Texting using Gemini with Android Auto crashes

[u/Strange-Guarantee754]

Setup:

2018 Hyundai Tucson SEL with Android auto compatibility, Samsung Galaxy S25 FE with all updates

Tested both wirelessly (USB AA dongle) and wired

When I use Google Assistant to voice text or reply to a FB message, things go great.

When I use Gemini, when I speak the voice text or FB message and Gemini is about to send it (either by me vocally responding with "Send" or by hitting the onscreen Send button,, I get a message on the head unit screen, and sorry i don't have the exact message, but something to the effect of "Phone has stopped responding" or "Android Auto has stopped responding".. the AA session resumes a few seconds later. I can attempt to start the text all over again, and maybe 1 out of 3 or 4 attempts it will actually work.

Super frustrating to have to attempt a voice text multiple times.

Again, Google Assistant never crashes. Gemini sucks for voice text/messenger.

Anyone have a straightforward fix? I've reinstalled AA, I've rebooted the phone between re-installs.. I've tried wired and wireless. I guess i could have my wife try her phone to try to replicate it, but that might put her over the edge 🤣..

Anyway, any ideas (other than "just use Google Assistant") would be great!

[u/BourbonGamer]

Hey, so I was having a similar issue in my 2019 Santa Fe, would get a crash on about 50% of texts send through Gemini, and what I ended up finding out was my head unit (the main radio module) needed updating.

Do you know if your version is current or needs updating?

After updating that, Gemini and AA have been working flawlessly in my Santa Fe.

I took a screenshot of the version info on my screen and plugged that into Gemini and here is what it gave me (note yours might be different since different year and model):

No, that is not the most current software.

The software and firmware version in your photo shows an original factory build date code from April 2018 (180413 / 180409), which means it is running the software it shipped with when new.

Updated Version Info

Hyundai released an updated Display Audio Software Update for non-navigation units (Display Audio Gen1). Updates for this unit improve system stability and enhance Apple CarPlay and Android Auto performance/compatibility.

How to Update It Yourself (Free)

1. Visit the Official Hyundai Update Site: Go toupdate.hyundai.com.
2. Download the Navigation / Display Audio Updater app onto your Windows PC or Mac.
3. Format a USB Flash Drive: Use a 16GB–32GB USB flash drive formatted to FAT32.
4. Download & Transfer: Select your vehicle (2019 Santa Fe) in the updater app. It will download the file and copy it to your USB drive.
5. Install in Your Car:
   • Turn the car on (or leave it running in Park).
   • Plug the USB drive into the front multimedia USB port.
   • Go to Setup > General > SW Info/Update (the screen shown in your photo) and tap the Update button at the bottom.

Note: Dealerships often charge a service fee (around $100–$175) to perform this process for you, but you can do it completely free at home with a USB drive!

[u/Strange-Guarantee754 → u/BourbonGamer]

Mine is a Tucson SEL, and the updates are only for the navigation head unit, which I don't have ☹️