# Android Auto Removal Guide

### Overview

Some apps **do not actually provide Android Auto functionality** but still include Android Auto–related components due to:

* Temporary or test-purpose library inclusion
* Misunderstanding of dependencies while implementing media, notifications, or navigation
* Legacy configurations that were never removed

Even if Android Auto features are not used, the app **may still be recognized as an Android Auto–supported app** by the system or app stores, which can lead to unnecessary behaviors such as service binding or policy misclassification.

This guide explains **what must be removed if your app does NOT support Android Auto**.

***

### How an App Is Recognized as an Android Auto App

Android Auto does **not** rely solely on whether a library is included.\
Instead, it determines Android Auto support based on **Manifest declarations and services**.

Your app may be treated as Android Auto–compatible if **any** of the following are present:

* `androidx.car.app` (Android for Cars App Library) dependency
* `CarAppService` declaration
* Android Auto–specific `intent-filter` or `meta-data`
* Automotive / Android Auto–related `uses-feature`

Android Auto and Android Automotive OS overview:\
<https://developers.google.com/cars/>

***

### Components That Must Be Removed If Android Auto Is Not Used

#### 1. Remove Gradle Dependencies (Required)

If your project includes Android Auto Jetpack libraries, they must be removed.

```
Gradledependencies {
    implementation "androidx.car.app:app:..."
    implementation "androidx.car.app:app-projected:..."
}
```

These libraries are **specifically designed for Android Auto and Android Automotive OS apps**.\
If you do not support Android Auto, they should not be included.

Official library documentation:\
<https://developer.android.com/training/cars/apps/library>

***

#### 2. Remove CarAppService from AndroidManifest.xml (Critical)

If the following service exists, Android Auto **will automatically attempt to bind to your app**, even if no UI is shown.

**Must not exist in apps without Android Auto support**

```
<service
    android:name=".MyCarAppService"
    android:exported="true">
    <intent-filter>
        <action android:name="androidx.car.app.CarAppService" />
    </intent-filter>

    <meta-data
        android:name="androidx.car.app.category"
        android:value="navigation" />
</service>
```

* Android Auto detects apps via service declarations
* Lifecycle callbacks may be triggered even without actual functionality

Android Auto service binding model:\
<https://developers.google.com/cars/>

***

#### 3. Remove Android Auto Category Meta-data

The following `meta-data` explicitly categorizes your app as a car app:

```
<meta-data
    android:name="androidx.car.app.category"
    android:value="navigation | media | communication" />
```

* These values correspond to **official Android Auto app categories**
* Presence alone marks the app as an Android Auto app

Supported categories and requirements:\
<https://developer.android.com/training/cars/apps/library>

***

#### 4. Remove Automotive / Android Auto uses-feature

Check for the following feature declaration:

```
<uses-feature
    android:name="android.hardware.type.automotive"
    android:required="false" />
```

* Used by Google Play and the system to determine vehicle-related apps
* Should be removed if Android Auto is not supported

Manifest `uses-feature` behavior:\
<https://developer.android.com/guide/topics/manifest/uses-feature-element>

***

#### 5. Remove Android Auto–Only Services and Components

If added **solely for Android Auto support**, the following should be removed:

* `MediaBrowserService` for in-car use only
* Android Auto–specific notification integrations
* Automotive messaging / reply intent handling

Android Auto discovers apps primarily via service declarations:\
<https://developers.google.com/cars/>


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