Hi all! Just think, just recently, having a car radio capable of playing CDs in a car was something incredibly prestigious and inaccessible to most mere mortals. But technology is developing at an amazing speed. And now, to play your favorite song in the car, you only need to have a smartphone with you.
Today we will talk about how to connect your phone to the radio. We will try to consider all the current methods that allow you to connect these two devices together and be able to listen to music.
I would like to note that in some cases a smartphone allows you to easily access a huge media library even without a modern audio system in your car. A smartphone and one of the connection methods that suits you will help here.
Connection methods
I want to immediately note that there are many ways. At the same time, sometimes several connection options can be used on one radio. If one method does not see, use another. Or choose the one that you consider the most practical and convenient.
It doesn't matter what kind of car you have. This could be Renault Duster, domestic Lada Vesta or Lada Granta. Some have a radio tape recorder purchased separately, others make do with the standard system.
There is even a variety of radio tape recorders themselves. There are several most common brands:
- JVC;
- Samsung;
- Coonwood;
- Pioneer;
- Prology;
- Sony;
- Alpine;
- Terra;
- Sho Me, etc.
There are different versions, models and generations. Even with a Chinese radio of unknown origin purchased for Chery Tiggo, sometimes you can connect your Android smartphone in a couple of minutes. Brands and models do not play a key role here. The task is always the same. You need to somehow connect your phone to the system.
- Conventionally, all methods can be divided into wired and wireless.
- Today we will look at the following connection methods:
- Using a USB cable. Relevant, in demand, not very difficult. Although with its drawbacks;
- Via AUX. Also a common option with its own characteristics;
- Via radio. Yes, you can even connect like this. You will soon find out what we are talking about;
- Using the bluetooth system. Wireless connection category;
- Through the tulips. Not the most popular method, but it cannot be ignored.
Now let's try to briefly but clearly consider each option separately. And then everyone will be able to draw their own conclusions and make a final decision.
USB
Objectively one of the most relevant connection methods. A standard USB cable allows you to connect a phone or just a computer flash drive.
There is a special cord, one end of which looks like a USB connector, and the other is designed to connect to a phone. Please note that old radios cannot synchronize with smartphones, so they treat the phone purely as a storage device, that is, a memory card.
After connecting the devices with a cable, in the settings of your gadget, look for the section with a USB connection. Next, the data transfer menu starts. This will allow the audio system to accept and play audio files available on your phone. But control is only available through the radio on older systems.
If it is more modern, you can synchronize and use the device somewhat more efficiently. This allows access to control simultaneously from two devices. Another plus is that while playing, the phone will be charged in parallel.
It may be slow, but at least the smartphone will not lose its charge.
There is only one minus. This is a dependence on the cable, which can get in the way. If the cord is short, when a call comes in you will have to turn off the mobile phone, and then reconnect everything and start the music.
If you have USB, it is better to take a fully-fledged flash drive, record your favorite music on it, and leave your smartphone at hand for other purposes.
This is a special connector available on car radios. Almost the first functionality that allows you to connect a phone and an audio system in a car. If there is no AUX on your car, this is somewhat strange, since such connectors have been used since the days of cassette tape recorders.
It is actually a round shaped plug measuring 3.5mm. This is the one you use when connecting headphones. It is not difficult to find the appropriate cable in stores. And the connection is incredibly simple.
Take a cord, one end goes to the phone, and the other to the radio. That's it, you're ready to listen. The only control element here is the smartphone itself. You will have to switch tracks through the built-in player or application.
That is, the audio system itself acts as a speaker with an amplifier, where you can adjust the volume.
The option is very good and convenient. Extremely easy to connect and disconnect as needed.
Considering a number of advantages, the demand for AUX connection continues.
Bluetooth
A modern wireless connection option that allows you to connect two devices without the use of cords and cables.
- But here it is important that bluetooth is on the radio itself. Your smartphone probably has it;
- Next, the port on the audio system is turned on;
- At the same time, Bluetooth is launched on the phone;
- The devices are interfaced with each other;
- This allows you to create integration between devices;
- The smartphone is retracted to the side, since control is carried out through the audio system;
- The connection makes it possible to listen to music and watch videos;
- In some cases, the radio can be used as a speakerphone.
Of course, the smartphone will not charge, but the battery wear will increase. But not so much that after a couple of hours of operation the battery runs out.
Convenient, practical, functional and versatile. But it is suitable only for modern car radios.
Transmitters, tulips and emulators
Now let's briefly look at 3 more options. They are not the most optimal, but still have a right to exist.
