Retrofitting screen mirroring in the car: step-by-step instructions!

Thomas Wachsmuth 17 January 2024 Car repair & tuning guide, Tuning Wiki

Reading time 5 Min.

In today's connected world, it is practical and often even necessary to connect the smartphone to the vehicle via Bluetooth. Screen Mirroring in the car allows you to view content from your smartphone directly on the screen of the vehicle. This is particularly useful for navigation, music control or hands-free calling. However, the retrofitting of screen mirroring can vary significantly depending on the vehicle and the existing infotainment system, or even simply not possible. Our guide provides a general overview of how to use screen mirroring in your car retrofit can. Please note, however, that there may be differences depending on the vehicle and year of manufacture.

Retrofit screen mirroring

Materials needed: Compatible retrofit kit for screen mirroring, basic tool set (screwdrivers, pliers), possibly specific adapters for your vehicle
Step 1 – Selecting the right retrofit kit: Find out about the compatibility of the retrofit set with your vehicle. Make sure that common protocols are supported such as Apple CarPlay, Android Auto or MirrorLink.
Step 2 – Preparation: Make sure the vehicle is turned off and the key is removed to avoid electrical hazards. Carefully remove the necessary trim piecesto access the infotainment system. Disconnecting the battery doesn't hurt either.
Step 3 – Installing the retrofit kit: Carefully disconnect the existing infotainment system. Connect the retrofit set to the existing connections. Make sure that the wiring is correct according to the instructions for the retrofit set. If necessary, install additional adapters or cables. Suitable Y adapters are often included.
Step 4 – Reassembly and Inspection: Reassemble the infotainment system and the trim parts. Turn on the vehicle and test the screen mirroring function.
Step 5 – Software Setup: Connect your smartphone to the infotainment, either via USB or Bluetooth, depending on compatibility. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the connection and configuration.

Conclusion

Retrofitting screen mirroring in the car significantly increases the comfort and functionality of the vehicle. This guide is intended to serve as a general guide, however specific steps may vary depending on vehicle model and aftermarket kit type. It is recommended that you seek professional help if you are unsure. With the right equipment and a little patience, you can enjoy the benefits of screen mirroring in your car. Further names: Screen Mirroring, Screen Casting, Screen Transfer, Wireless Display (WiDi), Mirror Display, Screen Sharing, Screen Splitting, Display Duplication, Screen Duplication.

Common devices for screen mirroring

Apple CarPlay adapter: This is a popular option for iPhones to mirror the smartphone display in the car.
Android car adapter: Similar to CarPlay but for Android devices, it allows smartphone screen mirroring.
Miracast dongle: This device supports wireless screen sharing from Android and Windows devices.
Wireless HDMI transmitter: For wireless screen transmission, compatible with devices that support HDMI.
chromecast: A popular streaming device that can also be used for screen mirroring.
Raspberry Pi: With the right software, a Raspberry Pi can be used as an in-car media center that also enables screen mirroring.
Amazon Fire Stick: In addition to streaming, the Fire Stick can also be used for screen mirroring.
Car-specific multimedia interface: Some companies offer specific interfaces for certain car models that support screen mirroring.
Smartphone-to-car interface kits: These are specifically designed to connect smartphones to the car’s infotainment system.
Universal Wi-Fi adapter: Such adapters can be connected to the car infotainment system and allow smartphone screen mirroring via Wi-Fi.

suitable and unsuitable vehicles

The possibility of retrofitting screen mirroring depends heavily on the equipment, year of manufacture and interfaces of the respective vehicle. Here are examples for both categories:

Vehicles that can be retrofitted very safely:

Volkswagen Golf (from 2015): Many models have an infotainment system that is suitable for retrofits such as Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
BMW 3 Series (F30, from 2012): Retrofitting can often be carried out using the iDrive system, which is built into many models.
Audi A4 (B8/B9, from 2008): These models often have the MMI system, which is suitable for retrofitting.
Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W204/W205, from 2011): Retrofitting is usually possible with COMAND or Audio 20 systems.
Toyota Camry (from 2012): Many models have infotainment systems that are compatible with aftermarket kits.

Vehicles where retrofitting is difficult or impossible:

Older vehicles without an infotainment system: Vehicles produced before the era of infotainment systems often do not have suitable interfaces for screen mirroring.
Low-priced entry-level models: Some basic versions of vehicles do not have the necessary systems or interfaces.
Some special sports cars: Cars like older Ferrari or Lamborghini models often focus more on performance than on infotainment, which makes retrofitting difficult.
Certain commercial vehicles: Older commercial vehicles or those designed primarily for work use often do not have a suitable infotainment system.
Some older luxury vehicles: Despite their high purchase price, some older luxury models (e.g. older Rolls-Royce or Bentley) may not have compatible systems for modern retrofits.

Suitable Android smartphones: Difficulty finding compatible Android devices for Pioneer car radio SPH-DA 120 and Mirrorlink mode.
Pioneer app radio SPH-DA 120: Double DIN standard size, easy installation, compatible with many vehicles.
Mirrorlink and CarPlay operation: Two USB ports allow you to connect iPhone and Android device at the same time.
AppRadio mode: Supports select Android apps in addition to CarPlay and Mirrorlink.
Mirrorlink radios from other manufacturers: Also offered by Alpine and Sony, e.g. Sony XAV-602BT.
Mirrorlink in various vehicles: Can be used in vehicles such as Skoda Fabia and Opel Adam, reflects smartphone content on the radio display.
connection issues: CarPlay works smoothly, while Android devices often require additional confirmations and are not always compatible.
language support: Both Siri (CarPlay) and Google voice assistance (Mirrorlink) work well.
Handbrake trick: Restrictions while driving can be bypassed, but not recommended for drivers.
Universal player: Pioneer radio SPH-DA 120 offers numerous connection options, including video and rear camera.
Compatibility issues: Not all Android devices are compatible with Mirrorlink; official lists are not always reliable.
Pioneer SPH-DA 120 in detail: Easy to set up and use, good sound, problem-free calling, no DAB+ support.
Limited app selection for CarPlay: Only Apple certified apps available.

The following note is essential: For safety reasons, tuningblog recommends all repair, inspection and maintenance work exclusively to be carried out in a specialist workshop! Although our information is summarized to the best of our knowledge and belief, we cannot assume any liability for the content. All information is therefore "without guarantee".

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