If you’re an audio geek like me, one of the first things you do when your music doesn’t sound quite right is reach for the equalizer. I did the same thing with Android Auto after getting a new car. To my surprise, there wasn’t one, so I had to find a solution myself.
I’m happy with my new car, but I quickly realized the factory speakers were far too bass-heavy and muddy for my liking. That’s why I went looking for an EQ in Android Auto that would work across all my music apps. The answer to Android Auto’s missing EQ was surprisingly simple.
Android Auto leaves you on your own
Many EQs don’t affect Android Auto
The way Android handles equalizers is incredibly frustrating. Android still doesn’t have a stock equalizer, and neither does Android Auto.
Many brands include their own version of an equalizer, including my OnePlus 15, but it only works on the stock speaker, and if you’re lucky, Bluetooth and possibly wired devices—but never on Android Auto.
SoC
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5
Display
6.78-inch 2772*1272 (FHD+)
The OnePlus 15 features the latest Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 SoC that enables gaming features never before seen on a smartphone. The 165Hz display is perfect for mobile gaming, and when not gaming, it runs at 120Hz, making it ideal for everyday usage. The triple camera array is pretty great, and the 7,300mAh battery lasts multiple days on a single charge.
So, if you want to modify the audio you get on Android Auto, you can either use the equalizer in your car or a third-party app. However, not all cars have equalizers, and even if they do, it might not be something you want to configure if you otherwise enjoy the way your car sounds and only wish to adjust Android Auto (which could easily be the case if you only connect your phone to listen to podcasts and use navigation).
The problem with third-party apps is that Android puts each app in a sandbox as an important security measure, meaning apps can’t see or talk to each other. So, if you download a local music player and tweak the equalizer there, you’ll change the sound you get on Android Auto, but only when using that app, and not on Spotify and Pocket Casts.
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I finally found a free solution that actually works
No paid app required
Credit: Ismar Hrnjicevic / How-To Geek
The good news is that there is a way to configure the equalizer on Android across the entire system and make changes for Android Auto as well. Most recommendations typically point to Poweramp Equalizer, which is a solid app in its own right, but I really wanted a free solution that wouldn’t expire after a short trial.
Fortunately, after some digging, I found Wavelet.
The app was originally intended as a headphone equalizer and has a massive AutoEq database of pre-made headphone equalizers, but it applies the EQ across the entire operating system—including both wired and wireless Android Auto. Since this seemed like the best way to get a 9-band equalizer without paying, I proceeded with installing it on my phone.
Setting up Wavelet takes a little tinkering, but I got it working
It’s not as intimidating as it sounds
Before we can talk about adding an EQ to Android Auto, let’s briefly explain the problem.
Apps like Poweramp Equalizer and Wavelet can apply equalizer settings system-wide by hooking into Android’s audio system. However, this doesn’t always work with every app or audio output, especially when Android routes audio through another device.
Unfortunately, Android Auto is one of those cases. Since your phone sends audio to your car through Android Auto’s projection system, simply installing Wavelet and changing the equalizer won’t automatically affect the sound coming from your car.
The good news is that there’s a fix. While it involves using a PC and a USB cable, the process only takes a few minutes, so don’t be intimidated to try it yourself.
First, you’ll need to download the Wavelet app if you haven’t already. Open the app and tap the cogwheel icon in the bottom-left corner > Notification access. Find Wavelet in the list and tap Allow notification access. That’s the easy part.
Now, the slightly challenging part is enabling DUMP permission, which allows Wavelet to access the hidden audio sessions required to get an EQ in Android Auto.
First, go to your phone’s Settings and search for Developer Options (enable them if you haven’t already). Scroll down and turn on USB debugging. On some phones, you may also have to toggle on Disable Permission Monitoring or an equivalent setting found in the Apps section of Developer Options. On my OnePlus 15, I had to check Disable system optimization. When you’re done, reboot your phone.
The next step is to connect your phone to a PC or laptop using a USB cable. If you’re on a desktop, use one of the USB ports in the back—the front ones won’t work (ask me how I know).
Swipe down on the notification screen on your phone and set the USB connection to File Transfer.
Next, open Google Chrome on your PC and navigate to app.webadb.com/shell. Add and connect your device on the left side, making sure to allow the connection on your phone’s screen.
Copy and paste the following shell command into WebADB and press Enter:
pm grant com.pittvandewitt.wavelet android.permission.DUMP
If you did everything correctly, the cursor will simply drop to a fresh line with no return message.
Now, go back to the Wavelet app, and you should see Permission granted under DUMP permission. Enable Enhanced session detection, and you’re all set. Don’t forget to go back to Developer Options and disable USB debugging.
You can now access the equalizer in Wavelet by tapping the on/off button at the bottom and opening the Graphic equalizer.
Unlike those third-party apps with individual equalizers, the settings you adjust here will be applied across your entire Android system, including Android Auto. You’ll hear the changes in real time the next time you connect your phone to your car.
The difference was immediately noticeable in my car
Once I got Wavelet working with Android Auto, I spent some time creating a couple of audio presets for music and podcasts that are perfectly optimized for my car’s speakers. I’ve finally tamed that boomy bass into something much more enjoyable, with a punchier sound that doesn’t shake the entire cabin, and podcasts now have the clarity they were supposed to have.
Ultimately, I still wish Google would add a proper equalizer to Android Auto, but until that happens, Wavelet is the solution I’ll be sticking with.
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