Install APK on Android Automotive (AAOS) — Sideload Apps in Your Car

Install APK on Android Automotive OS (AAOS)

Android Automotive OS is the full embedded Android in your car's infotainment system — not phone mirroring, not Android Auto, but a complete OS with a Play Store. When an app isn't available in the automotive Play Store variant, AnExplorer's APK installer lets you sideload it directly.

Supported Vehicles

Any vehicle with Android Automotive OS and a Play Store is compatible. This includes:

• Polestar 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 — all AAOS variants
• Volvo — EX40, EX30, EX90, C40, XC40 (2023+ with Android built-in)
• Honda Prologue / Accord (2026+)
• GM / Chevrolet / Cadillac — Equinox EV, Blazer EV, LYRIQ, CELESTIQ
• Ford — Explorer, Expedition, Lincoln models
• BYD / Renault / Nissan — AAOS variants
• Volkswagen ID. series — ID.3, ID.4, ID.5, ID.7, ID.Buzz (MIB3)

Method 1 — USB Drive (Most Reliable)

No network required. Works on all AAOS vehicles with a USB-A or USB-C media port.

1. On your PC, download the APK and copy it to a FAT32-formatted USB drive
2. Plug the USB drive into the car's USB media port (not the charging-only port — check your manual)
3. In the car, open AnExplorer → USB Storage
4. Navigate to the APK file → tap it
5. If prompted, enable Install Unknown Apps for AnExplorer in the car's Settings → Security
6. Tap Install — the app appears in the car's launcher

Method 2 — WiFi Transfer from Phone

No USB drive needed. Requires both phone and car on the same WiFi network (car's built-in hotspot or home WiFi).

1. On your phone, open AnExplorer → navigate to the APK → tap WiFi Share
2. In the car's AnExplorer, open Network → WiFi Receive
3. Connect and accept the transfer — APK arrives in car's internal storage
4. Tap the received APK in AnExplorer to install

Method 3 — Remote Install via ADB from Phone

AnExplorer's Remote Install installs silently on the car without showing the Android confirmation dialog — ideal for deploying multiple apps or testing builds without touching the infotainment screen.

WiFi ADB (recommended — no cable):

1. In the car's Settings → About → tap Build Number 7 times to enable Developer Options
2. Settings → Developer Options → Wireless Debugging → ON
3. Tap Pair device with pairing code — note the IP, port, and 6-digit code shown on screen
4. On your phone, navigate to the APK in AnExplorer → tap Remote Install
5. Enter the IP address and pairing code shown in the car
6. Tap Pair, then Install — the app installs silently on the car's infotainment

USB ADB:

1. In the car: Developer Options → USB Debugging → ON
2. Connect the car's USB-C port to your phone
3. Navigate to the APK in AnExplorer on your phone → tap Remote Install
4. Accept the "Allow USB Debugging" prompt on the car screen
5. Tap Install — done

ADB is the recommended method for fleet installations (e.g., ride-share vehicles or commercial fleets deploying the same APK on multiple AAOS units).

Enabling Unknown Sources in AAOS till Android 12

AAOS security settings are per-app (same as Android 8+):

1. Settings → Apps → Special App Access → Install Unknown Apps
2. Find AnExplorer in the list → toggle Allow from this source ON

This only needs to be done once. The setting persists across reboots.

OEM-Specific Notes

Related Guides

• APK Installer Feature
• File Manager for Android Automotive
• Install APK on AR Glasses