the sounds come through the phone speakers, like the BT has been turned off, or only the media sound comes through the speakers, all other sounds come from the stereo. I know you kind of answer this in your post but I'm just verifying we understand.

Have you tried any other apps? Have you tried playing YouTube, Instagram or any other media type apps to see if it is only those apps or if it is all media apps? Maps I do not believe is considered a media app, and calls are obviously calls.

Have you looked at the settings in the apps you're having issues with? Since you've been using them it would be easy to overlooking at the app settings themselves for changes. Look for anything related to headphone or BT playback.

Let us know what you find and tell us anything else you've tried that I may not have mentioned and we'll go from there.