Connecting a smartphone or mobile device to the car radio is a great way to listen to music, audiobooks, and podcasts while driving. There are several ways to connect the phone to the car stereo.
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How to connect a phone to a car stereo with a USB
First of all, if you have a new car, it may actually have the USB port built into the stereo. This should work with most phones and iPods and will actually allow you to access audio on the device via the native car stereo interface. This is fantastic because in many cases it will allow you to keep your eyes on the road instead of handling a phone while driving, which is illegal in many countries.
This largely depends on the design of the car radio. The stereo must support audio playback from the phone via USB. Some do it, some don’t, and just because there’s a USB port doesn’t mean the radio can do it. Those who have a USB port, but cannot connect the phone, can sometimes charge the phone via USB, and listen to MP3 / WMA stored on a USB stick. Maybe you will have to connect the phone in another way, either via an aux cable or via Bluetooth.
Connection via an auxiliary input
This has become a standard in newer car stereos, allowing you to connect any device that can play audio to the stereo. This will not allow control of the device via the car radio, but it is very simple to perform. Just use a 1/8 “to 1/8” auxiliary cable and connect it from the phone’s headphone jack to the car radio’s aux input.
How to connect phone to car stereo with Bluetooth
Some cars have Bluetooth built into the stereo and, if your car has one, check the owner’s manual to find out how to connect the phone to the car stereo via Bluetooth. Like the auxiliary option, you won’t have phone control via the stereo interface, but it does offer more convenience. It is wireless and will automatically connect to the stereo when you get into the car. Many stereos have built-in microphones to handle hands-free calling too.
If the stereo doesn’t have built-in Bluetooth, there are also Bluetooth car kits that offer you this functionality. The Belkin Bluetooth handsfree car kit and GOgroove FlexSMART X2 are a couple of fantastic budget options.
Are there methods for connecting the phone to the car stereo that does not have a USB slot?
Assuming the car radio has a radio receiver, you can connect the USB device to an FM transmitter that looks like this… or read this article- how to have Bluetooth in any car
Just plug it into your car’s charging port and set a frequency for transmission. Tune in the same frequency in your radio receiver and you’re good to go. The sound quality may not be the same as with a wired or direct connection and may also differ between different FM transmitters. You can easily find this device in most electronics stores.
Can I connect my iPhone to car radio without a cable?
Yes. If your car is Bluetooth enabled and capable of streaming music. Synchronize your phone with the car and play music. If not, iPhone / smartphone adapter kits are available for many makes and models that connect to the factory stereo connectors and provide factory controls of smart devices through the factory speakers while maintaining all functionality.
How do you connect the iPhone to the car display?
Your vehicle must be equipped with Apple CarPlay in order to have this capability.
How can I pair my iPhone with my car?
- Using CarPlay: if your car supports CarPlay, then use the USB port, you can connect your iPhone to your car’s USB port. If your car supports wireless CarPlay, you must hold down the Voice Control button on the steering wheel to configure a CarPlay. So on your iPhone, go to Settings and look for Cars available in it and then choose your car. If you have difficulty connecting, you can consult the owner’s manual for the car for more information.
- Using the Bluetooth: first, you have activated the Bluetooth of your iPhone and your car. See on your iPhone if it shows the car name or not. If it appears, click on it and connect it, otherwise restart your device and follow the same procedure.
How to connect the phone to the car stereo via the cassette player
If your car system has a cassette player, you can use a cassette adapter. Insert the end of the cassette into the stereo slot, then connect the other end which looks like an auxiliary cable to the phone. If your phone does not have a headphone jack, connect an adapter for USB-C headphones to it.
After connecting the phone to your car, be sure to change the source on the stereo according to your preferred method. Otherwise, you won’t hear the sound of your phone through the car speakers.
