Android Auto contains a hidden developer menu that most users never encounter, offering access to settings Google has not officially publicised. The feature is relevant to drivers who want more control over how their phone mirrors onto their car's infotainment screen, including enabling apps not available through the Google Play Store and improving display quality on wireless connections.

The menu can be reached in under a minute by opening the Android Auto settings on a phone, scrolling to "Version and permission info" and tapping it roughly ten times, then selecting "Developer settings" from the three-dot menu. Useful options include a wireless connection toggle, an "Unknown Sources" setting that allows third-party apps such as CarStream and Fermata Auto to run on the car display, and a "Force video resolution" option to sharpen a blurry infotainment interface. The report cautions against enabling video, audio or microphone recording options for everyday use, as these can overheat the phone, drain its battery and consume storage.