Bluetooth/Media Setup for My Ford Focus 2012 - Any Budget Options?

Hey everyone, I have a Ford Focus Mk3 Sedan 2012/2013 with an older media setup, and I’m trying to figure out how to get Bluetooth in it. There’s no aux port, and I’ve checked everywhere, even the glovebox. The USB port only works with USB drives, not when connected to a phone. I don’t want to use an FM transmitter or replace the entire media system. Trying to stay within a budget, so any ideas?

Did you check the armrest storage? Every Mk3 Focus should have an aux port either there or in the glovebox.

Checked everywhere, and I don’t have an armrest in mine.

If you still have the manual, it should say where the aux port is. I used to have an Amazon Echo Auto for Bluetooth before I upgraded to a touchscreen. If you can’t find the aux, it looks like FM transmitter might be the only option :confused:

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How’s the sound quality on that setup? I’ve heard mixed reviews. Also, unrelated, but love the 5-speed! I’m never getting rid of mine :joy:

‘Meh’ sums up the sound quality pretty well. It does have digital output, though, so you could use an amplifier.

What’s the name of the touchscreen? Is it any good?

I had the same car and the same issue. The previous owner gave me an FM transmitter, but the sound quality wasn’t great. I checked the glovebox and found just the USB port with an empty hole where the aux should’ve been. In the end, I had to replace the whole media unit, which wasn’t cheap :confused: You could look for a used Sync 3 unit on eBay, though, might save some money.

Whoever spec’d your car gave you dual climate control but the most basic radio! What trim level is it? Do you have a Sync badge near the shifter?

Since you’re avoiding FM transmitters, your next best bet is to install a radio. I did that with my 2012 SE Hatch. A cheap single-DIN radio will run you around $200-300, including the dash kit, wiring harness, and antenna adapter, assuming you install it yourself.

Another option is an all-in-one touchscreen unit from Amazon. I’ve heard mixed things about them, but they’re cheap, come with Android Auto/CarPlay, and would definitely be an upgrade over your current radio.

If you can spend more, I’d recommend a higher quality double-DIN with Android Auto or CarPlay. It’ll change your driving experience. Just make sure it has a rear USB port for a cleaner setup. That’s what I did in mine, and I also kept my steering wheel controls and USB port. Feel free to PM me if you want more details or help with the install.

My car is just like yours! Dual climate control, rain sensor, PDC, but the most basic radio, no aux port. I’m planning to upgrade to a decent Android Auto head unit from China. Still looking into it.

I have the same year Focus and DIY’d an aux port for the head unit. I have the documentation for it, but you’ll need to enable line input in the firmware after connecting the wire. It’s a bit of a hack, but it works!

Not sure if it’s possible on your setup, but one trick is to tap into the CD player’s input and bypass it when an aux plug is inserted. It works on some models.

I have a 2013 model, and it should have Bluetooth—just tricky to find. Try this: press the radio power button, then go to Menu > OK > Media > Down twice > OK.

I installed a Chinese Android head unit from AliExpress for around €300, including taxes and shipping. It works great, and installation was easy.

Can’t you get a USB Bluetooth adapter that works with the car’s USB port?

I spent over 8 hours and went to a junkyard to convert my 2012’s text-only radio to Sync. If you’re interested, I’d be happy to help and walk you through the process. It involves cutting and splicing wires, but everything is plug-and-play from there. You’d need the Sync module from a junkyard Focus, and it’ll give you stock Bluetooth with full functionality. I did it because I wanted my car to keep the original look, but with Bluetooth and Sirius XM. Let me know if you want more info.

Just realized you said without changing the whole media system. Unfortunately, if you want Bluetooth, you’ll have to change something. What I’m suggesting will make it look just like the newer Focus models without MyFordTouch.

Why not just use a Bluetooth to FM transmitter?