Waze is finally removing a major friction point for Android Auto users, bringing its functionality in line with Google Maps by unlocking phone access.
Unlocking the phone screen
It has been a bit of a mess for Waze enthusiasts on Android Auto. For the longest time, the moment you connected your device to your car, the app on your phone essentially locked up. You were usually greeted with a black screen or a banner telling you to focus on the dashboard, rendering the phone useless for inputting directions. Thankfully, that frustration is coming to an end.According to a new report, a widespread update is rolling out that allows you to open and use the Waze app on your mobile device while it is simultaneously running on your car’s display. While this feature has been popping up in beta versions for a few months, it now appears to be hitting stable builds for everyone.
Playing catch-up with Google Maps
Banner appearing for users in Android Auto notifying them that the feature is now available. | Image credit — u/eh_itzvictor (Reddit)
If I’m being honest, this is a feature that feels long overdue. Google Maps—which acts as both a sibling and a direct competitor to Waze—resolved this exact limitation back in 2023. Before that change, Maps users were stuck in the same “locked screen” boat, and it was universally hated.Why is this update so vital? Simply put, car infotainment systems often lag behind smartphones in terms of responsiveness. Typing an address on a dashboard touchscreen can be finicky, slow, and distracting. Furthermore, many older vehicles or specific models still rely on rotary dials rather than touchscreens. Trying to type “Main Street” by scrolling through an alphabet wheel is a nightmare.
This change levels the playing field. It allows a passenger to easily grab the phone to add a pit stop or check alternative routes without interrupting the driver’s view of the map on the big screen. It acknowledges that the phone is often the better input device, even if the car is the better viewing device.
Ideally, better late than never
Personally, I find myself constantly torn between these two navigation giants. I tend to prefer Google Maps for its cleaner UI and superior lane guidance, but Waze is unbeatable when it comes to real-time police spotting and hazard alerts. However, the inability to quickly grab my phone and change a destination on Waze was a massive deterrent that often sent me back to Maps.This update removes that barrier. It makes Waze feel significantly less restrictive and much more modern. It’s a quality-of-life improvement that might finally convince me to stick with Waze for my daily commute. If you don’t see the feature working yet, try force-stopping the app and reopening it while connected; that seems to be the trick to get the new pop-up to appear.
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Google’s recently announced call recording is expanding to all markets where you can buy a Pixel phone, but that’s not the only good news the Mountain View tech giant has for Android fans.
Android Auto gets Call Screening and Call Notes
With a new update, Android Auto will now be able to screen calls (via your phone) in your car. Later this year, Call Notes is also coming to Android Auto for important conversations that you have but can’t note down the important stuff (as, supposedly, you’re driving at that moment). These two are super-handy additions to Android Auto. Call Screening, in particular, is very helpful and can save you time from having to accept an unnecessary call while you’re driving.
Image Credit – Google
The feature works with unknown callers and people who are not in your contact list. It will ask the person who they are and what the reason is for their call, and then this info gets passed to you. This way, you can choose either to accept the call or decline it.
On the other hand, Call Notes creates a text summary of your phone call. The feature was first introduced with the Pixel 9 series. This addition to Android Auto will be super helpful if it’s a business call.
Call Screening is a must-have for car systems
Thanks to these two new features, Android Auto is getting even more useful. Google’s main competitor, Apple, also has the Call Screening feature on its newer iPhones (comes with the recently launched iOS 26), and the feature can work in CarPlay, which is Apple’s system to connect your phone to your car’s infotainment system.
Call Screening is a super useful feature, especially when you’re driving. It eliminates distracting calls without you having to pick up or deal with them, so kudos to Google for bringing it to Android Auto.
Two super-handy features make Android Auto even better
I love both of these new features, and I’m excited that Google is bringing them to Android Auto. Actually, I kinda think they’re way more useful for Android Auto than on your phone, and the same applies to Apple’s take. These two features are definitely features I would welcome when I’m driving. Now, I hope these manage to work good and without bugs.
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Izzy, a tech enthusiast and a key part of the PhoneArena team, specializes in delivering the latest mobile tech news and finding the best tech deals. Her interests extend to cybersecurity, phone design innovations, and camera capabilities. Outside her professional life, Izzy, a literature master’s degree holder, enjoys reading, painting, and learning languages. She’s also a personal growth advocate, believing in the power of experience and gratitude. Whether it’s walking her Chihuahua or singing her heart out, Izzy embraces life with passion and curiosity.
