How to Listen to My iPod Through My Car's Radio

by Charlie Brooks
Using your iPod in your car will eliminate the need to bring along bulky CDs.

Using your iPod in your car will eliminate the need to bring along bulky CDs.

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With its small size and portability, Apple's iPod -- in all its various incarnations -- is an ideal electronic device to take with you to the gym, on a walk or bike ride or on public transportation like the subway or bus. Depending on your car's stereo system, you might even be able to play your iPod through your car's speakers. If your car has a small, circular auxiliary ("AUX") port or is Bluetooth compatible, you can do this easily.

Step 1

Inspect your car stereo's faceplate to see if it has an auxiliary port. Labeled with either "AUX" or "AUX IN," this will appear as a small, circular jack, much like the headphone jack on top of your iPod. Purchase an auxiliary cable -- a double-ended audio cable you can find at stores like Target, Walmart and Best Buy -- if you have not already done so.

Step 2

Plug one end of your auxiliary cable into the top of your iPod and the other end into your stereo's "AUX" port.

Step 3

Use your iPod to control song selection and either your iPod or your car stereo to control volume.

Via Bluetooth (iPod Touch Only)

Step 1

Tap your iPod "Settings" menu, then the "General" option, then "Bluetooth."

Step 2

Switch Bluetooth to "On," then wait a moment for your device to pair with your stereo.

Step 3

Browse through tracks within an "Artist" or "Album" menu using the forward and backward keys of your car's stereo, and switch between artists and albums using your iPhone or iPod Touch. Control volume using either device.

About the Author

First published in 2003, travel and technology writer and photographer Charlie Brooks has written for websites like CNNGo and Shanghaiist. His work has also appeared in print magazines such as "East & West." Brooks graduated from the University of Tampa in 2006 with a Bachelor of Arts in writing.

Photo Credits

  • Jupiterimages/Polka Dot/Getty Images