Pandora allows users to create customizable internet radio stations based on their favorite songs and artists. Although the service is available online via the Pandora website and app, it can be streamed via mobile data and be run through car speakers. Below is a how to guide on streaming the Pandora app through car speakers.
Before we begin we need a few things to make this work: a smart phone with Bluetooth capabilities that is able to run the Pandora app, a mobile data plan, and a car with a radio that can detect Bluetooth and run Pandora from the phone through Bluetooth. Most new car radios are capable of doing this. I know it is possible with almost all new GM products. If your car’s radio is not capable of Bluetooth connectivity and running Pandora, however, you are not out of luck. You will need to install an aftermarket radio to run Pandora via your car’s speakers though. You can either pay someone to do this for you or do it yourself.
Once the above criteria have been met, turn the car on, wait for the radio to boot, and leave the car in park. Turn and leave the phone’s Bluetooth option on, and following your car’s or radio’s instructions turn the radio’s Bluetooth option on. Following the instructions add the radio to your smartphone’s Bluetooth list. If done right, one will not have to do this step again until the phone dies or the car’s radio is replaced.
Setup is that simple! To stream Pandora automatically just leave the Bluetooth option on and the Pandora app installed. Once the car’s radio connects to the phone via Bluetooth the Pandora option should be available. In other words, turn the car on, wait for the connection, and then enjoy jamming out to your favorite tunes!
It is worth mentioning that Pandora is only available as long as your device is capable of sending and receiving mobile data. It will become unavailable in dead spots. Be sure to monitor data usage, as the app uses more than you think. Overuse can result in fees from your mobile provider.
Additionally, one is unable to change Pandora stations once the Bluetooth connection starts. It is an annoying safety feature Pandora uses to prevent “texting” while driving. Unpaid members have to listen to radio ads in between songs, and are only allowed so many skips per station per day. Be sure to take this into consideration before turning the car on.
Finally, the Pandora app demands a good amount of battery life. It pays off to have a charger in the car to prevent the phone from dying, especially on long trips. Those planning on using Pandora over long distance trips need to have an unlimited data plan, a phone charger in the car, a paid membership to Pandora, as well as a good mobile provider with minimal dead spots. For trips under forty-five minutes, however, one can easily live without.
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