Do you have an old car but want to enjoy music while driving? By following the steps outlined in this article, you will be able to connect your phone to your old car and listen to your favorite music. In this article, we will discuss the methods to play music from your phone to your old car with different technologies.
Video Tutorial:
What’s Needed
To play music from your phone to your old car, you will need:
- An old car without the Bluetooth function
- A mobile phone that can play music
- A charging cable
- An FM transmitter or an AUX cable (for models that have an AUX plugin)
- A lighter/car charger
What Requires Your Focus?
Connecting your phone to your old car may require your attention so that you can avoid any accidents or mistakes. Therefore, try to carry out the process when you’re not in a hurry. Reading the methods carefully before trying to implement them will also help you complete each step successfully.
Different Methods to Play Music From Phone to Old Car
Method 1: Using an FM Transmitter
An FM transmitter is an efficient way to play music from your phone to your old car without the Bluetooth functionality. It uses the FM radio frequency of your car stereo to broadcast the audio played on your phone.
Steps:
- Insert the FM transmitter in your lighter plug
- Select an FM frequency on the transmitter (radio frequency that is not in use) and tune the car radio to the same frequency
- Plug in the AUX cable from the FM transmitter.
- Connect your phone to the transmitter via Bluetooth or an NFC connection
- Play music on your phone and enjoy the music through your car speakers.
Pros:
- Easy to install
- Budget-Friendly
- Compatible with a variety of devices
Cons:
- Mid Quality
- Occasional Interference
- Limited Viewing Angles
Method 2: Using an AUX Cable
If your old car comes with an AUX plugin functionality, you can use an auxiliary cable to connect your phone with your car stereo.
Steps:
- Insert the AUX cable in your car 3.5mm audio jack
- Select the AUX mode on your car stereo system
- Connect the other end of the AUX cable to your phone’s headphone jack
- Turn on your phone’s Bluetooth and play music through apps or music player
- Enjoy the music
Pros:
- Excellent Sound Quality
- No Interference Issues
- Quick and easy install
Cons:
- Inconvenient as You have to always reconnect the cable
- Only compatible with AUX plug car models
- Cable Management issue
Method 3: Using the Cassette Player
If your old car has a cassette player, you can connect your phone to the car stereo via a cassette tape adaptor. This adaptor includes an audio cable that you can connect to your phone’s headphone jack.
Steps:
- Insert the cassette tape adaptor in the cassette player.
- Plug the AUX cable into the cassette tape adaptor jack.
- Connect the other end of the AUX cable to your phone’s headphone jack
- Turn on Bluetooth on your phone, select your car stereo, and play music on your phone
Pros:
- Cost-effective
- No Connectivity Issues
- No Interference
Cons:
- Inferior Sound Quality
- Bulky cassette tape adaptor
- Limited Compatibility
Method 4: Upgrade your Car’s Entertainment System
If you’re looking for a permanent and effective solution, upgrading your car’s entertainment system is a viable option. You can purchase an after-market car stereo system that includes Bluetooth or other modern features, such as USB connectivity, Apple CarPlay, or Android Auto.
Steps:
- Purchase and install a new car stereo that is compatible with your old car’s specifications.
- Follow the instructions for pairing your phone with the car stereo
- Enjoy the music and other features of the new car stereo
Pros:
- Superior Sound Quality
- Long-lasting Solution
- Additional Features Available
Cons:
- Expensive
- Time-Consuming installation
- Requires technical knowledge
Why Can’t I Play Music From Phone to Old Car?
There may be various reasons why you cannot play music from your phone to your old car. Some of the common reasons are:
- Your old car does not support Bluetooth functionality or modern features that allow you to connect your phone with the car stereo system.
- The audio system is broken or damaged, which does not allow you to connect a new system.
- The phone’s Bluetooth or audio jack is not functioning correctly.
If you experience any of the reasons mentioned above, here are some common fixes:
- Using an FM transmitter that does not require a Bluetooth connection
- Replacing or repairing the old car stereo system
- Replacing or repairing the audio jack on the phone
Implications and Recommendations
By connecting your phone to your old car audio system and playing music, you can eliminate the need for purchasing a new car or upgrading your old car’s factory-installed audio system. This will save you time and money while providing you with your desired listening preferences.
Based on your budget, you can choose between FM transmitters, AUX cables, or upgrading your car’s audio system. The FM transmitter and AUX cable are budget-friendly options that are relatively easy to install, while upgrading your car’s audio system may provide better sound quality and additional features like USB connectivity, Apple CarPlay, or Android Auto.
5 FAQs about Playing Music from Phone to Old Car
Q1. How do I remove the FM transmitter from my car?
A1. To remove the FM transmitter, turn off the car’s engine and unplug the FM transmitter from the lighter plug.
Q2. Can I use Bluetooth to connect my phone to my AUX cable?
A2. No, you cannot use Bluetooth to connect your phone to your AUX cable. AUX cables only support wired connections.
Q3. Can the cassette tape adaptor damage the cassette player?
A3. No, the cassette tape adaptor will not cause any damage to the cassette player.
Q4. Can I connect other devices, such as a tablet or laptop, to the FM transmitter?
A4. Yes, you can connect other devices to the FM transmitter via Bluetooth or an AUX cable.
Q5. Can I use an old phone to connect to my car stereo system?
A5. Yes, you can use an old phone to connect to your car stereo system as long as it has Bluetooth and a functional auxiliary cable connection.
In Conclusion
In conclusion, playing music from your phone to your old car is easy and affordable. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can connect your phone to your old car and enjoy music on the go. Whether you choose the FM transmitter, the AUX cable, or upgrading your car’s audio system, each method has its pros and cons. Before choosing a method, consider your budget, audio preferences, and compatibility with your old car.