MG4 Android Auto Not Working: The Complete Troubleshooting Guide

Introduction: When Android Auto Decides Not to Play Ball

We’ve all been there—sliding into the MG4 Electric, coffee in hand, ready for a seamless drive with maps, Spotify, and messages running through Android Auto… only for the system to freeze, fail, or simply refuse to connect. It feels like trying to plug in a charger that only works at a 37° angle on a full moon—frustrating, unpredictable, and oddly personal.

In this guide, we walk through the real reasons your MG4 Android Auto is not working, why it happens more often than expected, and exactly how to fix it step-by-step. We’ll keep it simple, honest, and a bit conversational—like two drivers comparing notes in a car park.

Why MG4 Android Auto Sometimes Misbehaves

Before chasing ghosts in the infotainment system, it helps to understand what’s actually going wrong. Android Auto failures usually fall into a few broad categories:

• Phone compatibility issues
• Cable or port connection interruptions
• Faulty wireless pairing
• MG4 software glitches
• Permissions disabled on the phone
• Battery optimisation or background process kills
• Conflicts with apps or settings
• Updates not installed
• Corrupted cache or temporary files

When you zoom out, the pattern becomes clear: almost every issue traces back to either communication failure or software mismatch. Let’s dig deeper.

Understanding How Android Auto Works in the MG4

The MG4’s infotainment system relies on several layers working perfectly together:

Phone Layer

• Android version
• Google Play Services
• Android Auto app (if standalone)
• USB or Bluetooth services
• Phone hardware

MG4 Layer

• MG iSmart system
• Head unit firmware
• USB interfaces
• Wireless connectivity modules

The Interaction Layer

This is where everything tends to break. Your phone and car need to:

1. Recognise each other
2. Authenticate
3. Establish a stable connection
4. Maintain communication
5. Stream data in real time

If one of those steps fails, Android Auto collapses like a house of cards built on a vibrating dashboard.

Common MG4 Android Auto Problems

Let’s break down the issues MG4 drivers encounter most often.

1. Android Auto Not Connecting at All

You plug in the cable (or try wireless), and… nothing. No prompt. No error message. Just the digital equivalent of silence.

2. Android Auto Keeps Disconnecting

This usually happens while driving, and it’s infuriating because it interrupts navigation, music, and calls.

3. Android Auto Freezes or Crashes

The MG4 screen may lag, apps may freeze, or everything may lock up.

4. Wireless Android Auto Won’t Start

Often due to handshake failures between Bluetooth + WiFi.

5. MG4 Screen Not Detecting the Phone

This typically points to cable/port issues or a recognition failure.

6. "Device Not Supported" Error

A misleading message that often means “update your phone/software.”

Step-By-Step Fixes: How We Resolve MG4 Android Auto Not Working

Check 1: Verify Phone Compatibility

Your phone must meet these basic requirements:

Minimum Requirements

• Android 8.0 or higher
• Google Play Services enabled
• A phone that supports Android Auto (most Samsung, Google, Motorola, Xiaomi, Oppo, etc.)

Tip

If you’re using a budget phone, some models throttle background processes aggressively—this breaks Android Auto.

Check 2: Inspect the USB Cable (This Fixes 60% of All Issues)

Yes—believe it or not, a cheap cable causes more Android Auto failures than anything else.

Use a High-Quality Cable

Prefer:

• Original Google, Samsung, or Anker cables
• USB 3.0 or USB-C to USB-C
• A cable capable of data transfer (not charging-only)

Avoid

• Worn cables
• Loose connectors
• Third-party cables under $5

Quick Test

Try connecting your phone to a laptop using the same cable. If the laptop doesn’t detect it instantly, the cable is the problem.

Check 3: Inspect the MG4 USB Ports

The MG4 has two USB ports, but only one typically allows data transfer.

Try Both Ports

Some trims have:

• 1 x USB-A (data + charging)
• 1 x USB-C (charging only)

If Unsure

Try both ports. If Android Auto works with one but not the other, you’ve found the culprit.

Check 4: Enable Android Auto Permissions

Sometimes phones randomly revoke permissions. Make sure everything is allowed.

Go To:

Settings → Apps → Android Auto → Permissions

MG4 HV Battery Shut Off — Complete Troubleshooting & Prevention Guide

Enable:

• Phone
• SMS
• Notifications
• Nearby devices
• Files & Media

If any are denied, Android Auto may refuse to open.

Check 5: Disable Battery Optimisation

Many Android phones kill background apps to save power. This breaks Android Auto mid-drive.

On Your Phone:

Settings → Battery → Battery Optimisation → Android Auto → Don’t Optimise

Also apply this to:

• Google Maps
• Google Play Services
• Google Assistant
• Spotify / Waze / WhatsApp (if used)

Check 6: Restart Both Systems

A classic for a reason. A fresh restart clears temporary cache conflicts.

Do these:

• Restart your MG4
• Restart your phone
• Reconnect

Check 7: Clear Cache in Android Auto

Caches are like crumbs in your keyboard—they cause chaos.

Go To:

Settings → Apps → Android Auto → Storage → Clear Cache & Clear Data

This resets Android Auto without deleting phone data.

Check 8: Reinstall Android Auto

If all else fails, reinstalling Android Auto often fixes hidden software corruption.

