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Spotify Car Thing is no longer a working Spotify device. Spotify deactivated existing units on December 9, 2024, after ending production in 2022. The company told owners to factory-reset the hardware and follow local electronic-waste rules, and said it had no replacement or new version planned.
What happened to Spotify Car Thing
Car Thing was a U.S.-only Spotify control device launched in February 2022 for $89.99. It combined a small touchscreen, physical dial and buttons, and voice commands with the Spotify mobile app for music and podcast control in a car.
Spotify ended production later in 2022. In May 2024, it notified owners that the units would stop operating after December 9, 2024. Reports on that date said devices had stopped working and displayed a discontinuation message.
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Spotify said the decision was intended to streamline its product offerings and focus on new features and enhancements. Its statement also said: “there are no plans to release a replacement or new version of Car Thing.”
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Does “purposely bricking” accurately describe it?
In practical terms, Spotify deliberately deactivated the service that Car Thing required, so the purchased hardware could no longer perform its intended Spotify function. That is why owners and headlines describe the shutdown as “bricking” the device.
However, the available statements establish the deactivation and its result, not a separate motive to sabotage individual units. Phrases such as “brick this device” and “planned obsolescence” appeared in owner discussions, but those comments are individual reactions rather than a representative survey of customers.
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- [Upgrade any non-Bluetooth or non-AUX jacks car in 30 seconds]: Turn any vehicle into a wireless Bluetooth audio system in seconds. No new stereo, No dongle hunting.
- [Improved FM Signal Stability for Busy City Driving]: Upgraded noise reduction technology to help minimize static and radio interference common in crowded metro areas.Enjoy crystal-clear sound without FM static noise.
- [Seamless App Audio]: Stream Spotify, Music, YouTube, podcasts, GPS voice navigation, TikTok audio, and hands-free calls through car radio. Ideal for cars, trucks, SUVs, RVs, and vehicles without Bluetooth.1 device connects at a time, lowe audio delay Bluetooth 5.4 makes re-pairing nearly instant, drivers / passengers can easily take turns playing music or making calls.
- [48W Fast USB-C + QC Car Charger]: High-power fast charging, with a maximum of 48W per port—faster than multi-port shared charging. Supports simultaneous charging for phones, tablets. Compatible with iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, iPad, and more. Keeps your devices powered during navigation, streaming, and long-distance driving.
- [FM Adapter + Seamless Auto-Reconnect]: Once paired, it automatically reconnects every time you start the car—no need to re-pair again.Easily switch to a clearer blank FM frequency while traveling between cities. Bluetooth 5.4 delivers faster pairing and a more stable connection.Compatible for iPhone Users no headphone jack car.
The shutdown also does not prove that every unit is physically irreparable or that all reuse is impossible. It means Spotify no longer provides the service that made Car Thing useful as a Spotify controller.
Timeline: sale, production, and shutdown
| Event | What is established |
|---|---|
| February 2022 | Spotify launched Car Thing in the United States at a listed price of $89.99. |
| 2022 | Spotify ended production of the device. |
| May 2024 | Spotify announced that existing units would stop operating after December 9, 2024. |
| December 9, 2024 | The shutdown took effect; reports documented nonworking units and a discontinuation message. |
What Spotify told owners to do
Factory-reset the device
Spotify reportedly advised owners to perform a factory reset before disposal. Resetting removes the device’s stored account and personal data as far as the hardware’s reset process permits; it does not restore Car Thing’s Spotify service.
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- Carplay and Android Auto with Voice Control: Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, this plug-and-play dual din car stereo features the newest voice control technology, just connect it to your smartphone and access map navigation, calling, email, notifications, music and more with the help of Siri/Google Assistant. The carplay screen for car improves driving safety and comfort, making your drive more convenient and enjoyable
- Night Vision Backup Camera: The car screen is equipped with waterproof reversing camera, the Backup Camera can enhances the smoothness and record your driving record your driving process comprehensively, accurately and clearly. Simple operation makes driving safety and parking easier. The camera wire is connected to the reverse light, very convenient to install
- Phone Mirror Link & 4 Audio Output: The 9-inch Carplay Screen for Car supports IOS and Android phone mirroring. The Q9S dual din car stereo with carplay also supports BT audio, local speakers, FM radio and AUX, so you can enjoy clear and stable music in noisy environments, and the carplay sound will bring you a wonderful experience
- OTA Updates: Keep your device up to date with system updates, so you’re always one step ahead. This wireless CarPlay screen automatically pushes updates to adapt to your phone’s system whenever an update is available, ensuring long-term compatibility between your phone and Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and other in-vehicle electronics.
- Easy Installation & Fit All Different Car: Portable carplay for car just plug and play directly with dashboard via connect cigarette lighter. No need to disassemble your car's console, keep your car original radio, perfect perfect for coexisting.The car play with screen is suitable for most motor vehicles, such as cars, trucks, vans, pickups and so on
Use electronic-waste channels
The reported guidance was to dispose of Car Thing safely under applicable local or state electronic-waste rules and to consult the relevant waste authority. That is different from instructing owners to put the device in ordinary household trash or a landfill.
