Why Can't the 2009 Highlander Play Music via Bluetooth?

[LaKatherine]

The reasons why the 2009 Highlander cannot play music via Bluetooth are as follows: Phone volume is not turned on: You can go to the phone's settings, find the "Media" option under "Sound," and increase the "Media" volume. Phone program does not match the car model's pairing code: Change the Bluetooth playback frequency band to enable normal Bluetooth music playback. Car Bluetooth music is not enabled: Find the multimedia option on the screen, enter the interface, and select the Bluetooth music playback option. Phone audio is not turned off: Go to the phone's Bluetooth settings interface, turn off the media audio, and keep the phone audio.

[LeMiguel]

I had the same issue with my 2009 Highlander before—the Bluetooth only showed call functions but no music playback. It’s a pretty common problem since most Bluetooth systems from that era only supported phone audio and not the A2DP music streaming protocol. I checked online forums and found many people facing the same trouble. Here’s how to fix it: First, check your phone’s Bluetooth settings to ensure the ‘Media Audio’ option is enabled. If that doesn’t work, try restarting the car’s system by turning it off and on again. Lastly, you can buy a Bluetooth-to-AUX adapter and plug it into the AUX port on the center console for wireless music playback. This method is cheap, convenient, and a quick DIY fix—no need to visit a repair shop. Just remember to set a safe volume level while driving and listening to music.

[DeOwen]

As a driver who frequently travels long distances, it's indeed frustrating that my 2009 Highlander's Bluetooth can only make phone calls but not play music. This is mainly due to the outdated Bluetooth technology in older vehicle models, which prioritizes call functionality. Practical suggestions: Check if the audio source settings in the car's system are correct, or try a new phone for compatibility; you can also purchase a Bluetooth adapter to connect to the AUX port for an economical modification. Remember to regularly maintain the vehicle system updates to prevent malfunctions and avoid frequent device operations while driving to maintain focus.

[LaDaniella]

I've been using this 2009 Highlander for several years, and the inability to play music via Bluetooth is normal since it didn't support audio streaming from the factory. Simple solution: Make sure you've selected the correct media option when connecting your phone. If that doesn't work, switch to using an AUX cable or FM transmitter. Don't waste money on unnecessary repairs.

[LylaMarie]

When driving with my family, I noticed that the Bluetooth in the 2009 Highlander only supports calls but not music playback, which is quite inconvenient. The potential issue might be system limitations or incorrect settings. It's recommended to check the vehicle manual to confirm the feature scope. Solutions include using the AUX port to directly connect your phone or adding a small Bluetooth device to enhance compatibility. Remember to prioritize passenger comfort and safe driving during the trip.