What Can You Do With Android’s Driving Mode?

Google Assistant driving mode is a feature that makes your phone safer and easier to use when you’re driving. The dashboard uses a card-based interface that’s easy to see at a glance and uses voice commands with the help of Google Assistant.

Since it’s built into Google Assistant, you don’t need to download and install a separate app like Android Auto. You can also use it in connection with your vehicle through Bluetooth or directly on your phone with no connection to your car.

Does Android Have a Car Mode?

Google Assistant driving mode is Android’s car mode starting with Android 12. It replaces the Android interface with a card-based interface that’s easier to see and use without taking too much attention away from the task of driving.

Before introducing driving mode, there was no dedicated Android driving mode. However, the Android Auto app provided an interface designed for driving. Android phones with the Android Auto app can automatically connect to Android Auto-compatible vehicles. 

What Does the Drive Mode App Do?

When you activate Google Assistant driving mode, a couple of things happen. The most obvious change is the driving mode user interface designed for easy use when you’re driving. It uses large cards—configurable squares and rectangles that display information from various apps and access functions like calling and text messaging. If you prefer to keep your eyes on the road at all times, the driving mode also accepts voice commands and can read text out loud with the help of Google Assistant.

The card-based driving mode interface reduces driver distraction by presenting information front and center and reducing the need to tap through menus or scroll through lists. You can tap any card in the interface to access the corresponding app or function.

The driving mode also accepts voice commands, so you don’t need to tap cards in the user interface. You can launch driving mode by saying, “Hey Google, let’s drive,” and once it’s active, you can use voice commands to make and answer calls, send text messages, listen to music, and more. Google Assistant will also read incoming text messages if you use the voice command, “Hey Google, read my messages.”

How is Driving Mode Different From Android Auto?

Android Auto and Google Assistant driving mode are both Android driving modes, but Android Auto is also the name of the technology Google uses to connect phones to dashboard screens in cars.

Here's an overview of each:

• Android Auto: Android Auto is Google's technology to connect Android phones to cars. It allows you to replace the standard interface on your vehicle's in-dash display with a custom Android interface provided by your connected phone. It enables you to make and receive calls and texts, project apps from your phone, and more. It's only available if your vehicle supports it.
• Android Auto app: This is a phone-based driving mode that you can use even if your vehicle doesn't support Android Auto or doesn't have a screen. It replaces the standard Android interface on your phone with a custom interface that's easier to see and use when you're driving.
• Google Assistant driving mode: This is also a phone-based driving mode. It replaces the Android Auto app starting with Android 12. It features a redesigned interface, more reliance on voice controls, and reduces the need to look at the display because Google Assistant reads important information aloud and provides voice-based prompts.

Why Does My Phone Go Into Drive Mode?

Android phones will go into drive mode under some specific circumstances. An Android phone will enter drive mode when it connects to your vehicle regardless of whether it uses Android Auto or Google Assistant. Android phones also enter drive mode when users launch Android Auto or Google Assistant drive mode.

If your vehicle uses Android Auto, and your phone is compatible with Android Auto, it will automatically enter drive mode when connecting to the vehicle via Bluetooth. It will also enter drive mode if you launch the Android Auto app, even if it isn’t connected to a vehicle at all.