Why is my Bluetooth connected to my car but won t play music?

When your phone shows a Bluetooth connection to the car but no music comes through, the fix is usually a matter of audio routing or a simple setting. Most often, the problem lies in whether the car is using a hands-free profile versus a media profile, or in a few quick phone or car settings that can be adjusted in minutes.

What’s happening when Bluetooth shows connected but won’t play music

Bluetooth on phones uses multiple profiles to handle different kinds of audio. If the car is linked as a hands-free device instead of a media playback device, you’ll hear nothing from the car speakers even though it’s connected. Other common culprits include the car’s playback mode, the phone’s audio routing, app-specific issues, and outdated software. The list below covers the scenarios most people encounter with iPhone, Android, and a range of car brands.

• A2DP vs HFP mismatch: The car might be connected as a phone headset (HFP) rather than a stereo speaker (A2DP). When connected via HFP, music playback to the car speakers may be blocked or routed to a mono or limited channel.


• Car head unit not set to Media: Some dashboards require you to explicitly choose a media or Bluetooth audio source on the display; simply pairing does not always switch the car into audio playback mode.


• Phone Bluetooth settings disable Media Audio: On Android, ensure the car is allowed to use Media audio in Bluetooth settings; on iPhone, verify the car entry shows the correct media output.


• Music app or service routing issue: The app may be paused, muted, or using a different output path; check the app’s playback controls and the device’s volume.


• Multiple connected devices: If another Bluetooth device is connected, audio may be routed there instead of the car.


• Outdated software or firmware: Older car firmware or phone OS can create compatibility gaps with newer cars and apps.


• Codec or format limitations: Some cars can’t handle certain codecs or streaming formats, which can block playback.


• Notifications or calls interrupting audio: Incoming calls or alerts can briefly take over the audio path and leave playback suspended.

In most cases, adjusting the car’s source selection, re-enabling media audio, and re-pairing resolves the issue. If not, a structured troubleshooting approach helps identify the specific cause.

Troubleshooting: step-by-step

Use these steps in order to diagnose and fix the problem. They apply to common iPhone and Android setups, with notes for car-specific quirks.

1. Make sure the car head unit is set to play Bluetooth audio, not just phone calls. On the car display, select "Media" or "Bluetooth Audio" as the audio source.


2. On your phone, verify that the car is allowed to play media audio.
   
   For Android: Settings > Bluetooth > your car > gear icon > enable "Media audio".
   
   For iPhone: Settings > Bluetooth > tap the car > ensure "Media" is enabled and that the car is selected as Output.


3. Test with a different music app or streaming service to confirm the issue isn’t isolated to one app; ensure the app’s playback and volume are active on both the phone and car.


4. Check volume and mute status on both devices. Make sure neither the phone nor the car is muted and that the media volume is turned up.


5. Disconnect other Bluetooth devices and re-pair the car. In your phone’s Bluetooth settings, “Forget” the car, then re-pair it from scratch.


6. Restart devices. Reboot your phone and cycle the car’s infotainment system (or restart the car’s computer) to clear temporary glitches.


7. Update software. Install any available updates for your phone OS, the music app, and the car’s firmware to improve Bluetooth compatibility.


8. Try a wired connection (AUX or USB) if available. If wired audio works but Bluetooth does not, the issue is likely Bluetooth-related rather than your music service.


9. If problems persist, consult the car’s manual or dealer service. There may be a known compatibility issue with your phone model or a required reset of the head unit.

Following these steps resolves the majority of Bluetooth-audio playback problems. If the issue remains, there may be a hardware fault or a deeper software incompatibility that requires professional support.

Brand-specific notes

Some car brands have particular quirks (for example, a “Media” toggle in the Bluetooth settings or a requirement to reconnect after an OS update). If you repeatedly encounter trouble, consult the vehicle’s owner manual or the manufacturer’s online support for model-specific steps.

Summary

When your phone shows a Bluetooth connection to your car but music won’t play, the root causes are usually audio routing, source selection, or pairing issues rather than the music itself. By ensuring the car is in Media/Bluetooth Audio mode, enabling the phone’s Media Audio for the car, re-pairing, and keeping software up to date, most users can restore streaming audio. If necessary, a wired connection can help confirm whether the problem is Bluetooth-specific or broader, and professional support may be needed for persistent hardware-related faults.

Why isn't my Bluetooth working when it says connected?

If Bluetooth is connected but not working, restart both devices, check the audio output settings to ensure the correct device is selected, and try removing and re-pairing the Bluetooth device. Other solutions include turning Bluetooth off and on again, checking for software updates, and clearing the Bluetooth cache. 
Basic troubleshooting steps 
This video demonstrates how to fix Bluetooth connection issues by toggling Bluetooth, restarting devices, and checking audio settings: 57sHeadphonestyYouTube · Oct 4, 2024

• Restart both devices: Turn both your host device (phone, computer) and your Bluetooth accessory off and then back on. 
• Toggle Bluetooth: Turn Bluetooth off and then on again. On a phone, you can often do this quickly by going into Airplane Mode and then turning it back off. 
• Check audio output: On your host device, make sure the correct Bluetooth device is selected as the audio output. 
• Check volume: Ensure the volume is turned up on both your host device and the accessory. 

