12 Ways to Play Spotify Music in the Car (Spotify Free/Premium)

Listening to songs while driving is like: adding a buff to your driving skills. It can soothe emotions, refresh the mind, improve attention, but also can cover up the annoying driving noise, naturally many drivers like to do so. If you also want to listen to your favorite songs while driving has many benefits and adds fun to the driving journey, then this article can help you.

In this article, there are 12 different ways to enjoy Spotify music in the car, whether you have a new car or an old car, Spotify Premium or Spotify Free, want to listen online or offline, etc. There is always a method mentioned in the article that suits you. Check now!

Warm Tips: It is very dangerous to drive and play with the phone. If you need to operate the phone, it is recommended to either park the car or give it to the passenger to operate!

👉 Related articles:
How to Play Apple Music Songs in Car
How to Play Amazon Music in Car

1. Play Spotify Music in the Car with Car Media Systems

Many car media systems offer a Spotify app built into the stereo. If your car media system includes the Spotify app, all you have to do is log in with your Spotify account to listen to Spotify music. Generally speaking, Tesla (in Europe), BMW, Mini, Jaguar Land Rover, and Volvo are some of the manufacturers that offer this. You can check with the manufacturer or Spotify Listen Everywhere if your car is built-in a Spotify app.

Note: Using this method, you can only listen to Spotify music by streaming but not downloading, which means if there is no signal, music cannot be played normally. Therefore, a SIM card and internet connection are necessary.

2. Play Spotify Music in the Car with Parrot

Now, let's take the Parrot ASTEROID Smart, Mini, and Tablet, as an example to see how to enjoy Spotify music in your car.

The Parrot Asteroid is the first automotive receiver to operate on Android™. It can be integrated into any vehicle as an addition to an existing sound system. As a Spotify Premium subscriber, you can now use your Parrot ASTEROID to get instant access to millions of high-quality Spotify songs - including new releases, hit tracks and albums, playlists, and starred tracks - while you drive.

Have not installed Spotify app on Parrot ASTEROID Smart, Mini, or Tablet? You can download it from Parrot ASTEROID Market.

3. Play Spotify Music in the Car with FM Transmitter

If you have an old car, or you can't or don't want to use Bluetooth, USB, or AUX input, you can purchase an additional 12V FM transmitter for around $20. Then you can plug the FM transmitter into your car's 12V lighter socket, tune to the radio station, connect your device (phone, etc. that has the Spotify app) to the transmitter, and turn on Spotify. Spotify music will be played through the car stereo.

4. Play Spotify Music in the Car with Car Thing

Much like a dedicated GPS, the Car Thing display can be mounted on the dashboard, air vent, or the car's CD player slot, allowing users to select music using a touchscreen, a twist, or "Hey Spotify" voice control. Spotify's entire current catalog of more than 100 million songs, including more than 5 million podcast episodes, is available on Car Thing.

How to use Car Thing

• Step 1. Set up Car Thing.
• Step 2.Open Bluetooth on your device and paring with Car Thing.
• Step 3. Return to Spotify App
• Step 4. Choose Bluetooth, AUX, or USB cable to connect your car stereo connection.
• Step 5. Enjoy your Spotify music.

Note: The exact settings depend on the devices, but the general procedures are the same.

5. Play Spotify Music in the Car with Bluetooth

If you want to go wireless and don't have wifi and mobile data when playing Spotify music in the car, you can use Bluetooth. Bluetooth does not require a network connection and has low power consumption.

The way to turn on Bluetooth on different brands of Android/iOS devices may be slightly different. If you are not sure, you can go to Google for specific steps. The following are the most commonly used method.

Connect Spotify Music in the Car with Bluetooth on Android

• Step 1. Pressing Home to Activate Bluetooth on your Car Audio.
• Step 2. Turn on Bluetooth on your Android devices (phone/tablet/computer).
• Step 3. Pair with your car.
• Step 4. Then open Spotify and play it.

Enjoy Spotify Music in the Car with Bluetooth on iOS

• Step 1. Turn on the Bluetooth on the screen of the car stereo.
• Step 2. Turn on Bluetooth on your iOS devices.
• Step 3. Pair with your car.
• Step 4. Open Spotify on your device and play it.

Why can't I play Spotify on my car Bluetooth?

• On the device with the Spotify App, check if Bluetooth allows media sharing.
• Try disconnecting from other devices, as some devices can only establish one connection at a time.
• Check that the distance between the two devices is within range, ideally within 1 meter (3 feet).
• Make sure both devices are fully charged.
• Try re-pairing your devices.
  1. In your device's Bluetooth settings, delete the other device's information by clicking “Forget” or “Unpair”.
  2. Turn off Bluetooth on both devices, then turn it back on.
  3. Re-establish the connection.

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6. Play Spotify Music in the Car with Android Auto

Android Auto is the Android system in the car, mainly to make Android more suitable for people to use while driving on the interface.