Steps

1. Uninstall Android Auto
2. Restart phone
3. Reinstall
4. Reconnect

Check 9: Update the MG4 Infotainment Software

MG regularly pushes updates that fix Android Auto bugs.

You can update via:

• MG dealer
• Over-the-air (if supported)
• USB software patch from official MG website

Outdated firmware = guaranteed Android Auto issues.

Check 10: Reset MG4 Infotainment System

If the infotainment OS is glitchy, Android Auto won’t survive.

How to Reset

• Hold the power button for 10 seconds
  or
• Use the settings menu (varies by MG4 software version)

This forces the system to reboot fully.

Check 11: Turn Off Developer Mode

Developer settings can interfere with USB data connections.

Disable:

• USB Debugging
• Default USB configuration overrides
• Experimental wireless projection flags

Check 12: Remove VPNs or Firewall Apps

VPNs sometimes break Android Auto because of routing conflicts.

Disable temporarily:

• VPN apps
• Network monitoring apps
• Custom DNS

Check 13: Check Wireless Android Auto Settings

Wireless Android Auto uses:

• Bluetooth (initial handshake)
• WiFi (high data throughput)

Make Sure:

• Bluetooth is ON
• WiFi is ON
• Forget & re-pair your phone
• Remove old devices

Important

The MG4 may sometimes require a wired connection first to “authorise” the device before wireless becomes available.

Why MG4 Android Auto Disconnects Randomly

1. Overheating Phone

Fast charging + navigation + music + sunlight = overheating.

Phones throttle or temporarily disable data functions when hot.

2. Poor Cable Quality

Even small cable movements can cause micro-disconnects.

3. MG4 Head Unit Freeze

Some early MG4 firmware versions were notoriously unstable.

4. Background App Conflicts

Samsung, Xiaomi, and Oppo phones are especially aggressive with app killing.

MG4 HV Battery Shut Off — Complete Troubleshooting & Prevention Guide

MG4 Auto Hold Fault: The Complete Real-World Guide to Fixing, Understanding, and Preventing Auto Hold Problems

How to Prevent Android Auto Problems in the MG4

1. Use Quality Accessories

• Anker or Google USB-C cable
• A slim phone case that doesn’t block the port

2. Keep Software Updated

Both car and phone.

3. Avoid Excessive Heat

Place phone close to AC vents.

4. Don’t Use Cheap Aftermarket USB Hubs

They weaken data connections.

5. Connect Before Driving

Establishing the handshake while stationary helps stability.

MG4-Specific Quirks You Should Know

1. Touchscreen Lag

The MG4’s touchscreen isn’t the fastest, which sometimes appears as Android Auto lag.

2. USB Ports Wear Quickly

Loose fit = unstable connection.

3. Software Glitches After Updates

Occasionally, updates solve some problems and introduce others.

4. Wireless Android Auto Is Sensitive

If WiFi signal drops, Android Auto collapses instantly.

Advanced Fixes for Persistent Issues

Revoke USB Access Permissions

Go to:
Settings → System → Developer Options → Revoke USB Debugging Authorisations

Then reconnect.

Reset Network Settings

On your phone:
Settings → System → Reset → Reset Network Settings

This clears corrupted Bluetooth/WiFi settings.

MG4 Factory Reset (Last Resort)

This resets the car’s infotainment system to fresh factory settings.

Only use this if:

• Everything else has failed
• You experience broader system issues

When to Contact MG Support

If you’ve checked cables, permissions, updates, ports, and still experience:

• Frequent disconnects
• Android Auto freezing MG4 screen
• Head unit restarts
• Wireless Android Auto never connects

Then it's time to contact your MG service center. You may have:

• Faulty USB data port
• Infotainment firmware corruption
• Bluetooth hardware failure

These require dealership repairs.

Conclusion: Android Auto Can Work Beautifully in the MG4—Once It’s Set Up Properly

Getting Android Auto working in the MG4 may feel like wrestling technology gremlins, but once you’ve established a stable connection, the experience is smooth, fast, and incredibly convenient. With the right cable, proper permissions, updated software, and a clean connection setup, the MG4 delivers a reliable Android Auto experience that enhances every drive.

Consider this guide your go-to companion. If Android Auto acts up again next week (as it occasionally does), you’ll know exactly what steps to take.

FAQs

1. Why won’t my phone connect to Android Auto in my MG4?

Usually due to cable issues, outdated software, blocked permissions, or phone battery optimisation.

2. Does the MG4 support wireless Android Auto?

Yes, but some phones require a wired setup first before wireless pairing becomes available.

3. Why does Android Auto keep disconnecting while driving?

Faulty cables, overheating phones, or unstable USB ports are the most common culprits.

4. Do I need a special cable for Android Auto?

Yes—use a premium, data-capable USB cable. Cheap cables often fail.

5. Can a software update fix Android Auto issues?

Absolutely. MG frequently releases fixes through OTA or dealer updates.

MG4 HV Battery Shut Off — Complete Troubleshooting & Prevention Guide

MG4 Auto Hold Fault: The Complete Real-World Guide to Fixing, Understanding, and Preventing Auto Hold Problems

MG4 Not Charging at Home: Complete Troubleshooting Guide

If you want to know other articles similar to MG4 Android Auto Not Working: The Complete Troubleshooting Guide you can visit the category Common Problems.