You can play music from your Samsung Galaxy S20 directly through your car stereo using a compatible USB cable. This method allows for a digital audio connection and can sometimes charge your phone simultaneously.
Connecting Your Galaxy S20 via USB
Playing music via a USB connection is a straightforward process that leverages the digital capabilities of both your phone and car stereo.
Based on information from Samsung Support, the core steps involve connecting your device using the appropriate cable:
- Get a Compatible Cable: You will need a USB cable that connects your Samsung Galaxy S20 (which has a USB-C port) to your car's USB port. This is typically a USB-C to USB-A cable, as most car USB ports are the standard rectangular USB-A type. Ensure the cable is designed for data transfer, not just charging.
- Connect Your Phone: Connect a compatible USB cable to your phone, plugging the USB-C end into your Galaxy S20.
- Connect to Car Stereo: Connect the other end to the USB port on your stereo. The USB port is usually located on the car's dashboard, center console, or sometimes inside the armrest storage.
- Select Source: On your car stereo's interface, navigate to the source or input selection menu and choose "USB" or "Phone."
- Access Music: Your car stereo should then recognize your Galaxy S20 as a media device. You may be able to browse and play music stored directly on your phone through the car's controls.
- Note: Depending on your car's stereo system, it might use specific protocols like Android Auto for enhanced integration, or it may simply access your phone's storage like a USB drive.
Common Considerations
While the basic connection is simple, here are a few points to keep in mind:
- Car Stereo Compatibility: Not all car stereos with USB ports support playing music from smartphones directly. Some are only for USB drives. Check your car stereo's manual for compatibility with Android devices or media playback via USB.
- Phone Settings: Your Galaxy S20 might prompt you to allow access to data or select a USB mode (e.g., "File Transfer / Android Auto," "MIDI," "PTP"). You typically need to select a mode that allows the stereo to access media files or initiate Android Auto.
- Cable Quality: Using a poor-quality or damaged USB cable can result in connection issues or static.
- Charging: The USB connection can often provide charging power to your phone, though the speed may vary.
Other Ways to Play Music in Your Car
The Samsung support resource also mentions alternative methods for connecting your device to your car stereo:
- Auxiliary (AUX): If your car has an AUX input, you can Connect the AUX cable directly to the headphone jack on your device. Note: The Galaxy S20 does not have a built-in headphone jack, so you would need a USB-C to 3.5mm adapter.
- Bluetooth: This wireless method requires pairing your phone with the car's Bluetooth system. When your car is turned on, enable pairing mode on your stereo. Then search for and connect to your car's Bluetooth name from your phone's Bluetooth settings.
| Connection Method | Requirements | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| USB | Compatible USB cable (USB-C to USB-A), Car USB port, Compatible stereo | Digital audio, potential charging, can offer browsing via car stereo |
| Auxiliary | AUX cable, Car AUX port, Phone headphone jack (or adapter) | Analog audio, simple, no charging via this port |
| Bluetooth | Car Bluetooth, Phone Bluetooth | Wireless, convenient, widely supported, often allows hands-free calls |
Choosing the right method depends on your car's capabilities and your preference for wired vs. wireless connections. For playing music specifically through USB, the process involves a simple cable connection and selecting the correct source on your stereo.
