If you are the owner of a vehicle with MirrorLink technology, you may be interested in knowing what options you have to connect your Android device and control certain functions of your car. You have come to the right place! In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about the MirrorLink app for Android and how to use it to get the most out of your mobile device while you’re behind the wheel. Join us to discover the benefits of this tool and how to configure it easily. Let’s get started!
What is MirrorLink for Android and how does it work?
If you have a car with a touch screen, you may have heard of MirrorLink. It is a technology that allows you to connect your Android smartphone to the car screen and enjoy your favorite applications safely. MirrorLink is developed by the Car Connectivity Consortium, an organization made up of leading car brands and mobile device manufacturers.
How does MirrorLink work?
To use MirrorLink, you need a compatible smartphone and a car with a touchscreen that supports the technology. Once you are inside the car, connect your Android device with a USB cable and the option to activate MirrorLink will appear. Then you can navigate the MirrorLink interface on the car display and use your favorite apps without having to touch your phone. All MirrorLink-enabled apps run in an Android virtual machine built into the car’s system, making it safe and easy to use.
What are the advantages of using MirrorLink?
With MirrorLink, you can safely and conveniently access your favorite apps while driving. Additionally, MirrorLink allows you to control your apps using the car’s touchscreen or steering wheel control buttons, reducing distractions behind the wheel. Another advantage of MirrorLink is that it works with a variety of applications, from music and navigation to messaging and calls. In short, MirrorLink is technology that can make driving safer and more comfortable, while allowing you to enjoy your favorite apps while on the road.
Best MirrorLink Apps for Android in 2021
Once you have MirrorLink set up on your Android device, it’s time to explore the various apps you can use. Here are some of the best options:
Spotify
Spotify is one of the most popular applications for listening to streaming music, and it has support for MirrorLink. You’ll be able to access all of Spotify’s features from the screen in your car, like finding and playing songs, creating playlists and much more.
Waze
Waze is a navigation app that helps you avoid traffic and get to your destination faster. In addition, it has support for MirrorLink so you can use it from the screen of your car and see the route directions in real time.
google maps
Google Maps is another very popular navigation app, and it also comes with support for MirrorLink. You can use it from the screen of your car to see the route indications, search for destinations and much more.
Pandora
Pandora is a music streaming application that allows you to discover new music and create personalized radio stations. With MirrorLink, you’ll be able to listen to your favorite stations from your car’s screen and access all of the app’s features.
These are just some of the best apps that you can use with MirrorLink on your Android device. Remember that your car must be compatible with this technology to be able to use it, and that it is important to configure it correctly to avoid problems.
How to set up MirrorLink on Android
Setting up MirrorLink on your Android device is very easy. Follow the next steps:
Check compatibility:
Before attempting to set up MirrorLink, make sure your Android device and car support MirrorLink. You can check it on the official page of MirrorLink.
Download the MirrorLink app:
You need to download the MirrorLink app on your Android device. You can find it in the Google Play app store.
Connect your Android device to the car:
Connect your Android device to the car using a USB cable. Make sure the connection is stable and does not drop.
Activate MirrorLink on your device:
On your Android device, go to Settings > Connections > More network connections > MirrorLink and turn it on.
Select car display mode:
On the car display, select the display mode corresponding to MirrorLink. Depending on the model, it may be located in different places on the interface.
Once these steps are done, you can now use MirrorLink on your Android device and enjoy its benefits by connecting to the car.
Common problems with MirrorLink on Android and how to fix them
While MirrorLink can be a very useful tool to connect your Android phone to the car, sometimes problems can arise that make it difficult to use. Here are some of the most common problems and how to fix them:
Problem 1: Can’t connect phone to car
If you have tried to connect your phone to the car and it has not worked, the first step is to check if your car is compatible with MirrorLink. You need to make sure that your car is equipped with MirrorLink and that it is activated. In some cases, you may need a firmware update to work properly.
Problem 2: Can’t play music from phone
Although the connection of your phone to the car may be successful, you may not be able to play music from the phone. In this case, you may need to check if the app you are using to play music supports MirrorLink. You should also make sure that the music is stored on your phone and not in the cloud, as MirrorLink requires the music to be stored locally on your device.
Problem 3: Screen freezes or crashes
If you experience screen issues such as freezing or crashing, you can try disconnecting and reconnecting the phone to the car. It’s also a good idea to check for available firmware updates for your phone and download them if necessary. If the problem persists, you may need to check with your car or phone manufacturer.
Which devices are compatible with MirrorLink for Android?
Before using MirrorLink on your Android device, it is important to make sure that it is compatible with the technology. Although most of today’s Android smartphones have MirrorLink support, not all of them do. Some of the MirrorLink compatible devices are:
samsung
Most Samsung devices running Android 7.0 Nougat or higher are compatible with MirrorLink, such as the Samsung Galaxy S7, Samsung Galaxy S8, and Samsung Galaxy S9.
sony
Sony devices with the Android 6.0 Marshmallow operating system or higher are compatible with MirrorLink, such as the Sony Xperia XZ, Sony Xperia XZ1 and Sony Xperia XZ2.
Huawei
Huawei devices running Android 7.0 Nougat or higher are compatible with MirrorLink, such as the Huawei P10, Huawei P20, and Huawei Mate 10 Pro.
It is important to note that even if your Android device is compatible with MirrorLink, you may need to configure it correctly in order to use it in your car. You may also need to update your car’s software to make it compatible with MirrorLink.
Alternatives to MirrorLink to connect your Android to the car
Although MirrorLink is a popular option to connect your Android device to the car, there are alternatives that can be just as effective. Here are some options:
Android Auto
Android Auto is a popular alternative to MirrorLink that offers a friendlier and easier-to-use interface. Developed by Google, Android Auto allows you to control your Android device through the car’s display, allowing you to make calls, send messages and play music without having to use the device itself. Android Auto is compatible with a wide range of Android vehicles and devices, making it a convenient and affordable alternative.
Apple Car Play
If you’re an iPhone user rather than an Android user, Apple CarPlay is an option worth considering. Similar to Android Auto, Apple CarPlay lets you control your iPhone through the car’s display, allowing you to use GPS, make calls, and send messages without ever having to touch your phone. Apple CarPlay is compatible with a wide range of vehicles and iPhone models, making it a great alternative for Apple users.
In short, if you’re looking for an alternative to MirrorLink to connect your Android device to your car, both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are popular and affordable options. Depending on your preferences and devices, any of these alternatives may be good for you.
Is it worth using MirrorLink on Android in 2021?
After learning about MirrorLink compatible features, apps and devices, the question may arise: is it worth using this technology on your Android device in the year 2021? Here are some important points to consider:
Limited Availability and Compatibility
Even though MirrorLink has been available for a few years now, it is still not supported by all mobile devices and cars. Also, many apps are limited or don’t work properly when used through MirrorLink. This can be a major drawback if you don’t have a compatible device or car.
Common problems with connection and stability
Connection and stability issues are a common complaint among MirrorLink users. While it is true that many of these issues can be fixed, you should be aware that you may face some technical issues, especially during initial setup.
Alternatives available to connect your Android to the car
If your device doesn’t support MirrorLink or if you’d rather explore other connectivity options for your car, there are alternatives. For example, you can use Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, or Bluetooth to connect your device to the vehicle’s audio system. These options may have easier setup, higher stability, and higher application availability.
In conclusion, using MirrorLink on your Android device in 2021 can be a viable option if you have a compatible device and car and if you don’t need to use specific apps through this technology. However, it is necessary to consider the limitations and possible problems before making a decision.