• After 15+ years, we've made a big change: Android Forums is now Early Bird Club. Learn more here.

Help Connecting to car stereo

flyyp

Lurker
Mar 10, 2014
1
0
I just recently switched from my iPhone 4 to the Note 3. I have an aftermarket stereo in my car that I would plug my iphone into and it would stream pandora. Now, when I connect my Note 3 I get a message saying unsupported device or something along those lines. My stereo doesn't do bluetooth so I can't try that. I've just been using the port at the very bottom of the Note 3 (sorry I don't know the name, I think it is just a mini USB.) Should I try using the aux. port? Will it make a difference? Is there anything I need to do to the phone (perhaps in the settings) before it will allow it to play? Sorry it's the first Android I've ever had and I've been loving it so far but I've put a lot into my car audio and would love for it to work with my phone.
 
I just recently switched from my iPhone 4 to the Note 3. I have an aftermarket stereo in my car that I would plug my iphone into and it would stream pandora. Now, when I connect my Note 3 I get a message saying unsupported device or something along those lines. My stereo doesn't do bluetooth so I can't try that. I've just been using the port at the very bottom of the Note 3 (sorry I don't know the name, I think it is just a mini USB.) Should I try using the aux. port? Will it make a difference? Is there anything I need to do to the phone (perhaps in the settings) before it will allow it to play? Sorry it's the first Android I've ever had and I've been loving it so far but I've put a lot into my car audio and would love for it to work with my phone.

If you just want the audio to be transmitted, you can still do bluetooth using the 3.5mm port. All you'll need is a bluetooth dongle that'll allow you to connect a male to male 3.5mm chord. There are plenty of options out there, but whichever one you go with is all based on preference.
 
Upvote 0
You could turn your radio into bluetooth by buying this:

http://www.amazon.com/Aluratek-AIS0..._1_1?s=wireless&ie=UTF8&qid=1392906217&sr=1-1

I have one in my car because it has bluetooth phone but not media (no A2DP profile). Works great so far.

There are less expensive options:
Amazon.com : Bluetooth Wonder Wireless Stereo Receiver Headset for iPhone 3GS, 4, 4S, 5, 5S, 5C, Siri, iPad 2 & 3, Android Phones - Droid, HTC, Samsung with Music Streaming & Hands Free Calling : Bluetooth Headphones : Electronics

Or name brand
Jabra Street2 Bluetooth Stereo Headphones Deal of the Day | Groupon

Sony SBH20 NFC A2DP Avrcp Multipoint Stereo Bluetooth V3 Headset Earphone Orange | eBay

I currently use a Samsung HS3000 in my car and at work and it has been awesome to use. What's great, going with these options, is that they are actually meant to be for bluetooth phone calls as well, so if you prefer having your phone connected through your car speakers (rather than a private bluetooth headset), then they should work while in the car.
 
Upvote 0
a car that is compatible with iphone but not android?

While Apple has done the world a huge disservice by changing world-wide norms on their input/output impedance (EE, electronic engineering talk), the compatibility issues should be smaller than stated in the original post.

(prior to Apple High impedance out, and Low impedance in, was ALWAYS the norm - The dipshits at Apple purposefully creating incompatibilities & issues in order to corner the market, and FORCE people into buying their crap only)

SOLUTION:
I think you will find that that because the impedance issue you simply need to turn up the volume on your phone (media volume) all the way up, as well as turning up the volume on your car's audio system. Just make sure you turn the volume back down BEFORE switching to other inputs, like FM radio.

Please confirm, solution, as it has worked for me on all devices, except one piece of junk Apple-Centric product.
 
Upvote 0

That one doesn't work while charging while the one I linked does. Never have to worry about the battery going dead because it's always charging in the car.


Can't find if it works while being charged. I stay away from anything Groupon tho ;)


This thing is from Hong Kong. Good luck trying to return it if it has a problem.

I currently use a Samsung HS3000 in my car and at work and it has been awesome to use. What's great, going with these options, is that they are actually meant to be for bluetooth phone calls as well, so if you prefer having your phone connected through your car speakers (rather than a private bluetooth headset), then they should work while in the car.

