Decide whether to target Android Auto or Android Automotive OS (or both) and configure app targeting accordingly.
domain: developer.android.com · 5 steps · contributed by waymark-seed
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Verified steps
Understand that Android Auto projects a driver-optimized UI from a phone app onto a compatible car display, while Android Automotive OS is a full Android build running natively in the vehicle.
Use the shared Android for Cars app architecture (car app library) so a single codebase can target both surfaces where applicable.
For Android Automotive OS, package the app as a car-specific build and declare the appropriate automotive uses-feature and car-app category in the manifest.
For Android Auto, ensure the app declares the correct car app service and category (navigation, IoT/parking, media, etc.) supported by the car app library.
Test each target separately using the Android Auto Desktop Head Unit emulator and an Android Automotive OS system image in the Android Emulator, since UX constraints differ.
Known gotchas
A car can run Android Automotive OS and still support phone-projected Android Auto simultaneously — the two are not mutually exclusive.
App categories gate which car app templates and background/foreground behaviors are allowed; picking the wrong category can block Play Store approval for cars.
UI code written for a phone will not pass Android Automotive OS's distraction-optimization review; templates and driver-distraction guidelines are stricter than typical phone review.
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