Motorcycle CarPlay and Android Auto displays make navigation, music, calls, and voice assistance much easier on the road. However, connecting a phone, a motorcycle display, and a Cardo headset at the same time can sometimes cause a frustrating problem:
CarPlay or Android Auto appears to be connected, but no audio reaches the helmet headset.
The following setup was shared by CPMC X6 motorcycle CarPlay screen user Allan Keefe, who successfully connected his Cardo headset to his phone and received Android Auto audio through the headset.
His tested equipment included:
- CPMC X6
- Cardo Packtalk Bold
- Samsung Galaxy A53
- Android 17
Please note: Menu names and pairing procedures may vary depending on your phone, Cardo model, and software version.
Before You Begin
The Cardo Packtalk Bold has two Bluetooth channels:
- Channel A: Normally used for a phone
- Channel B: Normally used for a GPS or TFT display
In this setup, the CPMC X6 motorcycle CarPlay screen does not pair directly with the Cardo. Both the X6 and the Cardo connect to the phone, so Cardo Channel B is not required.
The phone acts as the central hub:
- The X6 connects to the phone for Android Auto.
- The Cardo connects to the phone for audio.
Step 1: Remove Previous Connections
Delete any previous Bluetooth or Wi-Fi pairings involving the CPMC X6 or Cardo headset.
Starting with a clean connection setup can prevent old pairings from interfering with the process.
Step 2: Pair the Phone with Cardo Channel A
Pair your phone with Channel A on the Cardo using Bluetooth.
This must be started using the physical buttons on the Cardo. It is different from intercom pairing and cannot be completed through the Cardo Connect app.
For the Cardo Packtalk Bold:
1. If the Cardo is not already in Bluetooth mode, press the top and bottom media/intercom buttons together.
2. Press and hold the top Intercom button for five seconds.
3. Wait until the LED flashes red and blue.
4. Open the Bluetooth settings on your phone and complete the pairing.
Step 3: Connect the Phone to the CPMC X6
Turn on the CPMC X6.
Open your phone’s connection settings and find the X6 device ID. Connect the phone to the X6 through both Bluetooth.
Step 4: Check Android Auto
Confirm that Android Auto is working correctly on the X6.
Play an audio file. At this point, you may hear the sound coming from the X6 rather than the Cardo. This is normal.
Step 5: Turn On “Phone Sounds”
On the X6:
1. Return to the CPMC home screen.
2. Select the Configuration cog.
3. Open the Setup Options page.
4. Select “Phone Sound”.
5. Change the setting to On.
The phone should now send the audio to the Cardo headset.
Although the setting is called “Phone Sound,” turning it on means that the phone manages the audio output. Because the Cardo is connected to the phone, the audio should then play through the Cardo.
Why This Setup Works
The phone acts as the hub for both devices:
- The X6 uses the phone for Android Auto.
- The Cardo receives audio directly from the phone.
- The Phone Sound setting tells the X6 to let the phone handle the audio.
A direct connection between the X6 and Cardo is not required.
This setup may also work with other Bluetooth motorcycle headsets that connect directly to a phone. However, the result may differ if another GPS, TFT display, or device is already connected to Channel B on the Cardo.
Final Connection Layout
CPMC X6 ↔ Phone ↔ Cardo Packtalk Bold
If everything is connected correctly, Android Auto music, navigation instructions, and other phone audio should play through the Cardo headset.
Special thanks to Allan Keefe for testing this setup and sharing his detailed instructions with the CPMC community.
