How to Connect a Smartphone (Android or iPhone) to a Car

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

Connecting your smartphone to your car can enhance your driving experience by allowing you to access various features and services hands-free. Whether you want to make calls, listen to music, use navigation apps, or access other smartphone functions while driving, here's how to connect your smartphone to your car, including both Android and iPhone devices.

Connecting Your Smartphone (Android or iPhone) to Your Car

Method 1: Connecting via Bluetooth

Step 1: Check Compatibility

Before you begin, make sure your car's audio system supports Bluetooth connectivity and that your smartphone has Bluetooth capabilities.

Step 2: Enable Bluetooth

For Android:

Open the "Settings" app. Scroll down and tap "Connected devices" or "Bluetooth." Toggle on Bluetooth.

For iPhone:

Open the "Settings" app. Scroll down and tap "Bluetooth." Toggle on Bluetooth.

Step 3: Pair Your Device

For Android:

In the "Connected devices" or "Bluetooth" settings, tap "Pair new device" or a similar option. Select your car's Bluetooth name from the available devices. Follow any on-screen prompts to complete the pairing process.

For iPhone:

In the "Bluetooth" settings, wait for your car's Bluetooth name to appear under "Other Devices."

Tap your car's name to pair it with your iPhone. If prompted, enter a pairing code (usually provided by your car's manual).

Step 4: Configure Permissions

Ensure your phone grants permission for calls, contacts, and media to be shared with your car's audio system. You may need to grant these permissions when prompted or in the Bluetooth settings on your device.

Step 5: Test Connectivity

Try making a call or playing music from your smartphone to ensure that audio is routed through your car's audio system. You can usually select your car as the audio output device from your smartphone's audio settings.

Method 2: Connecting via USB Cable

Step 1: Check Compatibility

Verify that your car's audio system supports USB connectivity and that your smartphone can be connected via a USB cable.

Step 2: Use a USB Cable

For Android:

Plug one end of a compatible USB cable into your smartphone. Plug the other end into the USB port in your car (usually located in the center console or dashboard). Your car's audio system should recognize your smartphone and automatically connect.

For iPhone:

Use a Lightning-to-USB cable (the cable that came with your iPhone). Connect one end to your iPhone. Connect the other end to the car's USB port.

Step 3: Configure Permissions

Grant the necessary permissions for calls, contacts, and media sharing as needed. This may vary depending on your car's audio system.

Step 4: Test Connectivity

Try making calls and playing music to ensure audio is routed through your car's audio system. Some cars may have a dedicated "Media" or "USB" source you need to select to use these features.

Method 3: Connecting via Android Auto or Apple CarPlay

Step 1: Check Compatibility

Make sure your car's audio system supports Android Auto (for Android devices) or Apple CarPlay (for iPhones). Also, ensure you have the corresponding app installed on your smartphone.

Step 2: Connect via USB

For Android Auto:

Connect your smartphone to your car using a USB cable. On your car's display, select "Android Auto" as the source.

For Apple CarPlay:

Connect your iPhone to your car using a USB cable. On your car's display, select "Apple CarPlay" as the source.

Step 3: Follow On-Screen Prompts

Both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay will provide on-screen prompts and a user-friendly interface for you to access apps, make calls, send messages, use navigation, and more.

Step 4: Voice Control

Both systems support voice commands for hands-free operation. Use "Hey Google" for Android Auto and "Hey Siri" for Apple CarPlay to control your smartphone while driving.

Method 4: Connecting via Aux or Bluetooth Audio

If your car lacks Bluetooth connectivity or USB ports, you can use an aux cable or Bluetooth adapter:

Plug one end of the aux cable into your smartphone's headphone jack (for Android) or use a Lightning-to-3.5mm adapter (for iPhone). Plug the other end of the aux cable into your car's aux input (usually labeled "AUX" or "Line In"). Select "AUX" or "Line In" as the source on your car's audio system. Alternatively, you can use a Bluetooth adapter that connects to your car's aux input or cassette player. Pair your smartphone with the adapter via Bluetooth and select the adapter as the audio source on your car's audio system.

By following these methods, you can connect your smartphone to your car and enjoy hands-free access to various features and services while driving, promoting both convenience and safety.

Contact Support.Com:

If you are still having trouble, refer to the Step-By-Step Guide below or consider seeking personalized assistance from Support.Com.

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1. Introduction

Connecting a smartphone to your car stereo is a great way to listen to music, audiobooks, podcasts, talk hands-free while driving or even charge your device. There are a few ways to accomplish this but the way you make the connection depends on the capabilities and specifications of your smartphone and car stereo. Make sure you check what these are in your devices' documentation so that you make the best decision before you make any additional purchases.

