You Can See More: Got an older car without Bluetooth? You can still stream tunes — here's how

The following article Got an older car without Bluetooth? You can still stream tunes — here's how is courtesy of Android Central - Android Forums, News, Reviews, Help and Android Wallpapers

We're seeing more and more automakers incorporating Android Auto-compatible displays into their vehicles, allowing you to use Google Assistant to mirror popular apps for music, navigation, and communications right onto your dash. It's a great way to safely use the functionality of your phone when you're behind the wheel, but you don't need to buy a brand new car to take advantage of Android Auto. The mobile app is really good and lets you customize your own setup using your phone, a Bluetooth FM Transmitter, and your choice of car mount. If you're not currently using Android Auto in your car, we've got the perfect guide that should work with any phone and any make and model of car.

Products used in this guide

• Amazon: GOgroove FlexSMART X2 Bluetooth FM Transmitter ($30)
• Amazon: iOttie Easy One Touch 4 Car Mount ($25)
• Amazon: Ventev Chargesync Alloy Cable (USB Type A-C) ($22)
• Google Play: Android Auto (Free)

How to do the thing

1. Download and install the Android Auto app on your phone.
2. Plug your Bluetooth FM Transmitter in your car and pair with your phone.

3. Launch Android Auto and tap the Menu icon in the top-left corner.

   

4. Tap Settings.
5. Swipe up to scroll down.

6. Tap Use Bluetooth to ensure Bluetooth is always running when you launch Android Auto.

   

7. Tap Autolaunch.
8. Tap the switch next to Autolaunch to turn it on.

9. Scroll down and find your FM Transmitter and turn it on.

   

With everything all set up, your phone will now automatically launch Android Auto whenever your phone connects to the Bluetooth FM Transmitter in your car, and your phone will automatically turn on Bluetooth whenever you launch the Android Auto app. Android Auto on your phone lets you ask for directions, take phone calls, receive and respond to text messages using text-to-speech technology, and control music or podcasts with Google Assistant, and offers a streamlined interface that delivers the information you need at that moment without any outside distractions from app notifications.

Our top equipment picks

At the base level, you need two things to create your own Android Auto experience: a way of mounting your phone to your car's dashboard, and a connection between your phone and your car stereo. Here's what I use.

Wireless music for less

GOgroove FlexSMART X2 Bluetooth FM Transmitter

$30 at Amazon

A reliable FM Transmitter at a good price

I personally recommend the GOgroove FlexSMART X2 because it seems to fit well in all the cars I've driven in, offers a USB port for keeping my phone charged on the go, and has held up fine left in my car during the harshest Canadian winters. Easy to set up and reliably connects to my phone.

The FM Transmitter you get is going to depend on the placement of the 12V outlet in your car. You might be able to get away with a more compact design but the most important part is finding something that works well and doesn't get in the way while you're on the road.

Best universal dash mount

iOttie Easy Touch 4 Car Mout

$25 at Amazon

Fully-adjustable and

It's hard to recommend one car mount that will work with practically any car and phone combination, but the iOttie Easy Touch 4 is as good as it gets. You can mount it to your dashboard or windshield (be sure to check what's legal in your local area) and it's fully adjustable so you can get the perfect angle.

iOttie also offers a similar style mount with wireless charging capabilities but it takes up the 12V port we use for the Bluetooth FM transmitter in this guide. If your phone happens to support wireless charging, still has a headphone jack and your car stereo has an AUX-in port, the wireless iOttie mount might actually be your best bet. If you need other recommendations, I've got one listed in our additional equipment section below or check out our rundown of the Best Universal Car Mounts.

Additional Equipment

You're basically set with the car mount and the FM transmitter, but these optional accessories might be worth your consideration, too.

Ventev Chargesync Alloy Cable (USB Type A-C)

$22 at Amazon

Not all charging cables are strong enough to hold up to brutally cold winter weather. This alloy cable from Ventev features a braided wrap that won't break or fray and a velcro strap for managing any excess cable.

Spigen Style Ring

$12 at Amazon

The Spigen Style Ring dash mount is always there for me for times when I'm using a case with a Style Ring on it. It's a minimalist car mount solution that's barely noticable when not in use and does a better job of mimicking a built-in dash display.