Android Auto: Customize Your Car Icon Directly From Your Car Screen

Google Maps is poised to bring customization options for the vehicle icon directly to Android Auto, a feature currently exclusive to the mobile app. This update, discovered in the latest version of the app, will allow users to personalize the car icon displayed on their in-car infotainment system, choosing from a selection of designs, and colors.

Currently, Android Auto users who want a customized vehicle representation within Google Maps must configure it through the Google Maps app on their smartphone. The changes then sync to the Android Auto interface. The upcoming update, however, will streamline this process by enabling users to adjust the vehicle icon directly from within Android Auto itself. This eliminates a step and offers a more integrated experience.

A Deeper Dive into the Customization Options

The discovery, reported by Android Authority, stems from an APK teardown of Android Auto version 16.2.660604. Developers uncovered a function labeled “Driving avatar” within the navigation settings. Selecting this option will present users with the same vehicle and color selection interface currently available in the mobile Google Maps app. Users will be able to choose from five modern car designs and three more traditional styles, with a color picker allowing for further personalization.

This feature builds upon the initial rollout of custom car icons in Google Maps for Android in February 2025. The addition to Android Auto represents a logical extension, catering to the growing number of drivers who rely on the platform for navigation and information while on the road.

Why This Matters for Android Auto Users

The ability to customize the vehicle icon in Android Auto might seem like a minor aesthetic change, but it contributes to a more personalized and engaging user experience. For many drivers, Android Auto has become an integral part of their vehicle’s interface, replacing or augmenting traditional infotainment systems. Allowing users to tailor the appearance of the map to their preferences, even in small ways, can enhance the overall sense of ownership and control.

Beyond personalization, a clearly identifiable vehicle icon can improve situational awareness while navigating. A unique icon can help drivers quickly locate their position on the map, especially in complex intersections or unfamiliar areas. While the functional benefit may be subtle, it adds another layer of usability to the navigation experience.

Android Auto Continues to Evolve

This update arrives on the heels of the release of Android Auto 16.0, which introduced a redesigned media player. Google is actively iterating on the Android Auto platform, addressing user feedback and adding new features to improve its functionality and appeal. Despite some reported bugs affecting certain users, the company remains committed to enhancing the in-car experience.

The integration of the car icon customization feature highlights Google’s strategy of unifying the experience between its mobile apps and Android Auto. By allowing settings to sync seamlessly between the two platforms, Google aims to provide a consistent and convenient user experience regardless of where the user interacts with Google Maps.

Currently, there is no official release date for the update bringing the “Driving avatar” settings to Android Auto. However, the presence of the code within the latest version suggests that the feature is in the late stages of development and could be rolled out to users in the coming weeks or months. The discovery indicates that Google is actively working to refine and expand the customization options available within Android Auto, further solidifying its position as a leading in-car infotainment platform.

The ability to personalize the vehicle icon is a small but welcome addition to Android Auto, demonstrating Google’s commitment to providing a more tailored and user-friendly experience for drivers. As Android Auto continues to evolve, we can expect to see further refinements and new features that enhance its functionality and integration with the modern vehicle.