Wireless Android Auto Connection Issue on 2025 4Runner TRD Off-Road Premium (Pixel 10 Pro Fold, Android 16)

[husky_motorcycle]

Hello everyone,

I am having a persistent issue connecting to Android Auto wirelessly on my brand new 2025 US Toyota 4Runner TRD Off-Road Premium. I am using a Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold running Android Version 16.

Here are the details of the problem and the troubleshooting steps I've taken:

• Vehicle & Head Unit: 2025 4Runner TRD Off-Road Premium (US Model).
• Smartphone: Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold, Android 16.

Symptoms:

1. Initial Connection: The phone and head unit connect via Bluetooth successfully for Phone and Audio functions. However, when I go to the device settings screen, only "Phone" and "Audio" are displayed; Android Auto does not appear as an option.
2. Wired Connection: Android Auto works perfectly via a wired USB connection.
3. Post-Wired State: After connecting once via USB, the device settings screen changes to display a toggle button for Android Auto.
4. Attempting Wireless: Even with the Android Auto toggle now visible (from step 3), attempting to turn it ON while connected only via Bluetooth results in a message stating that Android Auto requires a wired connection and it remains unusable wirelessly.

Troubleshooting Steps Taken:

• I enabled Developer Mode on the Pixel and tried disabling/re-enabling the "Wireless Android Auto" option, but the behavior remains the same.
• I have ensured the Bluetooth connection is active.

My Question:


Given these specific symptoms, what do you think is the likely cause of the issue?

1. Is it a limitation of the 2025 4Runner's head unit (perhaps only the higher-tier trims/packages support wireless AA)?
2. Is it a known software/firmware bug between the head unit and Android 16 / Pixel 10 Pro Fold?
3. Could it be a specific setting I am missing?

Any help or insight from others with the 2025 4Runner (especially the TRD Off-Road Premium) would be greatly appreciated! Thank you.

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[Dead Horse]

Mine disconnected several times on my initial (six hour) drive home. I was fairly irritated at it.

But in the couple of weeks since, it's been pretty much trouble free. Lost connection and wanted a wire once or twice, but holding the volume/power button down and doing a soft reset that way corrected it instantly.

I also have an ORP, and am using a Pixel 7 Pro on Android 16.

 

[husky_motorcycle]

Did you perform a soft reset on your Pixel? And you mean that you never face the same symptom after performing a soft reset on your pixel?

I've done a soft rest on my Pixel again and again but still have this issue...

 

[EL616]

The ORP definitely supports wireless AA. I'm not sure about your issue with the setting not showing up specifically, but give this a try -- it essentially solved all my problems with skipping and it's worked pretty much flawlessly for me ever since.

https://www.4runner6g.com/forum/thr...io-skips-and-disconnects-fix.4965/#post-84611

 

[Dead Horse]

Did you perform a soft reset on your Pixel? And you mean that you never face the same symptom after performing a soft reset on your pixel?

I've done a soft rest on my Pixel again and again but still have this issue...

No, a soft reset on the truck radio. Hold the power button for several seconds and it'll reboot.

 

[jrenzag]

I'm leaning towards #3... Probably a setting you might be missing. I have pixel pro 10 and TRD ORP and it connects wirelessly (Bluetooth) to Android Auto 95% of the time when I start the car. Occasionally I have to force it with the toggle in the Toyota connection settings in the infotainment.

 

[John2112]

I'm leaning towards #3... Probably a setting you might be missing. I have pixel pro 10 and TRD ORP and it connects wirelessly (Bluetooth) to Android Auto 95% of the time when I start the car. Occasionally I have to force it with the toggle in the Toyota connection settings in the infotainment.

I've had similar experiences with my pixel 10 Pro XL. What finally seemed to be the best option for me, I have a phone mount attached to the start switch so the phone magnetically sits right next to the display and I run a short USBC cable and leave it plugged in all the time. On the occasions that I start the vehicle first and it connects wirelessly I do sometimes encounters some wireless issues. While the system works like you said 95% of the time it seems like that extra 5% where it disconnects is driving through a large city and I'm close to making a turn and it shuts off navigation and disconnects. So now I only use the wired connection and if I end up plugging the phone in a little too late and it connects wirelessly I simply press the volume knob which soft reboots the head unit and the problem is fixed. In a perfect world Android auto and Apple carplay would stay connected 100% of the time but I've never found that to be true in any vehicle. Another reason I do it this way is I use a starlink mini on the roof of my Trailhunter and I want to use its Wi-Fi on the phone and you can't do that if you're using Android auto or Apple carplay. The same is true if you want to use the built-in AT&t Wi-Fi from Toyota with a hotspot. I travel across country and like the different available options. After using this setup for 6 months it's flawless and never disconnects from its wired connection.

 

[sliver]

I have the same phone, with the TH. It connects successfully 1 time out of 3. I have to go in and force the connection (Really annoying, I've had issues with Toyota infotainment for 20 years (different model, it's their achiles heel) I had a subaru and a honda, worked all the time everytime. and the Honda was with the fold, just traded it in, for the TH) Toyota seems to just have given up on it...)


That being said, sometimes I need a soft reset, but most of the time, I just go in there and force Android auto and it works. My wife has a Venza, and same problem. But on the Venza, it does connect 2 out of 3 times... So it's definitely an infotainment issue, not your phone.

 

[JasonIsLost]

Does anyone know how to force a wired connection? I have a lot of issues with AA wireless connectivity (skipping, occasional "conection timed out" etc.) and would not mind having the wired conection if it meant AA worked without issues.

If I turn bluetooth off on the phone (Pixel 9 Pro), the infotainment screen prompts me to reconect via cable or bluetooth. However, despite having the phone connected through the USB-C port in the console, it doesn't connect.

 

[John2112]

Does anyone know how to force a wired connection? I have a lot of issues with AA wireless connectivity (skipping, occasional "conection timed out" etc.) and would not mind having the wired conection if it meant AA worked without issues.

If I turn bluetooth off on the phone (Pixel 9 Pro), the infotainment screen prompts me to reconect via cable or bluetooth. However, despite having the phone connected through the USB-C port in the console, it doesn't connect.

Plug into the USBC port on the side of your infotainment center, press the volume button on the entertainment system to reboot. You should be connected after that. If not check the quality of your USBC cord.

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