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 started out in the automotive industry the old-fashioned way, by turning wrenches in a driveway and picking up speeding tickets. He now has nearly 20 years of expertise and experience behind the wheel of hundreds of cars, including electric, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, hydrogen, and traditional combustion vehicles.
For each car he tests, Antuan covers more than 200 miles behind the wheel and evaluates driving dynamics; acceleration and braking performance; range; and efficiency.
Antuan's goal is to use his extensive car knowledge to educate CNET readers and help with their next car-related buying decision. Whether you're EV-curious, an EV-enthusiast or a combustion-car loyalist, Antuan will bring you the unbiased advice, reviews, best lists and news you need.
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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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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.
