Over the past several months, countless users have reported experiencing wired and wireless Android Auto disconnects, especially with Samsung and Pixel devices. Thankfully, it looks like a recently released Google Play Services update might solve that problem. The update, which went live on Monday, June 8th, includes the note, "Bug fixes for Device Connection related services." Google doesn't offer more context than this, but it seems to be specifically related to solving Android Auto's ongoing disconnection problem.

It's difficult to pinpoint the cause of the problem, as is often the case with in-car infotainment disconnection issues, but the common belief is that it's tied to Android's Advanced Protection security, which causes the USB connection to drop. The feature seems to reset the phone's USB Protection settings and block Android Auto from running consistently.

Android Advanced Protection encompasses all existing security settings and privacy tools, including Theft Detection, Offline Device Lock, Unknown App Protection, and more. At the same time, wireless Android Auto users have also reported experiencing connection issues, so the problem might not be entirely related to Advanced Protection.

A few weeks ago, I put together a guide to various settings you can change and other steps you can take to help keep your connection more consistent.

Google's Android Auto revamp is still on the way

The tech giant has a plan to give the in-car infotainment platform a more polished look

Over on Tom's Guide, Scott Younker explains that after downloading the security update, their Galaxy S26 Ultra connected to Android Auto immediately and maintained the connection more consistently. Several other publications, including Android Authority and Android Police, have also reported that the update has solved at least some of Android Auto's disconnection issues. I'd test the update myself, but I haven't experienced Android Auto disconnection problems with my Pixel 10 Pro or my Galaxy S26 Ultra.

To find the Google Play Services updates, navigate to Settings > Apps > See All Apps > then look for Google Play Services > scroll to App Details > and tap Update. In other Android Auto-related news, Google recently revealed a comprehensive plan to turn Android Auto into a slicker, more cohesive in-car platform, complete with a Material 3 Expressive redesign of core apps. Has the latest Google Play Services helped with your Android Auto disconnection issues? Let us know in the comments below.