Google probing why Android Auto broke on some Pixel phones following Android 13 update

Google is investigating and apparently working on an issue which seems to have broken the ability of some Pixel 5 smartphones to run Android Auto. It is reported that the issue arose after a few Pixel 5 owners upgraded their OS to Android 13. Some users also claim that workaround solutions like resetting the car to factory settings worked for them.
While the problem was first reported in September, reports stating the problem started to pour in earlier this week when a number of users raised the issue on a Google support page. The company acknowledged and said, “Thank you for reporting this issue. We have forwarded your issue to the rest of the team and will keep you updated with the available information.”

A number of Google Pixel 5 owners complained that their Android Auto was running smoothly when they had Android 12 installed. But after they upgraded to Android 13, Android Auto stopped working. Some users claim that they tried walkaround solutions such as changing cables, clearing cache, and some even did a factory reset on their vehicles’ infotainment systems but the issue remained. It worked for a handful of them “after multiple minutes.”
Some users said that they were able to resolve the issue by accessing Developer Settings on their phones and switching the “Default USB Configuration” to favour “File Transfer/Android Auto.” A stable fix has not been released yet.
Android Auto new UI
Last week Google rolled out Android Auto 8.2 to beta testers. The update brought a redesign, which is internally known as “Coolwalk”. The company has already showcased the new user interface at I/O 2022 and it will essentially put all the important functionalities that drivers prioritise in their cars — navigation, media and communication — on one single screen. The new look, which was supposed to roll out later this summer, will show maps, media player and communications apps on the same page.