Auto android voice command suddenly stopped working

[flying_a_hull]

Plan

Premium

Country

USA

Device

Samsung Galaxy 9, Auto Android

Operating System

My Question or Issue

Up until recently, when operating my vehicle with Auto-Android engaged, I used to be able to give the voice command "Spotify, play xxx", and the song xxx would come on.  Now when I do that, I get audio feedback similar to "Got it, playing xxx on Spotify".  But the Spotify ignores the command and continues to play the same song.  I've uninstalled and reinstalled both Spotify and Auto-Android on multiple occasions to no avail.  Something changed for the worse, and I don't know what.  Is this only me or pervasrive everywhere?  If just me please advise how to rectify.  If pervasive, I'd appreciate knowing if it is being worked.  Thank you

[Dessi]

Hi there @flying_a_hull,

Thanks for reaching out!

We haven't seen any recent reports about this, so for now we can't say for sure if it's a bigger issue. To double-check if it might be device-related, it'd be great if you can ask a friend or a relative to test this out on their own device in your car. Another thing you can try is toggling between wired and wireless Android Auto.

As a workaround, you might want to give this a shot using Google Assistant directly instead and trying “Hey Google, play xxx on Spotify” without saying "Spotify" first to see if that works.

Keep us posted.

[YoHan-Solo]

I have the exact same issue. BMW i4 MY2023, Samsung galaxy S24.

Android Auto version 15.7.654634-release

Spotify version 9.1.6.145. 

Have rebooted the Car MMI (IDrive 8), and the phone. No resolve.

The voice command works, and the google assistant says "Playing xx song on spotify", but nothing happens. It just keeps playing whatever song is already playing.

It started happening every now and then a few weeks ago, and now it is completely broken.

I just noticed there is a Spotify version 9.1.12.226 now. I will update and see if anything changes tomorrow.

[Dessi]

Hey @YoHan-Solo,

Thanks for joining the thread!

We just wanted to check in to see if you've gone ahead with the app update and if that helped so we know how to proceed? 

We'll be on the lookout.

[flying_a_hull]

I tried "Hey Google" and that works.  The prior method that I had been using (and worked earlier) was via the "how may I help you" widget on the Android screen.  That widget still works for other commands, just not Spotify.  Thanks for your response in helping me to resolve this.

[YoHan-Solo]

Hi, 

Updating the app, and restarting the phone as well as the BMW MMI (30s press of volume button) did nothing.

However, I have gotten some success. It seems when spotify is "in focus", there is a greater chance the voice command will actually result in Spotify changing the playing song to what I want. 

Longer explanation:

Android Auto runs a chart app (Maps, or Waze) in parallel with Spotify with both being visible at the same time on the BMW MMI. When the map app selected in the Antroid Auto app sidebar to the left,  the Map is to the left, and spotify is to the right. (Left side steering car). If i push teh spotify icon on the sidfepar, Spotify moves to the left (presented in a slightly larger window), and the map moves to the right. It is in this mode that the voice command has been working somewhat, at least yesterday.

Btw, I use either "Hey Google, play XXX on spotify", or the "Voice command" button and then "Play xxx on Spotify".

I always get a confirmation in the style of "Ok, playing XXX on spotify". 

Best regards,

Johan

[Sebastian510]

I'm having this exact issue and it's really annoying. It used to work okay about 6 months ago but then an update from either Spotify or Google broke the function.  It might be an Android Auto problem as I noticed I have the same problem with Amazon Music.

[Dessi]

Hi there folks,

@flying_a_hull, we're glad to hear this is now resolved on your end! 

@YoHan-Solo, thanks for all the input and for sharing your observations, we really appreciate it!

@Sebastian510, could you give the workaround shared in the thread a try as well, since it seems to have helped? It's to use Google Assistant directly instead and try “Hey Google, play xxx on Spotify” without saying "Spotify" first to see if that works.

The Community is always here in case you need any help.