Setting up hands-free calling in your car is not just convenient, it is also required by law in the Netherlands. Holding your phone while driving can lead to a hefty fine and dangerous situations. In this article we explain how to set up hands-free calling via Bluetooth, CarPlay or Android Auto, so you stay safely reachable on the road.

Why hands-free calling matters

In the Netherlands it has been illegal since 2002 to hold your mobile phone while driving. The fine for calling with your phone in your hand is now 420 euros. But even more important than the fine is your safety. Research shows that calling with a phone in your hand can slow your reaction time by as much as 50 percent, comparable to driving under the influence of alcohol.

Hands-free calling reduces distraction considerably. You keep both hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road. Modern hands-free systems also make it very easy to hold conversations, call contacts and even send messages with voice commands.

Method 1: Pair your phone with your car via Bluetooth

The most common way to call hands-free is through a Bluetooth connection between your phone and your car. Almost every car built after 2010 has Bluetooth built in.

Step 1: Turn on Bluetooth on your phone

Open the settings on your smartphone and look for Bluetooth. Turn Bluetooth on if it is not already active. On an iPhone, swipe up or down to open Control Center and tap the Bluetooth icon. On Android phones you usually find Bluetooth under Connections or Wireless networks.

Step 2: Make your phone visible

Make sure your phone is visible to other devices. On some phones you specifically have to turn on the option 'Visible to other devices'. Your phone usually stays visible for two minutes, so act quickly.

Step 3: Turn on Bluetooth in your car

Start your car and go to the Bluetooth menu in your infotainment system. You usually find it under Settings, Phone or Connections. Select the option to pair a new device or to search for devices.

Step 4: Pair the devices

Your car now searches for available Bluetooth devices. Select your phone in the list. A pairing code appears on both screens. Check that the codes match and confirm the pairing on both your phone and your car.

Step 5: Grant permissions

Your phone may ask for permission to sync contacts and call history. Allow this for the best experience, so you see contact names on incoming calls and can easily place calls from your car's screen.

Method 2: Apple CarPlay for iPhone users

If your car supports Apple CarPlay, you get an even richer hands-free experience. CarPlay fully integrates your iPhone with your car.

Setting up CarPlay for hands-free calling

Connect your iPhone to the USB port, or connect wirelessly if your car supports it. CarPlay activates automatically. You now see the Phone app on your car's screen, with access to your favorites, recent calls, contacts and the keypad.

Calling with Siri

The safest way to call with CarPlay is through Siri. Say 'Hey Siri' or press and hold the voice button on your steering wheel. Then give a command such as 'Call Jan' or 'Call Mom mobile'. Siri looks up the contact and starts the call automatically.

Answering incoming calls

When a call comes in, you see the caller's name or number on your screen. You can answer by tapping the green button, pressing the button on your steering wheel, or saying 'Answer' to Siri. To decline a call, say 'Decline' or tap the red button.

Method 3: Android Auto for Android users

Android Auto offers functionality similar to CarPlay for users of Android phones. The system is optimized for use in the car and makes hands-free calling very easy.

Setting up Android Auto

Download the Android Auto app from the Google Play Store if it is not installed yet. Connect your phone to your car with USB, or pair wirelessly via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. The first time, you need to grant a few permissions for access to contacts, messages and media.

Google Assistant for voice control

With Google Assistant you call completely hands-free. Say 'Hey Google' or 'OK Google' followed by your command. Examples are 'Call Peter', 'Call the office' or 'Call 020-1234567'. Google Assistant also understands natural language, so you can also say 'I want to call my wife'.

Method 4: A separate Bluetooth car kit

Do you have an older car without built-in Bluetooth? Then you can buy a separate Bluetooth car kit. These small devices are available from around 20 euros and are a good solution.

Types of car kits

Sun visor clip: A popular option that clips onto your sun visor. It contains a speaker and microphone and runs on a built-in battery that you charge via USB.

AUX connection: If your car has an AUX input, you can connect a Bluetooth receiver. The sound then comes through your car speakers, which often sounds better than a small built-in speaker.

FM transmitter: These devices send the sound to your car radio over an FM frequency. The sound quality is slightly lower, but it is a universal solution that works in any car.

Pairing a car kit

Turn on the car kit and put it in pairing mode, usually by holding a button down for a few seconds. Search for Bluetooth devices on your phone and select the car kit. After pairing, the devices connect automatically whenever they are within range of each other.

Tips for better hands-free calling

With the following tips you get the most out of your hands-free system:

Optimize your contacts

Give your most important contacts clear names that voice assistants can easily recognize. Add labels such as 'mobile' and 'work' if you like, so you can specify which number you want to call.

Set up favorites

Create a list of favorite contacts. These appear at the top of your phone app in CarPlay or Android Auto, so you can reach them quickly with a single tap.

Use voice commands

Practice voice commands before you start driving. The better you know the commands, the less distracted you are on the road. Try commands such as 'Answer', 'Hang up', 'Call back' and 'Send a message to...'.

Keep calls short

Although hands-free calling is safer than holding your phone, every phone call is still a source of distraction. Keep calls short and to the point while driving. Complex discussions are better held once you have stopped.

Troubleshooting

Here are solutions for common problems with hands-free calling:

Poor sound quality: Check that the microphone is not blocked. With a car kit, position it closer to you. Some cars have separate microphone settings in the menu.

Connection keeps dropping: Remove the Bluetooth pairing on both devices and pair again. Make sure your phone is not too far from the Bluetooth system.

Contacts are not syncing: Check the permissions in your phone settings. The car needs access to your contacts to be able to display them.

Voice recognition works poorly: Speak clearly and not too fast. Avoid background noise by closing the windows. Some systems have a training mode to learn to recognize your voice better.

Good to know: hands-free calling is allowed in the Netherlands, but you remain responsible for driving safely. If the police find that you are driving dangerously because of the phone call, you can still be fined for insufficient control of your vehicle. In addition, the 420 euro fine also applies if you hold your phone to, for example, set up your navigation.

Conclusion

Setting up hands-free calling in your car is easy and essential for safe driving. Whether you use your car's built-in Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto or a separate car kit, there is always a solution that fits your situation. Take the time to set up your system properly and practice voice commands, so you stay safely and comfortably reachable on the road.

Frequently asked questions

What is the fine for calling in the car without hands-free?

In the Netherlands the fine for holding your phone while driving is 420 euros. This also applies if you only hold your phone to look at the screen, without actually making a call.

Can I also send WhatsApp messages hands-free?

Yes, with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto you can send WhatsApp messages by voice. For example, say 'Send a WhatsApp to Jan' and dictate your message. The system also reads incoming messages aloud.

How do I connect my phone to an older car without Bluetooth?

You can buy a separate Bluetooth car kit. Popular options are a sun visor clip with a built-in speaker, a Bluetooth receiver for the AUX input, or an FM transmitter that works through the car radio.

Why does my phone not connect to my car automatically?

Check that Bluetooth is turned on on both devices and that the pairing still exists. Sometimes you need to remove the connection and pair again. Also make sure your phone is not already connected to another Bluetooth device.