- Emulator. A universal music reader with connectors for AUX and USB. At the back of the radio there is an ISO output to which the emulator is connected. The cord is included. The connection is not the most convenient, but then you can use your phone, MP3 player and flash drives;
- Tulips. If the armrest has RCA jacks (tulips), you can use them to connect to your phone. It is important to take a cable with tulips on one end and a 3.5 mm headphone jack on the other. Moreover, the connection does not always work clearly by color. Try different combinations;
- Transmitters. These are devices that connect the phone to audio systems, even with just a regular radio. It is the radio receiver that is needed here. You can find out more about transmitters here.
That's all. I think we've covered all the existing ways to connect two devices.
If you know any more, write in the comments. We'll figure out.
How to connect an Android phone to a car radio - all methods and answers to questions
Most car radio manufacturers equip their devices with the function of playing music from external media, such as a tablet or smartphone. This is very convenient because connecting portable equipment to the head unit frees you from carrying and recording flash drives, SD and MP3 discs.
Is it even possible to connect the phone to the radio?
Is it even possible to connect the phone to the radio? This question is often asked by novice drivers when choosing a car radio .
Note from the author of the article: Most modern car radios have the function of connecting to external media via Bluetooth, AUX and USB. It is these connection methods that we will discuss in our article today.
What problems can you encounter?
Inexpensive car radios are rarely equipped with the devices necessary to connect to a telephone. Some models can be equipped with an adapter that allows you to receive data transmitted from your phone.
When transmitting data to the car radio via Bluetooth, AUX, the phone battery drains quickly. After a short period of time it will have to be recharged.
What can be concluded? Connecting a phone to a radio is possible in three available ways, however, despite the simplicity of this process, not every user is able to connect two devices without watching video materials and studying instructions.
Owners of cars with standard radios or car radios equipped with a minimum number of options are trying to expand the functionality of the head audio unit.
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The most effective way is to connect the phone to the radio. How to do this and which method is better to choose will be discussed in this article.
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How to connect your phone to the radio? 6 available methods + video
Now there are many options for connecting your phone to the standard radio. All of them enable the outdated device to perfectly read and play music in absolutely any format. Below are the most common ways to connect your phone to the radio in your car.
This connection option is universal. However, not all car owners know how to connect their phone to the radio in their car.
And on old cassette tape recorders there is an AUX connector, which is used to connect third-party media for reading music. The AUX connector is a round plug with a diameter of 3.5 mm, looks exactly like a headphone jack.
It can be found in any store. To connect to the radio, you should choose a wire with AUX connectors on both sides.
Connecting it to the radio is quite simple. To do this, you need to insert the plug into the corresponding connector on the radio and telephone. Then the radio will only serve to amplify the sound. To play music you will need a smartphone player.
Transmitter
Transmitters are special transmitters. They come in various types. Below we discuss the most popular of them and describe how to connect your phone to the radio.
Transmitter-Bluetooth
To connect such a transmitter to the radio, an AUX connector is required. After connecting, you need to set up music streaming to your smartphone players via a Bluetooth headset, the role of which is played by the transmitter. Such devices transmit music in fairly high quality, but quickly drain the smartphone’s battery.
Some models of Bluetooth transmitters have built-in microphones and allow conversations, but the sound quality during calls leaves much to be desired.
FM transmitter
This transmitter is easy to operate. It turns music broadcast from the phone into FM waves to the radio receiver of the radio. Externally, the transmitter is a tiny device; it is inserted into the AUX connector of the phone.
To start working with the transmitter, you need to turn on the music on your smartphone and set the desired broadcast wave on the transmitter. Next, you need to find the specified wave on the radio and you can enjoy the music.
You can only use your phone to control music.
This type of connection is extremely simple and reliable. Transmitters can interact with absolutely any radio. This method of broadcasting music has only one drawback - radio interference, but it only happens on cheap devices.
- By the way, there are phones that have a built-in FM transmitter, but now it’s almost impossible to find them.
Emulator
We are talking about another type of device for connecting to a radio tape recorder. Emulators are distinguished by their versatility. They have AUX and USB connectors. With their help, you can listen to music on the radio not only from smartphones, but also from flash drives and MP3 players.
To connect the emulator you will need to use the ISO output, which is located on the back of the radio.
Also, for this you need a special cord, which on one side has a connector for the ISO output on the radio, and on the other - for connection to the emulator.
When using a smartphone, you can only control music from it. If music is played from a flash drive, then the radio is used for control.
