Google has started rolling out the Android Auto 16.0 beta update, but despite the major version bump, the update doesn’t bring any noticeable improvements. While users expected bug fixes and refinements, early reports suggest that one of the most frustrating issues — the message reply bug — remains unresolved.
Android Auto typically receives updates every two weeks, mainly to improve stability and fix known issues. However, the latest beta release appears to fall short of expectations, especially for users affected by messaging problems that surfaced late last year.
Message Reply Bug Still Present in Android Auto 16.0 Beta
The message reply bug, first reported in December, continues to affect some Android Auto users. Despite Google acknowledging the issue, the Android Auto 16.0 beta does not fix it, according to feedback from early adopters.
Users report that tapping the “Reply” button on incoming message notifications triggers an error message stating:
“To do that, you’ll need to ask your Google Workspace administrator for permission.”
This effectively prevents users from replying to messages directly through Android Auto.
Who Is Affected by the Android Auto Message Bug?
Based on current reports, the issue mainly affects users who have a Google Workspace (formerly G Suite) account set as their primary account on the device. Accounts ending in @gmail.com appear to be unaffected.
This suggests the bug may be linked to account permissions rather than the Android Auto app itself.
Likely a Server-Side Issue
Although Android Auto is known for frequent bugs — often prompting regular updates — this particular issue may not be app-related. The growing consensus is that the message reply bug is a server-side problem, meaning Google could potentially fix it without releasing another Android Auto update.
Google has already acknowledged the bug, but there is no confirmed timeline for a fix yet.
No Fix Yet, But Hope Remains
For now, Android Auto users affected by the message reply bug will have to wait. While the Android Auto 16.0 beta doesn’t deliver a solution, there’s still hope that Google will resolve the issue behind the scenes.
As always, we’ll continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as soon as a fix becomes available.
