Overview: Quick Controls in Android Auto and the 15.2 Update
Android Auto 15.2 is expanding its reach among vehicles and head units, but several users report a regression affecting a familiar feature: Quick Controls. A legacy option in the Android Auto settings, Quick Controls let drivers manage music playback or view navigation without leaving the current app. Although Google gradually shifted toward a dashboard-first interface, many still relied on Quick Controls as a reliable shortcut during commutes.
What exactly is broken and who is affected
Reports from Reddit threads and Google support forums indicate that Quick Controls no longer function on devices where the Android Auto taskbar is displayed vertically. Previously, toggling Quick Controls could reposition the taskbar to the bottom of the display, restoring horizontal shortcut access. In the current reports, toggling the setting has little to no effect: the taskbar remains fixed, and the quick shortcuts do not appear.
Early observations appeared in late September, around the time Android Auto shifted to a stable release track with the 15.2 rollout. As the update continues to spread to more vehicles and head units, more users have encountered the issue, leading to questions about whether this is a bug or an intentional interface change.
Is this a bug or a design change?
Google has not issued an official statement addressing Quick Controls in Android Auto 15.2. Some users report that Quick Controls still work on certain display orientations and screen setups, which implies the problem may be environmental—tied to specific head-unit hardware, screen resolutions, or UI configurations. The discrepancy across devices suggests that it could be an incomplete rollout or a compatibility glitch rather than a deliberate removal of the feature.
Impact on daily driving experience
For drivers who rely on Quick Controls to switch music or glance at navigation without disrupting the current app, the change can be frustrating. The broader Android Auto redesign has emphasized a dashboard-oriented experience, prioritizing a clean, centralized interface. However, the loss of a controllable shortcut increases the effort required to perform routine tasks, particularly on vertical taskbars where quick access is visually streamlined for easy reach during a drive.
What drivers can do now
- Check for updates: Ensure your head unit and connected smartphone are on the latest Android Auto version, as Google frequently releases patches for UI quirks.
- Try alternate orientations: If your display supports landscape mode, switching orientation could temporarily restore Quick Controls behavior on some devices.
- Use in-app controls: Rely on the media controls within the current app or use the steering wheel controls if supported by your vehicle.
- Monitor official channels: Google Support and Android Auto’s help forums are the best sources for any official guidance or bug-fix announcements.
What comes next
As Android Auto continues to evolve, Google’s emphasis on a streamlined dashboard experience may reframe how shortcuts like Quick Controls are supported. For affected users, the practical path is patience while a corresponding software update addresses the regression or confirms a design direction. In the meantime, staying updated and experimenting with device and display configurations may help reduce disruption.
Bottom line
Android Auto 15.2’s rollout brings notable UI improvements and a modern dashboard approach, but it appears to have disrupted Quick Controls for some users on vertical taskbars. Whether this is a temporary bug or a broader change remains uncertain. Keep an eye on official notices and community reports for the latest on this issue.
