X

How to connect an Android phone to your car with Bluetooth

The Bluetooth connection process varies from stereo to stereo, the basic steps are all the same.

Antuan Goodwin
Antuan Goodwin gained his automotive knowledge the old fashioned way, by turning wrenches in a driveway and picking up speeding tickets. From drivetrain tech and electrification to car audio installs and cabin tech, if it's on wheels, Antuan is knowledgeable.
Antuan Goodwin
HOWTODROID_BT1.JPG
1 of 7 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Step 1: Initiate paring on your car's stereo

Start the Bluetooth pairing process on your car's stereo. This process varies from vehicle to vehicle and is sometimes lumped in with the hands free calling system. The system may ask you a few questions, and then prompt you to complete the setup process on your handset.

HOWTODROID_BT2.png
2 of 7 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Step 2: Head into your phone's setup menu

Next on your Android phone, head into the Settings menu and select Wireless & Networks.
HOWTODROID_BT3.png
3 of 7 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Step 3: Select Bluetooth Settings submenu

Make sure that the Bluetooth antenna is powered on by checking the box next to Bluetooth, then select Bluetooth Settings submenu.
HOWTODROID_BT4.png
4 of 7 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Step 4: Select your stereo

At the bottom of the next screen, you'll find a list of available Bluetooth devices. Locate your stereo in the list and select it.
HOWTODROID_BT5.png
5 of 7 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Step 5: Enter PIN

You'll be prompted for a pin (which may will vary from stereo to stereo, but is usually 0000) and the pairing process will be complete.
HOWTODROID_BT6.png
6 of 7 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Optional: Enable Media

The entry in the Bluetooth devices list should read "Connected to phone and media audio." If not, then press and hold on the stereo's name until the contextual menu appears, then select Options and manually enable audio streaming by checking the box next to Media.
HOWTODROID_BT7.JPG
7 of 7 Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Step 6: Enjoy your music

Select Bluetooth audio as the source on your car stereo. And enjoy your mp3s as well as internet streaming radio services wirelessly over Bluetooth.

More Galleries

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera
A houseplant

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera

20 Photos
Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra
magic-v2-2024-foldable-1383

Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra

10 Photos
The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum
Samsung Galaxy S24

The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum

23 Photos
Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design
The Galaxy S24 Ultra in multiple colors

Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design

23 Photos
I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites
img-0368.jpg

I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites

34 Photos
17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About
Invitation for the Apple September iPhone 15 event

17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About

18 Photos
AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?
img-1599-2.jpg

AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?

17 Photos