The main disadvantage of using an emulator is the need to remove the radio to connect it.
USB connector
This connection method is the most popular among motorists. It is accessible and simple. Using this connector, you can play music on the radio from any flash drive, as well as from a smartphone.
To connect music, a cord is used, which has a USB connector on one side and a plug on the other side that connects to a smartphone.
Outdated radio models are not compatible with the phone, so it is used as a simple flash drive.
Before connecting your smartphone to the radio via USB, you need to select the “USB connection” item in the phone settings. Then you can play tracks from your mobile phone.
In outdated radios, you cannot control music from a smartphone. In newer models that support phone synchronization, you can control music content from both the radio and your smartphone. Modern smartphones can use various applications. Some of them allow you to use the radio as an amplifier.
The disadvantages of this connection method include the phone's dependence on the cord.
If it is too short, then you will have to disconnect it from the radio in order to answer the call. The advantages include trouble-free playback of music files. In addition, the smartphone charges while connected, so you don’t have to worry about the phone running out of charge while listening to music.
Bluetooth
Today, this connection method is the most advanced, as it allows you to listen to music without connecting to a smartphone. But not all radios support Bluetooth connectivity.
This method of listening to music is available only for modern touch-screen radios. If such a radio is installed in your car, then it would be useful to find out how to connect your phone to it in the car via Bluetooth.
No wires are required for this. It is enough to create a pairing between the radio and smartphone. The radio is used to control the music, so the phone can be put away. This connection method allows you to use the device for hands-free negotiations.
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Connection Precautions
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When connecting via the AUX input, it is not advisable to charge the phone at the same time; there are cases of failure of the phone amplifier cascades due to faulty wiring and radio.
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Do not connect the AUX output of your phone to the car radio with the volume on the phone at maximum.
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When connecting the phone to the car radio via a USB input, it is advisable to make sure that the voltage does not exceed 5 Volts, otherwise the phone’s USB port or charging module may fail.
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To do this, you need to check the voltage between pins 1 and 4 of the USB connector. It should be 5 Volts. This can be done using a multimeter.
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Let's figure out who can install a Disabled sign on a car and what benefits it provides.
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Video - how to connect your phone to the radio in your car via a Bluetooth adapter:
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How to connect your phone to the radio via USB, AUX, Bluetooth. How to connect a phone in a car
HomeMiscellaneousHow to connect a phone in a car
If just recently radio tape recorders that read CDs were considered the height of perfection, now they are already morally outdated.
And as a rule, manufacturers of standard car audio installations simply do not have time to respond to all the innovations, one of which is the symbiosis of a radio tape recorder and a mobile phone.
How to connect a mobile device to a car radio? To listen to music in the car, you can use any of the following methods, for example, connecting your phone via USB.
What to do so that the device can transfer data
Possible methods for solving the problem are selected based on the causes of the breakdown:
- You can start by rebooting your phone - the possibility of a system failure cannot be ruled out.
Reboot your smartphone to solve a possible system failure problem
- Pull the connecting cables out of the sockets and insert them again, shaking them slightly. This will help if there is simply poor contact at the connection points.
- To check, try connecting another device to the radio.
- Flash your phone so it can connect to your car radio. These programs can be found in large quantities on the Internet. After updating the software, the problems may disappear.
- When connecting via bluetooth, you may need to enter a PIN code on both devices. Most often it is four zeros or four ones.
- You can also try a factory reset and try turning on the device again.
Video: how to connect an iPhone to a radio
Connecting your phone to the radio via USB, AUX and Bluetooth is a simple operation, which, however, has its own characteristics. Compliance with all connection rules guarantees the quality of operation of the devices and the pleasure of playing music or listening to the radio while in the car.
Connecting a smartphone using AUX
This type of connection allows you to use the car radio as an amplifier, while the music is played back by the phone.
Audio information can be obtained:
- From the Internet online;
- On the radio;
- From recorded and saved files.
To make the connection, you only need an AUX adapter with the appropriate connector.
This type of connection between the telephone and the car radio is not beneficial:
- The energy reserve on your smartphone quickly disappears;
- The phone cannot be recharged while playing music via the AUX connection;
- Additional connected wires in the car create inconvenience.
How to connect your phone to the radio via USB, AUX, Bluetooth
Many car radios can play music from external media - for example, from your smartphone or tablet. You just need to connect your portable equipment to the head unit.
This will also make it possible to talk on the phone handsfree without being distracted from driving.
There are several ways to connect to the radio - the most common are Bluetooth, USB and AUX.
