Spotify app CarPlay volume too low if device is plugged in before starting engine

[northkri]

Hi all,

If I connect my iPhone 6s into my factory car stereo USB port before starting the engine, then play music via CarPlay->Spotify App on the stereo's console, the music volume is way too low. So low that I have to turn it up to the max volume level to just barely hear it. Then if I change music sources to the car's radio, it blasts out my eardrums.

But if I start the engine first, then plug in my iPhone and select CarPlay->Spotify App, the volme level is normal and appropriate. I've already selected Playback->Enable Audio Normalisation in the Spotify App settings. What gives?

Not sure what else to try. Does anyone have ideas?

Thanks!

[eternal_inertia · Accepted solution]

I Have this problem too but it's all the time, not just before starting the engine. Spotify on CarPlay is unusable and I've had to go back to Apple Music. 

I had had the volume on 45 (max) in my Sportage but Apple Music is around 15 for a comfortable level. I think it's a problem with the app and they need to do something about it because I've used Spotify for years and years and don't want to switch to Apple Music but will if forced to.

Can we raise this as a bug to Spotify?

[northkri]

I spoke with a Subaru tech rep and found out that there is a way to set the individual volume levels of each audio input. For Subarus you can do this on the infotainment console by pressing the settings->sound icon. Then you can set the volume level to be the same for phone, media (external Bluetooth paired input), radio, and CarPlay inputs. Seems like it's working so far.

[eternal_inertia]

My Kia has the same functionality. I can change the volume independently of radio, media etc. The problem is the Spotify CarPlay app has to be on max volume to be heard at a comfortable level but it's still not that loud.

I saw a response in another thread that said it seems to be louder if you start the engine first before plugging the phone in. Seems to be a bit better. Spotify is the best music streaming program but I'm disappointed their support for CarPlay is a bit limited, Apple Music is better in that regard but their stock app is rubbish.