The three ways to add Bluetooth to a car that doesn't have it
If your car has a working stereo but no Bluetooth, you have three practical routes: a Bluetooth receiver that plugs into your aux jack, a Bluetooth car kit that replaces part of your dashboard, or an aftermarket head unit (the entire stereo) with Bluetooth built in. The receiver is cheapest and takes five minutes to install. The car kit costs more but looks integrated. The head unit is most expensive but gives you the newest features and often a touchscreen.
Which one works depends on what your car already has. If you have an aux jack (a 3.5mm input on your stereo), a receiver is your fastest option. If you don't have an aux jack but your stereo has RCA cables behind it, you can use those instead. If neither exists, you're looking at a car kit or head unit.
Key Takeaways
- A Bluetooth receiver plugs into your aux jack and costs $20 to $60, making it the cheapest and fastest way to add Bluetooth if your car has an aux input.
- Bluetooth car kits mount on your dashboard or sun visor and connect to your stereo's power and audio cables, costing $40 to $150 and working in cars without aux jacks.
- Aftermarket head units replace your entire stereo and cost $150 to $500 installed, but give you a modern touchscreen and full control over your audio system.
- Before buying anything, check whether your car has an aux jack, RCA cables behind the stereo, or a steering wheel with audio controls that might affect installation.
- Installation takes 15 minutes for a receiver, 30 to 45 minutes for a car kit, and one to three hours for a head unit if you do it yourself.
Bluetooth receivers: the simplest option if you have an aux jack
A Bluetooth receiver is a small device about the size of a car air freshener that pairs with your phone and sends audio to your stereo through the aux jack. Popular models include the Anker Soundsync, TaoTronics Bluetooth receiver, and Sony SBH82D. They cost between $20 and $60.
To install one, locate the aux jack on your stereo (usually labeled "Aux In" or showing a headphone symbol). Plug the receiver into it. Turn on the receiver and hold the pairing button until it enters pairing mode (usually a flashing light). On your phone, go to Bluetooth settings, find the receiver's name, and tap it to pair. Once paired, any audio from your phone—music, navigation, calls—will play through your car stereo.
The main limitation is that you're using the aux jack, so if you ever want to plug in a phone with a cable, you have to unplug the receiver. Some receivers have a clip to attach to your visor or dashboard, but they're not permanently mounted. Battery life on most receivers is 8 to 12 hours, so charge it weekly or keep it plugged into a USB port in your car.
Bluetooth car kits: for cars without an aux jack
A Bluetooth car kit is a standalone device that mounts on your dashboard or sun visor and connects directly to your stereo's power and audio cables. It acts as a middleman between your phone and your stereo. Popular models include the Parrot MKi9200, Motorola T505, and Viofo A119. They cost $40 to $150.
Installation requires opening your stereo's faceplate and locating the RCA audio cables (usually red and white connectors) and the power wire (usually red). You connect the car kit's cables to these, then mount the kit on your dashboard. This takes 30 to 45 minutes if you're comfortable with basic wiring. If not, a car audio shop can do it for $50 to $100 in labor.
Once installed, pair your phone to the kit via Bluetooth. Some kits also have a microphone built in, so you can take calls hands-free. The advantage over a receiver is that it works in any car, even older ones without aux jacks. The disadvantage is that installation is more involved and you need access to your stereo's wiring.
Aftermarket head units: the full replacement option
An aftermarket head unit is a new stereo that replaces your factory stereo entirely. It comes with Bluetooth, usually a touchscreen, and often Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Brands include Sony, Pioneer, Kenwood, and Alpine. Prices range from $150 to $500 depending on features.
Installation involves removing your factory stereo, disconnecting its wiring harness, and connecting the new unit's harness in its place. If your car's steering wheel has audio controls (volume, next track), you may need an adapter to make those work with the new stereo. Professional installation at a car audio shop typically costs $100 to $200 and takes one to three hours.
The advantage is that you get a modern interface, full control over your audio system, and often better sound quality than factory stereos. The disadvantage is cost and the fact that you're replacing a working component. If your factory stereo is already broken, a head unit becomes a more attractive option.
What to check before you buy
Before purchasing any Bluetooth device, check three things on your car's stereo. First, look for an aux jack on the front panel. If you see a 3.5mm input, a receiver will work. Second, if there's no aux jack, check behind the stereo faceplate for RCA cables (red and white connectors). You may need to remove the faceplate to see them, which usually requires a trim removal tool (available for $5 to $10 at auto parts stores). Third, check whether your steering wheel has audio control buttons. If it does, note that some aftermarket head units require an adapter to keep these working.
Also check your car's year, make, and model before buying a head unit. Some newer cars have integrated infotainment systems that are difficult to replace, and some have steering wheel controls that require specific adapters. A quick search for your car's model plus "aftermarket stereo" will tell you whether it's a straightforward swap or a more complex job.
Installation: doing it yourself versus hiring a shop
A Bluetooth receiver requires no tools and takes five minutes. Plug it in, pair it, done. Even if you've never worked on a car before, this is risk-free.
A Bluetooth car kit requires basic wiring knowledge. You'll need a trim removal tool (plastic, not metal, so you don't damage your dashboard), wire strippers, and electrical tape. If you're not comfortable working with car wiring, a shop can do it for $50 to $100. The risk of doing it wrong is low—worst case, the audio doesn't work and you undo the connections—but it takes patience.
An aftermarket head unit is more involved. You'll need a stereo removal tool (specific to your car's brand), a wiring harness adapter (specific to your car), and possibly a steering wheel control adapter. If your car has a modern infotainment system, the job can be complex. Most people hire a shop for this, which costs $100 to $200 in labor. If you do it yourself, budget two to four hours and watch a video for your specific car model first.
Comparing the three options side by side
| Option | Cost | Installation Time | Requires Aux Jack | Permanent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth Receiver | $20–$60 | 5 minutes | Yes | No (removable) |
| Bluetooth Car Kit | $40–$150 | 30–45 minutes | No | Yes |
| Aftermarket Head Unit | $150–$500 | 1–3 hours | No | Yes |
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Bluetooth drain my car battery?
A Bluetooth receiver uses minimal power and will not drain your battery if left on. If you're concerned, turn it off when you leave the car. A Bluetooth car kit draws power from your stereo's power wire, so it only uses battery when the stereo is on. An aftermarket head unit uses the same power as your factory stereo, so no additional drain.
Can I use Bluetooth and an aux cable at the same time?
With a receiver, no—the aux jack is occupied. With a car kit or head unit, yes. You can plug in a cable and also pair a phone via Bluetooth. Most stereos let you switch between inputs, so you choose which one to use.
What if my car is very old and has no power steering or modern features?
A Bluetooth receiver is your best bet if your stereo has an aux jack. If it doesn't, a car kit will work on any car with a stereo that has RCA cables. Aftermarket head units also work on older cars, though you may need to buy a wiring harness adapter specific to your car's year and make.
Do I need to disconnect the battery before installing anything?
For a receiver, no. For a car kit or head unit, it's safer to disconnect the negative terminal of your battery first. This prevents accidental shorts when you're working with wiring. Reconnect it after installation. If you're not comfortable doing this, a shop will handle it.
Can I return a Bluetooth device if it doesn't work with my car?
Most retailers allow returns within 30 days if the device is unused. Once you've installed it, return policies vary. Check the return policy before you buy. If you're unsure whether a device will work with your car, buy from a retailer with a generous return window or test it at a friend's car first.