Android Auto Audio Dropouts Issue

[UGADawg96]

So this has been an interesting one to chase on our 2025 and it has been happening all year.

Multiple Pixel phones have audio drops outs when connected via AA. This happens with multiple music and podcast apps. It happens almost every song or every couple songs, during podcasts, streams, etc. These dropouts last about 1/2 to 1 second each time. When connected via Bluetooth only, the issue does not occur with the same apps and phones. When same phones are connected via AA on our 2021 F150, no issues at all. When these phones are connected to multiple BT headphones or chromecast, no issues. This should rule out the phones as the issue.

Tested multiple Apple phones and no issues with same apps using Carplay. This should rule out the vehicle hardware as the issue.

I've had the APIM software updated twice this year.

Why would this issue only happen with AA on this vehicle ? Make it make sense.

 

[Chairborne Ranger]

I have a Pixel 9 Pro and almost never use AA and don't use the phone to listen to music or other content and mostly use the Sirius app on the vehicle. My problem is that unless I do use AA the ST won't allow me to talk to anyone on the phone but I can hear them and it won't read incoming text messages. Once I've paired my phone with other cars I've owned phone calls and text messages worked flawlessly. Good luck with your issue.

 

[UGADawg96]

Anyone else with a 25+ having this issue ?

 

[UGADawg96]

Think I may have this one solved. I have the Explorer in the shop for a few recalls and the loaner right now is a new Expedition with the same Ford Digital Experience system. And it exhibits the same 1-5 drops outs per song issue. All previous rental cars, loaners, etc. and my F150 have other systems and never have this issue.

I asked Google AI: "android auto audio 1 second sound drop outs only with ford digital experience system, not with any other vehicle"

This was one of the suggestions:

The Ford Digital Experience infotainment system (Ford's newer Android Automotive-based platform found in vehicles like the 2024+ Nautilus and 2025+ Explorer) handles background data and wireless handoffs differently than older SYNC systems or other vehicle manufacturers, creating a unique conflict with Android Auto's audio pipeline. Because this only happens with this specific system, the issue is tied to background data syncing, conflicting Bluetooth profiles, or wireless bandwidth constraints on the vehicle's telemetry module.

Disable "Media Audio" via Phone Bluetooth Settings
Android Auto projects its media over Wi-Fi, but the Ford Digital Experience aggressively forces its own native Bluetooth audio profile to connect simultaneously, causing both channels to fight for the audio track.

• Go to your phone's Settings > Connected Devices > Bluetooth.
• Tap the Gear Icon next to your Ford vehicle's profile.
• Toggle Media Audio to Off.
• Leave Phone Calls toggled On to ensure system stability.

When I changed this setting, the drop outs stopped on the Expedition. Need to do this on the Explorer when I get it back.