What is MirrorLink Android?
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What is MirrorLink?
MirrorLink is a technology standard that enables you to mirror your smartphone’s display and access apps on a vehicle’s infotainment system screen. It utilizes a wired USB connection to establish communication between the smartphone and the vehicle’s infotainment system. Source
Essentially, MirrorLink allows you to access content and apps from your smartphone on the dashboard screen of your car. This includes navigation apps, music apps, messaging apps and more. It syncs the smartphone screen and controls to the vehicle’s display unit and steering wheel controls.
The main purpose and benefit of MirrorLink is convenience and safety. It provides access to apps while minimizing driver distraction since you don’t have to look down at your phone. MirrorLink also enables voice controls and steering wheel buttons to use apps hands-free while driving. Overall, it aims to integrate the smartphone experience safely into the driving environment. Source
MirrorLink Versions
MirrorLink has gone through multiple major versions since its introduction in 2011:
MirrorLink 1.0 – The initial release supported basic media and app controls from the phone to the car’s dashboard screen. Audio, video, and app displays were mirrored to the car screen over USB. Voice commands, steering wheel controls, and dashboard buttons could control apps on the phone. However, app compatibility was limited.[1]
MirrorLink 1.1 – Released in 2012, version 1.1 added support for intermittent smartphone connections, allowing the car to maintain MirrorLink functions if the phone briefly loses connectivity. It also added support for cameras, parking assist functions, and improved app compatibility and performance.[2]
MirrorLink 2.0 – The major 2.0 update in 2017 brought support for nonlinear apps like navigation, improved graphics performance, and simulator tools for developers. It also added “Server-based MirrorLink” to offload processing from the phone.[1]
MirrorLink-Certified Devices
There are several Android phones and accessories that are officially certified as compatible with MirrorLink technology. According to the Car Connectivity Consortium, the following are some of the top Android phones that support MirrorLink:
Samsung Galaxy S21, Galaxy S20, Galaxy Note 20, Galaxy A71, Galaxy A51 [1]
Google Pixel 5, Pixel 4a, Pixel 4 [2]
Sony Xperia 5 II, Xperia 1 II, Xperia 10 II
Huawei P40 Pro, P40, P30 Pro, Mate 30 Pro
In terms of car infotainment systems, many major manufacturers offer MirrorLink compatibility, including:
Volkswagen – on most models from 2015 onwards
Toyota – on most models from 2019 onwards
Honda – on most models from 2018 onwards
Other accessories certified for MirrorLink include aftermarket stereos like the Sony XAV-AX8000, JVC KW-M855BW, Kenwood DMX907S, and Pioneer AVH-Z9200BT.
Setting Up MirrorLink
To set up MirrorLink, you first need to connect your Android phone to your car’s infotainment system via USB. Most cars with MirrorLink support have a USB port somewhere in the center console near the infotainment screen.
Once connected via USB, you’ll need to enable MirrorLink mode on both your phone and your car’s infotainment system. On your Android, go to Connection Settings > MirrorLink, and tap MirrorLink (1). In your car’s infotainment system, there should be a MirrorLink option within the settings that needs to be enabled (2).
If you don’t see the MirrorLink options on your phone or infotainment system, you may need to check that both devices are MirrorLink certified. You can verify this by checking the device manuals or specifications.
Some common troubleshooting tips include:
- Trying a different USB cable if the connection fails
- Updating the phone and infotainment software to the latest version
- Restarting both the phone and infotainment system
- Consulting the manufacturer’s support documentation for device-specific issues
With some trial and error, most Android phones and infotainment systems should successfully connect via MirrorLink. Just be patient and systematically try different troubleshooting steps to resolve any connection issues.
(1) https://www.wootechy.com/screen-mirroring/mirror-phone-to-car-screen/
(2) https://www.wootechy.com/screen-mirroring/mirror-phone-to-car-screen/
MirrorLink Capabilities
One of the key benefits of MirrorLink is that it allows you to access your smartphone apps, music, and navigation right on your vehicle’s infotainment display. This means you can easily run navigation through Google Maps or Waze without having to mount your phone somewhere in your car. You can also stream music from apps like Spotify directly through your car’s speakers.
MirrorLink integrates your phone’s apps with your car’s infotainment system and steering wheel controls. This allows you to safely control your apps using your dash buttons and steering wheel buttons instead of having to pick up your phone. For example, you can skip songs, answer calls, and navigate seamlessly using your built-in car controls.
Another advantage is that MirrorLink provides charging to your smartphone while it’s connected. So you don’t have to worry about your battery draining as you utilize your phone’s apps and features through your car’s system. Your phone will remain powered on and usable during your drive (Source).
MirrorLink vs Android Auto
MirrorLink and Android Auto are two competing car connectivity systems that allow you to access apps and features from your phone on your car’s infotainment display. There are some key differences between the two platforms:
MirrorLink relies on a wired connection to your phone via USB whereas Android Auto can work wirelessly in supported vehicles. MirrorLink is also an open industry standard that works across phones from multiple brands like Samsung, Sony, Huawei etc. Android Auto is proprietary to Android phones only (https://www.makeuseof.com/mirrorlink-vs-android-auto-vs-apple-carplay/).
