With this device, you can connect your Android phone to the radio of an old car. Just pair them up and enjoy Spotify or FM radio while you drive.
If your car is old and doesn’t have an infotainment system or auxiliary ports, you don’t need to spend hundreds of euros on a Android Auto display. With an FM transmitter, you can easily connect your phone to the old radio in your vehicle.
This is one of the best tricks you can apply, as the small device is cheap, easy to install and you can even listen to music from streaming platforms or even answer calls hands-free, all thanks to Bluetooth technology.
How an FM transmitter for cars without Android Auto works
This gadget is designed for cars with old radios that don’t have Bluetooth or systems like Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. It works simply: it connects to the car’s cigarette lighter for power and links up with your smartphone via Bluetooth.
It then transmits the audio to a free FM frequency that you can tune into on the car radio, allowing you to listen to music or GPS directions without the need for additional cables.
It should be noted that FM transmitters are available in electronics stores, department stores and online stores, such as Amazon, with prices ranging from 15 to 30 euros, depending on the features they include.
To choose the right model, it is important to look at the version of Bluetooth it uses, as the newer versions (such as Bluetooth 5.0 or higher) guarantee a better connection and lower latency in sound transmission.
For example, the most basic models only offer a connection between the mobile phone and the radio, while the more advanced ones incorporate a microphone for hands-free calls, USB ports for charging devices and even LED screens for controlling playback.
Although they are an excellent alternative for modernizing cars with old radios, they have some disadvantages. The sound quality is not as good as with a direct connection, as there may be interference depending on the frequency used.
Furthermore, if you go on long trips, the signal may mix with local radio stations. Even so, due to its price and ease of installation, it is still one of the best solutions for improving connectivity in cars without infotainment systems.
