How to Get Spotify in Your Car

With support for Spotify's Car Thing device ending, here's how to connect.

Ben Hsu | 

Dec 5, 2024 | 3 min read

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Spotify Works in Vehicles With Limited Bluetooth Connectivity

Car Thing is mounted on a dashboard and provides easy access to the Spotify app through either a Bluetooth or aux connection. It consists of a smartphone-sized touchscreen, a jog dial, and push-buttons for programming playlists. It first went on sale to the general public in 2022 for about $90.

Car Thing pairs via Bluetooth with a smartphone logged into an active Spotify account. It is in turn linked to the car's stereo via Bluetooth or an auxiliary analog connection, meaning a vehicle without Bluetooth can still run Spotify. In essence, Car Thing acts as a controller for the Spotify app on your smartphone, making it easier to keep your eyes on the road.

Car Thing Support Is Being Discontinued December 2024

In July 2022, Spotify ended Car Thing production, citing supply chain issues. In May 2024, the company announced it would be ending device support as of Dec. 9. Spotify recommended resetting the Car Thing device to factory settings and disposing of it according to electronic-waste guidelines.

Spotify also said Car Thing owners can contact customer support before Jan. 14, 2025, to request a refund.

Newer Built-In Systems and Devices Give Access to Spotify

New cars have more options for playing Spotify. Some brands, such as Cadillac, BMW, and Volvo, have Spotify integrated with their factory infotainment. Others, such as Honda, Nissan, and Ford, can come equipped with Google Assistant or Amazon's Alexa Auto, which allow Spotify to be controlled via the car's interface with voice command and volume buttons. Spotify can also be accessed via phones that are connected through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Older Cars Can Play Spotify

For cars that lack built-in infotainment options but do have Bluetooth or an auxiliary input jack, you can often pair your smartphone to play Spotify or connect it with a cable via the auxiliary jack. A Bluetooth auxiliary jack adapter is another option and can cost as little as $16. These devices plug into the stereo and connect with your phone via Bluetooth.

For even older cars that don't have Bluetooth or an aux jack, an inexpensive option is an FM transmitter. These devices typically cost between $20 and $40 and connect to the phone via Bluetooth, then transmit the audio over an FM signal, which can be picked up by the car's stereo system.

Ben Hsu

Ben Hsu is a Southern California-based automotive journalist and historian who has specialized in classic Japanese cars for the last two decades. He drives an FJ60 Toyota Land Cruiser and a Subaru SVX. He has also owned countless other vintage and modern vehicles.