How to Plug Your iPod Into Your Car Stereo With an Auxiliary Cable

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: September 28, 2022

You can play music from your iPod, MP3 player, or smartphone through your car stereo by connecting it with an auxiliary cable. You’ll need to make sure that your car stereo has an AUX input, connect the cable, and set the stereo to Aux mode. Don’t forget to keep your device charged!

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Using an Auxiliary Cable

1
Check that your car has an Aux input jack. Look for a port on the front of your stereo labeled “AUX”. In case there is no label, it will look the same as a ¹⁄₈ inch (0.3 cm) headphone input. If the auxiliary cord is not near the stereo, then check in the glove compartment or centre console.
2
Acquire a male-to-male connection cord, ¹⁄₈ inch (0.3 cm) to ¹⁄₈ inch (0.3 cm) stereo cable. Generally a 2–3 foot (0.61–0.91 m) cable (.6-.9m) is plenty long and should only cost about $5 to $10. You can buy an aux cord online here.

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3
Plug one end of the cable into the headphone jack of your iPod or MP3 player.
4
Plug the other end of the cable into your car stereo's auxiliary input jack.
5
Press the "AUX" button on your car stereo to cycle to the auxiliary cable setting. This button may also be labeled “CD” or “Source” on some stereos. Your stereo’s display will indicate which mode it is set to.
- If you are having trouble finding the right button, check your car or stereo manufacturer's user guide.
6
Adjust the volume on your MP3 Player. Set the volume to about 50% or less. It is better to have the player’s volume lower to conserve battery and minimize clipping and distortion in your music.^{[1]
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7
Adjust the volume on your car stereo. You will want to use the volume knob to reach a comfortable listening level. This is generally easier to adjust while driving and likely a more powerful amplifier than the one on your mp3 player.
8
Play a song. You will hear the music from your MP3 player come through your car’s speakers. You may need to further tweak the volume to your liking.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Troubleshooting

1
Check both ends of the aux cable connection. Both ends of the cable must be firmly seated in their jacks to ensure optimal audio quality. Try to avoid pinching the cable at sharp angles to maintain the cable.
2
Acquire a charging adapter. If your player is frequently running out of battery while in use, you can get a car adapter to connect to the car charging port. Most modern adapters will have a USB port so that you can provide your own charging cable that is sure to fit your device.
- Charging adapters connect to both the car and player separately from the aux cable, although some car adapters may also include an aux connection.
3
Turn off any equalizer settings on your MP3 player. The car stereo has its own equalizer settings that may conflict and reduce sound quality. On an iPod Touch or iPhone, go to “Settings > Music” and tap EQ under the “Playback” header, then tap “Off”.
- Accessing the EQ settings will vary depending on the model of MP3 player you are using.

Community Q&A

Question

My radio works but when I use the auxiliary cable no sound comes out. WHat could be wrong?

Community Answer

Try using a different auxiliary cable. If that fails, determine whether your phone or the radio is the problem.
Question

I plugged my iPhone in but it only played for 15 seconds, and now it won't power up. What should I do?

Community Answer

Make sure your iPhone is fully charged and that you have the right headphone plug to connect to the headphone jack. If possible, connect the charger to the iPhone using a car adapter.
Question

How can my auxiliary cord be used in a car if Apple gets rid of the headphone jack?

Community Answer

The charger cord should work. Apple phones and iPods work without the aux cord if you use the lightning charger with the USB port.