Do not assume a refund is still available
Spotify Community guidance told owners to contact customer support about possible refunds. That was historical guidance, not a guarantee that every purchaser qualified. Available information does not establish current eligibility, refund amounts, or whether that process remains open in 2026.
Rank #4
- Crystal Clear Music Streaming: LENCENT T25 is anti- statics designed, and equipped with noise and wind suppressed by CVC technology that can achieve full duplex sound quality. You can stream music on your car stereo via Bluetooth/ USB Flash Drive (≤32GB) / microSD Card (≤32GB). WMA MP3 WAV APE FLAC music formats are all supported
- Intelligent Dual USB Ports & Safe Charging: Coming with 2 USB ports(5V-2.4A and 5V-1A), you can charge two devices simultaneously. Built-in over-current protection, over-voltage protection, intelligent temperature control, short circuit protection, it will effectively ensure safe charging
- Hands-Free Calling & Voice Navigation: Bluetooth provides a stable connection, while Noise Suppression (CVC) technology and echo-cancellation grants an amazing hands-free calling experience. Besides, you can also get clear voice navigation from your phone’s app, which means driving will be more safely
- Car Battery Voltage Detection & Blue Ambient Light: The FM transmitter will display car’s voltage when plugged into the cigarette lighter. Keep abreast of car battery health at all times to avoid problems when driving. With the circle of blue backlight around this car charger, it will greatly simplify your operation for safer driving. (Please compare the size between the transmitter and your car cigarette lighter )
- Wider Range & Compatibility: This Bluetooth transmitter is well compatible with most of the smartphones and more devices that equipped with bluetooth function. It will automatically connect to its memorized paired Bluetooth device when power on. Also, with the wider range from 88.1MHz - 107.9 MHz, you can get more stable and consequent music experience without interference
Can a dead Car Thing still be repurposed?
Community members have explored ways to reuse the hardware after the official shutdown. Those projects are experimental, may require unofficial software or hardware work, and are not a dependable, Spotify-supported restoration path. Instructions can change, and a project that works for one hardware revision or technical setup may not work for another.
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Do not buy a used Car Thing on the assumption that it will operate as a normal Spotify controller. A listing cannot override Spotify’s discontinued service, and a seller may not be able to demonstrate a supported post-shutdown use.
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- 【Voice Control & Hands-Free & Real-Time GPS Navigation】Carplay screen for car utilizes the latest in voice control technology. With the Apple car play, you can effortlessly voice control a variety of functions, such as hands-free calling, music playback and more, along with real-time GPS navigation that provides accurate route planning and traffic updates to ensure you don't miss any turns or lane changes. The entire process can be achieved through voice control, increasing driving safety.
- 【Upgraded Audio Output & Bluetooth 5.3】Enjoy immersive sound via Bluetooth 5.3, AUX, FM transmitter, or the car’s original speakers. The upgraded wireless Carplay car stereo audio system delivers studio-quality stereo sound for music, calls and navigation prompts. Flexible connectivity options make it ideal for audiophiles and everyday drivers alike.
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Current alternatives for in-car Spotify control
Spotify’s in-car guidance lists several connection methods. The right choice depends on the phone, vehicle, stereo inputs, and whether the car supports the required software.
| Option | What you need | Compatibility checks |
|---|---|---|
| Spotify Connect | A compatible Spotify playback device on the same network or connection environment. | Confirm that the target stereo or receiver supports Spotify Connect. |
| Bluetooth | A car stereo or Bluetooth audio adapter paired with the phone. | Check whether the stereo supports Bluetooth audio and how it handles calls and media controls. |
| AUX or USB cable | A compatible cable and an available auxiliary input or USB audio connection. | Verify the port’s audio capability; some USB ports provide charging only. |
| Android Auto | An Android phone and a vehicle or head unit that supports Android Auto. | Check phone, vehicle, cable, and regional compatibility. |
| Apple CarPlay | An iPhone and a vehicle or head unit that supports CarPlay. | Check whether the car supports wired or wireless CarPlay and whether the iPhone is compatible. |
| Built-in car app | A vehicle stereo with a compatible Spotify app. | Availability varies by make, model, market, software version, and subscription requirements. |
A Bluetooth adapter or AUX/USB cable can be a practical category of replacement for cars that lack modern integration, but no single adapter works in every vehicle. Check the stereo’s ports and capabilities before buying.
Safe setup and use while driving
Spotify advises setting up the connection before driving and avoiding interaction with a device while the car is moving. Pair the phone, sign in, choose the playback system, and test controls while parked. Use the vehicle’s built-in controls where available, and follow local distracted-driving laws.
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What this means for owners in 2026
- There is no supported way to make Car Thing resume its original Spotify function.
- Spotify has not announced a replacement or new version.
- Factory-reset unused hardware and follow local electronic-waste instructions rather than placing it in general trash.
- Contact Spotify support if you want to ask about an old purchase, but treat any refund outcome as case-specific and unverified until support confirms it.
- For continued in-car listening, choose among Bluetooth, AUX/USB, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Spotify Connect, or a compatible built-in stereo app after checking your equipment.
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.
