Written by Muneeb Rana · Last updated 28 October 2026
Quick answer: There's no standalone Android Auto speedometer app. While you drive, Google allows only media, messaging, navigation, point-of-interest, IoT and weather apps on the car screen. CarPlay limits apps to approved categories too. Most drivers see their speed through a navigation app's readout, or run a GPS speedometer on a mounted phone.
TL;DR
- Google and Apple decide which app types appear on the car screen; speedometer apps aren't a listed category on Android Auto.
- Navigation apps (Google Maps, Waze, Apple Maps) can show your current speed on the car display.
- A phone speedometer on a fixed mount, or a HUD reflection, is the usual workaround.
- Speedometer PRO runs on your phone only. It does not support Android Auto or CarPlay.
Why there's no Android Auto speedometer app
Android Auto doesn't let any app draw on the car screen. Google's Android for Cars overview lists the app categories it supports, and while you're driving the list is short:
| Category | Works while driving? | Example use |
|---|---|---|
| Media (audio) | Yes | Music, podcasts, radio |
| Messaging notifications | Yes | Read and reply by voice |
| Navigation | Yes | Turn-by-turn directions |
| Point of interest | Yes | Parking, charging, fuel |
| Internet of Things | Yes | Garage door, home lights |
| Weather | Yes | Conditions on your route |
| Games, video | Parked only | Entertainment while stopped |
A standalone speedometer isn't on that list. Apps that call themselves an "Android Auto speedometer" are usually either a navigation app with a speed readout, or a phone app that doesn't actually appear on the car display. If a listing promises a full-screen speedometer in Android Auto, check its screenshots for the car display before you install it.
The reason is safety. Every category is built from Google's driver-optimised templates, which limit what's on screen and how often it can change.
Is there a CarPlay speedometer app?
CarPlay works the same way. Apple's CarPlay developer page lists the supported types: audio, video (parked only), messaging and VoIP, navigation, EV charging, fueling, parking, public safety, quick food ordering, voice-based conversational apps and driving task apps. Each one needs a CarPlay entitlement that Apple approves.
"Driving task" apps help with tasks you need to do while driving, using Apple's fixed templates. So a speedometer screen could only get onto CarPlay inside that category and with Apple's approval. In practice, most "CarPlay speedometer" searches end with one of these:
- A navigation app's speed display. Apple Maps, Google Maps and Waze can show your current speed on the CarPlay screen, depending on app version and region.
- Widgets on CarPlay Dashboard. Apple says small widgets appear in CarPlay automatically unless the developer opts out. Whether a speed widget is shown depends on the app.
- The phone itself, mounted. A GPS speedometer app on a fixed dash or vent mount.
What to use instead of an Android Auto speedometer
| Option | Shows speed on car screen? | Setup effort | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Navigation app speed readout | Yes (where supported) | Low | Needs a route or map open; speed may lag slightly |
| Car's own speedometer | Already there | None | Your legal reference; usually reads slightly high by design |
| Phone GPS speedometer on a mount | No, it's on the phone | Low | Bigger digits, trip data, works offline |
| HUD mode on the windscreen | No, it's a reflection | Medium | Best at night; mirror the display |
| Aftermarket OBD or GPS HUD unit | No, separate device | Medium | Hardware cost; plugs into power or OBD port |
If you just want a second, larger speed number, a phone speedometer is the simplest choice. Speedometer PRO shows GPS speed in mph or km/h with an analog or digital dial, a HUD mirror mode and a trip meter. It doesn't run on Android Auto or CarPlay, and we don't claim it does.
Worked example: checking a navigation app's speed against your speedometer
Say your car reads 70 mph on a straight, open motorway and Google Maps on Android Auto shows 67. Which is right?
- Car speedometers are allowed to over-read but not under-read. That rule comes from UNECE Regulation 39 (see speedometer accuracy), so a 3-4% high reading is normal.
- 67 ÷ 70 = 0.957, meaning the dash reads about 4.5% high.
- Check again at 30 mph on a quiet road. If it's still 4-5% high, the gap is the car, not GPS.
GPS speed is most accurate on open roads with a clear sky view and least accurate in tunnels and urban canyons. See how GPS speed is measured.
Safe setup checklist
- Mount the phone low on the dash or vent, outside your view of the road and airbags.
- Open the speedometer and choose units before you set off.
- Turn on keep-screen-awake and plug in a charger for long drives.
- Use HUD mode only at night and only if the reflection doesn't distract you.
- Never tap the phone while moving. Let a passenger do it, or pull over.
- Treat your car's speedometer and posted limits as the final word.
Related: HUD speedometer guide · How to check speedometer accuracy · Best speedometer apps in 2026 · How GPS speedometers work · GPS speedometer guide · Video Speedometer App: Recording Speed on Video · Tachometer App: How Phones Measure Engine RPM
Get Speedometer PRO on Google Play · Download on the App Store · Set it up before you move; never handle your phone while driving.
Sources
- Android Developers: Android for Cars overview (supported app categories): developer.android.com (accessed 28 October 2026)
- Apple Developer: CarPlay (supported app categories): developer.apple.com (accessed 28 October 2026)
- UN Regulation No. 39: speedometer and odometer (UNECE): unece.org (accessed 28 October 2026)
- GPS Accuracy (GPS.gov): gps.gov (accessed 28 October 2026)
- Speedometer PRO・MPH Tracker (Google Play listing): play.google.com (accessed 28 October 2026)
- Speedometer PRO・MPH Tracker (App Store listing): apps.apple.com (accessed 28 October 2026)
FAQ
Can I put a speedometer on Android Auto?
Not as a standalone app. Google only allows set categories on Android Auto while driving, and speedometers aren't one of them. Navigation apps can show your speed.
Is there a speedometer app for CarPlay?
Only through Apple's approved categories, such as navigation or driving task apps. Most drivers use a navigation app's speed readout or a phone on a mount.
Does Speedometer PRO work with Android Auto or CarPlay?
No. Speedometer PRO runs on your iPhone or Android phone only.
Why does Google Maps show a different speed from my car?
Car speedometers are designed to read slightly high. A 2-5% gap with GPS reading lower is normal.
Is it legal to mount a phone speedometer?
Rules on mount position vary by country and state. Keep the windscreen view clear and don't touch the phone while driving.