Google’s latest Google Play Services update includes connectivity-related bug fixes for Android Auto, months after users reported dropped connections, failed pairing, and Android Auto not launching automatically.
If Android Auto has been a frustrating stop-and-start experience—phone connects, then doesn’t; launches, then stalls—Google has another round of fixes queued up for you.
The latest Google Play Services update brings connectivity-related bug fixes for Android Auto. Google’s changelog for Google Play Services v26.22 includes an entry that points directly to “Bug fixes for Device Connections related services.” The company doesn’t spell out which specific issues were addressed. but the message is clear: if your problem is about staying connected. this update is aimed at that.
That matters because the complaints weren’t minor. Earlier this year, many Android Auto users reported major connectivity problems. Google rolled out fixes shortly after the first wave of reports, but some people say the trouble didn’t fully go away.
The most common issues described by users included dropped connections, Android Auto not launching automatically, and failed pairing. The reports also weren’t limited to one setup: both wired and wireless Android Auto users were affected. Still, the bulk of the feedback came from wired users.
There was also a noticeable pattern in who complained the most. Users said the problem hit hardest among Pixel and Galaxy owners.
What makes this latest changelog entry feel consequential is the timing. Google already tried to address the connectivity problems months ago. and now it’s publishing additional fixes under the same umbrella—device connection services—suggesting the underlying reliability issue may have needed more than one pass.
For Android Auto users still wrestling with connection failures, the v26.22 update is at least another concrete step in the right direction. And if your phone still won’t stay paired or won’t reliably launch Android Auto, it’s the kind of update you’ll want to install sooner rather than later.
Android Auto Google Play Services v26.22 connectivity bug fixes Device Connections wired Android Auto wireless Android Auto Pixel Galaxy
Android Auto never works right on my end, so yeah whatever update this is.
So it fixes dropped connections but they can’t even keep pairing? I feel like they’re always “fixing” it and it just comes back later. Pixel and Galaxy getting hit makes me wanna switch iPhone honestly.
Wait, is this why my Android Auto launches then immediately stalls like it’s frozen? I thought it was the USB cable (wired), but apparently it’s “device connection services” which sounds like witchcraft. Either way I updated Play Services and it didn’t instantly fix it, so I’m not sure I believe it.
Google always does the same thing: break the connection, push an update, and then months later “another round of fixes.” I’ve had failed pairing happen both wired AND wireless so this changelog is like okay cool but what about the actual car? Like does my head unit matter or is it all just the Google Play Services version thing? Also v26.22… isn’t that kinda old news? I’m confused.