Waze has rolled out a long-awaited update that allows users to simultaneously operate the navigation app on their smartphone while it is running on a car’s Android Auto display, addressing a previous limitation and enhancing user convenience.
This new functionality enables users to select destinations or access other app features directly from their mobile device. Previously, the Waze app on a connected smartphone would display a message preventing concurrent use, forcing drivers to rely solely on the car’s screen or voice commands.
The update brings Waze in line with Google Maps, which has offered a similar feature for some time. Google Maps allows users to input destinations on their phone and have the directions appear on the Android Auto display in their vehicle.
Google Maps itself had a similar restriction on simultaneous phone use, but it reversed this configuration in 2023.
Waze has been testing this feature in beta versions and limited stable releases for several months. It now appears to be widely available, with some users reporting a new pop-up notification appearing this week.
The update is particularly beneficial for drivers in vehicles without touchscreens, who might otherwise struggle with rotary controllers for navigation input. Users who do not immediately see the notification can try force-closing and reopening the Waze app; the functionality may still be active.