You can connect a smartphone to your car stereo using:

• Bluetooth
• USB cable
• 3.5 mm audio jack
• Car brand specific media input
• Adapter, FM Transmitter, Car Kit that uses one of the above types of connections.

2. OS Choice

To continue, we need to know what Operating System your smartphone or tablet has.

There are 2 main Operating Systems for smartphones currently available, Android and iOS.

Android SmartphoneiOS SmartphoneAndroid smartphones are produced by multiple companies, such as Samsung, LG, Motorola, HTC, and OnePlus.Apple is the only company that makes iOS smartphones.

3. Pair Bluetooth Device

On The Bluetooth Device

Set the Bluetooth device in pairing/discovery mode.

This process varies depending on the type of device you have. Some devices require a PIN or a passkey to be entered to be able to pair them. Refer to your device's documentation for these details.

On The Android Device

Depending on what device (Smartphone or Tablet) and which generation you have, the menu theme and options might look slightly different on your screen. However, the steps should be similar across all Android devices and generations.

1. From the main screen of your Android device, tap on the Apps button.
   

1. Then look for and tap on Settings.
   

1. Then go to Bluetooth.
   

1. Make sure the Bluetooth feature is enabled by flipping the On / Off switch to the On position then wait for the Bluetooth device to show up in the list.
   

1. Tap on the Bluetooth device in the list to pair with it.

4. Set to Bluetooth

1. Set the car stereo source to the Bluetooth.
   

1. Play your media from your smartphone, directly from the car stereo or make hands-free phone calls, if supported.

5. Pair Bluetooth Device

On The Bluetooth Device

Set the Bluetooth device in pairing/discovery mode.

This process varies depending on the type of device you have. Some devices require a PIN or a passkey to be entered to be able to pair them. Refer to your device's documentation for these details.

On The iOS Device

Depending on what device (iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch) and which generation you have, the menu theme and options might look slightly different on your screen. However, the steps should be the same across all iOS devices and generations.

1. From the main screen of your device, look for and open Settings.
   

1. After that go to Bluetooth.
   

1. Make sure that the Bluetooth feature is enabled by flipping the On / Off switch to the green position then wait for the Bluetooth device to show up in the list.
   

1. Tap on the Bluetooth device in the list to pair with it.

6. Connect with USB Cable

1. Locate the USB Input socket on your car stereo or dashboard.
   

1. Plug one end of the USB cable into your smartphone and the other end into the USB Input of your car stereo.
   

1. Set the car stereo source to the USB Input.
   

1. Play your media directly from the car stereo.
   

7. Connect with Audio Cable

1. Locate the Aux Input socket on your car stereo or dashboard.
   

1. Plug one end of audio cable into the headphone socket of your smartphone.
   

1. Plug the other end of the cable into the car stereo Aux Input socket.
   

1. Set the car stereo source to AUX Input.
   

1. Play the media on your smartphone. Turn up the volume on your smartphone to around 75% and then adjust the car stereo volume as necessary.
   

8. Connect with Media Cable

1. Locate the Media Input socket on your car's dashboard or inside the armrest box or glove box. The socket label and type varies by car manufacturer.
   

1. Plug one end of the Media Interface cable into your smartphone and the other end into the Media Input socket or your car.
   

1. Set the car stereo source to the Media Interface and play your media directly from the car stereo.
   

9. Connect with Other

Other ways of connecting a smartphone to your car's stereo are by using Adapters, FM Transmitters or Car Kits, which in turn employ the other types of connections described in the other choices:

Refer to the manufacturers specifications and instructions to learn more.

• Adapters come in different forms, have different features and may require extra installation.
• Input Adapters add an Aux, USB or manufacturer specific input to your car stereo if it doesn't have one. May also adapt your smartphones output to the car stereo's input.
  

• Bluetooth Adapters plug into your car stereo through an Aux or USB Input and add wireless capability to it. Pair your smartphone with the Bluetooth Adapter to play audio or make hands-free phone calls.
  

• FM Transmitters, just like Adapters, come in different forms and have different features but don't require extra installation. They connect your smartphone to your car stereo in two steps:
• First, you establish a physical (Audio Aux or USB) or wireless (Bluetooth) connection between the FM Transmitter and your smartphone.
• Then you set your car stereo's FM Tuner to the same frequency the FM Transmitter is emitting.
  

• Car Kits may connect to your car's stereo through any of the above methods and allow you to make hands-free phone calls while driving.