If you’re looking to make your car a more convenient place to use your smartphone, you have several options. One is to connect it through Apple CarPlay(r) or Android Auto(tm). These apps let you use certain features of your phone while driving, such as accessing maps, streaming music and more on your car’s touchscreen display.
If your car doesn’t support these features, you can still connect to your car’s audio system through a USB cable. This is the most convenient method because it doesn’t require an auxiliary input on your phone or a specific car model. However, it isn’t as quick or easy to set up as other methods and it can also be a bit more expensive.
To connect to your car’s audio system via Bluetooth, you need a compatible phone and a head unit that supports the Bluetooth technology. If you’re using an iPhone, you’ll want to look for a Bluetooth adapter that includes a phone port (which is usually labeled as a CarPlay adapter or a phone icon).
Then, plug the phone adapter into your phone and your phone into your head unit’s Bluetooth port. You may need to pair your device first, which is done through the car’s touchscreen or voice control buttons.
Once the connection is made, you can use the phone’s display or voice commands to play your music and listen to podcasts. You can even make calls, but you must be able to hear the person on the other end of the line.
You can also stream music from your phone to your car, but it can take a while for the process to start up. If you’re worried about the time it will take to get the connection up and running, try a portable Bluetooth speaker instead.
Some cars also have a built-in Bluetooth connection, but this isn’t an option for everyone. If you’re not sure if your car supports this technology, check with your car’s manufacturer.
In addition to connecting through Bluetooth, some phones can be connected to your car’s stereo via a USB cable. This is often an option for newer models.
It can be a good idea to keep your smartphone charged while you’re using it in the car, but this isn’t always a good idea. It can drain your battery too quickly and reduce the life of the radio.
If you’re a driver who doesn’t want to worry about keeping your phone charged or who has a car with a limited power source, an FM transmitter might be your best option. This is an inexpensive solution that will transmit your phone’s music through the stereo speakers in your vehicle.
You can also get an auxiliary cable that can connect to your car’s headphone jack and the audio input on your phone. You can find these online and offline, but you should be careful not to buy an unauthorized cable from someone who isn’t the manufacturer.
If you don’t have a lot of money, an auxiliary cable might be the easiest way to connect your smart phone to your car. Alternatively, you can get an auxiliary cable with a built-in Bluetooth and a USB port that will allow you to hook up your phone and your audio device at the same time. You’ll need to get the right one for your phone and car, so be sure to read the specifications.
