Without a doubt, Bluetooth is one of the best things to happen to car stereos in the last decade. Thanks to new technology like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the days of dealing with ancient cassette decks and tangled aux cables are long gone. With a Bluetooth car stereo, you can play your favorite music, answer calls, send text messages, and get turn-by-turn directions without taking your attention off the road. Not only does Bluetooth make you a safer driver, but it also helps you avoid expensive cell phone violations. Of course, Bluetooth is only awesome when it actually works. 

Despite the fact that Bluetooth has been around for years, users still encounter frustrating pairing problems. The issue usually involves a few different Bluetooth devices – like your car stereo, phone, and smartwatch – trying to get on the same page. While annoying, there are some steps you can take to help your gadgets get along and prevent pairing problems in the future.

The next time you have an issue pairing your phone with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, try these troubleshooting tips:

1. Update the software

Update the software on your phone, smartwatch, tablet, and car stereo as often as possible. You’re less likely to encounter a pairing problem if all of your devices are running the same version of iOS or Android. Keep the apps that control your devices updated, too.

2. Make sure Bluetooth is turned on

This may seem obvious, but it’s easy to accidentally switch Bluetooth off and encounter a pairing issue. If you don’t see the little Bluetooth symbol at the top of your phone’s screen, go into settings and enable it.

3. Turn both devices off and back on

Sometimes a soft reset is all your phone and car stereo need to recognize one another and pair successfully. There’s no need to power your phone all the way off – going in and out of airplane mode should do the trick. 

4. Make sure both devices are within range of one another

Bluetooth only works over short distances indoors, where obstacles can interrupt the signal. When trying to connect your phone to your car stereo, sit in the driver’s seat to give the devices the best chance at pairing.

5. Charge your phone

Some phones will turn off certain features, including Bluetooth, to save battery power. If your phone isn’t pairing with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, charge your phone for a while until it has enough juice to make the connection.

6. Power off interfering devices

Apple CarPlay remembers frequently paired devices and will automatically try to connect when those devices are within range. If your buddy wants to play music through your car stereo with his phone, switch your device to airplane mode.

7. Unpair and rediscover

If your phone and car stereo can see one another but aren’t transmitting data, starting fresh can give it a nudge to pair properly. On an iPhone, tap “Forget this Device” and on an Android tap “Unpair.” Make sure your phone is in discovery mode so you can pair the devices again.

Let Audio Shack Install Your Bluetooth Car Stereo

At Audio Shack, we offer the best Bluetooth car stereo installation in El Cajon. When you come to us for installation, we’ll help you pair your phone with your new Apple CarPlay or Android Auto system before you leave our shop so you can start enjoying hands-free music, calling, texting right away. If you already have your own equipment and just need an expert to set it up, we can do that, too. Call us today for a quote at (619) 749-5750.