In terms of functionality, Android Auto offers more integrated features like Google Maps navigation, voice commands, and media playback control. The app ecosystem is also richer with more developer support. MirrorLink is more limited in what it can do and the number of compatible apps is small and shrinking (https://www.sygic.com/blog/2018/car-connectivity).
Overall, Android Auto is the superior and more full-featured system. But a pro of MirrorLink is that it works with both Android and iOS phones, while Android Auto only works with Android devices. However, MirrorLink’s declining app support and limited capabilities make Android Auto the better long-term choice for most users.
Limitations of MirrorLink
Despite the potential benefits, MirrorLink has some notable limitations that have hampered widespread adoption. Key issues include:
Connection issues – Many users report problems getting their smartphone to reliably connect or stay connected to a MirrorLink system. Frequent disconnections or failed connections have created frustration.1
Limited app support – Relatively few apps are optimized and approved for MirrorLink functionality. This restricts what smartphone features can be accessed through the vehicle’s display and controls. For example, popular navigation apps like Google Maps and Waze are not supported.2
Compatibility problems – MirrorLink requires both the smartphone and vehicle infotainment system to be certified and compatible. Many older vehicles lack MirrorLink, and compatibility issues have occurred even among certified devices. Support varies greatly between vehicle manufacturers and smartphone models.3
The Future of MirrorLink
MirrorLink is facing an uncertain future due to declining support from both car manufacturers and smartphone brands. When it was first introduced in 2011, MirrorLink was seen as a promising standard that would enable seamless connectivity between smartphones and car infotainment systems. However, over the past several years, MirrorLink has struggled to gain widespread adoption.
A major factor in MirrorLink’s diminishing relevance is the rise of rival wireless connectivity platforms like Android Auto and CarPlay. With Google and Apple dominating the smartphone operating system market, most newer cars are being designed specifically to integrate with Android Auto or CarPlay. As a result, MirrorLink support is no longer a priority for automakers.
Additionally, major phone manufacturers like Samsung have also been moving away from MirrorLink. In 2016, Samsung announced that its flagship Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge devices would not support MirrorLink integration. With declining interest from both sides, the MirrorLink ecosystem has struggled to keep up.
While the outlook may seem bleak, there are still ways MirrorLink could potentially turn things around. The consortium behind the standard has been working on an updated “MirrorLink 2.0” specification that promises faster performance and wider compatibility. However, it remains to be seen if these improvements will be enough to regain the interest of car and phone brands that have already invested heavily in alternative solutions.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about MirrorLink:
What devices are compatible with MirrorLink?
Most Android smartphones from leading manufacturers like Samsung, Sony, HTC, LG, and Huawei are compatible with MirrorLink. iPhones do not support MirrorLink. You can check if your Android device supports MirrorLink by looking for the “MirrorLink certified” logo or checking with your device manufacturer. This list shows many of the MirrorLink certified devices.
How do I connect my phone to MirrorLink?
First make sure both your phone and car are MirrorLink-certified. Connect your phone to your car via Bluetooth. If your car has a dedicated MirrorLink button, press it and follow the prompts to connect. If not, launch the MirrorLink app on your phone and connect to your car through the app. Consult your owner’s manual for specific instructions for your vehicle.
Why can’t I connect my phone to MirrorLink?
If you’re having trouble connecting, first make sure your phone and car are both MirrorLink-certified. Try rebooting both devices and re-pairing over Bluetooth. Make sure you have the latest software updates installed. Check that MirrorLink is enabled in your phone’s settings. As a last resort, perform a factory reset on your phone or disconnect the battery in your car for 30 seconds to restart the infotainment system.
What features does MirrorLink enable?
MirrorLink allows you to mirror apps, maps, music, and other content from your phone onto your car’s infotainment display. You can access navigation, media playback, messaging, and phone calls through your car’s interface. MirrorLink does not support video streaming due to safety concerns.
Is MirrorLink better than Android Auto?
MirrorLink and Android Auto have similar capabilities for mirroring your phone. However, Android Auto is generally easier to set up and has wider device support and availability across car manufacturers. MirrorLink supports more phone brands but requires both your phone and car to be certified. Android Auto requires less steps and configuration to work seamlessly.
Summary
MirrorLink is a connectivity protocol standard created by the Car Connectivity Consortium that enables Android smartphone users to mirror their device’s display and interact with apps on a car’s infotainment system screen. It provides a safer and more seamless driving experience by allowing drivers to access their smartphone’s features, apps, and services while keeping their eyes on the road.
MirrorLink is beneficial for any Android user who wants to utilize their smartphone’s capabilities in their vehicle without distraction. By projecting the phone’s interface onto the dash screen and enabling control via touchscreen or dashboard buttons, drivers can easily access navigation, music apps, messaging, and more while driving. This allows them to stay focused on the road ahead rather than looking down at their device.
Overall, MirrorLink provides a convenient and safe way for Android users to integrate their smartphone with their car. By enabling hands-free use of apps during driving, MirrorLink helps drivers access useful features and information without compromising safety. For Android users wanting fuller smartphone-vehicle integration, it remains a valuable connectivity option.