How do I get Bluetooth in my car?
Three ways to add Bluetooth to your car
Bluetooth technology enables wireless communication between two devices. This technology is most often seen in the form of hands-free headphones that communicate with mobile phones or wireless speaker systems.
By integrating the wireless function into your car radio, you can hear callers' conversations through your car's speakers. Incoming calls are displayed on the radio screen, and you can make and receive calls without touching your phone. Most importantly, you can drive safely, allowing you to focus on driving while keeping your hands on the wheel while talking to your interlocutor.
How to connect your phone to your car radio?
Many Bluetooth devices also allow you to stream music from your phone. A Bluetooth device that can receive such a stream can also stream music to your car stereo, and soon it will also be possible to stream video to a video receiver, for example, in your dashboard.
There are three ways to connect your mobile phone via Bluetooth to the head unit:
- A universal Bluetooth kit that works in any car
- A specific Bluetooth stereo adapter dedicated to a given radio model that connects to the radio.
- Factory-built Bluetooth module
Option 1: Universal Bluetooth Kit
Universal Bluetooth kits work in almost any car, with any car stereo. Some are simple standalone devices with a small speaker and microphone. They clip onto the sun visor and don't work with the car stereo at all. They're good because they can be transferred from one vehicle to another. The downside is that their use is practically limited to a hands-free kit.
Other universal kits are connected to the radio, muting the music during an incoming call and transmitting the call to the car's speakers instead of the tiny speaker on the device. Some of these kits also support music streaming. The downside is that you have to remove the car radio and connect a few wires to install the kit. The effort put into installation is rewarding in the device's operation.
There are many universal Bluetooth kits on the market. From left to right: Alpine DCS-BT1, Parrot CK3000 Evolution, and Parrot CK3100
Option 2: Dedicated Bluetooth adapter for the head unit
A dedicated adapter is a specific solution that connects automatically to a specific brand of head unit. Installation typically involves connecting a single cable to a dedicated location on the radio. Caller information appears on the car radio display, and calls can be answered using the radio's control buttons.
This kit typically includes a microphone that attaches to the sun visor or somewhere on the dashboard. The kit also allows you to hear the caller through the car's speakers.
This is a good solution if you already have a car radio or are planning to buy a new one. Simply check if it's compatible with the brand's Bluetooth adapter. A Bluetooth system is fully integrated with the car radio like a hands-free kit; many of these systems also support music streaming (A2DP).
Option 3: Factory built-in Bluetooth module in the car radio
The final option for adding Bluetooth to your car is the Bluetooth technology that is already built into the car radio, this allows you to have full control of your phone from the car radio, it also has music streaming, the added advantage is that you don't have to deal with an additional Bluetooth adapter, so installation is much easier.
Due to the popularity of Bluetooth, it's being featured in a growing number of new car stereos. This means you don't have to buy the most expensive car stereo to use wireless technology. Therefore, if you're planning to buy a new car stereo, consider models with a built-in Bluetooth module, which offers much greater possibilities.
Alpine UTE-72BT car radio with built-in Bluetooth for hands-free calling, music streaming and audio playback from selected apps.
Adding Bluetooth to your car radio is that easy
Adding Bluetooth technology to your car stereo can be easy. A Bluetooth device makes driving easier and safer. Furthermore, in a growing number of countries, using a phone without a hands-free kit is illegal while in the car. As Bluetooth applications continue to develop, this technology will enable us to take advantage of completely new solutions in the future that Bluetooth will offer.