iPhone 6 won't play with Kenwood stereo USB port. Help !!

I have a Kenwood KDC-BT743U Stereo in my car, which has a front panel USB port. I've been able to connect my iPhone 4S and play music from my iTunes catalog as well as stream music from Pandora, Soundcloud, Tune In Radio, Mixcloud et al, without any problems until yesterday.....

Now that I've upgraded my phone to a iPhone 6 and when I connect it to the stereo via the USB port, it doesnt play at all. After about 2 minutes of trying to connect , I recieve a 'USB Error" . As I stated, I've had no problems with my iPhone 4S, which I've used with this same stereo deck for the last two years without any problem what so ever.

I'm looking for some guidance on next steps to take in order to fix the problem? Did Apple change the spec in some sort of way? Do I need to go to Kenwood for a firmware update (their website provides no information about iPhone 6 compatability with any of their stereo's which is very odd to me) ?

Please help, my life in the car during long commutes is just not the same......

iPhone 6, iOS 8, Kenwood Stereo KDS-bt743U USB Port

Posted on Sep 25, 2014 12:52 PM

Top-ranking reply

Jermz0514

Level 1

4 points

Posted on Feb 12, 2015 8:37 PM

You have to use the original (Apple brand) white usb cord. I know it sounds too simple but it's true. Using off-brand cords means no tunes. For example, I tried using a cord I bought from Five Below. Plugged it into the usb, then the lightening pin into my phone, the display indicated it was searching for my device then ended with an error message.

It was out of sheer, morbid curiosity I wondered what would happen if I used the cord Apple provided. Plugged it in and Cha-Ching! I had tunes.

Hope this helps. (-:

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25 replies

jmat84

Level 1

4 points

Apr 29, 2016 12:42 PM in response to jw-nobo

I had a similar "ipod error" and i fixed the problem by going to settings>music>streaming and downloads. Check Use cellular data. I could not play music at all without this checked to green. I also noticed I had to use the usb cable that came with the iphone 6. The new cable did not work until I changed these settings. Hope this helps. I have the Kenwood KDC-BT84**.

Dec 23, 2016 6:40 AM in response to C_JAE

You need to check configuration, settings, system. Last version of firmware is v01.05. If you dont have this, download from kenwood support , and upload you firmware with usb ( procedure is explained step by step on kenwwod site). after upload your firmware on device reset the unit clicking small button just on down left corner on unit.

Now check if new version of firmware was instaled on system. If ok, go to audio settings and on IPOD section choice USB 1 way cable option. Now your device is able to play music from your IPOD option on MAIN MENU , conecting your phone with usb cable.

Sep 26, 2014 2:01 PM in response to lisadecatur

Something really odd: I tried a friend's iPhone 6 Plus and it works great with my Kenwood stereo. No problems at all.

I'm going back to my iPhone 5 until there's a fix for the iPhone 6.

Sep 29, 2014 10:51 AM in response to lisadecatur

Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings

Oct 19, 2014 3:26 PM in response to Yourdealman

Great tip, yourdealman, was having a similar issue with USB on my Kenwood after upgrading to iOS 8. The reset button on the stereo corrected the issue.

Oct 27, 2014 6:51 AM in response to lisadecatur

By the way, this worked for me. I direct dialed a call that went through, and then next time I tried to dial from a saved number, the call connected. It's been fine since.

nick_307

Level 1

4 points

Nov 26, 2015 9:37 AM in response to Yourdealman

in fact I had the same problem but what i did is I removed the previous paired devices from my kenwood stereo and it worked for me!!

Feb 26, 2016 11:05 AM in response to TearfulPony

I have tried re pairing the phone.. that did not work for me but i will try it again

Mar 4, 2016 11:17 AM in response to zorkmaracmur181

The phone will only play music via Bluetooth. The app mode doesn't work at all

Jun 24, 2017 9:36 AM in response to C_JAE

https://www.stevemeadedesigns.com/board/topic/186878-kenwood-ddx370-ddx470-ddx77 0-ipod-no-audio-fix-here/

The answer in that link works dor my case

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iPhone 6 won't play with Kenwood stereo USB port. Help !!