Description
I’m experiencing a reproducible issue where the volume changes halfway through every spoken navigation instruction when using Waze with Android Auto.
Environment
- Phone: Google Pixel 10
- Android Auto: Wired
- Vehicle: Volkswagen Polo AW
- Waze version: June 30, 2026 release
Steps to reproduce
- Connect the phone to the car using wired Android Auto.
- Start navigation in Waze.
- Listen to the spoken navigation instructions.
Expected behavior
The entire navigation instruction should be played at a consistent volume.
Actual behavior
The first part of the navigation instruction is played at the expected volume, but the second part suddenly becomes much louder.
For example:
- “In 300 meters…” → normal volume
- “…turn left.” → significantly louder
This happens consistently and is noticeable on every navigation instruction.
Additional observations
- Google Maps on the same phone, using the same wired Android Auto connection and the same vehicle, does not exhibit this issue. Its voice guidance remains at a consistent volume throughout each instruction.
- This suggests the issue is specific to Waze rather than Android Auto, the phone, or the vehicle infotainment system.
- It almost sounds as if the navigation instruction is split into two separate audio segments, with the second segment being played through a different audio output, audio focus, or gain level than the first.
- I found reports from other users describing similar behavior where the first and second parts of a navigation instruction are played at different volume levels, suggesting this may be a broader Text-to-Speech or audio routing regression.
Does more Waze-user experience this volume issue?
Does somebody know if this issue has been acknowlegde by Waze?
If there is a solution for this issue planned?