Why my car is not compatible with my phone

Technology is our master, and few occasions drive that point home harder than when you jump in a new car and discover it's taking hours just to pair ‘old faithful’ (a.k.a. your mobile phone) with the new arrival in your driveway.

It may not be a question of incompatible software or hardware. To be blunt, it could be just user error – a new vehicle owner (or an owner of a new phone) simply failing to read the manual.

But let's presume you're sufficiently savvy to work your way through new systems by trial and error, following the prompts.

Still not connecting? Or streaming music just ain’t happening, even with the phone paired?

In general, car companies advise buyers to check the compatibility lists on the manufacturers’ websites. But it is a fluid situation and today’s compatibility list could be tomorrow’s junk.

Holden for example directed us to a vehicle-specific compatibility; in this case the Astra RS indicating that a potential purchaser might want to get explicit about a model's infotainment capabilities, even if a system has a common identifying name across a manufacturer's range.

Examples of Bluetooth compatibility extending across the model range are BMW, Honda  and, to a certain extent, Mazda which offers a helpful guide to connection of devices.

Other companies prefer to state the current position, Subaru for example, offers the following:

“Currently, MY17 Impreza and MY18 XV are Apple Car Play and Android Auto compatible, allowing users with a compatible phone to integrate with the vehicles infotainment system and as such, stream music from compatible apps on their phone including Spotify and their music library. All new Subaru vehicles also have Bluetooth compatibility which allows users with compatible devices to stream their music through the vehicles audio system.  Whilst we don’t have a definitive list of compatible devices, Apple advises that Apple Car Play will be compatible with most recent model Apple devices (e.g. iPhone 5 and above) and Android advises Android Auto will be compatible with most recent mainstream model devices running 5.0 (Lollipop) or higher. Further the Bluetooth systems are generally compatible with most recent model devices available in Australia.”

Hyundai has recently rolled out Android Auto across its range (barring a couple of older models like iLoad and iMax). However, be aware that Hyundai still has some older models in dealer stock which may not be fitted with an audio system head unit compatible with Android Auto. Before you sign on the dotted line, plug your phone into the USB port in the car you plan to buy and see whether you can activate Android Auto through the car's infotainment system. If you're ordering a car today which has not yet been manufactured you should be fine.

But our advice, applied to all brands, is quite simple: try pairing your phone on your test drive.

Why does Bluetooth go wrong?
Bluetooth is a wireless-device pairing technology which enables our smart-devices to talk to others of their ilk. It is a really great idea, but there are of course limitations of distance, and also the number of connected devices.

Bluetooth has taken hold in the automotive industry, initially as a way to provide hands-free phone calls, and more recently as a means to stream entertainment from our phone to the car's on-board infotainment system. This feature has become a major selling point for manufacturers in recent years, and is a key element in our modern lifestyles.

However, rapid development and enhancement can lead to connectivity issues. Smartphones are developing faster than the in-car systems which facilitate connectivity.

Here at motoring.com.au we’ve seen reports of drop-outs with entertainment streaming via phones using Bluetooth and even USB connections.

Standards change over time. The 'U' in 'USB' stands for 'Universal' – meaning the system allows compatibility between a wide set of differing technological devices. Yet there are now multiple versions of USB, including: USB, USB 2, USB 3, USB3.1, micro, mini, USB-C and so on.

Furthermore, different users will have different attitudes to software patches and upgrades.

For example: One user of iPhone 6 smart-devices could be the kind of person who applies the software updates from Apple on a regular basis, the other is not. Chances are experiences will differ for the two users.

Regardless, there is an expectation everything will just work. Infotainment is an important part of the purchase decision, but often lacks clarity from manufacturers or thorough investigation from buyers.

And let's not be blind to the fact that some car companies have been known to use on-board hardware which is built to a price and works poorly. If this is the case, do make sure you immediately alert your dealer to any glitches – and start the process to get the problems fixed under warranty.