How do I know if my car has an AUX port?
Most cars built in the last 15–20 years include an auxiliary input, typically a 3.5mm jack in the dash, center console, or glove box. If you don’t see a visible AUX port, you can often connect via Bluetooth or a USB connection instead.
Where to look for an AUX port
Use these quick checks to locate the auxiliary input in most cars.
- Dash or center console: look around the stereo, near the climate controls, or inside the front USB port area for a 3.5mm jack labeled "AUX" or "Line In".
- Glove box or center console storage: some models hide the port behind a panel or inside a small compartment.
- Under the armrest or near the rear of the center console: a recessed jack can be tucked away.
- 12V outlet area: some adapters plug into the cigarette lighter socket and provide a 3.5mm AUX jack.
- Backseat or trunk area in some trims: a factory-installed AUX may be routed to rear-seat entertainment systems.
Finding a port means you can directly connect a device with the right cable and enjoy wired audio with minimal latency.
How to test and use the AUX port
To verify the port works and to start listening right away, follow these steps.
- Power on the car and turn on the radio or infotainment system; set the input to "AUX" or "Line In".
- Connect a device using a standard 3.5mm stereo cable (headphone jack to 3.5mm jack).
- Play an audio track and adjust volume on both the device and the car to a comfortable level; avoid maxing both volumes at the same time.
- If you don’t hear sound, check the device’s output settings (some phones route audio to Bluetooth by default) and try a different cable or port location if available.
Most setups will deliver clean, wired audio with predictable performance and no heavy Bluetooth latency.
What if your car doesn't have an AUX port?
Numerous newer vehicles omit a 3.5mm AUX input, favoring Bluetooth or USB connections. Here are common alternatives.
- Bluetooth pairing: enable Bluetooth on your phone, pair with the car's system, and select it as the audio source.
- USB audio: many cars support audio playback via USB; connect with a USB-A or USB-C cable and choose the car's USB audio input.
- USB-C or proprietary cables: some cars use USB to deliver digital audio and control; you may need a specific cable or adapter.
- Wireless adapters: dedicated Bluetooth adapters or FM transmitters can provide a workaround if no Bluetooth or USB is available.
If you rely on an external device for music, these options usually offer comparable sound quality and easier pairing, though some models may place limitations on file formats or control integration.
Additional considerations and tips
Even when an AUX port is present, the user experience can vary by model. Here are quick pointers to avoid common pitfalls.
- Some devices require you to select "Headphones" or "Line Out" in the audio output settings to route sound through the car’s AUX.
- Not all USB ports deliver audio—some are for charging or data only. If USB is listed as a source but you don’t hear audio, try selecting "USB Audio" or test a dedicated USB cable that supports audio.
- Older phones and players may need adapters (e.g., a Lightning to 3.5mm or USB-C to 3.5mm) to connect via AUX if the device lacks a 3.5mm jack.
- Volume balance: start with moderate levels on both the device and the car against loud or bass-heavy tracks to avoid distortion.
Understanding where to connect and how to switch inputs will help you maximize compatibility across different cars and devices.
Summary
In most cars from the last two decades, an AUX input exists somewhere around the dash, center console, or glove box, labeled or hidden behind a panel. If you locate the port, a standard 3.5mm cable will usually let you play audio directly. If there isn’t an AUX port, Bluetooth and USB options are the next best alternatives, with adapters available for older vehicles. Checking the owner’s manual or asking the dealer can quickly confirm your car’s capabilities. By knowing where to look and how to test, you can connect your phone or music player with minimal hassle.
What if my car doesn't have an aux port?
You can add an aux port to your car without one by using an FM transmitter, a cassette adapter, or by installing a new head unit. An FM transmitter wirelessly connects your phone to your car's radio by broadcasting on a specific frequency, while a cassette adapter works if your car has a tape player. For a more permanent and integrated solution, you can replace the car's stereo with an aftermarket unit that has aux, USB, or Bluetooth capabilities.
This video demonstrates how to set up an FM transmitter to play music in your car: 59sSam's CubeYouTube · Feb 4, 2024
Wireless solutions
- FM transmitter: This device plugs into your cigarette lighter or other power source and uses Bluetooth or an aux cord to connect to your phone. It then transmits the audio to your car's radio on an empty FM station.
- Bluetooth car kit: Similar to a transmitter, this kit connects to your phone via Bluetooth and sends audio through your car's speakers.
Adapter solutions
- Cassette adapter: If your car has a cassette player, you can use a cassette adapter that has a wire with a 3.5mm jack to plug into your phone.
- USB Bluetooth adapter: Some adapters can plug into your car's USB port and create a Bluetooth connection, allowing your phone to stream audio wirelessly through the car's system.
Permanent upgrade
- Replace the head unit: For a more permanent upgrade, you can install an aftermarket car stereo that includes modern features like aux jacks, USB ports, and Bluetooth.
Other options
- Check for hidden ports: Before trying other solutions, check the car's console, armrest, or glove box for a hidden aux port.
- Install a USB drive: Some older cars may not have an aux port but could have a USB port. You may be able to load your music onto a USB drive and play it through the car's system.
- DIY repair: If the aux port on your car is broken, you could potentially repair it by soldering the connection yourself or taking it to a professional repair shop.
How do I know if my car has an aux input?
It's usually either next to the stereo buttons or somewhere on the centre console or under the front centre armrest. Some cars have it hidden away in the glovebox, so check there too. If in doubt, check your car's manual. You'll need to get an adapter cable to use it – they're really cheap and easily found online.
Does every car have an aux cable?
No, not all cars have an aux port, as it was not a standard feature in older models and has been replaced by USB and wireless connectivity in many newer ones. Cars with aux ports are most common from the mid-2000s, but even some newer cars have the port hidden away or may lack it entirely, depending on the model and its trim level.
This video explains the features of a car's auxiliary input and how to connect a phone to it: 58sTheRenderQYouTube · Jan 30, 2017
What to do if your car doesn't have an aux port
- Check for USB ports: Many newer cars use USB ports to connect phones for audio playback through methods like Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
- Look for other hiding spots: Aux ports may be hidden in the center console, under the armrest, or in the glove compartment.
- Use a Bluetooth car kit: These devices plug into the cigarette lighter and transmit audio from your phone to the car's radio via an FM frequency.
- Try a cassette adapter: If your car has a cassette player, you can use a cassette adapter that connects to your phone's headphone jack.
- Install an aftermarket kit: If you are comfortable with DIY projects, you can have an aftermarket kit installed to add an aux-in jack or Bluetooth connectivity to your existing radio.
What year did cars have aux?
Auxiliary (aux) ports started to appear in cars in the early 2000s, becoming more common around 2005 as digital music players like the iPod became popular. At first, they were often found only in high-end models or as an optional feature, but they became a standard option in most vehicles by the end of the decade.
- Early 2000s: Aux ports began appearing in cars as manufacturers started to integrate them to allow for external music players.
- Circa 2005: The auxiliary input became more mainstream, particularly in the US, with many manufacturers beginning to offer it as standard or optional equipment.
- 2005-2007 Model Years: You can see the shift during this period, with some cars receiving the feature and others not, sometimes depending on the specific trim level.
- Late 2000s onwards: Aux ports became a standard feature on most new cars, and older cars began to phase out CD players in favor of aux and USB ports.
