New phone, no headphone jack. How to listen in the car?

[Flat6Driver]

I have two cars that don't have bluetooth stereos. I got a new phone and I like to put music on it and now cannot connect to the 1/8" jack in the car. One car has a USB port on the face, is there a USB bluetooth receiver device I can insert that will connect to the phone?

The other car seems a little more hopeless. There does seem to be a bluetooth receiver that will output on a 1/8" jack, so I could connect it that way, but then I'd have to power the USB from the cigarette lighter, which is a wonky fit. I'd be better off replacing the stereo. (Or wearing my bluetooth headphones which is what I did yesterday).

 

[telemnemonics]

Small bluetooth speaker?
Keep it on a USB car charger?
JBL makes one about the size of a pack of smokes

 

[telepraise]

If it's an iphone, they make an adapter that plugs into the thunderbolt (or whatever they call it) charger socket and converts to 1/8 stereo. Don't know about thunderbolt to USB. Some people load music on a thumb drive and then plug that into the car stereo USB. Driving with headphones on sounds like a recipe for disaster.

Worst case: you may need to upgrade one car stereo. It's a hassle but they're cheap now.

 

[Ed Driscoll]

Here's an article with a few suggestions, one of which might work: How to Play Music from Phone to Car without AUX or Bluetooth.

 

[kuch]

I have two cars that don't have bluetooth stereos. I got a new phone and I like to put music on it and now cannot connect to the 1/8" jack in the car. One car has a USB port on the face, is there a USB bluetooth receiver device I can insert that will connect to the phone?

The other car seems a little more hopeless. There does seem to be a bluetooth receiver that will output on a 1/8" jack, so I could connect it that way, but then I'd have to power the USB from the cigarette lighter, which is a wonky fit. I'd be better off replacing the stereo. (Or wearing my bluetooth headphones which is what I did yesterday).

You don't have a bluetooth receiver in your flat six? I have an aftermarket stereo in mine and it works great! Worth the update for music and phone.

 

[Brad Pittiful]

my phone is also higher tech than my car...luck my car has a cassette deck and i can get a tape adapter and play my phones music through the cassette player

 

[Killing Floor]

If it's an iphone, they make an adapter that plugs into the thunderbolt (or whatever they call it) charger socket and converts to 1/8 stereo. Don't know about thunderbolt to USB. Some people load music on a thumb drive and then plug that into the car stereo USB. Driving with headphones on sounds like a recipe for disaster.

Worst case: you may need to upgrade one car stereo. It's a hassle but they're cheap now.

Both my kids have these. About $10 at Target or Walmart.

 

[Flat6Driver]

You don't have a bluetooth receiver in your flat six? I have an aftermarket stereo in mine and it works great! Worth the update for music and phone.

No, an old Alpine. It has a CD player though.

 

[Flat6Driver]

If it's an iphone, they make an adapter that plugs into the thunderbolt (or whatever they call it) charger socket and converts to 1/8 stereo. Don't know about thunderbolt to USB. Some people load music on a thumb drive and then plug that into the car stereo USB. Driving with headphones on sounds like a recipe for disaster.

Worst case: you may need to upgrade one car stereo. It's a hassle but they're cheap now.

Nah, it's an android. Works great with the headset on my motorcycle, etc. I just need a way for the car to pick up the phone on the stereo.

Agreed, car stereos are pretty cheap these days but I'm looking for the lowest cost laziest solution.

 

[kuch]

No, an old Alpine. It has a CD player though.

Yeah, I have an older alpine in mine too, but it has a cd, bluetooth, and mic for phone. It even has an older usb input.

 

[bgmacaw]

There are Bluetooth receivers available that can fit different connectors (USB, 1/8" audio, etc.) available on Amazon and elsewhere. They're generally pretty cheap.

 

[boop]

Since my car CD player died it's been nothing but Cool 95.7 FM. I like scanning the airwaves...

Have you tried plugging your phone directly into the car with the USB? The USB jack just may just support MP3 files from mass storage RTM, but it could work with an Android, for iPhone I wouldn't hold my breath.

 

[Red Ryder]

Nah, it's an android. Works great with the headset on my motorcycle, etc. I just need a way for the car to pick up the phone on the stereo.

Agreed, car stereos are pretty cheap these days but I'm looking for the lowest cost laziest solution.

Cheapest, laziest solution. You don't need a stereo. Just repeat the lyrics to "Subterranean Homesick Blues" over and over in your head until you arrive at your destination. Problem solved, you're welcome.

 

[Flat6Driver]

Yeah, I have an older alpine in mine too, but it has a cd, bluetooth, and mic for phone. It even has an older usb input.

This might be >20 years old. I removed it from my Jeep when I sold it. I don't think bluetooth existed when it was made. It might play LPs. LOL

I'm less concerned with the flat 6 than the other car.

 

[stxrus]

Ear buds unless you upgrade the cars systems

 

[VWAmTele]

I use a simple bluetooth receiver powered by the lighter socket. It outputs to your cars FM radio - simple, inexpensive and works fine.

 

[glenlivet]

phone to car fm transmitter

 

[Flat6Driver]

I use a simple bluetooth receiver powered by the lighter socket. It outputs to your cars FM radio - simple, inexpensive and works fine.

phone to car fm transmitter

I had one of those year ago for my iPad. Never got it to.work well around here with so many FM frequencies.

 

[radtz]

I use a simple bluetooth receiver powered by the lighter socket. It outputs to your cars FM radio - simple, inexpensive and works fine.

These are actually pretty good these days.

Amazon.com : bluetooth fm transmitter for car

 

[BelairPlayer]

Simplest solution, an adapter with charging ability:


Not sure if the Amazon link is working. Search “USB c to 3.5mm Headphone and Charger Adapter” on Amazon, or the technology purveyor of your choice.