2021 4runner android auto

Hello all,
My Samsung phone used to connect and work perfectly on my car. I used to be able to have my google maps , podcast, sound clouds , whatsapp audio and video all working properly. I could hear WhatsApp voice msgs while the navigation is displayed on the screen, no conflict.
Suddenly, 4 weeks ago, when I started the car and connected the phone, it took longer than usual and since then it is going crazy on me ;
1- Android Auto does not play WhatsApp audio or video anymore.
2- either SoundCloud or Google Podcast will start automatically everytime i start the car. Even when i turn them off. It goes on automatically if i got a call , or navigation said something, and sometimes it starts on it own without any trigger.
3- when i disconnect Android Auto and connect through Bluetooth, WhatsApp msgs works, but the google map and others connects audio only and cannot be displayed on the screen.
4- google map display doesn't change mode between day and night.

What i tried so far:
1. Updated Android Auto
2- uninstall and reinstall Android Auto
2- changed the sittings on the car screen
3-changed the settings on the phone
4-removed Android Auto completely from the phone.

Nothing worked !
It is not the phone, i connected my phone to other cars, like Jeep, Accura , Nissan and Ford, it works perfectly and effortlessly.

Any advice and hints are appreciated!!
I am almost sure i am not the only one dealing with this, i couldn't find any thread addressing this issue.

 

Have you tried:

1) A different Android phone in your 4Runner? See if AA works on that device.
2) Update the software/firmware on your Android and on the Entune head unit?

 

I connected another android phone. Same issue still.
I downloaded the Toyota App to check if there is a new update for the headunit software, it says it is up to date, no update is needed.
I donno what else to do.

 

Yeah, I'm kind of stumped also. I did find this support link from Google; it's for all Android Auto issues:

https://support.google.com/androidauto/thread/135116923

[FAQ] Can’t connect or stay connected - How to diagnose/address the issue
Hi everyone,

Whether you reached here by searching or being redirected from another thread, if you are experiencing issues that Android Auto cannot connect to your car display or cannot stay connected, you came to the right place.

Here are steps you can take to diagnose/address the issue:

1. When you plug the phone into the car, confirm the phone is charging: Did that enable you to connect to Android Auto on plugin?
   • No? Your cable or ports might have a severe connection problem. Check the USB ports on the phone, head unit and cable for pocket lint or debris and clean them out. Did this fix your issue?
     • No? Through past bug reports we have found defective USB cables at fault for most connectivity issues. Our users have had good results switching to shorter, tested USB cables to sustain a reliable connection. Here are some tips on how to find USB cables and suggestions from our users. Be aware USB cables tend to wear out over time, consider if you need a replacement. Did this fix your issue?
       • No? Proceed to step 2.
2. Confirm that Android Auto is enabled on your car: Some head units have it turned off by default (e.g. Kia / Hyundai - contact your car manufacturer if you dislike this). Often this is in the head unit’s Settings page (Check your owners manual for more information). Confirm that it is enabled. Did that enable you to connect to Android Auto on plugin?
   • No? Proceed to step 3.
3. Check that the phone is turned on and unlocked: Follow any instructions that appear on your phone screen or notifications.
   • Nothing appears on your phone? Proceed to step 4.
4. Force stop Android Auto. Try force stopping the Android Auto app running on your phone device.
   • Open phone Settings > Apps & notifications > Android Auto > Tap Force stop > Plug your phone to your car and start Android Auto. Did this fix your issue?
     • No? Proceed to step 5.
5. Confirm that the phone is allowing data transfer to the head unit in the car: When your phone is connected to the car, swipe down from the notification shade in Android, and you’ll see a notification that the phone is charging via USB. Tap the notification and select “MTP” or “Media Transfer”. Did that enable you to connect on plugin?
   • No? Proceed to step 6.
6. Installing the latest versions on your phone: Please make sure the Android Auto app and Google App are up-to-date.
   • Go to Google Play Store > Menu > My apps & games > Updates and ensure that you have the latest versions of those apps. Did that enable you to connect Android Auto on plugin?
     • No? Proceed to step 7.
7. Clear storage/cache: Try clearing cache/storage for the Android Auto App, Google App, Google Play services and the Google Play Store following the steps below.
   • Android Auto: Open phone Settings > Apps & notifications > Android Auto > Storage > Clear cache and clear storage
   • Google Assistant: Open phone Settings > Apps & notifications > Google > Storage > Clear cache and clear storage
   • Google Play services: Clear cache and storage for Google Play services

Try these steps and see if they resolves the issue?

 

I was just going to say, it's probably a Google Play Services issue. It's a pretty major app that has its fingers in a lot of system functions. Try clearing the cache for it and if that doesn't work you could trying un-installing any updates the app has.

 

I was having the same issues on my 2021 ORP and also using a Samsung phone (S21), including not being able to make a phone call. I also tried everything. What worked was item #7 in Borracho Loco's post. Clear storage/cache. Good luck. Hope it works.

 

Hey, I helped someone! Sweet.

 

You did and much appreciated!

 

since a different android phone exhibited the same behavior i’d consider factory reset on the headunit.

 

I had a similar issue with Apple Car Play on my 2021 and it was resolved by updating the firmware in the OEM head unit. Instructions to do this can be found in your head unit manual that came with your owners manual or on-line ( a Toyota site - you will have to do a lookup). You do the update through the head unit ( need to be in good cell coverage as it used the factory connectivity).

I tried numerous times to update Car Play on my phone without success but updating the head unit firmware took care of the issue…….

Toyota updates the head unit firmware periodically to keep up with Android and Apple OS version updates. If your head unit’s firmware version does not fully support a new Android or Apple OS release, Android Auto or Apple Car Play may start malfunctioning or just stop working. If your phone is working fine, most likely issue is the head unit firmware version compatibility and an update will fix the problem….

Cheers,
Bob

 

I am having issues with my 2021 Limited. I use an app called AAAD and Femata Auto through AA to be able to play any YouTube videos while driving. It plays whatever video you are playing on your screen as a bonus. Recently the track button on the steering wheel stopped working so I have to manually forward the video to the next video in cue. Kind of sucks and I haven't found a workaround yet. I believe my issue is due to the latest version of AA. I haven't tried to go back to the latest version of AA that worked to see if this fixes my issue.