Update: Beta testers can now use Waze on Android Auto

Update (6/6): Numerous members of the Waze Beta Program are now reporting that Waze for Android Auto is live. Below you can find the email beta testers have been receiving from the Waze team about the Android Auto rollout (via Android Police):

Dear Beta Testers,

** If you’re driving an Audi or Mercedes-Benz vehicle, you can stop reading here as Waze on Android Auto is not yet available for these cars.**

We’re excited to announce that beta testing for Waze on Android Auto (AA) on your car display is now available, but before you start, please make sure to read ALL of our important notes below :).

Before you start testing, you must:

1. Ensure that you have an Android Auto compatible car; note: this isn’t the same as an in-car Android device.
2. Verify that you have an Android phone with OS L+ (M/N preferred).
3. Make sure to update your Centercode profile with the details of your AA device via this link and make sure to submit the (Gmail) email address you use with your device.
4. You cannot use Waze on AA without connecting your phone to your car with a USB cable.
5. This integration has been optimized to work with the car dashboard and as such, many Waze features are intentionally excluded.
6. All beta versions will be accessible via the Play Store Beta Channel, and feedback will be collected via Centercode – see more details below.

To start testing:

1. If you’re currently using a version that’s higher than 4.24.0.2, please delete Waze and then proceed to step 2.
2. All beta versions will be accessible via the Play Store Beta Channel, which means:
   1. Beta versions won’t be available for download in Centercode.
   2. To actually start testing, click this link and then click “Become a tester”. Important: Make sure you’re logged into the Gmail address you used for our registration form. It may take some time for the version to appear in your Play Store app after you’ve completed the registration. If you don’t see the “Become a tester” button, it’s possible that you either missed one of the steps above OR you opened the link while logged into an incorrect email account.
   3. Double check that you have the most up-to-date version of Waze (v.4.24.0.113) on your phone: Settings → Apps → Waze. If you do not see the version, go to the Play Store app and update Waze. If you have automatic updates enabled, all subsequent updates should be installed automatically.
3. When you’re ready to start navigating, open the Waze app on your phone FIRST to accept the terms and conditions – otherwise, you won’t be able to use Waze on Android Auto on your car display.
4. Please note that to enable debug mode (2##2) and send logs, your phone must be disconnected from your car; so, please activate debug mode before you start navigating, and submit logs by disconnecting your device, opening Waze and and then sending logs.

Known Issues:

• Voice commands: Custom Waze voice actions, like “Report Accident”, “Send ETA”, “Stop Navigation” are not yet supported.
• Waze voice prompts are not muted while Android Auto speaks.
• Auto zoom issues on high resolution screens.
• Noticeable lag when triggering an Android Auto voice command when Waze is not opened on the head unit yet.
• Waze terms need to be accepted on the phone after each new install (need notice on car screen instead of crash).
• In some cases of car camera turning on (reverse, etc..) Waze closes and needs to be reopened again.

Feedback – Feedback will be collected in Centercode:

• Found a bug? Open a bug report in Centercode.
• Have some general feedback? Share in this thread.
• Having issues with installing the beta version? Let us know here.

** We received several complaints regarding spam messages in other threads that don’t deal with AA. Please note that all irrelevant comments will be deleted.

Regards,

Waze Beta Team

Original post (5/30): It’s been almost two months since Waze announced beta testing for Android Auto, and it looks like the beta release is finally ready.

For those of you who are in the Waze Beta Program, you probably received an email around two months ago, inviting you to be a part of the beta testing for Waze Android Auto. While many rejoiced at the news, unfortunately, the email didn’t specify when the beta testing would start or when the app would be released for the public. Well, we now have more information regarding the former. In an email sent out to beta testers, Waze outlines how to use the beta version of Waze on Android Auto:

Beta testing for Waze on Android Auto (AA) is getting closer!! :) Please read everything below if you’re interested in testing.

Make sure to complete the following steps:

1. Make sure to update your Centercode profile with the details of your AA device via this link (ensure that you have an Android Auto compatible car; note: this isn’t the same as an in-car Android device).
2. If AA is available in your country and you haven’t already registered for testing, fill out this registration form carefully and make sure to submit the (Gmail) email address you use with your device.
3. Ensure that you have an Android phone with OS L+ (M/N preferred).

Please note:

• This integration has been optimized to work with the car dashboard and as such, many Waze features are intentionally excluded.
• All beta versions will be accessible via the Play Store Beta Channel, and feedback will be collected via Centercode – more details in the upcoming weeks.
• You cannot use Waze on AA without connecting your mobile phone to your AA enabled car with a USB cable.
• We know you’re all excited and we can’t wait to read your feedback. We also received several complaints regarding spam messages in the forum threads – so please note that irrelevant comments will be deleted.

According to 9to5Google, an anonymous source sent this in, and it tells us a few important things: the beta release of Waze will be available through the Play Store, and Waze will be explaining in the future just how it plans to collect user feedback from beta testers before the official launch. As the email explains, you will need to ensure that your Centercode profile is updated accordingly and that you have an Android phone running Lollipop or higher.

Although Waze for Android Auto isn’t quite ready for the general public just yet, the release of the beta version is a sign that the big launch might be closer than we think.

Are you a beta tester for Waze Android Auto? Have you received these instructions as well? Let us know in the comments below!