Watching YouTube and Video on Android Auto with Fermata
Standard Android Auto is deliberately limited: Google allows navigation, messaging and audio, but not video. That makes sense while driving, yet it is frustrating when you are parked at a charging station, waiting for someone, or sitting on a long break. Fermata Auto's sideloaded build fills the gap by letting you play video on the car display when the vehicle is stopped.
Safety first: watch video only while the car is parked with the handbrake on, or as a passenger. Laws about screens in vehicles differ between countries. You are responsible for following them.
What you can watch
- Local video stored in folders on your phone, with Fermata remembering your position for each folder.
- YouTube, which Fermata plays through a web-based interface.
- IPTV channels from an M3U playlist you are allowed to use, with programme information when a guide is available.
- Other apps through Fermata Mirror, where supported (see our Mirror explainer).
What you need
- An Android phone with the Android Auto app.
- The latest Fermata APK from the download page.
- Android Auto developer settings with Unknown sources enabled; see the install guide.
- A stable internet connection for YouTube, preferably unlimited data or a good plan.
Step-by-step: YouTube on the car screen
- Install Fermata and open it once on the phone to grant permissions.
- Enable Unknown sources in Android Auto and restart Android Auto.
- Park the car, connect the phone and open Fermata from the launcher.
- Choose the YouTube section and browse or search as you would in a browser.
- Start a video. Playback controls appear at the bottom, and a floating back button lets you return.
Better YouTube in version 2.0.1
Release 2.0.1 added two things YouTube users asked for. SponsorBlock support can skip community-marked segments such as sponsor reads and intros. And Fermata now selects the highest available video quality automatically, so you do not have to change it each time. If playback stutters on a weak connection, a lower quality may still be smoother, so test in the place you usually park.
Subtitles and audio tracks
For local video, choose the VLC engine when you need subtitle or audio-track selection. Version 2.0.0 also introduced automatic real-time subtitle generation, and 2.0.1 added a subtitle translator. Read our subtitles guide for how that works and what to expect.
Battery, heat and data
- Battery: video keeps the phone's processor busy. Keep it plugged into a good charger.
- Heat: in summer, a phone on a dashboard can overheat. Place it in a ventilated holder out of direct sun.
- Data: an hour of high-quality video can use well over a gigabyte. Download local videos at home when you can.
Common problems
- The video does not appear: check Unknown sources and restart Android Auto.
- The list says "No items": add folders under Folders, or an M3U URL under TV.
- Playback stutters: switch engine in settings, lower quality, or use a wired connection.
The full list of fixes is in Fermata not showing in Android Auto.
Is this allowed by Google?
Fermata is not part of the Google Play Store experience for this feature, and Google does not support sideloaded video apps on Android Auto. They can break after Android Auto updates. Use them knowingly, and keep your phone updated.
Frequently asked questions
Can I watch YouTube on Android Auto with Fermata?
Yes, the sideloaded GitHub build of Fermata supports YouTube playback on the car screen. Use it only while the vehicle is parked.
Does Fermata support SponsorBlock?
Yes. Release 2.0.1 added SponsorBlock support for YouTube.
Is it safe to watch video in the car?
Only when the car is parked. Never watch video while driving, and follow your local laws.