Google Restores Cellular Icon in Android Auto Status Bar
The signal bars are reappearing for some users as Google gradually rolls out a fix, according to reports from Reddit users.
Google is gradually rolling out a fix that restores the missing cellular network icon in the Android Auto status bar, according to androidpolice.com. The change is showing up for at least a couple of users in version 17.8.663874 of the in-car software platform.
User reports on Reddit mention the cellular network icon reappearing next to the Wi-Fi indicator, which had remained in place while the signal bars were gone.
The fix could also arrive through a server-side update, meaning there is no fixed rollout schedule for when every Android Auto user will see the icon again.
What was missing
The cellular icon in the Android Auto status bar had been missing for several months, and Google removed the temperature reading from the same status bar long before the signal bars disappeared.
Other gaps in the platform remain. Android Auto recently added support for receiving voice messages from WhatsApp contacts, but sending voice messages is still not supported, and Google Messages still does not let users play or send voice messages on Android Auto. Android Auto also still lacks the ability to choose between light and dark themes.
Quick answers
What version of Android Auto restores the cellular icon?
At least a couple of users are seeing the icon return in version 17.8.663874, though the fix could also arrive through a server-side update.
Why was the cellular icon missing from Android Auto?
The cellular network icon in the Android Auto status bar had been missing for several months before the fix began rolling out.
When will the Android Auto cellular icon fix reach everyone?
There is no fixed rollout schedule because the fix could also arrive through a server-side update.