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What is the MirrorLink system and what can it do in the car?

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Recently updated on September 20, 2023 at 08:42 am

What is the MirrorLink system and what can it do in the car?

[Update: 20.09.2023] This post was updatedto take more recent information into account. If you want to connect your smartphone to the car, for example to use multimedia applications or make calls, you need a so-called MirrorLink system. The MirrorLink system exists alongside Apple's carplay and googles Android Auto and a compatible boot/car AV device is required for the application. Furthermore, the smartphone should of course also be compatible with the MirrorLink system. The task is to perfectly integrate the Android smartphone into the car.

MirrorLink - mirroring the display and more

What is the MirrorLink system and what can it do in the car?

MirrorLink is a term that already reflects the function of the system. Mirror stands for mirror and Link is used as a term for a technical connection. The MirrorLink system is used to mirror a technical platform. It enables a smartphone to be connected to a boot / car AV receiver. This enables the user of the system to take calls in his car, use multimedia applications or simply play the music on the smartphone via the vehicle.

MirrorLink System - interesting for older vehicles

What is the MirrorLink system and what can it do in the car?

The MirrorLink system is interesting and affordable as a retrofit kit for older vehicles. Modern cars often have an integrated system that enables a smartphone connection via Bluetooth. This means calls can be made directly via the vehicle. The SIM of the smartphone is used for this. It is therefore important to note that calls are also billed via the mobile phone provider. For example, if the systems are used to use music from an online provider, data volumes may arise.

In any case, the cost factor should be taken into account when connecting a smartphone and car link systems. Older vehicles usually do not have factory-installed technology for connecting the smartphone. But here it clearly depends on the year of manufacture and the vehicle type/manufacturer. MirrorLink can be used with a compatible boat/car AV receiver and a smartphone suitable for the connection in older vehicles but by retrofitting. The system is interesting for people who want to bring their vehicle into the modern era.

Connection for safe navigation

The MirrorLink system can also be used for navigation, provided it is compatible. Depending on the smartphone and navigation program, the screen can be mirrored and audio navigation can be carried out via the integrated boat / car AV receiver system (the loudspeakers in the vehicle). The technology is intended to ensure navigation that is as safe as possible. CD changers and cassette radios are definitely old technology. With MirrorLink, a vehicle can be connected to the smartphone and the driver can listen to the desired MP3 / MP4 music through the car's speakers.

MirrorLink - note system compatibility

If you want to modernize your vehicle with the MirrorLink system, you should pay attention to the correct system compatibility. Not every vehicle and not every smartphone can be used with the MirrorLink system. However, the system compatibility should be listed on the manufacturer's website of the MirrorLink system. There is also a list of compatible smartphones (as of 07.2020). In general, a boot / auto AV receiver system is required to use the MirrorLink system. MirrorLink offers interested tuners the option of connecting an older vehicle directly to their smartphone or expanding a newer model with even more functions.

summarized information about the MirrorLink system:

  • should integrate Android smartphones into the car
  • as App-Connect function in addition to Apple Carplay, Android Auto and Co.
  • Operation primarily via the vehicle’s touchscreen
  • depending on the vehicle, partially restricted functions (Google Maps may not be usable for navigation, no voice control, etc.)
  • Mirrorlink is intended to transfer Android functions such as telephony, navigation, music apps and voice control from the smartphone from e.g. Samsung, HTC, LG, Sony or Google to the car
  • Operation via screen or steering wheel buttons possible
  • The smartphone has computing power, so it should be connected to a 12-volt socket
  • The car's screen and speakers are used for output
  • Android apps view is optimized for display in the car

Retrofitting options

Mirrorlink can be retrofitted relatively inexpensively. Several systems are suitable for this, such as the Sony XAV 602BT moniceiver. But basically you have to say that Mirrorlink only works with a few devices. Regarding car radios, 2-DIN (Double DIN) devices. Well-known providers are Alpine, JVC, Pioneer or Sony. Individual additional devices can also be retrofitted using a Mirrorlink adapter. However, you should keep in mind when you have purchased the radio that the compatibility list of smartphones is not necessarily versatile either. Mirrorlink-capable smartphones are currently available from LG, Nokia, Panasonic, Samsung and Sony.

Here, too, the cell phone is connected to the car radio using a USB cable and the “Mirrorlink” function can then be selected on the radio display. Various apps that only work in portrait format are hardly readable or usable in the landscape format of the radio screen. And many apps only run when the car is stationary, i.e. when the handbrake is on. If you want to use the apps while driving, one option is to ground the cable that is actually intended for connection to the handbrake. And if only the front passenger uses the smartphone functions while driving, that's OK too.

MirrorLink: In summary, everything you need to know:

Would you like to seamlessly link your smartphone to the vehicle? MirrorLink may be the answer. The system makes it possible to use your favorite smartphone apps directly from the vehicle display. The advantage? You can focus on the road while answering calls or listening to your favorite music.

What is MirrorLink exactly?

MirrorLink transforms your car or infotainment display into a mirror of your smartphone screen. This makes it possible to make calls, access music or navigate without using your phone while driving. The navigation is conveniently displayed on the infotainment display and output via the car speakers. MirrorLink ensures you can control your smartphone via the touchscreen, steering wheel controls and radio, so you can always keep your eyes on the road.

Which cell phones support MirrorLink?

MirrorLink is not exclusive to any particular operating system or brand. It is an open standard supported by many manufacturers such as Sony, Samsung and many others. For example, Sony's Xperia Z, Z1, Z2 and all models in the Z3 series, as well as Samsung's Galaxy S5, Galaxy Note 4, A3 and A5 are MirrorLink capable. MirrorLink, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay: What's the difference? The key differentiator between MirrorLink and its competitors Android Auto and Apple CarPlay is its openness. According to that Car Connectivity Consortium (CCC) MirrorLink is the only open standard that is accessible to all commercially available products.

How is MirrorLink activated?

Before you can use MirrorLink, you should make sure that both your vehicle and your smartphone are compatible. The steps to activate MirrorLink are:

  1. Download the appropriate version of MirrorLink.
  2. Connect your smartphone to the car radio via USB.
  3. Navigate to your device's connection settings and enable MirrorLink.

Conclusion

MirrorLink is a seamless and secure way to use your smartphone while driving. Whether you want to navigate, make calls or listen to music, MirrorLink ensures you can fully concentrate on the road. So it's worth investing in a vehicle or smartphone that supports the useful standard.

What is the MirrorLink system and what can it do in the car?

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What is the MirrorLink system and what can it do in the car?

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About Thomas Wachsmuth

Thomas Wachsmuth - He has been an integral part of tuningblog.eu since 2013. His passion for cars is so intense that he invests every available penny in them. While he dreams of a BMW E31 850CSI and a Hennessey 6x6 Ford F-150, he currently drives a rather inconspicuous BMW 540i (G31/LCI). His collection of books, magazines and brochures on the subject of car tuning has now reached such proportions that he himself has become a walking reference work for the tuning scene.  More about Thomas

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