MirrorLink How to & Troubleshooting Guide

Sommerset

Using a handheld device is illegal while driving, and it’s punishable with a fine in some countries. For you to use your phone while driving, you need apps like MirrorLink, AndroidAuto, etc. MirrorLink makes connected driving easier, safer and more enjoyable. With this connectivity, you can have fun moments as you listen to your favourite music, access navigation and more apps as you drive.

What is MirrorLink?

MirrorLink is a system that allows you to transfer your phone apps to the car’s inbuilt system display. Once you connect your phone through a USB cable or Bluetooth, you can access various apps using the touchscreen, mounted controls, or voice activation. Though MirrorLink has limited functionality than AndroidAuto and Apple CarPlay, it’s still reliable.

How to Use the MirrorLink?

The process of using the MirrorLink varies depending on the phone’s manufacturer. However, you can connect your phone to the car using a USB cable. You can still consider using Bluetooth.  Then, you should enable the MirrorLink connection from your phone settings. After, you will see a simplified version of your phone’s screen on the car’s screen.

When you connect your phone, you can now access apps like Facebook, Twitter, Spotify, music, radio, Podcasts, weather forecasts, and Navigation. The app’s availability varies from country to country. But not all apps will be compatible; for some, you will need to download different apps to use certain features.

Which Phones are Compatible with MirrorLink?

MirrorLink works with Symbian or Android operating systems. Thus, many phones are compatible with it, like the HTC, Samsung, Huawei, LG, and Sony brands. However, the system is incompatible with Apple iPhones; you will have to use Apple CarPlay instead. But if your phone is newer than the MirrorLink installed in your car, there may be compatibility issues.

Which Cars are Compatible with MirrorLink?

MirrorLink comes as standard in these brands, Seat, Skoda, Volkswagen, Citroen, DS, Peugeot, Smart. Others like Honda, Kia, Suzuki, Toyota, Mercedes A-class also get MirrorLink. But this system is gradually losing market, especially in new cars since the alternatives like AndroidAuto are becoming cheap. Most manufactures are thus preferring other options in their vehicles than MirrorLink.

How Do I Install MirrorLink on Android?

  • Connect your Android to the car’s USB port using a USB cable.
  • On your phone’s home screen, touch Apps.
  • Tap the phone settings,  select Menu, View, and List view.
  • Scroll to and tap NFC and sharing, under connections.
  • Select MirrorLink.
  • Mark the Connect to vehicle via USB checkbox.

How Do I Make My Phone MirrorLink Compatible?

If your phone doesn’t have an android or Symbian operating system, there is no way you can make it compatible. The best solution is to use the MirrorLink alternatives like CarPlay, AndroidAuto to mirror your phone.

How to Connect iPhone to MirrorLink

The best way to connect your iPhone is through CarPlay and not MirrorLink because it’s incompatible. To connect iPhone to CarPlay, follow these steps;

  • Plugin your phone to the car using a lighting cable
  • Tap the CarPlay icon that appears on your car’s screen.
  • Your iPhone will now connect to CarPlay, and you will see its screen on the car display.

For a wireless connection, use Bluetooth.

  • Turn on the Bluetooth on your iPhone with its pairing mode.
  • Locate the phone settings, expand General, and select CarPlay.
  • Tap your car’s name from the CarPlay menu and get a connection.

How to Tell if Your Car Stereo is MirrorLink Compatible

The sure way to check if your car stereo is compatible with MirrorLink is by checking their website. Confirm if your car’s brand is among the listed vehicles on the website. The MirrorLink display will also appear on the vehicle’s touchscreen for a compatible car, where you can navigate through the apps.

Why is MirrorLink not working: Common Problems & Fixes

If the MirrorLink fails, check if your phone or car is compatible with the list above. If both are compatible, then try troubleshooting the issue as follows;

  • The USB may fail to connect to the phone; try USB debugging.
  • Check your settings, search for About phone and tap on Build number seven times to enable
  • Go back to Settings, tap System/System and updates and find
  • Go to Developer options> USB debugging and tap
  • Re-enable driving mode on the phone to make a connection with your car.
  • If this message fails to pop up, ‘allow access to device data’ reconnect the USB and try again.
  • If it fails again, restart your phone. But if this trial fails, the issue may be the MirrorLink.

Other MirrorLink Problems and Fixes

Check if the following issues are affecting your MirrorLink and try fixing them.

  1. No device supporting MirrorLink has been found.

  • Ensure you connect your phone to a WIFI or mobile data network; it enables you to get a MirrorLink certificate.
  • To clear the historical failure data. First, open settings, go to Apps>Driving mode> storage, tap clear data and reconnect your phone.

  1. On the dashboard screen, it indicates the device connected isn’t supported

Reset the car control panel and then reconnect the phone to your car using a USB cable. When the “Allow access to device data” notification pops up, choose no, charge only. If you select, Yes, allow access, the car will recognize the phone as a USB flash drive.

Check this too: Apple Carplay How To & Troubleshooting Guide

  1. MirrorLink cannot view or use apps on the dashboard screen

  • Tap the Driving mode app on the phone and check whether it supports MirrorLink.
  • The apps that support MirrorLink will display on the dashboard. But for security reasons, only the apps that support the feature will appear.

  1. Unable to make phone calls using in-car Bluetooth

Pair your phone to the car using in-car Bluetooth, then establish a MirrorLink connection between them.