MirrorLink and its use - what is this system for?
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Back when phones didn't have as many features as they do now, drivers used them mostly to make hands-free calls while driving. Smartphones have now become information hubs and their usefulness while traveling has skyrocketed. That is why communication systems for mobile devices with multimedia centers in cars were developed, and one of them is MirrorLink. How does it work and is your phone model compatible with it? Learn more about this solution and see if you use it!
What is MirrorLink in a car?
The origins of the MirrorLink system go back to 2006, when Nokia started working on a phone-to-vehicle communication system. A lot has changed since then, but the idea itself was in some way copied by stronger market players. That's why today MirrorLink is a bit of a revolutionary piece of software that has given way to Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. However, he is still alive and has his loyal supporters.
How does MirrorLink work?
MirrorLink mirrors the interface you see on your smartphone and makes it available on your car's display. Hence the term "mirror", meaning from the English. mirror. By connecting two devices, the driver can control phone functions from the vehicle interface, such as:
- conversations;
- navigation;
- multimedia;
- viadomes.
MirrorLink - which phones are compatible?
The principle of operation of the system is very simple, and the launch of the application itself should not cause any particular difficulties. The first thing you absolutely need is a smartphone with MirrorLink connectivity. The vast majority of them are Samsung and Sony models, as well as LG, Huawei, HTC and Fujitsu. To verify that your model supports MirrorLink, please see the list of all models on the MirrorLink website.
How to start MirrorLink - car brands
Another thing is a compatible car. If it doesn't support MirrorLink, you'll be wasting your time trying to connect your phone to it hoping to control it from your desktop. Vehicles compatible with the described system are listed on the website of the interface manufacturer. Therefore, if you are not sure about your model, you can check the database on the MirrorLink website. If the phone and car are compatible with MirrorLink, there will be no problems starting the system.
MirrorLink - how to connect the phone to the car?
You will need a standard USB cable (preferably the one that came with your phone's charger). After connecting the cable to the USB port in the car and smartphone, communication between devices will occur, but usually nothing happens by itself. MirrorLink is not an interface that works automatically by flipping the screen from any position on the phone to the multimedia system panel. It requires apps to work, which are actually not that many, around 48 (as of August 2021). So it's worth checking first if MirrorLink supports what you want to flip on the display.
MirrorLink - how to enable on the phone?
How do I enable MirrorLink on my phone? Much depends on the specific system overlay in this smartphone. However, MirrorLink usually only works on Android, so finding the right feature will be similar on most Android models.
- When the USB cable is connected, only the connection notification is triggered, which you must accept.
- Next, you will need to go to settings and connections. Sometimes you also need to look for the "advanced connections" tab to find the right place.
- At this point, you should see a menu containing the MirrorLink feature.
- What's next? You must activate the system and select the MirrorLink function on the vehicle dashboard.
- When you do this, you will see a list of applications that are supported by the system.
- When you select one of them, it will be launched on your smartphone, but it will be displayed and controlled by the car's multimedia system.
How to install MirrorLink when it is not on the phone?
At the moment, there are not many options that do not put you at risk of spending a lot of money. If MirrorLink is not available on your phone, you will have to use a different model. There is also the option to purchase another application or hardware to replace such a connection. This device will be a special box with an antenna that is connected to the power supply through the cigarette lighter in the car and the wires of the audio and video system. You also connect your phone to this kit and then the entire screen is automatically transferred to the panel in the car.
How else can you install MirrorLink?
Another option is to change the radio in the car to one that supports MirrorLink. You may find that your phone is compatible with the software but your car is not. To check, use the program manufacturer's website to see which hardware will be compatible with your system. Another way is to replace the car with a model with MirrorLink. However, this is perhaps not the most reasonable reason to replace a vehicle.
Opinions on MirrorLink - Should You Use It?
MirrorLink is the oldest way to integrate a phone with a car and, unfortunately, a bit of an archaic solution. It doesn't work as efficiently as newer solutions and there aren't many supported applications. That's why drivers are more likely to choose competing options that are faster and provide a more intuitive connection. However, for people who can't afford Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, this will be good software. Provided that the phone and car are compatible with the system.
Using your phone while driving is not safe. Therefore, flipping the screen onto the vehicle's multimedia display can improve safety. In addition, car systems are often not as extensive as smartphones, so using your favorite apps via MirrorLink and similar programs is a driver benefit.
