Want to listen to SiriusXM without sitting in your car?
The SiriusXM app lets eligible subscribers stream content directly from a smartphone, making it possible to listen at home, at work, at the gym, while traveling, or through your car's audio system.
Setting it up is straightforward.
This guide walks you through installing SiriusXM on an iPhone or Android phone, signing in, finding content, and connecting your phone to other devices.
What You Need to Use SiriusXM on Your Phone
Before starting, make sure you have:
- An iPhone or Android smartphone
- Internet access
- The SiriusXM app
- A SiriusXM account
- A subscription that provides app streaming access
SiriusXM says its popular in-car plans include access to its mobile app, while streaming-only options are also available for people who primarily want to listen through connected devices.
How to Set Up SiriusXM on an iPhone
Step 1: Open the App Store
On your iPhone, open Apple's App Store.
Step 2: Search for SiriusXM
Search for:
SiriusXM
Make sure you're downloading the official SiriusXM application.
Step 3: Install the App
Tap the download button and allow the application to install.
SiriusXM officially provides its app for compatible iPhone and iPad devices through Apple's App Store.
Step 4: Open SiriusXM
After installation, launch the application.
Step 5: Sign In
Enter your SiriusXM username and password.
Once you're signed in, the app should display the content available with your account.
Step 6: Start Listening
Browse or search for:
- Music channels
- Artists
- Shows
- News
- Sports
- Talk
- Comedy
- Podcasts
Select something and tap play.
That's it — SiriusXM is now set up on your iPhone.
How to Set Up SiriusXM on an Android Phone
The process is almost identical on Android.
Step 1: Open Google Play
Open the Google Play Store.
Step 2: Search for SiriusXM
Enter "SiriusXM" in the search bar.
Step 3: Install the App
Choose the official SiriusXM app and install it.
SiriusXM provides an Android version of its app through Google Play.
Step 4: Open the Application
Launch SiriusXM after installation finishes.
Step 5: Sign In
Use your SiriusXM account credentials.
Step 6: Choose Something to Listen To
Search for a channel, show, artist, team, or podcast and start streaming.
What Can You Do With the SiriusXM App?
The SiriusXM app offers much more than simply reproducing the channels available on your vehicle radio.
According to SiriusXM, app features include:
- A personal Library
- Favorite channels and shows
- Personalized recommendations
- Streaming-only channels
- Podcasts
- Connected-device listening
- Alerts and reminders for selected programming
Some content and features can vary depending on your subscription and device.
How to Listen to SiriusXM From Your Phone in Your Car
One of the most useful features of the SiriusXM mobile app is being able to play it through your vehicle.
There are several ways to do this.
Option 1: Apple CarPlay
For iPhone users:
- Install SiriusXM on your iPhone.
- Sign in.
- Connect your iPhone to your CarPlay-compatible vehicle.
- Use either USB or wireless CarPlay, depending on your car.
- Open SiriusXM from the CarPlay screen.
- Choose what you want to hear.
These are the current connection steps recommended by SiriusXM for Apple CarPlay.
Option 2: Android Auto
For Android users:
- Install SiriusXM.
- Sign in.
- Connect your Android device to an Android Auto-compatible vehicle.
- Open SiriusXM from the Android Auto interface.
- Select your content.
Compatible systems can connect through USB or wirelessly depending on the vehicle.
Option 3: Bluetooth
You can also use Bluetooth.
- Pair your phone with your vehicle.
- Select Bluetooth Audio on the car stereo.
- Open SiriusXM.
- Start playing a channel.
The audio should now come through your vehicle's speakers.
This is particularly useful in vehicles that have Bluetooth but don't offer CarPlay or Android Auto.
Does SiriusXM Use Phone Data?
Yes, when you're streaming SiriusXM through the mobile app without Wi-Fi, your phone uses a cellular data connection.
SiriusXM specifically notes that cellular data is required to stream in a vehicle when Wi-Fi isn't available.
If your mobile plan has limited data, monitor your usage when streaming for long periods.
When you're at home, work, or somewhere with trusted Wi-Fi, connecting your phone to Wi-Fi can reduce cellular data use.
How to Play SiriusXM From Your iPhone on a TV or Speaker
SiriusXM supports Apple AirPlay.
To use it:
- Connect your iPhone and compatible TV or speaker to the same Wi-Fi network.
- Open SiriusXM.
- Start playing something.
- Tap the Connect to Device icon.
- Select AirPlay.
- Choose your TV or speaker.
Your SiriusXM audio should begin playing through the selected device.
SiriusXM App Not Working? Try These Fixes
If SiriusXM doesn't work correctly on your phone, start with these troubleshooting steps.
1. Check Your Internet Connection
Try opening another website or application.
If nothing loads, the problem may be your Wi-Fi or cellular connection rather than SiriusXM.
2. Close and Reopen SiriusXM
Completely close the application and launch it again.
3. Update the SiriusXM App
Check the App Store or Google Play for updates.
SiriusXM advises users to keep the app updated, with new versions distributed through the relevant mobile app stores.
4. Restart Your Phone
A restart can solve temporary software or connection problems.
5. Sign Out and Sign Back In
Sign out of SiriusXM and re-enter your account credentials.
6. Reinstall SiriusXM
Delete the application, restart your phone, and download SiriusXM again from the official app store.
SiriusXM App vs. SiriusXM Satellite Radio
It's useful to understand that these are two different ways to receive SiriusXM.
SiriusXM Satellite Radio
Your vehicle's built-in SiriusXM receiver communicates with the SiriusXM satellite system.
You typically activate this radio using its unique Radio ID.
SiriusXM App
The SiriusXM app streams content using the internet.
It can work on:
- Smartphones
- Tablets
- TVs
- Streaming devices
- Connected speakers
- CarPlay
- Android Auto
This means you can continue listening to SiriusXM even when you're away from your vehicle.
SiriusXM also notes that some channels available in the app may not be available through certain vehicle radios because radio hardware can differ.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the SiriusXM app free to download?
Yes. The app itself can be downloaded without an app-download charge, although listening generally requires an appropriate SiriusXM subscription or eligible trial.
Can I listen to SiriusXM on my iPhone?
Yes. SiriusXM provides an iPhone app through Apple's App Store.
Can I listen to SiriusXM on Android?
Yes. The SiriusXM app is available for compatible Android devices through Google Play.
Can I use SiriusXM from my phone in my car?
Yes. You can use compatible options including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, AUX, or USB, depending on your vehicle.
Do I need Wi-Fi for SiriusXM on my phone?
No. You can stream using cellular data when Wi-Fi isn't available, although this will count toward your mobile-data usage.
Can I use SiriusXM on my TV from my phone?
Yes. iPhone and iPad users can use AirPlay with compatible televisions and Apple TV devices. SiriusXM is also directly available on several supported TV and streaming platforms.
Why can't I get every SiriusXM channel in my car?
Vehicle radios use different hardware, so not every channel may be supported by every vehicle receiver. SiriusXM says channels included with your plan that aren't available on the vehicle radio may still be available through its app.
Final Thoughts
Setting up SiriusXM on your phone is one of the easiest ways to access your subscription wherever you go.
Simply download the official SiriusXM app, sign in, and start listening.
Once the app is set up, you can also connect your phone to your car using Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, or Bluetooth, or send SiriusXM to compatible home devices.
That makes your phone one of the most flexible ways to listen to SiriusXM — whether you're driving, working, exercising, traveling, or relaxing at home.