Connecting to a car radio via Bluetooth
The main requirement is that the phone and head unit have Bluetooth support. It is necessary that both devices have the same set of protocols (including A2DP).
Support for this technology is available in most modern radios. But older smartphones often do not have the ability to provide streaming playback.
Check the documentation to see if A2DP is supported.
This is what searching for a phone or similar device via Bluetooth looks like on most radios
If your tape recorder does not support Bluetooth, this is also not a problem. You need to buy a Bluetooth dongle (“dongle”, adapter), which connects to the car radio via a Mini Jack or other connector. By the way, via Bluetooth you can connect not only a smartphone or tablet to the head unit, but also almost any other equipment - for example, a laptop or player.
There are two ways to make a connection.
- Using the phone. Go to the Bluetooth settings on your phone and start scanning. The technology will automatically detect all possible connections within a certain radius. Usually the name of the connection you need is the brand of the radio or “dongle”. Click on it and confirm the connection. A request to confirm the request will also appear on the tape recorder screen. Do it. That's it, the job is finished!
- Using a tape recorder. This option is somewhat more complicated. First, enable visibility for other devices in your mobile phone settings. Then you need to go into the settings of the head unit and find the Bluetooth item there. Go to its settings and select the “Search” or “Scan” function (the name may vary for different models). The car radio will find the gadget and offer to send a request. Confirm it on both fixtures. Ready! Communication has been established.
Pairing your phone and radio via USB
Universal method. Suitable for almost all phones and radios, except the oldest ones. You need to find the USB port on the head unit (in new models it is located on the front panel). You will also need a USB cable. It is easy to recognize: on one side there is a plug for connecting via USB, on the other - for connecting to a phone.
Classic USB cable. On one side there is a port for connecting to the radio, on the other - for connecting to a smartphone
Connect the cable to both devices.
After that, go to the phone settings, find the “USB connection” item there (the name may change depending on the model of equipment) and select the “Data transfer” sub-item.
Ready! Now the radio can use the built-in memory and the phone's memory card as storage media. In this case, the head unit itself is used for control.
In new car radios, you can control playback from both devices. For example, you can play music directly on your smartphone, and the head unit will be used as an amplifier. Often this option is more convenient, since you don’t have to switch songs, but can immediately select the one you need.
Connecting via a USB cable has the advantage that the phone will charge during the process (though not as quickly as from a regular outlet) . The disadvantage of this method is the presence of the cord itself, which takes up space and can get caught on something.
The AUX connector is one of the first to appear in car radios. Similar ports were also found in cassette recorders. To connect to a smartphone, a 3.5 mm port is used, which is usually used to connect headphones. All you need is a cord with 3.5mm plugs on both sides.
Screen for selecting the media connection method on a modern head unit
No additional effort is needed - you simply insert the plugs into the phone and radio. You don't have to configure anything. However, there are also disadvantages. Cannot control playback from the head unit. The car radio will be used as an amplifier, so that only volume adjustment will be available from its adjustments.
Additional problems are the presence of an inconvenient cord and the gradual discharge of the phone (it does not charge via AUX).
Common problems during work
Remember - there should be no problems connecting your phone to the head unit! It's a simple and quick procedure! If the connection fails, most likely the problem is in the settings.
- Dmitry Buimistrov
How to connect your phone to the radio via USB
Modern radios allow you to listen to music not only from CDs, but also from smartphones. The most convenient way to connect your phone to the player is to use a USB cable.
This accessory comes with all smartphones and is most often used for charging.
This type of connection will allow you not only to listen to music, but also to talk on the phone without being distracted from driving.
How to connect a smartphone to a radio
The first thing you need to check is the radio's support for a USB connection. To do this, inspect the device from all sides and find the connector labeled “USB”. If there are no labels above the ports, then you can find the desired input visually. Look at what the USB plug looks like and try to find a similar connector on the player panel. The most popular radios with USB support:
- Pioneer 4018;
- Suzuki Grand Vitara;
- SP-4004;
- Alpine CDE-131R;
- Pioneer 7621;
After this, you should download your favorite songs to your smartphone. Please note that recorded music must be in MP3 format. Then connect one end of the cable to the phone and the other to the radio.
A notification about connecting to the player should appear on your phone screen. Open the top notification shade and go to USB Storage or Connection Method.
The names of the tabs depend on the smartphone model, as well as the Android version. Here, click on “File Transfer”.
Show advanced options
USB operating mode - File transfer
This function allows the radio to play the melodies available on the phone, no matter where they are located - on the SD card or in the internal memory.
