Emir BardakçıGoogle is officially ending Android Auto support for Android 8.0 Oreo and Android 8.1 Oreo-running phones, a move that will see 19 Xiaomi phones lose support. From August 5, 2025, with the release of Android Auto 15.5, these devices will no longer be getting browser or Android Auto updates. This is in line with Google’s recent adjustment to the minimum Android Auto requirement, which now demands Android 9 or later. Users of previous Mi and Redmi models will increasingly become incompatible with new web and in-car software features.
Impacted Xiaomi Devices
Below are the Xiaomi and Redmi phones that will no longer receive Android Auto updates:
- Mi Series: Mi 5, Mi 5s, Mi 5s Plus, Mi 6, Mi 6X, Mi 5X, Mi A1, Mi MIX 2, Mi MIX 3 5G, Mi Max, Mi Max 2, Mi Note 3
- Redmi Series: Redmi 4 / 4X / 4 Prime, Redmi 5 / 5A / 5 Plus, Redmi Note 4 / 4X, Redmi Note 5 / 5 Pro / 5A / 5A Prime, Redmi Note 6 Pro, Redmi 6 / 6A
These devices, released between 2016 and 2018, were originally built with Android 7–8 software that no longer supports the frameworks necessary for new AI and connectivity features that Google is planning to add to future versions of Android Auto.
Why Android 8 Devices Are Losing Support
Android 8 was introduced in 2017, and while it served as a major upgrade at the time, it can no longer meet the hardware and software requirements of Google’s upcoming technologies. The introduction of Gemini, Google’s next-generation AI assistant designed for Android Auto, requires more modern chipsets and improved system-level security. Xiaomi’s older devices running Android 8 do not meet these standards, making them incompatible with the upcoming updates.
Google’s action ensures that Android Auto remains reliable, secure, and capable of supporting future features such as voice-enabled AI navigation, context-aware search, and intelligent vehicle-integrated assistants.
What Xiaomi Users Can Do
If you own one of the devices mentioned, you still have a couple of options:
- Upgrade to a newer Xiaomi phone – Newer models like the Xiaomi 17, POCO F8 have Android 16-based HyperOS 3 pre-installed, which guarantees long-term support for Android Auto.
- Hold on to latest versions temporarily – Android Auto 15.5 will work for a while but will not receive updates or bug fixes.
- Use Bluetooth connectivity – It is also possible for users to connect devices to cars that do not have Android Auto via Bluetooth for navigation and music.
The Bigger Picture
Android 8 cut-off is one of the milestones toward AI-driven mobility. As Google transitions to Gemini and more integrated car systems, Xiaomi users are encouraged to have their systems in line with recent system updates. With the roll-out of HyperOS 2, Xiaomi is aiming to further align its ecosystem with Google’s evolving standards, introducing enhanced connectivity, better performance, and extended software lifespan.
