dotbowels

I just got iPhone 5 & I can't figure out best way to play music in RX350 . When I connect to USB & go to music it tells me to call 800 number about apps?

Why can't I connect usb and see & play songs like I used to with old iPod.

Any assistance/guidance appreciated . Thanks Dorothy

dotbowels

Okay so I got to BT Audio & connected my iPhone via USB & it seems to play the music on the iPhone fine.

Is this the best way or is there an APP that would be better?

Thanks Dorothy

markrivers

Dorothy, the BT audio route is the simpler way.
Just make sure you have paired your iphone 5 both as a phone and as a portable music player.

As with the cables, you have to use OEM cables.
i purchased some 3rd party cables for the iphone 5 and it only charges the phone.
You will also see a warning in your phone that the accessory is not supported.

I suggest you use the cable that came with the iPhone

dotbowels

Thank you very much. I bought a charger case for my iPhone 5. It actually uses the micro type cord like I used with my android. So far I'm using that cord & all is well. Thanks for help. Dorothy

RX330inFL

Do not hesitate to seek out the Lexus Technology Specialist at your dealership next time you are there to arrange for some time to go over any questions you have about items such as this. It is their job and many do not even know these individuals exist to help.

svidas

I just use the USB connection which seems to be the best connection and also charges the phone. I have noticed some cables are better than others. Why use Bluetooth when you can use a direct cable connection?

BertL

We've discussed some of the issues with using third-party cables with Apple devices in other threads, causing unusual problems with playback or complete lack thereof. My suggestion is don't cheap-out on the cable and expect your iPhone to necessarily operate correctly, or Lexus or other folks here able to help if you have issues. Bluetooth streaming for iPhone5 music works fine in my 2013, as does use of a REAL Apple cable... Either use an or the original USB-to-32-pin cable WITH an Apple Lightning adapter. I've tried both in my RX and they work perfectly.

As to which solution is better, as other posters have suggested, "it depends".

• Streaming has the benefit of "just working" as long as there is strong enough connectivity of your phone to the truck (e.g. I can keep my iPhone5 in my pocket and never touch it as I get in, listen, and get out of the car), but I tried the same thing keeping the iPhone in my mom's purse back in my testing days (what a thing to ask her to try while we were waiting for a restaurant to open one night), and depending upon where I put the phone between all her stuff in that cavern of a purse, sound quality and my ability to always have a Bluetooth (and even cellular) connection sometimes suffered.
• Plug your phone into an Apple cable via USB and it always works, and as was mentioned, you get the side benefit of charging, at the cost of connecting and disconnecting your phone as you enter and exit your RX each time.

My suggestion is for convenience, just stream the music from your iPhone unless you don't get good enough connectivity or you need to charge it while driving. I keep a spare cable in my vehicles just in case I need it all the time.