I use my car built in bluetooth phone call setup since I have factory steering wheel controls to pick up and hang up calls. So for me the one I linked was perfect because it just did media and not phone calls.
 
Upvote 0
*/thread cleaned

If those involved don't have further suggestions for the OP, then wait for them to ask questions. No solution is more right than another until it has been tried by the OP. He or she will ultimately decide what is right for him or her.

This is the last warning on this. Any further episodes of the Topper from dilbert will result in escalated action.
 
Upvote 0
I also have a question.
I have an aftermarket Kenwood car stereo system with built in Bluetooth.
Bluetooth works great BUT for some odd reason it will only play the front speakers..
I find this strange seeing as there are 5-6 speakers and only plays through the 2 front ones..
Doesn't matter whether it's Pandora or any other source I play to it.. Including Gmusic.. Also my device music... Haven't tried using the USB cord, even if that works it would suck not having the bluetooth option..
Thanks for any help..
 
Upvote 0
That could be a limitation of the aftermarket stereo you bought. Bluetooth could only be set up on the front two speakers because for phone calls and media playing is the same way because the company who made the stereo was lazy and didn't bother to program it to use all your speakers.

Thanks for the reply..
Just spoke with Kenwood support and seems there is a setting under the BT function that has to be toggled to the on position for "play all speakers"..
Factory default is "front speakers only"...
Haven't gone out to my truck to try it but Kenwood assures me it will play through all the speakers..
 
Upvote 0
I use my car built in bluetooth phone call setup since I have factory steering wheel controls to pick up and hang up calls. So for me the one I linked was perfect because it just did media and not phone calls.

I too have bluetooth in my car and have not been able to get my phone to play songs through the car speakers. I paired my phone with my car stereo and it says it is connect but when I try to play a song on my phone nothing comes out the speaker in my car or on my phone so not really sure why this does not work.
 
Upvote 0
I too have bluetooth in my car and have not been able to get my phone to play songs through the car speakers. I paired my phone with my car stereo and it says it is connect but when I try to play a song on my phone nothing comes out the speaker in my car or on my phone so not really sure why this does not work.

Your car bluetooth might not have the A2DP profile needed to play media files just like mine. I have a 2010 Kia Soul. They corrected this for the 2011 model so unless I want to buy a factory 2011 radio off ebay (which will fit my car exactly), I just use the bluetooth receiver I linked above.

When you connect to your car, open your bluetooth settings and press the settings button next to what is connected. you'll see what is connects as. Call Audio is for phone only. Media audio is for music only. If you have both then you should connect as both.
 
Upvote 0
Your car bluetooth might not have the A2DP profile needed to play media files just like mine. I have a 2010 Kia Soul. They corrected this for the 2011 model so unless I want to buy a factory 2011 radio off ebay (which will fit my car exactly), I just use the bluetooth receiver I linked above.

When you connect to your car, open your bluetooth settings and press the settings button next to what is connected. you'll see what is connects as. Call Audio is for phone only. Media audio is for music only. If you have both then you should connect as both.
Ok I will try this and see what happens
 
Upvote 0
After years of using various iPhones with Kenwood receivers in my vehicles I recently bought a Galaxy S6 and in no way could I get to be recognized via USB by the head unit. After trying everything suggested online and by phone the answer was so head slapping simple...bought a male to male 3.5mm aux cable plugged into head unit then into Galaxy and shazaam! It plays flawlessly. I don't need Kenwood's Music Play app or any other app. I just bring up the stock music app on the phone and away it goes. Don't know if anyone else has posted this on these threads but if it helps anyone else avoid a head full of grey hair then I consider my job done! Good Luck and let the music move you!
 
Upvote 0

BEST TECH IN 2023

We've been tracking upcoming products and ranking the best tech since 2007. Thanks for trusting our opinion: we get rewarded through affiliate links that earn us a commission and we invite you to learn more about us.

Smartphones