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 Feb. 25, 2010, 5:13 p.m. PT

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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.

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Step 2: Head into your phone's setup menu

Next on your Android phone, head into the Settings menu and select Wireless & Networks.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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