Advanced troubleshooting steps
This video explains how to fix Bluetooth connection issues by removing and re-pairing devices: 53sApp TutorYouTube · Jun 26, 2025

• Remove and re-pair: Go to your device's Bluetooth settings, select "forget" or "remove" your device, and then pair it again. 
• Update software and drivers: Make sure your host device's operating system is up to date, and check for any driver updates if you are using a computer. 
• Clear cache: On Android, you can try clearing the Bluetooth cache through your device's settings. A full network settings reset may also help. 
• Check for interference: Move your devices away from sources of interference, such as Wi-Fi routers. 

Why is my Bluetooth connected to my car but not playing?

Your Bluetooth might be connected but have no sound because the wrong audio source is selected, the volume is too low on either the phone or car, or there is a temporary glitch. To fix this, first check that the car's audio source is set to Bluetooth and that the volume is up on both your phone and car, then try toggling Bluetooth off and on or restarting both devices. If the problem persists, re-pairing the devices, checking for software updates, or resetting your phone's network settings may help. 
You can watch this video to learn how to check and fix Bluetooth connectivity issues: 59sTrevor NaceYouTube · Sep 30, 2022
Quick checks to resolve the issue

• Select the correct audio source: On your car's stereo, make sure the source is set to "Bluetooth" or "BT" (not "FM," "AM," or "USB"). 
• Check volume levels: Turn up the volume on both your phone and your car's stereo system. A Bluetooth device can sometimes have its own volume control, so check that too. 
• Toggle Bluetooth: Turn your phone's Bluetooth off, wait a few seconds, and then turn it back on. You can also do this for your car's Bluetooth system if you have that option. 
• Restart devices: Restart both your phone and your car's infotainment system. This can clear temporary glitches and refresh the connection. 
• Check other apps: Ensure another app on your phone isn't playing audio. Also, check that media audio is enabled in your phone's Bluetooth settings. 

This video demonstrates how to reset Bluetooth connections: 37siHome DeveloperYouTube · Feb 4, 2020
Advanced troubleshooting

• Re-pair your devices: On your phone, go to your Bluetooth settings, find your car, and "forget" or "unpair" the device. Then, go through the pairing process again with your car's system. 
• Check for software updates: Make sure both your phone and your car's infotainment system have the latest software and firmware updates installed. Outdated software can cause connectivity issues. 
• Clear app cache: On some Android phones, clearing the cache for the "Bluetooth" or "Android Auto" apps can resolve issues. 
• Reset network settings: As a last resort, you can reset your phone's network settings. Be aware that this will erase all Wi-Fi passwords and other network configurations, so you will need to re-enter them later. 

Why is Bluetooth connected but no sound?

Restart Bluetooth and audio services or reboot. Update Bluetooth and audio drivers / OS. On Windows consider uninstalling the device and re-pairing. Test the Bluetooth device with a phone to confirm it actually plays audio (isolates PC vs device issue).

Why is my sync connected but no sound?

If SYNC is connected but there's no sound, first check the volume levels on both your device and the car's stereo, and ensure the correct Bluetooth audio source is selected. If that doesn't work, try a full disconnection and re-pairing by "forgetting" the device on both your phone and the SYNC system, restarting both devices, and then connecting them again. 
Initial checks 
This video shows how to troubleshoot Bluetooth issues on an iPhone: 55sGauging GadgetsYouTube · Jun 10, 2024

• Check volumes: Make sure the volume isn't muted or turned down on both your phone and the car's SYNC system. Also, check the media volume on your phone itself, as this can be separate from the ring volume. 
• Select the correct source: On your SYNC system, go to the audio or media menu and make sure that "Bluetooth Audio" is selected as the input source. 
• Check other devices: Ensure that no other device is playing audio through the SYNC system. You may also need to check that your phone isn't connected to another Bluetooth audio output, such as your home speakers. 

Re-pair the connection 
You can watch this video to learn how to reset your Ford Sync system: 1mDrop It Like It's ScottYouTube · Jan 4, 2020

• Forget the device: On your phone, go to your Bluetooth settings, find the SYNC system in your list of paired devices, and choose to "forget" or "unpair" it. 
• Forget on SYNC: On your car's SYNC system, go to the Bluetooth or "Previously Connected Devices" menu and remove your phone. 
• Restart everything: Turn your phone completely off and then back on. Also, perform a full vehicle system reset. You can often do this by turning the car off, opening and closing the door, and then waiting about 30 seconds before starting it again. 
• Re-pair: Follow the on-screen instructions on your SYNC system to pair your phone again as a new device. 

Advanced troubleshooting
This video demonstrates how to fix Ford Sync Bluetooth by checking the fuse: 57sDIY Tips, tricks and hacksYouTube · Sep 8, 2024

• Update software: Check to see if there are any software updates available for your SYNC system through the Ford website or your phone's operating system, as newer versions can fix bugs. 
• Master reset: If re-pairing doesn't work, you may need to perform a master reset of your SYNC system. The process varies by model, so consult your owner's manual or the Ford support website.