To use Android Auto to play Spotify Music in your car, simply take three steps, first check if your car or stereo is compatible with Android Auto, then check if your device has downloaded the Android Auto app, and finally connect your phone to your car and display-your Android apps show up onscreen. Then you can start playing Spotify music with voice control. Next, use either a USB cable or wireless to display Android Auto on your car's screen, so you can enjoy Spotify music while driving.

Before starting the settings, Make sure your vehicle is parked.

Android Auto on Your Car Display (with a USB Cable)

• Step 1. Check the car.
  Make sure your car or stereo is compatible with Android Auto. Check compatible vehicles and stereos here. Or you can contact your local car dealer.
• Step 2. Check your phone.
  1. Check if your phone meets the requirements.
  2. Check if you’ve downloaded the Android Auto app on your phone. If not, please download it Here.
  Note: Android 10 is built into the Android Auto app.
  3. Make sure your phone has a fast cellular data connection.
• Step 3. Connect your phone to your car.
  Once connect your phone to your car with a USB cable, your car display will show Android Auto.
• Step 4. Play Spotify music.
  Start Spotify on your stereo display or through voice command with Google Assistant.

Android Auto on Your Car Display (Wireless)

In some vehicles, if you plug in your phone via a USB cable, the system will ask if you want a wireless connection in the future. If you agree, the next time you drive, your phone will automatically connect wirelessly to Android Auto. If your system does not ask, you can use the second method below.

• Step 1. Check the car.
  Make sure your car or stereo is compatible with Android Auto Wireless.
  
• Step 2. Check your phone.
  Ensure your phone meets the requirements.
• Step 3. Connect your phone to your car.
  1. Touch the Android Auto icon on your vehicle’s touchscreen.
  2. Pair your phone with the car by using Bluetooth.
  3. Follow the steps shown on the screen.

After completing the above steps, you can open Spotify to listen to music. If you want to stop using Android Auto wirelessly, tap Exit driving mode on your phone notifications screen.

Not Compatible with Android Auto on the Car Display?

If your vehicle is not compatible with Android Auto on your car display, and you are using Android 12, then Google Assistant's driving mode can help you.

7. Play Spotify Music in the Car with Apple CarPlay

With CarPlay, you'll be able to use your iPhone in the car more smartly and safely, so you can stay focused while driving. When you connect your iPhone to CarPlay, you can get turn-by-turn directions, make calls, send and receive messages, listen to music, and more. Let's take a look at how to use Apple CarPlay to play Spotify music on your drive.

First, make sure that your country or region supports CarPlay and that your car supports CarPlay.

Apple CarPlay on Your Car Display (Wireless)

• Step 1. Turn on Siri on your Phone.
  On iPhone, select Settings > General > Siri to turn Siri on.
• Step 2. Open Apple CarPlay on your car.
• Step 3. Connect your iPhone to your car with Bluetooth or WiFi.
• Step 4. Set up CarPlay.
  Make sure your car is in wireless or Bluetooth pairing mode. Press and hold the voice command button on the steering wheel to set up CarPlay. Then on your iPhone, go to Settings > General > CarPlay > Available Cars > Select your car.
  

Once you're connected, you'll see your iPhone screen on CarPlay. Then just open Spotify App and play it.

Note: iPad and iPod touch don't support CarPlay.

Apple CarPlay on Your Car Display (with a USB Cable)

• Step 1. Make sure Siri is turned on on your iPhone.
  To activate Siri, just say "Hey Siri,". Or press the Home button, if your iPhone has a Home button, if not, press the Side button.
• Step 2. Connect your iPhone to your car. Plug your iPhone into your car or stereo's USB port, which may be marked with a CarPlay icon or a smartphone icon.
• Step 3. Play Spotify music. Then, play Spotify music on your stereo display or through voice command with Siri.

Note: Spotify on CarPlay is available in select new cars, aftermarket car stereos from 2014 or later, and iPhone 5 and later.

8. Play Spotify Music in the Car with an AUX Cable

If you want to play Spotify music from your mobile phone on an old car, the best way is to use an "AUX cable". Generally speaking, almost all cars have AUX sockets, as long as you go to buy an AUX cable and then connect it to the phone's headphone hole to play! It is recommended that friends who want to use the AUX cable to play music, remember to prepare more mobile power or a cigarette lighter to charge their phone. Here are the steps:

• Step 1. Find a AUX input port in the car. It may be located in the dashboard, center console, or glove box.
• Step 2. Get a compatible 3.5MM Audio Cable to connect your device to your car stereo.
• Step 3. Plug one end of the cable into the phone's headphone socket.
• Step 4. Plug the other end of the cable into the car's AUX input socket.
• Step 5. Turn on the car's stereo system and select the AUX input.
• Step 6. Start playing some Spotify tracks on your mobile device.

Note:

• Prepare a separate "AUX cable". (price between $5 - $9)
• You can't charge your phone while playing music.
• iPhone 7 or above cannot be used without a headphone hole.

9. Play Spotify Music in the Car with a USB Cable

If your phone doesn't have a headphone jack, or your car doesn't support Bluetooth playback, you can probably use a USB cable to connect and play your music. 

