What To Look For
Car compatibility: The most important thing is that you need to make sure the Bluetooth receiver will work with your car. Most cars will have a 3.5mm AUX input. If your car doesnt have a USB port, some Bluetooth receivers will require you to purchase an inexpensive USB charger that plugs into the cars 12-volt DC outlet .
Charging ports: Many of today’s Bluetooth receivers come equipped with one or more extra USB ports. This is ideal for people who want to stream music and charge their smartphone while they drive. These extra ports typically increase the cost of the receiver, however.
Size and extra features: Finally, you want to make sure the Bluetooth receiver works best for you. They come in all different shapes and sizes and you might not want a bulky Bluetooth receiver to take up vital dashboard space. Also, some options come with various features, like a built-in radio transmitter or a built-in voice assistant , that you may or may not want.
Best Bluetooth Adapters For Car Audio System
These Bluetooth Car Adapters let you connect your car audio to your smartphone using FM signal. Bluetooth car kit is a plug and play device that are suitable for any Car audio system that has an FM radio and Car Cigarette Lighter port for the power supply. These Bluetooth Transmitters are coming with USB charging port for your devices and some of them are coming with GPS.
Pairing Devices With Your Kia
For Bluetooth connections, youve got to first pair device with your Kia by adding it to the systems list of Bluetooth devices. You can register up to five devices. Heres how.
1) From the control panel, press the button, then select Phone settings > Add new device. Alternatively, you can also press the Call/Answer button on your steering wheel.
2) Activate Bluetooth on the device you want to connect. Search for your vehicles system and then select it.
3) Enter or confirm the password to complete connection.
* If the passkey input pop-up appears on your device, enter the password 0000 which should also appear on your system screen.
* If a 6-digit password appears on your device, make sure it is the same as the password on your system screen and confirm connection from the device.
Bluetooth is supposedly cross-compatible, but there are cases when compatibility could be a problem. For instance, devices using Bluetooth Smart can only be paired with Bluetooth Smart-compatible devices.
Read Also: Where Can I Trade In My Car
Q So How Do I Know If My Car Has Bluetooth
A. There are a few ways to identify if your car has Bluetooth.
- Scroll through the stereo options, if possible.
- Use the Bluetooth search function on your phone to look for your car.
- You can perform a visual inspection of the dashboard, as many cars print the Bluetooth logo on the plastic.
- Check your owners manual.
How To Install Bluetooth In A Car Stereo System
The desire for a Bluetooth connection in ones car has increased in the past few years due to more and more drivers carrying smart phones, tablets and other Bluetooth devices.
A lot of places now enforce laws limiting the use of cell phones in cars, and Bluetooth car stereos is one method of bridging the middle ground.
Drivers of older vehicles often find that their outdated electronics wont support Bluetooth settings in their current factory standard cars, which is fortunately not a problem as there are several convenient ways one can install Bluetooth in car.
You May Like: What Type Of Obd Is My Car
How To Modernize Your Car With Bluetooth
Best Buy doesnt even sell CDs anymore, people!
The Drive and its partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links. Read more.
Bluetooth does nothing new. Even before the technology was introduced, you could make hands-free calls to Mum and stream Mobb Deeps The Infamous through your car stereo. Bluetooths crowning achievement is that it allows drivers to do these things without the messy annoyance known as wires.
We despise cluttered car cabins, and wires have become one of the major culprits for quickly mucking up center consoles. If one of your 2021 resolutions is to keep a cleaner car or to simply upgrade it, its time for you to add Bluetooth to your cabin.
There are good and bad ways to do this, just as there are pricier options and cheap options. Below, The Drives plugged-in editors untangle the wires and clearly lay out how to proceed without too much hassle. Time to get to it.
Recommended Bluetooth To Auxiliary Adapters
When looking for good Bluetooth receivers for your car that plug into the auxiliary audio jack, two products stood out thanks to their super user reviews.
The first is the Mpow receiver. This has the latest Bluetooth 5.0 technology in it, which should mean that youll get very high quality streaming with no stutter. We also really like the inclusion of a small status screen, so you can quickly see whats connected and how good the signal is. Mpow claims a 40-foot range. So unless youre driving a tour bus, youll probably be OK.
The next tantalizing option is the TaoTronics bluetooth receiver. This product lacks a screen, but has the ability to also act as a Bluetooth transmitter. This makes it pretty versatile outside of simply using it in your car.
You May Like: How Long Does A Car Battery Take To Charge
Get A Bluetooth Car Kit
You can also get a Bluetooth car kit to improve functionality in your old automobile. A Bluetooth car kit can obtain power from your vehicles cigarette lighter, and you can connect it to your cars stereo through the auxiliary jack to listen to music. This kit also allows you to make and receive calls because most models feature built-in speakers. Others also allow you to control your favorite tunes from your phone.
