A recent Android Auto update broke HUD navigation for Google Maps and other apps. Learn the symptoms, quick workarounds, and when a fix arrives – read now!
Drivers who rely on head‑up display (HUD) navigation have run into a serious setback after the latest Android Auto update. Popular apps such as Google Maps and, in some cases, Waze have stopped showing turn‑by‑turn directions on the windshield and on the digital instrument cluster.
What’s happening?
Shortly after installing the newest Android Auto version, users report that the navigation interface becomes frozen, and the HUD stops projecting any guidance. On many vehicles the digital speedometer panel also ceases to display upcoming turn icons.
Which apps are affected?
- Google Maps – the most commonly affected; directions disappear from HUD on the majority of reports.
- Waze – some owners see the same issue, while others say it continues to work.
- HERE WeGo – remains functional on several car models, indicating the problem is not universal across all navigation apps.
Vehicle models reporting the bug
The glitch is not limited to a single brand. The first complaints came from a BMW owner, but similar symptoms have been documented on Audi, Mercedes‑Benz, and other HUD‑equipped models.
Possible cause
All evidence points to the most recent Android Auto update (released in early January 2026) as the trigger. No other software changes were applied to the vehicles, leading many to suspect the update itself, while a smaller group blames the latest Google Maps version (26).
Temporary workarounds
- Clear the Android Auto cache and app data – generally ineffective for this issue.
- Rollback Android Auto to a previous version – does not resolve the problem for most users.
- Downgrade Google Maps to version 25 (the release before version 26). Some drivers report that HUD navigation returns after this step.
Official response and future fix
A Google community expert confirmed that Android Auto engineers have been notified and are actively working on a fix. No official release date has been announced yet.
What to do next?
While waiting for a permanent patch, the most reliable interim solution is to revert Google Maps to the pre‑26 version. Keep Android Auto updated and monitor Google’s support channels for the upcoming hotfix.
Stay tuned for further updates, and consider sharing your experience on car‑tech forums to help accelerate a resolution.