News & Updates

How to Grab the Auto Trader UK App for Free—Step‑by‑Step Guide

By Caitlin Rhodes 6 min read 4877 views

How to Grab the Auto Trader UK App for Free—Step‑by‑Step Guide

If you’re on the hunt for a car, the Auto Trader UK app is one of the most trusted tools on the market. Whether you’re a first‑time buyer or a seasoned collector, the app gives you instant access to thousands of listings, price alerts and a handy chat with sellers—all from your phone. Below, I’ll walk you through the exact steps to download the Auto Trader UK app for free and show you how to get the most out of it.

Why Choose the Auto Trader UK App?

The app offers more than just a mobile version of the website. Here are a few reasons why it’s worth installing:

  • Real‑time listings – Get updates as new cars hit the market.
  • Custom alerts – Set price‑drop notifications for the models you love.
  • Seller messaging – Communicate directly with sellers without leaving the app.
  • Saved searches – Quickly pull up filters you’ve used before.
  • Trusted reviews – Read ratings for both vehicles and sellers to avoid scams.

How to Download the App for Free (Official)

Getting the app is as simple as a few taps. Both Android and iOS devices have a dedicated store that hosts the app, so you don’t need to worry about third‑party downloads.

For Android Users

  1. Open the Google Play Store on your phone.
  2. Search for “Auto Trader UK”. The app icon should show a green car with a blue background.
  3. Tap Install. The app will download automatically; no payment is required.
  4. Once installed, open the app and sign in with your Auto Trader account. If you don’t have one yet, the app will guide you through creating a free account.

For iOS Users

  1. Launch the App Store.
  2. Enter “Auto Trader UK” in the search bar.
  3. Locate the app and press GetInstall. iCloud or Apple ID authentication may be requested.
  4. After installation, open the app and log in or create an account.

Alternative Ways to Get the App

Occasionally the official app may be temporarily unavailable in certain regions or on older devices. Below are safe alternatives if you run into trouble.

Use the Mobile Website

Open any browser and go to autotrader.co.uk. The site automatically adapts to your device’s screen size, offering many of the same features as the app. Bookmark the page for quick access.

Download an APK (Android Only)

If your device can’t find the app in Google Play, you can install an APK from a reputable source such as APKMirror. Follow these steps:

  1. Enable Unknown sources in Settings → Security.
  2. Navigate to a trusted APK site and download the latest Auto Trader APK.
  3. Open the downloaded file and tap Install.
  4. After installation, revoke the unknown source permission for safety.

Note: APKs may not receive automatic updates, so keep an eye on the official store for newer versions.

Keeping the App Safe and Updated

Even though the app is free, it’s important to keep it secure and functional.

  • Always download from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store unless you’re sure about the source.
  • Turn on auto‑update in your device’s store settings.
  • Use a strong, unique password for your Auto Trader account, and enable two‑factor authentication if available.
  • Regularly clear cache (Android) or reinstall the app if you notice performance issues.

Maximizing Your Auto Trader Experience

Once you’re logged in, a few simple tweaks can save you time and help you find the right car faster:

  • Set price alerts for specific models or price ranges.
  • Save frequently used search filters so you can hit “Search” with one tap.
  • Enable push notifications to be instantly aware of new listings or price drops.
  • Use the in‑app messaging feature to ask sellers detailed questions or negotiate terms.
  • Review the “Recently viewed” section to quickly revisit vehicles you’re still considering.

FAQ

  • Is the Auto Trader app really free? Yes, the app itself is free to download and use. Some features, such as contacting certain sellers or accessing premium listings, may require a paid subscription.
  • Do I need an Auto Trader account? A free account is required to view full vehicle details, send messages, and use saved searches.
  • Will the app work on older phones? The Android version supports devices running Android 5.0 and above; iOS supports iPhone 6 and later. If your device is older, the mobile website remains a viable alternative.
  • Can I use the app offline? Basic browsing is possible offline if you previously viewed listings, but new searches and updates require an internet connection.

With the Auto Trader UK app installed, you’ll have

Auto Trader - New & used cars - Android Apps on Google Play
Auto Trader UK - New and Used Cars For Sale | PDF | Car | Vehicles
Auto Trader UK - Find Cars, Vans & Check What's My Car Worth | Browse ...
How to use Auto Trader’s Owner Reviews | Auto Trader UK

Written by Caitlin Rhodes

Caitlin Rhodes is a Chief Correspondent with over a decade of experience covering breaking trends, in-depth analysis, and exclusive insights.