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.

[Threep]

I have this same problem. I say " hey Google play song XX" the assistant understands the command but Spotify won't play the song, just keep playing what's currently being played.

The internet and Reddit are flooded with reports like this

[Threep]

What do you mean you haven't seen any reports? This thread alone is full of reports. Google the issue and you'll find dozens of threads everywhere

[Threep]

Any news from Spotify team about this? Many reports in those thread yet no response.

[TNickT]

I'm having the exact same issue, only it seems to have gotten worse with the new update 03/04.

While this issue still occurs, sometimes the Spotify app will not even load the content and say an error has occurred. 

Other times I'll say "Hey Google, play x"

The reply will be " Sure playing x on Spotify"

Then silence for about 10-15 seconds

Then Assistant comes back and says "Sorry, Spotify is not responding right now. Please try opening the app and try again".

And just to clarify, this is happening in Google Automotive that's built in to my entertainment system in my GMC.  

Prior to the update, it was sporadically ok.

[sunking101]

Since my Volvo updated its software I am experiencing this issue with Spotify. When I say "Play such & such on Spotify" the Google assistant replies with "Sure, playing such & such on Spotify" and then nothing happens. Sometimes it works but more often than not it doesn't. It also only works with simple requests and not obscure artists & songs. It used to work flawlessly. I have uninstalled and reinstalled the app but it hasn't fixed the issue.

[31brltppnbgfmfwfjkrn]

عند تشغيل الاغاني عن طريق الاوامر الصوتيه مساعد جوجل بالرغم انه يكون متصل بحساب في spotify بجوجل بطلب منه يشغل اغنيه

مبيحصلش حاجة ومبتشتغلش والنوضوع دا مهم خاصه لو سايق عربيه بيكون اسهل عليا اطلب ال انا عاوزه بالاوامر الصوتيه ياريت تظبطو الموضوع دا مع جوجل

[Frank86]

I’ve been experiencing issues for months with Android Auto in combination with Spotify. As soon as I start playing music through Spotify, Google Assistant often stops working properly.

When I press and hold the voice button, Google Assistant does activate, but it immediately gets interrupted. In the cases where it *does* seem to work, I can give a command and receive the message: “Playing this on Spotify,” but then nothing actually happens.

I’ve already tried everything I can think of: resetting the car system, reinstalling apps, and even resetting my phone—but nothing has worked.

I’m slowly running out of options. Has anyone else experienced this or found a solution?

Plan

Premium

Device

First with S25Ultra, now S26 Ultra
Car: Enyaq