Does Android support MirrorLink?

What is MirrorLink?

MirrorLink is a technology standard that enables users to mirror or replicate their smartphone’s display and control it through a vehicle’s infotainment system or dashboard screen. It provides connectivity between a user’s smartphone and the in-vehicle infotainment system via USB, WiFi or Bluetooth.

The technology allows drivers to access content and apps from their smartphone such as navigation, music streaming, messaging, and calling safely through the car’s dashboard screen and control system. This avoids drivers needing to interact with their phone directly while driving, improving safety and reducing distractions (Definition & Meaning MirrorLink, What does mirrorlink mean).

The main purpose and benefit of MirrorLink is enabling drivers to leverage the functionality of their smartphone through their vehicle’s interface. This allows for safer, integrated use of phone apps while driving. It also reduces the need for built-in infotainment systems in vehicles, since drivers can mirror their own smartphone content.

MirrorLink Support on Android

Native support for MirrorLink in Android has varied over the years. According to Wikipedia[1], earlier versions of Android like Jelly Bean and KitKat had native support for MirrorLink. However, starting with Android 5.0 Lollipop, Google began moving away from MirrorLink and towards its own Android Auto platform.

As a result, newer versions of Android from Lollipop onwards do not have native support for MirrorLink. However, some OEMs like Sony have continued to include MirrorLink support in their Android skins. For example, Sony’s version of Android 8.0 Oreo supports MirrorLink natively[2].

For users with older Android devices that lack native MirrorLink support, third party apps like MirrorLink Enabler can enable MirrorLink functionality. But compatibility varies across devices and Android versions. Custom ROMs like LineageOS have also added MirrorLink support to many devices.

So in summary, while Google has moved away from MirrorLink in recent Android versions, OEM skins and third party apps can still enable it on many devices, especially older ones. But native support is limited unless an OEM has specifically included it.

Google’s Relationship with MirrorLink

Google has had a complicated relationship with MirrorLink over the years. When MirrorLink was first introduced in 2011 under the name “Terminal Mode,” Google was initially supportive of the technology and joined the Car Connectivity Consortium that develops MirrorLink. However, Google’s stance shifted as the company began developing its own competing in-car system called Android Auto.

There are a few key reasons why Google has not fully embraced MirrorLink and offers limited native support:

• Google wants users within its own Android Auto ecosystem rather than third-party systems like MirrorLink.
• MirrorLink requires car manufacturers to install specific hardware in vehicles. Android Auto runs directly on the user’s phone.
• Google can monetize Android Auto through data collection and location-based services.
• MirrorLink does not provide revenue opportunities for Google.

While Google does not natively support MirrorLink, some Android devices like Samsung Galaxy phones allow users to connect to MirrorLink through third-party apps and workarounds.

Third Party Apps for MirrorLink

Since MirrorLink isn’t natively supported on Android, third party apps have stepped in to enable similar functionality. One of the most popular MirrorLink apps is Car Mode, which lets you mirror your Android screen to your car’s display. Car Mode acts as a middleware to emulate MirrorLink and provide a seamless experience.

These third party apps effectively turn your Android device into a MirrorLink compatible system. They let you mirror apps, music, navigation and more from your phone onto your car’s dashboard screen. Key capabilities unlocked through these apps include:

• Displaying your Android screen on your car’s monitor
• Controlling apps and music playback from your steering wheel
• Streaming media like videos, podcasts and audiobooks
• Using voice commands for hands-free operation
• Enabling turn-by-turn navigation through Google Maps

While not officially sanctioned by Android, these MirrorLink apps provide similar connectivity and convenience as first-party solutions. They demonstrate the demand for tightly integrating Android smartphones with in-vehicle systems.

Using MirrorLink with Android Auto

Android Auto and MirrorLink take different approaches to connecting your Android phone to your car’s infotainment system. MirrorLink requires specialized hardware support in both the vehicle and the phone to create a direct connection. In contrast, Android Auto works wirelessly through Android smartphones using the Android Auto app and compatible vehicle head units https://www.makeuseof.com/what-is-mirrorlink/.

Most new Android phones support Android Auto but not all support MirrorLink. So Android Auto has wider device compatibility. However, MirrorLink provides a more seamless experience since it integrates directly with the car’s controls and display. Android Auto still requires interacting with your phone to launch apps and manage connections https://www.makeuseof.com/mirrorlink-vs-android-auto-vs-apple-carplay/.

In summary, MirrorLink and Android Auto both enable mobile apps on your car’s infotainment system, but use different techniques. Most Android users will find Android Auto’s wireless approach more convenient to set up. But MirrorLink provides tighter integration for supported vehicles.

MirrorLink Alternatives

MirrorLink is not the only option to mirror your phone to your car’s infotainment screen. Here are some popular alternatives:

Apple CarPlay is a similar protocol to MirrorLink, but designed for iOS devices. It allows iPhone users to display apps, maps, music, and other features onto a compatible car’s touchscreen. Many new cars support CarPlay, giving iPhone owners an integrated experience. However, CarPlay does not work with Android phones.

