Enable Developer Settings on Android Auto - A Step-by-Step Guide
Unlocking Hidden Features: Android Auto Developer Settings
Google frequently conceals advanced options within its applications, a practice intended to prevent unintended modifications by typical users. However, for those who enjoy customization – or are professional developers – accessing these hidden menus can be quite rewarding.
Related: A Guide to Enabling Developer Options and USB Debugging on Android
What are Developer Settings?
The Developer Settings area provides access to experimental functionalities, adjustments, and features not generally intended for the average consumer. It's common to find numerous options that are irrelevant to non-developers. Android Auto follows this pattern, offering a concealed Developer Settings menu that, while not revolutionary, is still interesting to explore.
It’s important to note that all Developer Settings are accessed through the Android app, not directly on the Android Auto unit itself. Therefore, launching the app is the initial step.
How to Enable the Menu
The process for unlocking the Developer Settings is familiar to anyone acquainted with Android’s developer options. Repeatedly tap the "Android Auto" text located in the upper left corner of the screen – specifically, ten times.
As you approach enabling the menu, a brief notification will appear, indicating the number of taps remaining.
Upon receiving confirmation that the developer menu has been unlocked, it becomes accessible through the three-dot overflow menu situated in the top right corner of the application.
Exploring the Settings
Within this menu, you can manage certain visible features, such as the conditions for switching between day and night modes. The default setting is "car-controlled," which automatically activates night mode when the vehicle’s headlights are engaged.
Alternative options include phone-controlled, day-only, and night-only modes. Personal preference dictates the optimal setting, though allowing the car to manage it is a popular choice.
The function of many other settings within this menu remains unclear for typical users. However, experimentation is encouraged to discover potentially useful or interesting functionalities.
Currently, comprehensive documentation regarding these settings is lacking, making exploration a journey into largely uncharted territory.