Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Android Auto connection issue (connection stuck/not disconnecting properly)

alexcorp — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 11:13:54 GMT

📱 Device:

🚗 Vehicle:

🚗 Issue description:

I am experiencing a problem when using Android Auto with my new Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra in my Skoda Octavia A8.

🔍 Steps to reproduce:

I connect the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra to my car using Android Auto
The initial connection works correctly:
- Android Auto launches
- The interface works as expected
After disconnecting the phone from the car, the issue appears:
- The car screen shows a black screen
- It seems like the car still thinks the phone is connected

⚠️ Observed behavior:

After leaving the car and starting it again:
- The phone does not reconnect
- The phone shows that Android Auto is connected
- The car screen remains unresponsive
It is not possible to connect another phone (including Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra)
The car system appears to be stuck in an active connection state

🔧 Temporary workaround:

The only solution is to perform a factory reset of the car system
After reset:
- The first connection works again
- However, the issue repeats after the next disconnection

🔁 Additional observations:

Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra:
- Works correctly
- Connects and disconnects without any issues
However:
- After connecting the Galaxy S26 Ultra
- The old phone (S23 Ultra) also stops connecting

❗ Expected behavior:

📎 Additional information:

The issue is consistently reproducible
I have already tried:
- Restarting the phone
- Using different cables and USB ports
- Downgrading Android Auto version (no effect)
I can provide videos showing the connection process with both phones (Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra) to demonstrate the issue

Re: Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Android Auto connection issue (connection stuck/n..

Obsydian — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 17:21:57 GMT

Hi there is an known issue with the S26, there are a few threads, also a general one I posted. AA was updated today, check if you have it, it may of not fix it, best be patient for a fix and avoid any unnecessary resets etc.

https://eu.community.samsung.com/t5/mobile-apps-services/android-auto-connectivity-troubleshoot-guide/td-p/14410303?src=ShareByUserCM

alexcorp — Sun, 29 Mar 2026 07:37:25 GMT

Yes, that helped, thank you! Version 16.5.661204-release works correctly

Obsydian — Sun, 29 Mar 2026 12:50:14 GMT

Excellent, sometimes its best to just wait and resist diy fix