Android Auto is designed to keep drivers focused on the road, which is why Google doesn’t officially allow the YouTube app on the car screen. But what if you’re parked, waiting for someone, charging your car, or taking a long break during a trip? In those moments, it would be nice to use your car’s big infotainment display for entertainment.
In this guide, I’ll show you how to watch YouTube videos on Android Auto in any car using a popular app called CarStream — and the best part is, you don’t need root access. We’ll install CarStream safely using the AAAD (Android Auto Apps Downloader) tool and make it appear directly inside Android Auto.
⚠️ Important: This method should only be used while the car is parked. Watching videos while driving is dangerous and can increase the risk of accidents.
Let’s get started step by step.
What You Need Before You Start
Before we install CarStream and enable YouTube on Android Auto, make sure you have everything ready. The setup is simple, but a few requirements must be met for it to work smoothly.
You’ll need:
- An Android phone
- A car that supports Android Auto (USB or wireless)
- Active internet connection
- The Android Auto app installed
- The AAAD (Android Auto Apps Downloader) app
First, make sure Android Auto is installed on your phone. Some phones come with it preinstalled, but if you don’t have it, install it from the Play Store using the button below:
Next, we’ll install AAAD, which allows us to download Android Auto apps that aren’t available on the Play Store — including CarStream.
Let’s move to the installation steps.
Step 1: Install AAAD (Android Auto Apps Downloader)
CarStream is not available on the Play Store, so we use a helper app called AAAD to install it safely. AAAD acts as a downloader for Android Auto-compatible apps that Google doesn’t list officially.
Open a browser on your phone and download AAAD from its official GitHub page using the button below:
After downloading:
- Open the AAAD APK file
- Tap Install
- If Android blocks the installation:
- Tap Settings
- Enable Allow from this source
- Go back and install again
Once installed, open AAAD. It may ask permission to install unknown apps — allow it.
Now we’re ready to install CarStream in the next step.
Step 2: Install CarStream Using AAAD
Now that AAAD is installed, we’ll use it to download and install CarStream on your phone.
- Open the AAAD app
- Inside the app, you’ll see a list of available Android Auto apps
- Tap on CarStream
- Choose the latest version
- Tap Install
Wait a few seconds while AAAD downloads and installs the app.
If Android asks again for permission to install apps, allow it. This is normal because CarStream is being installed from outside the Play Store.
Once installation finishes, you’ll see CarStream in your app drawer.
Next, we’ll configure CarStream so it looks better on your car screen.
Step 3: Configure CarStream for a Better Car Screen Experience
Before connecting to your car, it’s a good idea to adjust CarStream’s settings so the interface looks clean and easy to use on a large infotainment display.
- Open the CarStream app on your phone
- Tap the three-dot menu in the top-right corner
- Go to Settings
- Enable Desktop Mode
Desktop mode makes the layout more user-friendly for wide car screens and improves navigation while parked.
You can also sign in to your YouTube account here if you want access to subscriptions, history, and playlists.
Now we’re ready to connect your phone to the car and launch CarStream inside Android Auto.
Step 4: Connect Your Phone to the Car and Open CarStream
Now it’s time to launch CarStream on your car’s infotainment screen.
- Connect your phone to the car using a USB cable
or
connect wirelessly if your car supports wireless Android Auto - Android Auto will open automatically on the car display
- Open the Android Auto app drawer
- Look for the CarStream icon and tap it
Once opened, you can:
- Sign in to your YouTube account
- Search for videos
- Play videos directly on the car screen
If everything is set up correctly, YouTube videos should now stream smoothly on your infotainment display while the car is parked.
If CarStream doesn’t appear, don’t worry — the next step shows how to fix that.
Step 5: If CarStream Doesn’t Appear in Android Auto (Fix)
Sometimes CarStream installs correctly but doesn’t show up in Android Auto. This usually happens because Android Auto hides apps from unknown sources by default. We just need to enable developer options.
Follow these steps:
- Open Settings on your phone
- Search for Android Auto and open it
- Scroll down to Version
- Tap Version repeatedly (10 times)
→ This enables Developer Mode
Now:
- Tap the three-dot menu in the top-right corner
- Open Developer Settings
- Enable Unknown sources
After enabling this:
- Disconnect your phone from the car
- Restart Android Auto
- Reconnect the phone
CarStream should now appear in the Android Auto app list.
If it still doesn’t show:
- Restart your phone
- Restart the car infotainment system
- Try reconnecting again
Next, we’ll go over some important safety notes and final tips before you use this feature.
Important Safety Notes (Read Before Using)
Watching videos inside a car can be convenient when parked, but it can also become dangerous if misused. Please keep these safety reminders in mind:
- ❗ Never watch videos while driving
- Only use CarStream when the car is fully parked
- Distracted driving can lead to serious accidents
- Follow your local traffic and road safety laws
This method is meant for entertainment during breaks, waiting time, or when parked — not for use on the road.
Also keep in mind:
- CarStream is a third-party app
- Android Auto updates may sometimes break compatibility
- If the app stops working after an update, you may need to reinstall or wait for a patch
Final Words
That’s it! You’ve successfully learned how to watch YouTube videos on Android Auto in any car using CarStream — without root.
It’s a simple setup that gives you entertainment on your car’s big screen when you’re parked. Just remember to use it responsibly and prioritize safety at all times.
If this guide helped you, share it with friends who use Android Auto — and enjoy your parked movie time 🚗📺
