How To Stream Audio From Phone In Old Cars? (Solved!)

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It’s no secret that a lot of people are attached to their music. And for those driving old cars without Bluetooth capabilities, streaming audio from your phone can be challenging. So, how can you stream audio from phone in old cars?

There are various ways you can stream audio from your phone in an old car. These ways include:

  • Bluetooth FM transmitters
  • Cassette adapter
  • AM radio transmitters
  • Wired FM transmitters
  • AUX and other cable-type adapters
  • Wearing headphones
  • Porting around an external speaker

In this blog post, I will discuss how to stream audio from your phone in old cars. Stay tuned.

How To Stream Audio from Phone in Old Cars?
Photo by Anton Murygin

How To Stream Audio from Phone In Old Cars?

Read on as I discuss the various ways you can stream audio from your phone in detail.

Bluetooth FM Transmitters

One way you can stream audio from your phone in an old car is by using a Bluetooth FM transmitter. These devices plug into your car’s cigarette lighter port and connect to your phone wirelessly.

Once connected, they broadcast the audio from your phone over an unused FM frequency, which you can then tune into your car stereo.

Most Bluetooth FM transmitters come with a built-in microphone, so you can also use them for hands-free calling. And some even come with an aux input, so you can play audio from other sources, like an MP player or tablet.

READ MORE! Does a Bluetooth FM Transmitter Drain Your Car Battery?

Cassette Adapter

If your car has a cassette player, you can use a cassette adapter to stream audio from your phone. These devices plug into your phone’s headphone jack and play the audio through your car’s cassette player.

Cassette adapters are relatively inexpensive, and they’re easy to find at most electronics stores. However, they do have some drawbacks. For one, they can produce static and hissing sounds and wear down your car’s cassette player over time.

AM Radio Transmitters

Another way you can stream audio from your phone in an old car is by using an AM radio transmitter. These devices plug into your phone’s headphone jack and transmit the audio over the AM frequency. You can then tune into the audio on your car’s AM radio.

AM radio transmitters are relatively inexpensive and easy to find at most electronics stores. However, they can be prone to interference from other AM radio stations. And like cassette adapters, they can also produce static and hissing sounds.

Wired FM Transmitters

If you’re looking for a wired solution, you can use a wired FM transmitter. These devices plug into your phone’s headphone jack and transmit the audio over an unused FM frequency. You can then tune into the audio on your car stereo.

Wired FM transmitters are more expensive than their Bluetooth counterparts, but they offer a few advantages.

For one, they tend to produce better sound quality. And because they’re wired, they don’t rely on your car’s battery, so you don’t have to worry about them running out of power.

AUX and Other Cable-Type Adapters

If your car has an aux input, you can use a cable-type adapter to stream audio from your phone. These adapters plug into your phone’s headphone jack and transmit the audio through the aux input.

Cable-type adapters are relatively inexpensive, and they’re easy to find at most electronics stores.

However, they can be a bit cumbersome to use, as you have to route the cable from your phone to the aux input. And like cassette adapters, they can produce static and hissing sounds.

Wearing Headphones

If your car doesn’t have any aux inputs or cassette players, you can still stream audio from your phone by wearing headphones. This way, you can listen to the audio from your phone without disturbing anyone else in the car.

Of course, this isn’t an ideal solution, as it can be uncomfortable to wear headphones for long periods of time. And if you’re using your phone for navigation, you won’t be able to hear the turn-by-turn directions.

Porting Around an External Speaker

Another way you can stream audio from your phone in an old car is by porting around an external speaker. This way, you can listen to the audio from your phone without disturbing anyone else in the car.

Of course, this isn’t the ideal solution, as it can be cumbersome to carry an external speaker with you everywhere you go. And like wearing headphones, if you’re using your phone for navigation, you won’t be able to hear the turn-by-turn directions.

READ MORE! Can I Use A Bluetooth Speaker In My Car? (Solved!)

Upgrade to an Aftermarket Stereo Unit

If you’re really looking to upgrade your car’s audio system, you can install an aftermarket stereo unit. These units have built-in Bluetooth, so you can easily stream audio from your phone.

Aftermarket stereo units are more expensive than other options, but they offer several advantages.

For one, they provide better sound quality. And because they’re designed specifically for car audio, they’re less likely to produce static and hissing sounds.

FAQs

What’s the best way to stream audio from my phone in an old car?

The best way to stream audio from your phone in an old car is to use a Bluetooth FM transmitter. These devices are relatively inexpensive and easy to use and offer good sound quality.

Can you add an AUX input to an older car?

Yes, you can add an AUX input to an older car. You’ll need to purchase a cable-type adapter and route the cable from your phone to the aux input.

Can I use my phone’s navigation while streaming audio?

No, you won’t be able to use your phone’s navigation while streaming audio. You’ll either need to wear headphones or a port around an external speaker.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to stream audio from your phone in an old car, several options are available. You can use a Bluetooth FM transmitter, a wired FM transmitter, or a cable-type adapter.

Or, if you’re really looking to upgrade your car’s audio system, you can install an aftermarket stereo unit.

I hope this article has helped you understand the different options available to you. Thanks for reading.


Espen is the Director of ProPairing

Espen

Espen is the Director of ProPairing and has written extensively about Bluetooth devices for years. He is a consumer product expert and has personally tested Bluetooth devices for the last decade.


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