How To Connect Phone To Acura

To connect your phone to your Acura, you can pair via Bluetooth for hands-free calling and audio streaming, or use a USB cable to activate Apple CarPlay or Android Auto for a fully integrated smartphone interface. Before you begin, ensure your vehicle is parked and the ignition is on, as the pairing process requires the vehicle to be stopped.

Before you connect phone to Acura: Critical safety warning

For your safety, the vehicle must be parked and the transmission in Park before you can pair a phone via Bluetooth HandsFreeLink. Many manual functions on the Acura infotainment system, such as dialing a number or browsing contacts, may be inoperable or grayed out while the vehicle is moving to reduce driver distraction. Always complete the initial setup before driving.

How to connect via Bluetooth

Bluetooth pairing allows you to make hands-free calls and stream music without cables.

1. On your mobile device, ensure Bluetooth is activated and set to discoverable mode.
2. On your Acura's multimedia system, navigate to Settings, then select Phone Settings, followed by Bluetooth Device List (or Connect Phone), and then Add Bluetooth Device (or Add a New Phone).
3. Select your phone from the list that appears on the Acura screen. If it does not appear, search for HandsFreeLink from your phone's Bluetooth settings.
4. Confirm the four-digit or six-digit pairing code displayed on both your Acura's screen and your phone to complete the connection.
5. After pairing, the system may ask to enable Automatic Phone Sync (or Phone Synchronization). Select On or Allow to import your contacts and call history.

How to connect with a USB cable

Using a USB cable provides a stable connection for media playback and basic phone functions. Plug one end of a compatible USB cable into your phone and the other into the USB port in your Acura (often in the center console). On the infotainment system, select the USB source to access your phone's music library and make calls directly through the vehicle's interface.

How to set up Android Auto

Android Auto brings your favorite apps to the Acura display for navigation, music, and messaging.

1. Check compatibility: Your Android device must run Android 5.0 or higher, and you must download the Android Auto app from the Google Play Store.
2. Connect your Android device to your Acura's USB port (typically in the center console) using a manufacturer-approved USB cable.
3. When prompted on your Acura's multimedia screen, select Always Enable or Enable Android Auto to allow automatic connection in the future. The Android Auto interface will then launch on the Acura display.

How to set up Apple CarPlay

Apple CarPlay integrates your iPhone's apps into the Acura system for a seamless experience.

Wired connection

1. Ensure Siri is enabled on your iPhone. Apple CarPlay requires Siri to be active.
2. Connect your iPhone to the Acura's USB port using an Apple-approved Lightning-to-USB cable.
3. When prompted on the Acura screen, select Always Enable or Enable Apple CarPlay to allow automatic connection in the future.

Wireless connection

1. First, pair your iPhone to your Acura via Bluetooth (following the Bluetooth steps above).
2. On the Acura home screen, select Apple CarPlay, then choose to connect a new device.
3. Accept the prompts on your iPhone to enable wireless CarPlay.

Note: Apple CarPlay is supported by iOS 7.1 and higher for USB connections, and iOS 9.0 and higher for wireless connections. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto cannot run simultaneously; if one is active, the other cannot be used.

Troubleshooting connection problems

If you cannot connect your phone to your Acura, try these verified fixes:

1. Restart both your phone and the vehicle's infotainment system.
2. Delete the phone from the vehicle's Bluetooth Device List and from your phone's Bluetooth settings, then re-pair the device from scratch.

If you need a simple audio solution without full smartphone integration, consider using FM transmitters for cars to play music through your vehicle's radio.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is AcuraLink and how do I use it?

AcuraLink connects your phone to your vehicle wirelessly via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth and requires the AcuraLink app, compatible with most iPhone and Android phones. It provides remote services such as vehicle status checks and roadside assistance.

Can I connect multiple phones to my Acura at once?

Yes, your Acura can store multiple paired phones in its Bluetooth Device List, but only one phone can be actively connected for calls and audio at a time.

Why won't my phone show up in the Bluetooth device list?

Ensure your phone's Bluetooth is discoverable and that no other Bluetooth device is currently connected to your Acura. Also, verify that your phone is not already paired to another vehicle or device.

Do I need a special USB cable for Android Auto or Apple CarPlay?

Yes, use a high-quality, manufacturer-approved USB cable. A damaged or low-quality cable can prevent the connection from working reliably.

How do I disconnect my phone from my Acura?

You can turn off Bluetooth on your phone, or on the Acura infotainment system go to Settings > Phone Settings > Bluetooth Device List and select the device to disconnect or delete it.