How to connect an iPod to your car stereo

You don't have to break the bank by upgrading your car's factory stereo just to listen to music from your iPod or MP3 player. There are many ways to connect an iPod to your car stereo, all of which vary depending on…

You don't have to break the bank by upgrading your car's factory stereo just to listen to music from your iPod or MP3 player. There are many ways to connect your iPod to your car stereo, and they all differ depending on the make and model of your car. This article will cover the most popular ways to connect your device to your car stereo.

Method 1 of 7: Connecting via an auxiliary cable

Necessary materials

• XCC Auxiliary Cable 3ft 3.5mm

• AttentionA: If your car is newer, it may already have an additional 3.5mm input jack. This accessory jack, often referred to as the headphone jack, will most likely be located on your car stereo.

Step 1: Set up an auxiliary connection. Plug one end of the auxiliary cable into the vehicle's auxiliary input jack and the other end into the headphone jack of your iPod or MP3 player. It is so simple!

• Functions: turn the unit up to full volume, as you can then use the volume control on the radio panel to adjust the volume.

Method 2 of 7: Connect via Bluetooth

If your car is newer, it may have Bluetooth audio streaming features. This allows you to connect your iPod without worrying about wiring.

Step 1: Turn on your Bluetooth device.. If you turn on Bluetooth on your iPod or iPhone, you can pair your device with your car's factory radio.

Step 2: Allow the device to connect. Simply follow your iPod or iPhone's instructions to connect via Bluetooth to link the two systems.

Step 3Manage your device. Once connected, you'll be able to use your car's original radio controls and steering wheel audio controls to set up and control your iPod or iPhone.

• AttentionA: You may be able to use additional apps such as Pandora, Spotify, or iHeartRadio to play music through your car's stock radio.

Method 3 of 7: Connecting via USB input

If your vehicle is newer, it may also be equipped with a USB input socket on your vehicle's factory radio. In this case, you can simply plug your iPod or iPhone charger or Lightning cable into the car radio's USB port.

Step 1: Plug in the USB cable. Use a USB charging cable (or a Lightning cable for newer iPhones) to connect your smartphone to the vehicle's factory USB input.

In most cases, this method allows you to display information from your device on your vehicle's factory radio display. You may even be able to charge your device directly via the USB input.

• AttentionA: Again, make sure your device is turned up to full volume, allowing maximum control through the car's interface.

Method 4 of 7: Connecting with adapters for cassette players

If you have a car equipped with a cassette player, you may feel like your stereo is outdated. The easy solution is to simply buy a cassette player adapter that will allow you to connect to your iPod.

Necessary materials

• Adapter for cassette player with additional 3.5 mm plug

Step 1 Insert the adapter into the cassette slot.. Place the adapter in your cassette player as if you were using a real cassette.

Step 2Connect the cable to your iPod. Now just connect the supplied accessory cable to your iPod or iPhone.

• Attention: This method also allows you to control via the radio panel, so be sure to turn the unit up to full volume.

Method 5 of 7: Connecting via CD Changer or Satellite Radio Adapters

If you want to display information from your iPod or iPhone directly on your car's radio display, and if your car has a CD changer input or a satellite radio input, you should consider this option.

Step 1: Consult your vehicle owner's manual. Before purchasing, please refer to your vehicle owner's manual to ensure you have purchased the correct type of adapter.

The type of iPod stereo adapter you purchase depends on the make and model of your vehicle, and it is best to refer to your owner's manual to make the best choice.

Step 2: Replace the factory radio with an iPod adapter.. Remove your car's factory radio and install an iPod adapter in its place.

Step 3: Adjust the settings on the radio panel. You should be able to change the music volume on your iPod by adjusting the settings on the radio panel.

An added benefit is that in most cases you can even charge your iPod or iPhone with these adapters.

• AttentionNote: This type of adapter requires either a CD changer input or a satellite radio antenna input.

• A warningA: Remember to disconnect your car battery when removing or installing adapters to your car's factory radio to ensure overall safety. Connecting and connecting cables while the car battery is running exposes you to the risk of electric shock and short circuit.

Method 6 of 7: Connecting via a DVD A/V cable connection

If your car is equipped with a DVD rear entertainment system connected to the factory radio, you can purchase an A/V cable set to connect your iPod to your car stereo, allowing you to use the existing equipment in your car.

Necessary materials

• DVD A/V cable set with 3.5 mm plug

Step 1: Establish an audio/video connection. Connect two audio cables to the A/V input jacks on the rear DVD entertainment system.

• AttentionA: Please refer to your vehicle owner's manual to find these inputs as they vary by make and model.

• Functions: Increase the volume on the device again to fully interact with the car radio interface.

Method 7 of 7: Radio tuner

If your vehicle does not have the proper systems to perform any of the above methods, you can purchase an FM adapter. For example, older cars may not have the capability for the above features, so an FM adapter is the best option.

Necessary materials

• FM adapter with 3.5 mm plug.

Step 1: connect your device. Connect the adapter to the machine and the cable to the device.

Step 2: Tune in to FM radio.. Tune in to the FM radio using an mp3 player, smartphone or other device.

This will allow you to tune the factory radio to the correct radio station - as specified in your FM adapter's specific instructions - and listen to your own songs and sound through that FM radio connection.

• FunctionsA: Although this solution will play music from your device through the car's FM radio system, the connection is not perfect and this method should be used as a last resort.

These methods will allow you to access the music on your iPod or iPhone while you are driving, giving you maximum control over the songs you hear without ads or inconvenience for an overall improved driving experience. If you find that your stereo is not performing optimally due to a low battery, bring one of our certified mechanics to your place of work or home and have it replaced.