Skip to main content

Digital Trends may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site. Why trust us?

Want to know if your phone pairs with your car? This handy list should do the trick

automobile bluetooth compatibility shutterstock 193489007
Image used with permission by copyright holder
These days, Bluetooth is a nearly ubiquitous feature of new cars. Yes, just about every new vehicle promises to pair with your smartphone. The obvious benefit is that you can use your smartphone while driving.

Of course, Bluetooth does more than facilitate hands-free talking. It allows drivers can gain access to features like navigation, phone contacts, and emails. Some cars even allow allow you to stream Twitter and Facebook. BMW and MINI even have apps that allow drivers to engage in a friendly competition against friends to see who can rack up to most “experience points”.

Recommended Videos

That said, some phones just don’t pair well with certain vehicles. Depending on the phone and car combination, your Bluetooth experience may not offer the robust set of features advertised in the specific car.

It can be difficult to determine if your phone will work with your car. Fortunately, most automakers have created guides that list each model’s ability to pair with specific smartphones. Our overview provides links to automakers Bluetooth compatibility guide. While you’re at it, check out our car reviews and best rides for new drivers. Feel free to voice your Bluetooth frustrations in the comment section below.

Bluetooth Compatibility Overview

Acura  Acura has Bluetooth technology in all every vehicle made after 2011. Its HandsFree Link is shown in their multi-informational display on the center counsel.

Audi – Every Audi made after 2006 offers a standard Bluetooth service.

Bentley – It should go without saying, Bluetooth comes standard in every Bentley vehicle made after 2005.

BMW   Every new BMW comes standard with Bluetooth. Premium iOS and Android devices offer some added benefits including email and calendar display on the center counsel. For 2013 vehicles or later, BMW also has BMW connect, an app that will display your calendar, relevant local information, and current Facebook and Twitter updates. The app is available for iOS and Android (iOS/Android).

Ford Ford’s phone compatibility feature is called SYNC. It’s available in every new But it doesn’t come standard in every model. Sync will you operate your phone hands free. You can also pay more for MyFord Touch, the manufactures in-car communication system.

GM – Detroit’s auto conglomerate has been offering Bluetooth services since 2009 called, GM Total Connect. The service comes standard and syncs with most Bluetooth phones.

Honda – Hands free link offers standard Bluetooth service for every phone that offers Bluetooth sync. The automaker has been implementing Bluetooth tech since 2008, only recently has every Honda vehicle been converted to work with Bluetooth.

Hyundai – The South Korean manufacture has offers Bluetooth technology in the Genesis starting in 2009. Most other Hyundai’s were outfitted with Bluetooth in the following few years.

Land Rover PTI or Personal Telephone Integration system is Land Rover’s hands-free service that comes standard on all new Land Rovers. Note: pairing your phone and Land Rover requires a PIN number that can be accessed by following the link. That code can be found in the owners manual.

Lexus – Lexus has always been a little behind the curve in terms of offering Bluetooth standard on its vehicles. In year’s past, Bluetooth was only available in vehicles with a navigation system. Heck, some 2008 models still came equipped with a tape deck.  Now, all new Lexus models, however, come standard with Bluetooth.

Mazda – Bluetooth is available in the form of Mazda Connect. The service doesn’t come standard on every model but will pair with just about every phone that offers Bluetooth Service, but will allow hands-free driving, remember favorite locations, and provide maintenance reminders.

Mercedes-Benz – Luxury car makers are now having to be at the forefront of connectivity. Mercedes Benz does a good job of providing standard Bluetooth connection in every model (after 2009).

MINI – In addition to the hands-free phone capabilities, MINI offers MINIConnect, an app that allows users to gain points based on their driving skills (acceleration, braking, etc.) as well as access to Twitter and Facebook updates in the car. The app is available for iOS and Android.

Mitsubishi – The Handsfree Service doesn’t work well with older phone, but it does come standard in some baseline models including the Eclipse.

Nissan Similar to other companies, Nissan offers baseline hands-free phone calling and phone book, in all current models.

Porsche Despite the dated website from Porsche’s infotainment system circa 1995, the downloadable PDF will give you a full list of just about every phone that works with every Porsche. Like other Luxury models, premium phones sync with Porsche’s hands free system to stream office tasks including personal calendar and email inbox.

Scion Scion offers baseline hands free calling and phonebook in all current models.

Subaru – The 2008 Impreza was the first model to offer Bluetooth services. Now it comes standard on every vehicle.

Toyota – Toyota has Entune, the free app-based service that allows users to listen to iHeartRadio, purchase movie tickets, and make dinner reservations all through the center counsel. The app is available for iOS and Android.

Volkswagen – The German engineered automaker didn’t start making Bluetooth compatible vehicles until 2010. Even so, it’s on board now, and every model offers a connected option.

Volvo Every 2014 model and newer can pair with your phone.

If you’ve discovered that a specific phone doesn’t work with a specific car, please leave a comment!

Joe Donovan
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Joe Donovan is an editorial assistant for Digital Trends who covers a variety of general assignments throughout the…
Mercedes-Benz wants to know what you expect from a ride in a self-driving car
mercedes benz testing self driving cars in california bosch daimler autonomous s class feat

With warm weather and indulgent legislation, California has become one of the most popular places in America for companies looking to test autonomous technology. Mercedes-Benz parent company Daimler has joined the list of tech firms and automakers putting driverless systems through their paces in the Golden State, according to a recent report.

The news comes about a year after Daimler and Bosch teamed up to deploy autonomous Mercedes-Benz S-Class-based prototypes in San Jose, and a few short weeks after company CEO Ola Källenius warned that his team of engineers had taken a reality check on self-driving cars. Anonymous sources told industry trade journal Automotive News Europe that the project is nonetheless moving forward, and approximately 30 prototypes are part of the latest round of testing.

Read more
Is your car on the list of the 10 most-stolen cars in America?
honda civic dominates top 10 most stolen cars in american 2018 2000

2000 Honda Civic, America's most stolen car in 2018 Image used with permission by copyright holder

The most desirable car in the United States is a 19-year-old Honda Civic, at least according to the Hot Wheels report published annually by the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB). There were 5,290 units stolen in 2018.

Read more
Ram 1500 REV vs. Ford F-150 Lightning: Classic trucks go electric
Ford F-150 Lightning

The first Ram electric pickup truck is on the way. The Ram 1500 REV is set to be one of the most desirable electric trucks out there, thanks not only to the Ram name but also to its high-end specifications.

But, of course, it's certainly not the first electric truck out there. The Ford F-150 Lightning is a favorite among electric truck buyers, thanks to the fact that it continues that Ford F-150 legacy with a tried-and-true design coupled with new technologies.

Read more