# Install The Bluetooth Receiver
The next step is installing the Bluetooth receiver in your car in case it is not present. This device will convert audio signals into digital media signals before sending them to your stereo or head unit. To install this device, you need to connect it with an AUX input jack of your cars stereo system through a wire harness cable or adapter that comes with it.
After installing the receiver, turn on your stereo system so that you can check if there are any problems with its connection to other components of your stereo system. The receiver will connect with the external microphone for car stereo.
Read Also: How To Roll Start A Car
Why You Should Trust Us
We’ve been writing about and reviewing audio products including speakers, headphones, earbuds and other audio components that run the gamut from consumer to hi-fi for near-on a decade. We also work with major brands and talk to experts within the audio industry. The below selections of Bluetooth receivers are a combination of products that we’ve had hands-on experience with as well as products that are made by brands that trusted within the audio space.
The Jankier Option: Use A Portable Bluetooth Speaker
If you already have a Bluetooth speaker lying around, you can take it with you in the car and put it in the console in between the seats, or get creative and velcro it to the dashboard.
RELATED:The Complete Guide to Buying a Portable Bluetooth Speaker
Be sure to bring a USB charging cable for it, as well as a cigarette lighter adapter to keep it charged up. The audio quality certainly wont be as good as your cars own speakers, but if you dont already have Bluetooth in your car, this is a quick and easy way to make it happen.
This probably isnt the best option, but its at least an option. And if you already have a portable Bluetooth speaker lying around, it doesnt cost you any additional money like the previous methods. You could at least try it and see if adding Bluetooth to your car is really worth the cost of a more expensive setup.
In the end, there are quite a few options to choose from, but it really comes down to how much money you want to spend in order to get Bluetooth capabilities inside of your car, and how much effort you want to put into making it happen.
Title image from lightpoet/Bigstock
Recommended Reading: What Is The Best Midsize Car
How To Install Bluetooth Microphone In Car:
Do you want to connect a Bluetooth microphone in your truck or car but need some help figuring out how and where to do it? Youre in luck youve found the right guide. In this article, we will walk you through how to install a Bluetooth microphone in your car.
What is a Bluetooth microphone? It is a microphone that can wirelessly connect to your phone, tablet, or another Bluetooth-capable device. It will be like you are talking on the phone using the handset when paired. This type of microphone is especially ideal for people who prefer using their phones over hand-held devices. It also works great in cars that dont have a built-in hands-free device.
The new generation of smartphones has led to the increased popularity of car stereo systems equipped with Bluetooth. This makes it easy for you to connect various gadgets to give you a sweet ride, especially those who do long drives. You can connect Bluetooth speakers, microphones, and even easily and simply stream audio from a smartphone. However, people still make mistakes when trying to connect these gadgets.
Anyone can do car stereo Bluetooth microphone installation in a car with the knowledge. In this article, we will consider how to perfectly install a Bluetooth microphone in your car.
Bluetooth To Auxiliary Adapters
If your car doesnt have Bluetooth, but has an auxiliary jack, you can still add Bluetooth functionality to it by using a Bluetooth headphone adapter. These devices are designed to let you turn any set of headphones into a Bluetooth-enabled pair, but they work just as well directly connected to your car instead.
The only real downside is that they require a USB power source if you need them to keep going for longer than their batteries will last. On the plus side, when you get out of your car at the end of the trip, you can simply plug in your headphones and be on your way.
You May Like: How Much Does Car Insurance Go Up After An Accident
Making The Dongle Smaller
The dongle is pretty damn small, but the 3.5mm connector takes most of the height of the dongle.
Since we’re not using it, removing it is very easy.
Just heat the surface mount pads with a soldering iron while using some metallic tool to pry the connector at the same time you heat the pad. Repeat for each pad until the connector pops out.
How To Connect A Phone Directly To Car Speakers/car Stereos
You can use the following ways to connect the phone directly to car speakers/car stereo.
-
Connect the phone to the car stereo using Bluetooth.
-
If you cannot connect it via Bluetooth, you can use the USB Port on the car audio unit and the charging cable of your mobile.
-
You can also connect your phone directly to car speakers/car stereos using Android Auto or Apple CarPlay.
-
You can use any hands-free device or FM transmitter if your car audio does not support Bluetooth or USB.
Also Check: How Much Do Extended Car Warranties Cost
Upgrade To A Bluetooth Car Stereo
While upgrading to a Bluetooth car stereo isn’t a cheap option, it is the only way to add complete Bluetooth functionality and connectivity to any vehicle. If you’re on the verge of a sound system overhaul anyway and you’re interested in Bluetooth, look for head units that include that functionality out of the box.
