Got a new iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 Plus? Want to listen to your music and take calls in your car? Here’s how to connect your iPhone 7 to your car stereo, letting you enjoy music on daily commutes and long road trips!
1. Bluetooth streaming
The easiest solution is Bluetooth streaming. Originally intended for hands-free calls, car makers have since added music streaming to many models. This allows for an easy connection to your iPhone, and may also allow you to skip tracks, play/pause and adjust the volume from controls on the steering wheel or dashboard. You may want to pick up a car charger to keep your iPhone topped up while you’re on the road. If your car doesn’t support Bluetooth music streaming, you can always pick up a stereo that does.
2. Apple CarPlay
Apple CarPlay is designed expressly for connecting your iPhone to your car, so it’s no surprise that it’s by far the best choice amongst the methods we’ll cover. As well as playing your music on the car stereo, you’ll be able to answer calls, see Apple Maps and hear your Messages. Some modern cars come with CarPlay options, and you can also get it on some car stereos. Apple’s CarPlay page offers more information.
3. Auxiliary input
Some car stereos come with an auxiliary input, either 3.5mm or USB. If it’s USB, it’s easy enough to connect your iPhone via its Lightning cable. If it’s a 3.5mm input, you’ll need a 3.5mm to 3.5mm cable and the Lightning to 3.5mm adapter. Either way, this is a good way of connecting your iPhone, as it ensures no quality is lost by a Bluetooth or FM transmission.
4. FM transmitter
Got an FM radio? Good news, you can listen to your iPhone. Just pick up an FM transmitter, which produces a short-range FM broadcast that you can tune into on your car stereo. There are different varieties available, but you’ll want one that connects to your iPhone via Bluetooth (as 3.5mm is a bit annoying due to the extra adapter that you’ll need and the lack of concurrent charging).
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5. Tape adapter
Old car, new iPhone? You can make it work using the Lightning to 3.5mm adapter that comes with your iPhone 7 and a 3.5mm tape adapter. Insert the tape, and connect the 3.5mm cable to your adapter. You can also get Bluetooth tape adapters that operate wirelessly. In both cases, you may notice that your music sounds worse due to the transmission method, but it’s way better than not being able to hear your music at all.
6. Install your own speaker
Of course, you don’t need to use your car’s speakers — you could also use a portable Bluetooth speaker. Larger examples can offer better audio than some car stereos, and have long enough battery lives to make them a viable alternative. Just pair over Bluetooth, place the speaker somewhere secure and hit play. Remember that it isn’t safe to operate your phone or a Bluetooth speaker while driving, so ensure one of your passengers takes on the responsibility of being the dance commander!
Conclusion
That’s all for now! Thanks for checking out the article and be sure to let us know if we missed anything or if you have any other questions.