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macophile90

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Aug 17, 2018
15
11
Hey guys,

do you know any FM Transmitter that works with the Apple Watch S4? I just tried to establish a connection with my current FM Transmitter, but the Apple Watch doesn't even show the Transmitter in the BT Device list.
 
Eh?! Why’d the FM transmitter show in the Bluetooth settings?! Completely different radio and technology stack.
 
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Don't you guys know Bluettoth FM transmitters like this one, https://amzn.to/2MtzOvz ?

Ah! So that’s not going to work because your car actually doesn’t connect to the transmitter. That transmitter emits FM band radio signals and the car FM receiver picks up the channel and plays back.

 Watch doesn’t have a FM receiver.
 
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AR i see so u want to transmit your AW to the Bluetooth receiver and that would transmit to the fm radio. I get the principal but in your car you would more than likely have your phone with you are you wanting to transmit your music from watch
 
No. That's not how Bluetooth FM transmitters work.

1. Plug the FM transmitter into the cigarette lighter socket
2. Chose the FM transmitter, in your Bluetooth device list on your smartphone and establish a bluetooth connection(or Watch, if it could find the FM transmitter. It works with my iPhone or any other Smartphone)
3. Chose any free Radio channel on the FM transmitter
4. Chose this radio channel on your car radio and enjoy your music.

So, this works since many years with any smartphone. The current problem is, that the FM transmitter doesn't show up in the BT device list of the Watch. There is also a similar problem with some car dash, which won't pair with the Apple Watch. There are obviously some BT restrictions on the Apple Watch. So, i'm searching for a FM transmitter which can establish a BT connection with the Watch.


(Smartphone: sends audio data via BT --> FM Transmitter: receives audio data via BT --> FM transmitter emits FM signal --> Car radio receives FM signal)
 
No. That's not how Bluetooth FM transmitters work.

1. Plug the FM transmitter into the cigarette lighter socket
2. Chose the FM transmitter, in your Bluetooth device list on your smartphone and establish a bluetooth connection(or Watch, if it could find the FM transmitter. It works with my iPhone or any other Smartphone)
3. Chose any free Radio channel on the FM transmitter
4. Chose this radio channel on your car radio and enjoy your music.

So, this works since many years with any smartphone. The current problem is, that the FM transmitter doesn't show up in the BT device list of the Watch. There is also a similar problem with some car dash, which won't pair with the Apple Watch. There are obviously some BT restrictions on the Apple Watch. So, i'm searching for a FM transmitter which can establish a BT connection with the Watch.

Yes I understand you but I think the AW may be limited on what it sees do you use your car a lot without your phone
 
No. That's not how Bluetooth FM transmitters work.

1. Plug the FM transmitter into the cigarette lighter socket
2. Chose the FM transmitter, in your Bluetooth device list on your smartphone and establish a bluetooth connection(or Watch, if it could find the FM transmitter. It works with my iPhone or any other Smartphone)
3. Chose any free Radio channel on the FM transmitter
4. Chose this radio channel on your car radio and enjoy your music.

So, this works since many years with any smartphone. The current problem is, that the FM transmitter doesn't show up in the BT device list of the Watch. There is also a similar problem with some car dash, which won't pair with the Apple Watch. There are obviously some BT restrictions on the Apple Watch. So, i'm searching for a FM transmitter which can establish a BT connection with the Watch.


(Smartphone: sends audio data via BT --> FM Transmitter: receives audio data via BT --> FM transmitter emits FM signal --> Car radio receives FM signal)

Yes that’s how it works. I thought you’re trying to playback on your watch speaker.

The Bluetooth stack on the  Watch is not identical to the phone. It’s not a generic usage Bluetooth device. It only pairs over specific protocols which the iPhone is able to connect to.

And of course, also the AirPods. I don’t think any random Bluetooth headphones will work with the  watch either. Although, I haven’t personally tested that.
 
If you are able to go [BT to Aux-in] instead of [BT to FM], the iClever Himbox HB01 works to directly play audio from Apple Watch to the car stereo directly. Love going completely phone free with the cellular Apple Watch.

The Apple Watch supports most random BT headphones I've tried, but yeah I can imagine some may not work. If you can't do Aux-in, maybe check out Wirecutter's picks for FM transmitters, as that's how I found the HB01.
 
So, finally i found a device which is working fine with the Apple Watch S4.

It's the Roav SmartCharge F2 (Iteration 2) by Anker. The first device i received couldn't establish a BT connection with the AW. However, Anker send me the 2nd iteration of the device and its working fine.
 
So, finally i found a device which is working fine with the Apple Watch S4.

It's the Roav SmartCharge F2 (Iteration 2) by Anker. The first device i received couldn't establish a BT connection with the AW. However, Anker send me the 2nd iteration of the device and its working fine.


Jajaja... that's old technology for the new generation. From time to time I listen some tapes in my Sony Walkman or acetates in my classic technics turntable specially for ACDC - Hells Bells for a better sound experience.


That's great man!, how is the sound quality of that transmitter? Do you recommend it?
 
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