Full Bluetooth integration means that your head unit can display caller information and song data when you’re streaming music and may be able to dial your phone or control apps via a touchscreen interface.
Aside from the price, the only other downside of upgrading to a Bluetooth car stereo is that it requires removing the existing radio. If you want to keep your factory look or any particular functionality unique to your car, it’s worth checking into whether a Bluetooth adapter is available.
Why Do We Recommend You Choose Bluetooth Car Kit
Realistically, we will always recommendyou choose a universal car kit. Yes, TaoTronics do sell these, but its for more important reasonsthan that.
- This is the least expensive option, which is alwaysgreat.
- You can use it in multiple vehicles. Take it onroad trips with you even if youve hired a car.
- Its really effective just by simply plugging itin. You dont need to go through a huge installation process!
Plus, they are small and lightweight,making them super portable. You shouldnt even notice them in your cartheyshouldnt get in the way. So, very little thinking is involved about what typeyou purchase beyond the practicalities.
Read Also: How Do I Get My Car Registration
How To Reset Install Bluetooth Microphone To The Car Stereo
This video shows you how to install Bluetooth microphone into your vehicle so it will successfully pick up the voice. We feature two installation locations – at the top, and by the instrument cluster.
Once the microphone and GROM Bluetooth Dongle are installed, you will be able to make the hands free phone calls, and speak with the other people using the provided microphone and car stereo speakers.
See how easily you can tuck the microphone wire beneath the vehicle trim.
Microphone is also useful if you would like to use voice activation to start the phone call, or to search for the music via Dashlinq app.
GROM Bluetooth car kits support hands free phone calls and wireless music streaming. The driver can safely use car stereo and steering wheel controls to change the tracks and adjust the volume.
Drive Happy!
Disclaimer: We are not liable for any damages acquired during your installation process. If you are not sure in your ability to perform the installation please seek the help of the professional.
©Copyright 2008-2023. GROMAudio
iPod/iPhone/iPad are registered trademarks of Apple, Inc. Android is the registered trademark of Google, Inc. HD Radio is registered trademark of iBiquity, Inc.
# Clean And Clip The Mic
Once you have located where to place your mic, thoroughly clean the area to avoid placing the microphone in a dirty or dusty place. Doing this ensures your mic is not clogged with dust, thus losing its pickup sensitivity.
Next, most Bluetooth mics come with a clip that can be attached to the mic itself. Attach this clip to the microphone and clip it onto your chosen position.
Other mics come with magnetic base car mounts that you can attach to your dashboard, and it holds the mic. Others come with suction cups to help mount them on flat surfaces such as the windshield. Whatever option it is, ensure to clean the surface first, then attach your mic.
Also Check: How To Turn On Ac In Car
Adding An Extra Antenna
The dongle already have a built in antenna, and it can be enough when it is on the original case made 100% of plastic. But being tucked behind a multi-layer copper board and also sandwiched in front of the metallic body of the main stereo, the antenna will not be very efficient for sure.
To calculate the correct length of the antenna, need to know the wavelength of the desired frequency, witch in this case is 2.4GHz for bluetooth. = v/f is the wavelength, v is the speed, and f is frequency. v is C = speed of light. For 2.4Ghz we get = 93.75 mm
I built a 1/4 wavelength monopole antenna is very simple with just a coax cable.
How To Install Bluetooth In Any Car
Whether it has a tape deck, aux input, CD changer, or none of that, there’s a way to make wireless music work.
When it comes to used cars, I’m pretty open-minded. In the past four years, I’ve owned a Lincoln Town Car, Toyota 4Runner, Mazda 3, Mazda Miata, Acura CL Type-S, Lexus LS400, Honda S2000, and Porsche Boxster. I’m currently considering Toyota Centuries, BMW M3s, and Chevy Corvettes. No make or model is a dealbreaker. The only thing any car absolutely has to have is a way to play music directly from my phone.
Considering my 2006 Lincoln is the newest car I’ve ever owned, I’ve never had a car with Bluetooth or even an aux port from the factory. But in almost every used car, there’s a way to make Bluetooth connectivity work. It just depends on what era your car comes from, how much you care about audio quality, and what your budget is. Regardless, these are the best ways to do it, listed in order of my own personal preference.
Install a Bluetooth Receiver Into Your Stock Radio’s Hidden Aux Port
This is the easiest way to get consistent, reliable, hassle-free Bluetooth with very little investment. Especially if you own a car that’s too new for a tape deck but too old for a factory 3.5-mm auxiliary input, this might be your key.
Install an Aftermarket Radio BUY HERE
Use the Old Tape Deck Trick A pain, but workable for many cars. Aluratekamazon.comBuy Here
The Last Resort: FM Transmitters
Also Check: When Should I Trade In My Car
