We’ve been using time changes for so long that now they can cause unexpected issues for our devices. Phones and smartwatches adjust the time automatically, but some car clocks won’t follow suit, most notably the dashboard clock. So, if your Android Auto is showing the correct time but the car’s main screen is not, here’s what might be to blame and how to fix it.
How Android Auto Updates Time
Android Auto is an app that helps your car’s multimedia display keep in sync with the data from your mobile (such as the time). As long as your phone’s time is right, when you connect your phone to your car it should auto update the time on the screen. But in some cases, a few more steps are needed to make sure things go off without a hitch.
Why Your Car Clock Didn’t Update
- Cable Connection Delay: Time sync won’t necessarily happen the first time you connect via USB because it may not happen immediately, like when you plug your phone in it should take just seconds.
- Older Multimedia Screens: If you have a non standard screen in your vehicle then Android Auto’s time will not automatically sync, and you may need to adjust it manually.
- No Built-in Connectivity: Auto synchronized clocks aren’t typically found in older vehicles with no built in multimedia screens so you’ll need to adjust the time on the dashboard.
How to Fix It
- Reconnect Android Auto: While your phone is connected securely for USB connections to prompt time sync.
- Manual Adjustment: If your car doesn’t auto sync, then you just get your dashboard clock adjusted by following the specific instructions of your particular car.
- Check Screen Settings: Aftermarket screens, however, may require adjustments for specific settings to ‘sync’ correctly. To have automatic time updates, refer to the screen’s manual.
Most of the time adjusting your time in your car after a time change only takes a moment. However knowing what to check can save you time and keep you on time!