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How to Play Apple Music in the Car [Solved]

Driving with your favorite tunes or catching up on the latest podcast episodes can make your journey much more enjoyable. If you're an Apple Music subscriber, you're in luck. In this guide, we will talk about 5 ways to play Apple Music in your car, and I'm here to break them all down for you. Buckle up because we're about to explore all the different methods to get your car rocking with Apple Music!

Play Apple Music in the car

Part 1. Playing Apple Music with CarPlay/Android Auto

1. Using Apple CarPlay to Listen to Apple Music in Your Car

Apple CarPlay

CarPlay is an Apple standard that enables a car's head unit to act as a display and controller for iOS devices. With Apple CarPlay, you can access your Apple Music subscription and even ask Siri to play your favorite songs while you drive.

Setting Up CarPlay in Your Car

Step 1. Use a Lightning cable to connect your iPhone to your car's USB port (if available).

Step 2. Open the Apple Music app from the car's screen.

Step 3. Select your playlist or favorite tunes from Apple Music and start playing them.

Alternatively, if your car supports wireless CarPlay, you can go to Settings > General > CarPlay on your iPhone and select your car.

Using Siri to Play Apple Music in the Car

Once CarPlay is set up with your iPhone, you can use Siri to play songs from Apple Music. Just say:

*“Hey Siri, skip this song”
“Hey Siri, shuffle this playlist”
“Hey Siri, repeat this song”
“Hey Siri, play "You Need to Calm Down" by Taylor Swift”
“Hey Siri, let’s hear the Acoustic playlist”*

2. Using Android Auto to Listen to Apple Music in Your Car

Android Auto

Android Auto is a mobile app developed by Google to mirror features from an Android device to a vehicle's head unit. Once your Android device is connected, you can mirror compatible apps like Apple Music to your car's display.

Setting Up Android Auto in Your Car

Step 1. Connect your Android device to your car using a USB cable.

Step 2. Launch the Apple Music app on your car's display after the setup.

Step 3. Select a playlist or album from Apple Music to play in the car.

Using Google Assistant to Play Apple Music in the Car

With your Android phone connected via Android Auto, you can use Google Assistant to control Apple Music playback:

*“Hey Google, play house music”
“Hey Google, listen to a comedy podcast”
“Hey Google, play some music by Taylor Swift”
“Hey Google, repeat this song”
“Hey Google, shuffle this album”*

Part 2. Streaming Apple Music in a Car via Bluetooth

Bluetooth Apple Music in Car

If your car media system does not support Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, playing Apple Music via Bluetooth is a great alternative. Just pair your smartphone with your car's media system.

1. Playing Apple Music in Car via Bluetooth on iPhone

Step 1. On your iPhone, go to Settings > Bluetooth and turn on Bluetooth.

Step 2. Find your car's media system in the available devices list.

Step 3. Tap your car's media system name to connect. You may need to enter a PIN or passkey, which will be displayed on your car's media system.

Step 4. Open the Apple Music app on your iPhone and start enjoying your music.

2. Playing Apple Music in Car via Bluetooth on Android

Step 1. Swipe down from the top of your screen.

Step 2. Touch and hold the Bluetooth icon.

Step 3. Tap "Pair new device."

Step 4. Tap the name of your car's Bluetooth device.

Step 5. Follow any on-screen instructions to finish the pairing process.

Step 6. Open the Apple Music app on your Android phone and start enjoying your music.

Part 3. Playing Apple Music in a Car via USB Drive

Not everyone has an iPhone or devices that support the Apple Music app. However, you don't need to give up on enjoying Apple Music in your car. You can use a third-party tool to remove DRM from Apple Music files and transfer them to a USB drive.

Apple encrypts Apple Music files with FairPlay DRM, making them playable only on selected devices. To play these files in your car, you need a DRM removal tool like DRmare Apple Music Converter. This tool can remove DRM from Apple Music and convert the files to common audio formats like MP3, which are compatible with car stereos.

