Find out more about Radio’s Digital Revolution on the link here, or read below to find out more about how to listen to digital radio in your car.
As the easing of lockdown sees a welcome return to outdoor meetings and local travel, it’s easy to take all your favourite digital radio stations with you when you’re on the road. If your car has a pre-fitted DAB/DAB+ digital radio then you’re all set! If it doesn’t then it’s easy to upgrade to digital by fitting a replacement DAB digital radio or adapter or connecting your smartphone to your car stereo.
DAB replacement radio or adapter
There are a range of great DAB digital radio replacement radios and adapters available from Halfords and other car audio specialists.
You can even integrate your smartphone into your car stereo with an app integrated stereo. Find out more here. This will allow you to listen to your favourite stations via DAB, as well as via a station app.
Look for the Tick Mark. It means the radio will receive DAB and DAB+ stations.
Listen on your smartphone
You can listen to your favourite station app or radio app by connecting your smartphone to your car stereo with an aux in cable, a USB connection or via Bluetooth.
Download your favourite station’s mobile app such as Absolute Radio, Scala Radio or Radio X, or your preferred radio and audio mobile app such as Global Player, BBC Sounds or Radioplayer, on your smartphone and then listen through your car stereo by connecting your smartphone one of the following ways:
Aux in
Most cars feature a 3.5mm aux in jack, either on the stereo unit or underneath it. This allows you to plug in an aux in or lightning cable from your smartphone directly into your stereo.
You can buy an aux in or lightning cable in store and online at retailers including Currys, Argos, Halfords and Amazon.
Bluetooth
Most newer cars now come with built-in Bluetooth. You can connect your phone to your car’s Bluetooth by pairing it like you would any other device, and listen to your favourite station via app. Bluetooth is convenient because once paired, your phone will automatically connect to your car and it also has the benefit of allowing hands-free calling.
USB connection
Lots of cars now come with a USB connection. This allows you to connect your phone to listen to your favourite station and radio app – as well as charge up your device make hands-free calls.
You’ll need a USB cable that you keep in your car, and depending on your device, this could be a lightning cable, a micro USB cable or a USB-C cable.
Find the one that’s right for your smartphone in store and online at retailers including Currys, Argos, and Halfords.
Safety first. Remember to keep your focus on the road at all times and it is illegal to hold a phone while you are driving – you must have hands-free access. Find out more from GOV.UK here and further guidance from the RAC here.