You can make calls, send messages, search your contacts and add favorites while driving when you use Bluetooth to pair your smartphone with your car. You can also mute conversations to reduce distractions. For Bluetooth setup instructions, check your car owner’s manual.
Important: Settings vary by car manufacturer. For more info, reference your owner’s manual.
What you need
You need a car with Google apps and services built in. Learn which cars are compatible.
Make a call
- At the bottom of your car’s display screen, in the navigation bar, tap Phone Contacts .
- Tap the contact you want to callTap their phone number.
- To end the call, tap End call .
Tip: You can use the Google Assistant to make calls with your voice. Say “OK Google,” or “Hey Google,” and then a command, like “Call [contact name]”.
Send or reply to messages
Important: The Google Assistant needs access to notifications in order to help you send or reply to messages. Learn how to enable access to notifications.
Send a new message:
- In your car, say “OK Google,” or “Hey Google.”
- Say a command, like “Send a message to Nathan.”
Reply to a message:
- To hear a new message, say, “Hey Google, read my messages.”
- To reply to the most recent message, say "OK Google, reply,” and say your reply.
- The Google Assistant repeats your message and confirms if you want to send it. You can say "Send," "Change message," or "Cancel."
Tip: You can download more messaging apps from the Google Play store built into your car. Learn how to download apps for your car.
Mute messages
To mute the conversation, on the message notification, tap Mute conversation.
Add favorite contacts
Important: Favorites aren’t synced from your phone.
- On your car display, open the Phone app.
- At the top, tap Favorites.
- Tap Add a favorite.
- Select a contact and tap Favorite.