How to Play Music from Your Android Phone Through Your Car Stereo

Android phones offer Pandora and other internet music streaming services that are in many ways superior to traditional radio stations as they are customizable. Android phones can also store your personal music collection and act as an MP3 player. With all of these music options available to you, connecting your Android phone to your car stereo just makes sense. Depending on your car stereo's capabilities and inputs, you can connect your Android phone and play music through your car stereo.

How to Play Music from Your Android Phone Through Your Car Stereo Using MP3 Input

Your car must have an MP3 input. You'll also need a male to male car stereo audio input cable.

Connect the headphone jack adapter to your Android phone. If the attachment wasn't included with your Android phone, it will be available for purchase at any electronics store.

Connect one end of the male to male car stereo audio input cable into the headphone jack adapter. Connect the other end to your MP3 input on your car stereo.

Set your car stereo to its MP3 input mode. If you are unsure how to do this, check your car stereo's user manual.

Select and play the music you would like to hear. At this point it will be output through your car stereo system.

How to Play Music from Your Android Phone Through Your Car Stereo Using Bluetooth

Enable Bluetooth on your phone. Navigate to "Settings," then "Wireless Controls." Select "Bluetooth Settings."

Turn on the Bluetooth feature on your car stereo via the manufacturer's instructions and make it discoverable.

On the phone, from the "Bluetooth Settings" menu, select "Scan for devices." Select your car's entry from the available Bluetooth devices.

At this point, not only will any music you play from your Android phone output to your car stereo, you can also use the car stereo as a hands free device for your phone.

Keep in mind that utilizing Bluetooth will run your battery down much quicker on your phone.

How to Play Music from Your Android Phone Through Your Car Stereo Using USB Input

If your car stereo is equipped with an MP3 USB input, you can connect your Android phone and play your music library. Keep in mind you won't be able to use the streaming radio features. With most Android phones, you will only be able to access music stored on a microSD card.

Plug your Android phone into your car stereo USB device. Open your "Notification Area." Tap "USB connected" and select "Mount."

Put your car stereo in USB mode and browse the music collection stored on your Android phone.