Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more

To connect a phone to a Kenwood radio, turn on Bluetooth on the phone, put the receiver into Bluetooth pairing or device-registration mode, then select the Kenwood receiver on the phone and accept any prompts on both devices. The exact menu names and available features depend on the receiver model; use its manual for the precise steps.

Pair your phone with the Kenwood receiver

  1. Check that the receiver supports Bluetooth. Look up its exact model in the matching Kenwood manual; Bluetooth availability and supported phone features vary by model.
  2. Enable Bluetooth on your phone. Open the phone’s Bluetooth settings and leave the screen available so you can choose the receiver when it appears.
  3. Open the receiver’s Bluetooth settings. Use its Bluetooth, device-registration, or pairing controls to start registering a device. Menu labels and button sequences differ between receivers. Kenwood’s device-registration instructions and the KDC-BT660U manual illustrate model-specific pairing steps.
  4. Select the receiver on the phone. Tap the Kenwood receiver in the phone’s available Bluetooth devices, then accept the pairing or authentication prompts shown on the phone and receiver.
  5. Choose the desired receiver source. For music, select the receiver’s Bluetooth audio source; for hands-free calls, use its phone or Bluetooth calling function if the model supports it.

Bluetooth audio and Android Auto are different connections

Ordinary Bluetooth pairing can connect a phone for supported calls or audio; Android Auto is a separate system with its own compatibility and setup requirements. You do not need Android Auto just to use ordinary Bluetooth audio. Wireless Android Auto requires a compatible receiver, and Kenwood’s Android Auto setup guidance calls for both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi to be enabled on the phone.

Rank #3
KENWOOD KMR-M332BT Car & Marine Stereo - Single Din, Bluetooth Audio, USB MP3, Aux in, AM FM Radio SiriusXM Ready, Weatherproof, Multi Color Illumination
  • EXTREME ENVIORMENTS – The high contrast black characters on a white background ensures easy readability from total darkness to direct sunlight. Stands up to salt, spray, sunlight, and all kinds of rough weather with a conformal-coated circuit board that helps prevent moisture-related damage
  • SMARTPHONE CONNECTIVITY: Enjoy convenient control of popular apps thru your smartphone, built-in Bluetooth for hands-free calls and streaming music. KENWOOD Marine Remote Control Ready
  • AUDIO QUALITY: Sound quality enthusiasts will love the playback support of various types of music formats including FLAC files. Simple on-screen or app-assisted sound customization is also available for the EQ & Digital Time Alignment.
  • EXPANDABILITY: Inputs include front-panel USB port and aux input and 2-channel preamp outputs (2.5-volt rear/subwoofer). Includes high quality external microphone. Display changes color for the ultimate in customization
  • NSTALLATION SIZE (WxHxD): 7-3/16" x 2-1/16" x 3-15/16" (182 x 53 x 100mm)
Rank #2
KENWOOD KMM-BT332U Bluetooth Single DIN Car Stereo with USB Port, AM/FM Radio, MP3 Player, Multi Color LCD, Detachable Face, Built in Amazon Alexa, Compatible with SiriusXM Tuner
  • GENERAL FEATURES: Car Stereo with LCD display, Built in iPhone Control, detachable face, USB 1.5A Connection Charges devices quickly, Powerful 50 Watts per channel Amplifier, Front AUX input, Plays MP3, WMA, WAV, ACC, and high-res FLAC and WAV music files
  • BLUETOOTH and SMARTPHONE FEATURES: built-in Bluetooth for audio streaming and hands-free calling (mic included), control 2 phones at once, voice recognition dialing
  • AUDIO FEATURES: Plays USB memory devices, 13-band equalizer with digital time alignment, sound-shaping tools get more out of your digital music library, Music Mix feature allows music streaming playback and control from up to five paired smartphones ---Does not play CDs---
  • INPUTS: front USB, front auxiliary (AUX) input – OUTPUTS: 6-channel preamp outputs (2.5-volt rear, sub)
  • INSTALLATION SIZE (WxHxD): 7-3/16" x 2-1/8" x 3-15/16" (182 x 53 x 100mm)
#1 Best Overall
KENWOOD KMM-BT270U Bluetooth Digital Media Car Stereo Receiver with USB Port – AM/FM Radio, MP3 Player, High Contrast LCD, Detachable Face Plate, Single DIN, 13-Band EQ
  • Enhanced Connectivity: Stay connected on the go with the KENWOOD Car Stereo KMM-BT270U, featuring Bluetooth technology for seamless wireless audio streaming and hands-free calling from your smartphone
  • Powerful Sound Performance: Experience exceptional audio quality with the built-in MOSFET amplifier, delivering up to 200 Watts Max power output, ensuring crystal-clear sound and deep bass for an immersive driving experience
  • Versatile Media Options: This digital media receiver supports various media formats, allowing you to enjoy your favorite music via USB, AUX input, or even connect your iPod or iPhone for seamless playback.
  • Convenient USB Charging: Rapidly charge your compatible smartphones and devices while driving, thanks to the USB connection feature, ensuring your devices stay powered up and ready for use.
  • Trusted KENWOOD Quality: With the KENWOOD brand, you can trust in the durability, reliability, and superior performance of this car stereo, making it a perfect upgrade for any car audio system
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

If the phone will not connect

  • Restart both ends: Restart the receiver and, if you use it, the KENWOOD Remote app. Toggle Bluetooth off and back on in the phone’s settings.
  • Remove stale pairings: Delete the receiver’s pairing information from the phone and delete the phone’s pairing information from the receiver. Then repeat the registration steps.
  • Start from the receiver: If an Android phone does not initiate the connection, open the receiver’s Bluetooth settings and start the connection there. JVCKENWOOD’s KENWOOD Remote FAQ says, “Some Android Phones will not be able to activate a Bluetooth connection automatically from the phone to the receiver.”
  • Check the manual for model-specific limits: Confirm that the receiver supports the feature you want and follow its documented pairing procedure; a successful pairing does not add functions the receiver does not support.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.