1. Introduction
The Kinivo BTC450 Bluetooth Car Kit is designed to provide a seamless and safe hands-free experience for your vehicle. This device allows you to answer calls and stream music wirelessly from any Bluetooth-enabled smartphone or audio device through your car's auxiliary input. With its compact design and intuitive controls, the BTC450 enhances your driving experience by integrating your mobile device's audio capabilities directly into your car's sound system.
The Kinivo BTC450 main unit, a compact black circular device with the Kinivo logo, featuring a single cable extending from its base.
2. Product Features
- Hands-Free Calling: Designed for answering and receiving calls with any Bluetooth smartphone (iPhone, Android, Blackberry, etc.).
- Seamless Music Streaming: Stream music from any Bluetooth (A2DP) capable device; supports aptX for CD quality audio.
- Auxiliary Input Requirement: Requires a 3.5mm audio input in the car stereo.
- Integrated Microphone: Built-in microphone for clear call quality.
- Easy-to-Use Controls: Intuitive music controls for playback management.
- Audio Output: Provides audio through your car's 3.5mm input for both music and phone calls.
- USB Charging: Includes a USB port on the car charger for convenient device charging.
- Automatic Re-connection: Automatically connects to your paired device when the car is started.
3. Setup and Installation
Follow these steps to install and set up your Kinivo BTC450 Bluetooth Car Kit:
- Connect Power: Plug the car charger end of the BTC450 into your vehicle's 12V cigarette lighter socket.
- Connect Audio: Plug the 3.5mm auxiliary cable into your car stereo's AUX input. Ensure your car stereo is set to the AUX input mode.
- Mount the Control Unit: Use the included adhesive pad to securely mount the circular control unit in a convenient location on your dashboard, ensuring it is within reach and the microphone is unobstructed.
A close-up view of the Kinivo BTC450 unit securely mounted on a car's dashboard, blending seamlessly with the interior.
The included USB car charger, a compact black adapter designed to power the Kinivo BTC450 unit and provide an additional USB charging port for mobile devices.
Bluetooth Pairing:
- Ensure the BTC450 is powered on (car ignition is on). The unit's LED indicator will begin to flash, indicating it's in pairing mode.
- On your smartphone, navigate to the Bluetooth settings.
- Search for available devices and select "BTC450" from the list. No PIN is typically required.
- Once paired, the LED indicator on the BTC450 will turn solid blue, and you will hear an audible confirmation.
- For subsequent uses, the BTC450 will automatically connect to your phone when the car's ignition is turned on, provided Bluetooth is enabled on your phone.
Official product video demonstrating the key features and benefits of the Kinivo BTC450 Bluetooth Car Kit, including hands-free calling, music streaming, and easy installation.
4. Operation
Music Playback:
- Once paired, open your preferred music application on your smartphone.
- Audio will automatically stream through your car's speakers.
- Use the central multi-function button on the BTC450 to play or pause music.
- Use the side buttons (forward/backward arrows) to skip to the next or previous track.
A hand is shown pressing the central multi-function button on the Kinivo BTC450, demonstrating the ease of controlling calls and music.
Hands-Free Calling:
- When a call comes in, your music will automatically pause.
- Press the central multi-function button once to answer the call.
- To end a call, press the central multi-function button once again.
- To reject an incoming call, press and hold the central multi-function button for 2 seconds.
- To redial the last number, double-press the central multi-function button.
An image illustrating the Kinivo BTC450's ability to connect to two phones via Bluetooth at once, with two smartphones displayed alongside the mounted unit.
5. Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| No power/LED not lighting up | Car charger not properly inserted or vehicle's 12V socket is not active. | Ensure the car charger is fully inserted. Check if the vehicle's 12V socket requires the ignition to be on. Test the socket with another device. |
| Cannot pair with smartphone | Bluetooth is off on the phone, device is out of range, or already paired to another device. | Ensure Bluetooth is enabled on your phone. Move the phone closer to the BTC450. Disconnect from other Bluetooth devices. Restart both the phone and the BTC450 (by unplugging/replugging). |
| No audio or poor audio quality (buzzing/hissing) | Car stereo not on AUX input, volume too low, or ground loop interference. | Verify your car stereo is set to AUX input. Increase volume on both the phone and car stereo. If buzzing persists, consider purchasing a separate ground loop noise isolator. |
| Audio delay during playback | Bluetooth latency. | A slight delay is normal with Bluetooth audio. This typically does not affect music or call quality significantly. |
| Ringer volume too loud | Phone's ringer volume is set too high. | Adjust the ringer volume directly on your smartphone to a comfortable level. |
6. Specifications
- Model: BTC450
- Connectivity Technology: Bluetooth, USB
- Power Source: Corded Electric (12V car socket)
- Audio Output: 3.5mm AUX
- Special Features: Noise Suppression Technology, Magnetic Mount, Built-in Microphone, Music Streaming (A2DP, aptX), Multi-functional Button, Hands-free Calling, USB Charging, Auto Re-connection
- Product Dimensions: Approximately 5 x 5 x 5 inches (packaging/overall kit)
- Item Weight: 1.12 ounces
- Manufacturer: Kinivo
- Country of Origin: China
7. Warranty and Support
The Kinivo BTC450 Bluetooth Car Kit comes with a Two-Year Warranty. Kinivo is committed to providing innovative products and offers lifetime US-based customer support to assist with any questions or issues you may encounter. For support, please refer to the contact information provided on the official Kinivo website or your product packaging.
Kinivo is a small business brand dedicated to reliability and customer satisfaction, having served millions of customers globally.
