4 Easiest Ways to Connect Your Phone to Your Car Stereo
By Kay FleuryUpdated on March 9, 2022
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Having trouble playing music from your phone though the speakers in your car? Maybe you’re tired of listening to the radio, or can’t seem to find a song you like. Looking for an easy solution? If so, you’re in luck! In this article, we’ll tell you about four of the easiest ways to connect your phone to your car stereo, and give you simple instructions for doing so.
1. Connect using an auxiliary cable – a cheap, fast, and quick method.
The easiest way to connect a phone to a car stereo is through an auxiliary cable. At one end, the cable will plug into the headphone jack of your mobile device, and at the other, it will plug into the auxiliary input for your car’s audio system. You’ll still have to use the controls on your phone to change songs, pause, and so on, but this method is one of the simplest to set up, and makes an instant connection.
2. Connect to the stereo using the USB on your phone – usually only in newer vehicles.
Another way of connecting your phone to your car’s audio system is through a USB connection. Many newer vehicle models have a USB input built in. To connect to it, use a USB cable that is compatible with your device, where one end plugs into your device (the same way as if you were charging it), and the other end plugs into the USB input of your car. This will allow you to play music from your device, and you should also be able to control it through your audio system – which is often much more convenient and safe for driving, as handling your device while driving is dangerous and distracting.
3. Set up a Bluetooth connection – no messy or tangled cords required!
If your car’s stereo system has Bluetooth built in, check the manual that came with your vehicle for instructions on how to pair your device with your car stereo. The particular instructions will vary depending on your vehicle. Some Bluetooth car systems will also allow you to make and answer calls hands-free, in addition to being able to play music.
The basic process for enabling a Bluetooth connection should require these basic steps:
- Enable Bluetooth on your device, by accessing your Settings and finding a “Bluetooth” menu.
- Enable Bluetooth in your vehicle.
- Search for your vehicle’s Bluetooth on your device by looking for the name (which can be customized in Settings).
- Your device and vehicle will notify you that the devices are “paired.”
From there, simply start playing music on your device as you would normally, but the sound should come through your car speakers.
If your car doesn’t have a built-in Bluetooth option, you can buy a device that will allow you to use a Bluetooth connection. The iSimple BluJax 3.5mm Bluetooth Adapter is a great inexpensive option, and the Parrot Wireless Bluetooth Hands-free Kit is a more expensive option with a lot more features.
4. Play your music using an FM Radio Transmitter – great for older vehicles.
The last way you can connect your phone to your car stereo is by using an FM radio transmitter. This is a good option for those who drive older vehicles, or if your car’s audio system doesn’t have a USB or Bluetooth option. The FM transmitter will plug into your phone’s headphone jack, and then you’ll be given the option to set an FM frequency. Set the transmitter to a frequency that is not already occupied by a radio station in your area, then set your car’s radio to the same frequency, and you’ll be able to hear music from your phone over the radio.
Now that we’ve told you about four of the easiest ways to connect your phone to your car’s audio system, we’ll give you some tips to help you out! Here are some tips you should keep in mind when you start setting up a connection between your phone and your car.
4 tips for connecting your phone to your car stereo
1. Be sure to thoroughly read the owner’s manual that came with your vehicle before getting started.
Your owner’s manual may be able to tell you about ways you can connect your phone to your car stereo without the need for additional tools or devices. Read through it before you spend money on cords or devices – maybe your system has Bluetooth capability! You might be able to save yourself some money.
2. Familiarize yourself with the audio input options on your car stereo.
Have a good look at your car’s audio system to see if it has auxiliary or USB input options. Sometimes, these input plugs are not in a place that is obvious. If you drive a newer vehicle, it is likely that your stereo will have one or both of these options.
3. Be sure a device is compatible with your car before buying it.
Before you buy a cord, cable, device, etc., make sure it is compatible with both your mobile device and your car stereo. Again, reading through your owner’s manual may be able to give you some guidance as to what type of cords are compatible with your particular audio system.
4. Try your best to be patient, especially when waiting for a connection.
Setting up your car stereo to play music from your phone can sometimes be a long and tedious process. Try to be patient – one of these methods will likely work for you!
That’s all there is to connecting your phone to your car’s stereo system. We hope one of these methods worked for you!