Most modern Android phones have native casting abilities using protocols like Miracast or Chromecast built-in. This allows wireless mirroring without any cables needed. On supported car infotainment systems and head units, Android users can cast their phone’s screen and apps directly from the quick settings panel. Some examples of car makes that allow Android casting are Kia, Hyundai, and Volvo.

Third party apps like AA Mirror are also available on the Google Play Store. These can enable screen mirroring over WiFi in cars that don’t have native display casting abilities. While useful, WiFi casting can have more lag compared to wired protocols.

Overall, Android users have several solid mirroring alternatives through native casting or third party apps. But full MirrorLink support provides the most seamless wired experience if available on your car’s infotainment system.^[1]

[1] https://alternativeto.net/software/mirrorlink/

The Future of MirrorLink

MirrorLink is declining in relevance as other connected car standards emerge. Car manufacturers are moving away from MirrorLink in favor of alternative solutions like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto [1]. These newer standards provide broader device support and a more seamless user experience.

MirrorLink requires both the car infotainment system and mobile device to be specifically certified as compatible, which limits adoption. CarPlay and Android Auto use smartphone projection, so they work with any compatible iOS or Android device without special certification. This gives them an advantage in reach and scalability [2].

MirrorLink also requires a direct USB connection between the phone and car unit, whereas Wireless CarPlay and Android Auto allow convenient wireless pairing. The auto industry is moving toward wireless and over-the-air updates for more flexibility and continuous enhancements.

With major players like Google, Apple, and car manufacturers focusing their connected car efforts on other standards, MirrorLink’s viability going forward is uncertain. It may eventually be phased out in favor of technologies like CarPlay and Android Auto that provide a better overall connected driving experience.

Pros and Cons of MirrorLink

MirrorLink has several benefits that make it an appealing option for car connectivity and integration with your Android phone:

MirrorLink allows you to safely access apps and services on your phone while driving. By projecting your Android’s screen and compatible apps to your car’s display, MirrorLink enables hands-free use of navigation, music, messaging, and voice assistants without handling your phone.

MirrorLink works with most Android phones and car models, unlike Android Auto which requires specific phone models. As long as your car is MirrorLink-enabled and your Android phone supports MirrorLink, you can connect them.

Setup and connection between your MirrorLink-enabled Android phone and car system is straightforward with a USB cable. No additional apps or software updates needed.

However, MirrorLink also has some drawbacks to consider:

MirrorLink has limited app support and compatibility compared to Android Auto. Not all apps will work with MirrorLink, while Android Auto has wider app integration and optimization.

MirrorLink relies on a wired USB connection. It does not support wireless Android Auto features available on newer phones and cars.

MirrorLink adoption has declined in recent years as Android Auto and Apple CarPlay have become more popular and widespread. Fewer car manufacturers are including MirrorLink support.

Performance of MirrorLink can be laggy at times compared to Android Auto’s smoother interface. The connection is also dependent on the quality of your USB cable.

MirrorLink requires manual pairing and setup compared to Android Auto and CarPlay which can automatically launch when connected.

Setting Up MirrorLink on Android

To use MirrorLink on your Android device, you’ll need a compatible car or head unit. Many modern cars and aftermarket head units support MirrorLink, including models from Toyota, Volkswagen, Hyundai, Pioneer, Alpine, and more. You can check your vehicle manual or the manufacturer’s website to confirm MirrorLink compatibility.

The general steps to set up MirrorLink on Android are:

1. Make sure your Android device is running Android 4.0 or later. Older versions do not support MirrorLink.
2. Install a MirrorLink-enabled app on your device, such as the MirrorLink app from Connected Car Apps LLC. This app acts as the interface between your device and the car’s head unit.
3. Connect your Android device to your car’s head unit via USB. You may need to enable USB tethering or a USB connection mode on your phone.
4. On your Android device, launch the MirrorLink app and follow the on-screen prompts to initiate MirrorLink.
5. Accept any connection prompts that appear on your car’s display. The car may need to be stopped or in park to proceed.
6. Once connected, your phone’s display and apps should now be mirrored on the car’s touchscreen. You can now access navigation, music, messaging and more through the head unit.

That’s the basic process, but steps may vary by vehicle. Refer to your owner’s manual or manufacturer’s instructions for model-specific Connection and setup details.

The Bottom Line

In conclusion, official support for MirrorLink on Android devices is limited. Google has moved away from officially supporting it in favor of pushing their own Android Auto platform. However, some OEMs like Sony still actively support MirrorLink on their Android devices, so it is still possible to find newer Android phones that work with MirrorLink.

The main use cases for MirrorLink on Android are to allow your phone’s apps and services to be accessed directly from your car’s infotainment system screen. This can provide convenient access to navigation, music, messaging, and voice assistants while driving. However, most mainstream apps are not optimized for MirrorLink, so its usefulness is limited unless you have a car that specifically supports it.

In summary, while MirrorLink support on Android exists, it is fading in favor of other integrated or wireless solutions like Android Auto. Unless you have a car that specifically works with MirrorLink, most Android users today will be better served by alternative phone-to-car connectivity options.