Fermata Auto Not Showing in Android Auto? 9 Fixes
You installed Fermata, connected the phone, looked at the car screen and found nothing. Or the app opens but says No items. This is the most common problem people report, and almost always it comes down to a small number of causes. Work through the fixes below in order; the first three solve most cases.
Quick checklist
- Enable Android Auto developer mode and Unknown sources.
- Fully restart Android Auto.
- Update Fermata to the latest version.
- Check media permissions and add folders.
- Check your cable or wireless adapter.
Fix 1: Turn on Unknown sources in Android Auto
The Android Auto app on your phone only shows sideloaded apps if you let it. Open the Android Auto settings, scroll to the version number and tap it repeatedly until a message says developer mode is enabled. Then open the three-dot menu, enter Developer settings and switch on Unknown sources. Menu names vary a little between versions, so look for the option that mentions apps from unknown sources.
Fix 2: Restart Android Auto properly
Changing a developer setting does nothing until Android Auto reloads. Disconnect the phone from the car, force-stop Android Auto from Settings > Apps > Android Auto, then reconnect. If that fails, restart the phone completely.
Fix 3: Update to the newest Fermata
Google updates Android Auto often, and sideloaded apps can break when it does. The best example is Android Auto 17.3, which conflicted with Fermata's FS Mirror component and made it interfere with the media service. Release 2.0.2 disables FS Mirror to remove the conflict. If you are on an older version, install the current one from the download page over the top; your settings are kept. We explain the change in this article.
Fix 4: "No items" means Fermata has nothing to show yet
An empty list is not an error; it just means no source has been set up. Open Fermata on the phone and:
- Grant the media/storage permissions it asks for.
- In the Folders section, add the folders that contain your music or video.
- For TV, open the TV section and add an M3U playlist (see our IPTV guide).
Then reconnect to the car.
Fix 5: Check the cable
A cheap charging-only cable can cause odd, intermittent Android Auto behaviour. Use a good data cable, plug it directly into the car's USB port that supports Android Auto, and avoid hubs.
Fix 6: Wireless adapters can be the culprit
Several users have reported that Fermata does not work properly with certain wireless Android Auto adapters, with the Motorola MA1 mentioned in particular. If it works over USB but not wirelessly, the adapter is the likely cause. Try a wired connection to confirm.
Fix 7: Samsung and other aggressive Android skins
Some Samsung phones on recent One UI releases have been reported to block or interfere with the app. Check the battery settings: set Fermata to Unrestricted so the system does not freeze it in the background, and make sure it is not in a "sleeping apps" list.
Fix 8: Reinstall cleanly
If nothing helps, uninstall Fermata, restart the phone, install the latest APK again, and set it up from scratch. Make sure you choose the right build: arm64 for most phones (see arm vs arm64).
Fix 9: Check Android Auto itself
Update Android Auto from the Play Store, clear its cache from Settings > Apps > Android Auto > Storage, and make sure your phone's Android version is current. If standard Android Auto apps (Maps, Spotify) also behave oddly, the problem is not Fermata.
Still stuck?
Open an issue on the project's GitHub issue tracker and include your phone model, Android version, Android Auto version, Fermata version and whether you use USB or wireless. The more detail you give, the faster it can be diagnosed.
Reminder: video should only be used while the car is parked.
Frequently asked questions
Why is Fermata not appearing in Android Auto?
Most often Unknown sources is not enabled in Android Auto developer settings or Android Auto needs a restart. Enable the option, force-stop Android Auto and reconnect.
Why does Fermata say 'No items'?
No folders or playlists have been added yet. Grant media permissions and add folders or an M3U playlist in the app.
Does Fermata work with wireless Android Auto adapters?
Often, but not always. Some adapters, such as the Motorola MA1, have been reported to cause problems. Test with a USB cable to rule out the adapter.