Detailed Steps:

• Step 1. Find the USB input port in the car (May be located in the dashboard, center console, or glove box.).
• Step 2.Connect the smartphone to the car stereo with a USB cable.
• Step 3. Select the USB input on the car stereo source > Click your device name
• Step 4. Play downloaded Spotify tracks on your device.

Tips:

• Prepare a USB cable.
• Although there are many cars with USB ports, not all of them support the music playback function (most of them can only be charged).

10. Play Spotify Music in the Car with USB Drive for Spotify Free (Best)

There are certainly more vehicles that support USB flash drives than support AUX. Plus, if you want to listen to some high-fidelity music and do not want to consume any unnecessary battery power, using a USB drive to play music in the car is the most convenient way. But here comes the question, how do we transfer Spotify music to USB?

Spotify music is encrypted and can only be played on the Spotify app, so even if you are Spotify Premium and you’ve downloaded the music, the music cannot be transferred to other devices, such as USB. Therefore, we need a tool to help us download Spotify as a local file in a common format so that it can be transferred to USB, mobile phones, or other devices and we can listen to Spotify music in the car.

AudiFab Spotify Music Converter will be the best choice to help Spotify Free and Spotify Premium to convert Spotify music tracks, albums, playlists, and podcasts to MP3/AAC/WAV/FLAC/AIFF/ALAC in high audio quality at up to 10x speed. AudiFab is easy to use, so downloading Spotify music to your local computer doesn't take too much effort.

AudiFab Spotify Music Converter

• Convert Spotify music to MP3/AAC/WAV/FLAC/AIFF/ALAC.
• Download albums from the Spotify app to the computer.
• Keep original audio quality, retain ID3 tags and preserve lyrics after conversion.
• Fully support the latest Windows 11 & macOS 14 Sonoma.
• Free updates and technical support.

Download Download

Next, we'll explore how to use AudiFab Spotify Music Converter to help us play Spotify music in the car. 

STEP 1 Launch AudiFab Spotify Music Converter 

Download and launch AudiFab Spotify Music Converter on your Win or Mac. Tab record from App, and the Spotify app will be opened automatically a few moments later.

STEP 2  Get Spotify tracks added to AudiFab 

On Spotify that just opened, find the songs, or playlists that you want to play in your car and drag and drop them to AudiFab. AudiFab will sort out a list for you, confirm that the above songs are all you want to download, and then click Add.

STEP 3 Configure output settings 

Come to the Settings window (click the gear icon in the bottom left). Here you can choose MP3 as the output format because most music players in the car support MP3 format. You can also adjust Output Quality, Output File Name, Output Organized, and more in the settings window.

Tips: For 10x speed conversion on Mac, please choose Web on step 1.

STEP 4 Start the Spotify music conversion 

If everything is okay, hit on Convert button on Home to start the Spotify music conversion.

STEP 5 Find the converted Spotify songs 

When the conversion is finished, you can go to the Converted part to find all the downloaded Spotify songs. You can tap the folder icon after the song to open the folder storing the converted music.

STEP 6 Transfer Spotify music to the USB drive 

Plug in the USB drive/Android phone to your computer, select all (press Ctrl + A) the converted songs, and right-click to send them from your computer to USB/Android.

Tips: If you want to transfer music to your iPhone, check here: How to Download Spotify Music to iPhone.

STEP 7 Stream Spotify music in the car 

You can choose a method you prefer to play music in your car: Bluetooth, USB data cable, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay (click on the font to see the specific method). Or Simply connect your USB stick to the car stereo and enjoy offline music.

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11. Burn Spotify Music to a CD to Play in the Car Offline. (Spotify Free)

If you prefer to listen to music on CDs, you can download Spotify music locally first (repeat steps one through five of method 10 with AudiFab) and then burn it to CD. Lastly, you can plug CD into your car and listen to music offline in high audio quality, if your car support playing a CD.

The Easiest Way to Burn CDs:

• Step 1. Insert a blank CD into your computer.
• Step 2. Go to the Tools section of AudiFab and click Burn CD.
• Step 3. Click Add to upload the Spotify downloads.
• Step 4. Click Burn to start burning them to the CD.

If you are interested in the other two methods of burning CDs, you can read this article: How to Burn Spotify Music to CD?

12. Play Spotify Music in the Car with an SD Card

There is also a way to listen to music in the car with an SD card. Again, repeat the first five steps of Method 10. Then insert the SD card (used with the SD card reader) into the computer. Open the "Music" folder on the SD card, then copy and paste the converted Spotify MP3 songs into it. Next are the steps on how to listen to Spotify music in the car with an SD card.

• Step 1. Please confirm that there must be a USB interface or SD card slot on the car.
• Step 2. If there is an SD card slot, directly insert the SD card with music into the slot.
• Step 3. If there is no SD card slot in the car, buy a card reader, and plug it in the USB slot on one side and the SD card on the other.

Comparing Different Ways to Play Spotify Music in the Car

The following is a comparison between 12 different Ways to play Spotify Music in the Car.