DRmare Apple Music Converter is available for both Mac and Windows. Here's how to convert DRM-protected Apple Music files to DRM-free audio files:

drmare apple music converter

DRmare Apple Music Converter

vector Security verified. 4, 885,804 people have downloaded it.

  • Download and convert Apple Music to MP3 for car stereo systems
  • Keep high-fidelity sound during the conversion process
  • Personalize and split tracks for convenient car listening
  • Manage ID3 tags to organize your Apple Music library easily
Step 1. Import DRM Apple Music to DRmare Apple Music Converter

Click the "Add Files" button on the bottom left of the main interface. It will display all your Apple Music songs and playlists. Select your favorite songs or drag and drop them into the main interface.

Add Audio on Mac

Step 2. Define the Output Format

Choose an output format. MP3 is recommended due to its high compatibility with car stereos.

Audio Format on Mac

Step 3. Remove DRM and Convert Apple Music M4P

Click the conversion button to start the process. DRmare Apple Music Converter will automatically remove DRM and convert the files to MP3. Once finished, you can transfer the DRM-free files to any device, including a USB drive.

Convert Audio on Mac

To save your time, you can also watch this YouTube video on how to play Apple Music in car.

YouTube Video: How to Play Apple Music in the Car

Part 4. Playing Apple Music in Your Car via FM Transmitter

An FM transmitter is a low-power FM radio transmitter that allows portable audio devices to use a car stereo without requiring a wired connection. If your car doesn't have Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, an FM transmitter is a good option.

Steps to Use an FM Transmitter

FM Transmitter in Car

Step 1. Plug the FM transmitter into your music device via Bluetooth or a USB cable.

Step 2. Choose a radio frequency on the transmitter to transmit your Apple Music songs.

Step 3. Tune your car radio to the same frequency and turn up the volume.

Step 4. Open the Apple Music app on your phone and select a playlist or album to play on the chosen FM frequency.

Part 5. Using Auxiliary Cables to Play Apple Music in Your Car

An AUX cable (also known as a 3.5mm audio cable) and, in some cases, a headphone jack adapter, can connect your device to your car's audio system. Ensure the cable's length is suitable for reaching your device and the car's AUX input.

Auxiliary Input Audible in Car

Steps to Use an AUX Cable:

Step 1. Locate the AUX input in your car, usually a 3.5mm audio jack labeled as "AUX" or "Line-In."

Step 2. Plug one end of the AUX cable into your device's headphone jack or headphone jack adapter.

Step 3. Connect the other end of the AUX cable to the car's AUX input.

Step 4. Turn on your car's audio system and switch the source to "AUX" or "Line-In" to hear audio from your device.

Part 6. How to Stop Apple Music from Automatically Playing in Your Car

Stop Apple Music from Playing in Car

Sometimes, Apple Music can be a bit too eager, starting up as soon as you connect to your car. Here are a few tricks to prevent this from happening.

Turning Off Bluetooth

First up, if Apple Music starts playing automatically every time your phone connects to your car, try turning off Bluetooth when you don't need it. On an iPhone, you can do this by heading to Settings, selecting Bluetooth, and toggling it off. For Android users, swipe down from the top of your screen, tap and hold the Bluetooth icon, and turn it off from there.

Disabling Handoff on iPhone

If you're using an iPhone, another useful tip is to disable the Handoff feature. Handoff is designed to allow seamless transitions between your Apple devices, but it can also cause Apple Music to start playing automatically. To turn it off, go to Settings, navigate to General, select AirPlay & Handoff, and switch Handoff off.

Asking Siri to Stop

If you use Apple CarPlay and Siri is your co-pilot, you can simply ask Siri to stop Apple Music from playing. Just say, "Hey Siri, stop playing music," and Siri will take care of it.

Turning Off CarPlay

Another method is to disable CarPlay if you don’t use it frequently. On your iPhone, go to Settings, then to Screen Time. From there, navigate to Content & Privacy Restrictions, then Allowed Apps, and turn off CarPlay.

By using these tricks, you can take control of your car's audio system and prevent Apple Music from automatically playing every time you connect your phone. This will help ensure a quieter start to your journey and allow you to choose the music you want to listen to when you're ready.

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