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Earlier this year, a bug broke Google Assistant phone calls in Android Auto after users updated to Android 11. Google fixed the issue shortly after with a system update, but the bug still shows up for some users even after installing the patch. Luckily, there appears to finally be a solution. According to a post on Google’s support forums, the issue is caused by misconfigured app permissions, at least for some users.

Fixing the lingering Android Auto phone call bug is easy, but first you should confirm you’re on the latest version of Android and Android Auto, just in case. On your Phone, go to Settings > System > Advanced >System Update. Tap “Check for update” then run the installation if there’s a patch available. Then check if there’s a new version of the Android Auto app available.

Similarly, if you use Android Auto through a touch display in your car, make sure you update your vehicle’s firmware, too. Updating your car’s firmware depends on its make and model, but the steps should be easily available on the manufacturer’s support page.

If everything’s up to date but Google Assistant calls still don’t work in Android Auto, try this:

1. While using Android Auto, ask Google Assistant to start a phone call, or tap the “Phone” icon. Don’t do this while driving, of course.

2. There will be a pop up on your Android device (or your car’s touch screen) asking which app you want to use for the phone call. Select your phone app, then tap “Always” when prompted. Make sure you tap “Always,” and not “Just Once” otherwise you’ll have to repeat the steps.

It seems this small tweak is all you need to do to get Google Assistant phone calls working again in Android Auto, but it’s possible it won’t work for everyone. Let us know if tweaking these settings worked for you, or if you know other fixes.

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