With millions of songs, Spotify has become the go-to music streaming app for many people. One of the most convenient ways to listen to Spotify is through car Bluetooth. It is an easy way to keep your hands free while driving and not having to worry about plugging in any auxiliary cords. In this article, we will walk you through different methods to play Spotify in your car via Bluetooth.
Not everyone has an elaborate car audio system. Even if you do, there are times when you don’t want to connect your phone physically to the audio system. Bluetooth helps in such cases. However, some users face issues when trying to connect their Spotify accounts to their car audio over Bluetooth. This article aims to help those who face similar issues.
Video Tutorial:
What’s Needed
- A smartphone with the Spotify app installed
- A car equipped with Bluetooth connectivity
What Requires Your Focus?
Pairing your phone with the car’s Bluetooth system and ensuring the car audio is set to the correct input can help you avoid any possible connection issues. Generally, after connecting the phone and car via Bluetooth, playing any music app is as simple as tapping a button on the phone. But, certain circumstances might arise when car Bluetooth does not work properly. That’s where you should remain determined and active to look for a solution that works best for you.
Different Methods to Play Spotify Through Car Bluetooth
Method 1: Via Car’s Audio System
Many new car models come with a Bluetooth audio system that allows the seamless transfer of audio files from a smartphone to the car dashboard. Follow the below-mentioned steps to connect your phone to your car:
- Turn on your car and go to its settings.
- Find ‘Bluetooth Settings’ and turn on Bluetooth.
- Make your phone discoverable by turning on Bluetooth settings in your phone. Look for the setting option of “Device visibility” and make the phone discoverable to everyone.
- Now, your phone will start scanning for Bluetooth devices. Upon finding your car audio system, click on it to pair with the device.
- It may take several seconds to connect, and once connected, play music on Spotify from your phone to test the connection.
Pros:
- Easy to set up and connect.
- Hands-free mode while driving.
Cons:
- Connection may sometimes drop suddenly.
- Not every car has Bluetooth connectivity.
Method 2: Via FM Transmitter
If your car does not have a Bluetooth audio system or if it is an older model without such features, you can go for FM transmitters. These are devices that connect to the headphone jack of your phone and then transmit the signal to your car radio via FM. Here’s how to connect your phone to your car using an FM transmitter:
- Turn on your car and tune in to an empty FM radio frequency.
- Plug the FM transmitter into the headphone jack of your phone.
- Set the transmitter’s frequency to match the one on the car radio.
- Now, play Spotify on your phone, and the music will be streamed through the FM transmitter to your car speakers.
Pros:
- Compatible with most cars.
- Easy to set up.
Cons:
- Quality of sound may not be as good as it is with Bluetooth connectivity.
- You may face radio interference.
Method 3: Via a Bluetooth Receiver
Bluetooth receivers are small audio adapters that connect to the aux-in port on your car stereo and allow you to stream music from your phone wirelessly. Follow the below-mentioned steps to connect your phone using a Bluetooth receiver:
- Plug the Bluetooth receiver into the aux input of your car audio system.
- Pair the receiver and your phone via Bluetooth and play Spotify on your phone.
Pros:
- Can be used with most car audio systems.
- Easy to use.
Cons:
- Require a power source to work.
- May face interferences due to signal.
Why Can’t I Play Spotify Through Car Bluetooth?
Many reasons can cause the Spotify app not to stream through car Bluetooth. Some of the most common reasons are listed below along with their fixes:
1. Bluetooth Connection Issues
If you face connection issues while trying to connect your car to your phone, try re-pairing your phone. Unpair your phone from your car and then pair them again. Check if you have turned on the Bluetooth on both devices and that they are detectable to each other.
2. Spotify App Issues
If you’re using an old version of the Spotify app, it might be causing connection problems. Try updating your Spotify app to the latest version from the app store of your device. This may solve the connectivity issue.
3. Compatibility Problems
Your car audio system or app may only be compatible with specific versions of your phone, depending on the brand or model. Check your car and phone specifications to ensure they are compatible or go for a third-party device like an FM transmitter or Bluetooth receiver.
Implications and Recommendations
Driving while listening to your favorite tunes can be an enjoyable experience. However, remaining attentive during driving is critical. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure that you don’t get distracted while playing Spotify in your car. You can voice-activate your phone or use standalone devices like Siri or Google Assistant when operating the apps. Also, while Bluetooth is great for the convenience it offers, it might not give you the best sound quality. Always trust your instincts and err on the side of caution.
5 FAQs about Playing Spotify Through Car Bluetooth
Q1: How can I tell if my phone is compatible with my car Bluetooth?
A: Consult your car manual or the support website for your car’s audio system to see which Bluetooth profiles are supported. Your phone’s specifications should also show which versions of Bluetooth are used.
Q2: Why is my Spotify connection dropping while playing on my car Bluetooth?
A: Some cars automatically cut off the Bluetooth connections after a certain distance. Interference from radio frequencies may also cause drops. Use a standalone receiver or FM transmitter to avoid these issues.
Q3: Can I connect Spotify to my car through Bluetooth while driving?
A: It is highly recommended not to handle your phone while driving. However, modern cars come equipped with infotainment systems that allow you to operate your phone through voice commands or buttons on the steering wheel.
Q4: What is the ideal range of Bluetooth connectivity in a car?
A: Bluetooth range can vary depending on the phone and the car’s audio system. On average, Bluetooth has a range of about 30 feet, but this can vary based on various environmental factors like interference from other Bluetooth devices.
Q5: Can I play Spotify from my desktop through Bluetooth in my car?
A: Some cars do support Bluetooth audio streaming from various devices, including laptops, tablets, and desktop computers. However, the system should have a Bluetooth audio receiver built-in or connected to the audio system via an aux-in cable.
Final Words
Listening to your favorite playlist while driving can transform your long and boring drives into epic road trips. Bluetooth is a handy way to enjoy the excellent audio quality and play Spotify through car speakers. Use the above-mentioned methods and find the one that suits you best.