If you’re experiencing Android Auto issues after installing the November security patch on your Galaxy phone, it’s likely not a bug. Instead, it might be an update to Auto Blocker Samsung rolled out to all Galaxy devices this month. Depending on your settings, this update blocks all USB connections except for charging. Fortunately, there’s a simple fix for the problem.
Samsung’s November update might break Android Auto, here’s a quick fix
Alongside the usual set of vulnerability patches from Google, Samsung, and other industry partners, the November update for Galaxy phones brings a major change to the Auto Blocker feature. The new security tool meant to block malicious or untrusted apps can now block all USB connections. When set to “Maximum restrictions,” the USB port only lets you charge the device.
Your Galaxy phone doesn’t read any other USB connection, not even wired Android Auto. As such, Android Auto will look broken after the update if you use a wired connection and have set Auto Blocker to Maximum restrictions. Of course, the problem doesn’t exist if you use wireless Android Auto or have disabled Android Auto or tuned off the Maximum restrictions option.
For those facing problems with wired Android Auto, here’s how to fix it. Open the Settings app on your Galaxy phone and go to Security and privacy. Now, locate Auto Blocker and turn it off. You need to verify your fingerprint to disable this feature. You can keep Auto Blocker on and disable Maximum restrictions to unblock all USB connections. This should fix your wired Android Auto issues.
Note that the USB restrictions are enabled only if you have installed the November security update on your Galaxy phone or tablet. As of this writing, the latest security patch is available for the Galaxy S24, Galaxy S23, Galaxy Tab S10, Galaxy Z Fold 4, Galaxy Z Flip 3, and a few other devices. More eligible models will receive it in the coming weeks. You can check for updates from the Settings app.
