Users of Android Auto can install apps that aren’t officially approved by Google, allowing features like video streaming and screen mirroring. This process, known as sideloading, doesn’t require users to "root" their phones—essentially gaining full control over the device’s software—but does involve activating Developer Mode on both their phone and the Android Auto app. To enable Developer Mode on a phone, users go to Settings > About and tap the Build number seven times. For Android Auto, users must go to Settings > Connected Devices > Android Auto, tap Version and permission info about 10 times, then select Developer settings and enable the option for Unknown sources. Once Developer Mode is enabled, users can install apps from third-party sources using tools like Android Auto Apps Downloader (AAAD), which is available on a public website called GitHub. Open-source versions of apps such as CarStream, AAMirror, and Fermata Auto are also available on GitHub for sideloading. While sideloading offers more customization, it also introduces risks. Watching videos or using other non-driving-related features while operating a vehicle is illegal in most countries and considered a significant safety hazard. Additionally, sideloaded apps skip Google’s standard security checks, increasing the likelihood of encountering malware. Google has reported that apps downloaded from the internet—rather than from the official Google Play Store—are more than 50 times more likely to contain malware. To address these concerns, Google plans to restrict sideloading of unverified apps in some countries starting in late 2026, with a global rollout expected afterward. This change will require app developers to verify their identity with Google before their apps can be sideloaded. For most users, the standard Android Auto experience provides all the necessary features, such as navigation, music playback, and phone integration. Sideloading should be used cautiously, if at all, and only from trusted developers. Users are encouraged to limit sideloaded app downloads and to use features like video streaming only when the vehicle is parked. As Android Auto continues to evolve, many of its core functions are being expanded through official updates, reducing the need for sideloading. This approach helps ensure a safer and more secure experience for drivers and passengers alike. Google’s upcoming restrictions on sideloading aim to enhance security and user safety by ensuring that only verified apps can be installed through this method. While sideloading can offer greater flexibility, the potential for malware and the legal and safety risks involved make it a feature best used sparingly. For the average user, sticking with officially supported apps is typically the safest and most reliable option. Developers who wish to sideload their apps will need to go through a verification process with Google, which should help reduce the prevalence of malicious software in the sideloading ecosystem.