MirrorLink: Your Car's Smart Connection

In today's connected world, our smartphones are extensions of ourselves, and bringing that seamless connectivity into our vehicles is no longer a luxury, but a near necessity. MirrorLink is a technology system designed to bridge the gap between your car's infotainment system and your mobile device, allowing you to safely access your phone's functions while on the move. Whether you're looking to navigate, listen to music, or stay in touch, MirrorLink aims to provide a user-friendly and secure experience.

What is MirrorLink and How Does it Work?

MirrorLink is essentially a standard that allows your smartphone to communicate with your car's built-in infotainment system. It works by replicating your phone's screen and applications onto your car's dashboard display. This means you can control a variety of phone functions, such as navigation, music playback, and messaging, directly from your car's touchscreen, steering wheel controls, or even via voice commands. The primary goal is to minimise driver distraction by bringing essential smartphone features into a more accessible and integrated format.

The connection is typically established using a USB cable, though some systems may also support Bluetooth pairing. Once connected, MirrorLink projects your phone's content onto the car's screen, and audio is played through the car's speakers. It's important to note that MirrorLink is an open-source system, which means it's not tied to a specific phone manufacturer or operating system in the same way that proprietary systems like Apple CarPlay or Android Auto are.

How to Connect Your Samsung Phone via MirrorLink

Connecting your Samsung device to your car using MirrorLink is generally a straightforward process. Follow these steps:

1. Connect your phone: Use a USB cable to connect your Samsung smartphone to the USB port in your car.
2. Locate MirrorLink settings: On your Samsung phone, navigate to the connection settings. The exact location can vary, but it's often found under 'Connection & sharing', 'More networks', or a dedicated 'MirrorLink' section within your phone's settings.
3. Enable MirrorLink: Once you've found the MirrorLink option, enable it. You might see a prompt on your phone asking for permission to connect to the car.
4. Activate on car's system: On your car's infotainment screen, you may need to select the MirrorLink option or an icon that appears once your phone is connected. Some systems might automatically detect and launch MirrorLink.
5. Confirm connection: You might be asked to confirm the connection on both your phone and the car's display.

Important Notice: On some Samsung devices, the MirrorLink options might be located in different sections of the settings menu. If you can't find it immediately, explore sub-menus related to connectivity or advanced settings.

MirrorLink Compatibility: Cars and Phones

MirrorLink's strength lies in its broad compatibility. It's an industry standard supported by numerous car manufacturers and smartphone brands. This means you're likely to find MirrorLink support in a wide range of vehicles.

Supported Car Manufacturers:

Consortium members (the organisations behind MirrorLink) include major automotive brands such as:

• Citroën
• Fiat
• Honda
• Mazda
• Mercedes-Benz
• Subaru
• Volkswagen Group (VW)

Supported Phone Manufacturers and Operating Systems:

MirrorLink primarily supports Android-based smartphones, and historically also supported Symbian. Popular phone manufacturers that have offered MirrorLink support include:

• HTC
• Huawei
• LG
• Samsung
• Sony

Note: iPhones are not currently supported by MirrorLink. For iPhone users, Apple CarPlay is the equivalent technology.

To check if your specific phone model is compatible, you can often find lists on the official MirrorLink website or your car manufacturer's website.

MirrorLink vs. Android Auto vs. Apple CarPlay

While all three systems aim to integrate your smartphone with your car, they have distinct differences:

The key differentiator for MirrorLink is its open-source nature. This allows for greater flexibility in how manufacturers and developers can integrate it. However, this also means that the user experience and app availability can vary more significantly between different car models and phone brands compared to the more standardised CarPlay and Android Auto experiences.

Are Apps Required for MirrorLink?

Yes, in many cases, you might need specific apps to use MirrorLink effectively. Because MirrorLink is open source, phone manufacturers can customise it to fit their own models. This means that depending on your phone's manufacturer, you may need to download a dedicated MirrorLink app or ensure that compatible apps are installed on your device. For example, Samsung provides its own MirrorLink application that facilitates the connection.

When you connect your phone, your car's infotainment system will typically display a list of compatible applications that are available for use via MirrorLink. These often include navigation apps (like Google Maps or Waze), music players (like Spotify or local music apps), and messaging clients.

Mirroring Your iPhone to a Volkswagen

If you have an iPhone and a Volkswagen, MirrorLink is not the solution. For iPhones, Volkswagen vehicles typically support Apple CarPlay. Here's how you can connect your iPhone:

Wired Connection:

1. Use a Lightning cable to connect your iPhone to the USB port in your Volkswagen.
2. On your car's infotainment screen, a CarPlay icon should appear. Tap it.
3. Your iPhone's screen will now be mirrored on your car's display, allowing you to use compatible apps.

Wireless Connection (if supported):

1. Ensure Bluetooth is enabled on your iPhone and pair it with your Volkswagen's system.
2. On your iPhone, go to Settings > General > CarPlay.
3. Select your Volkswagen from the list of available cars.
4. Alternatively, press and hold the Voice Control button on your steering wheel to activate CarPlay.

Volkswagen App Connect and We Connect

Volkswagen offers its own suite of connectivity services under the umbrella term App Connect. App Connect typically includes support for MirrorLink, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, allowing you to connect a wide range of smartphones.

Activating Volkswagen App Connect:

To get your Volkswagen App Connect activated, you generally need to:

1. Download the We Connect app: This is available from the Google Play Store or the App Store.
2. Create a Volkswagen ID: You'll need to create a user profile for your Volkswagen ID.
3. Add your vehicle: Use your car's VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) to add your vehicle to your account.
4. Activate using a code: Follow the in-app instructions, which may involve using an activation code provided by Volkswagen.
5. Start using services: Once activated, you can access various digital services and connect your phone through App Connect.

We Connect is Volkswagen's platform for accessing these digital services. While the initial activation might be linked to the We Connect app, using App Connect features like MirrorLink, CarPlay, or Android Auto is typically included once your car is set up.

Using MirrorLink with Other Apps

MirrorLink can be used to access various applications on your smartphone, provided they are compatible with the system. This includes:

• Navigation: Use apps like Google Maps or Waze for real-time traffic updates and directions.
• Music and Audio: Play music from your phone's library or streaming services like Spotify.
• Communication: Make calls, send messages (though this can be more limited for safety reasons).

It's worth noting that not all apps are compatible with MirrorLink. The system is designed to prioritise safety, so apps that could be highly distracting, such as video streaming apps like Netflix or YouTube, are generally not supported. While there might be third-party workarounds for some video playback on other systems (like CarPlay with specific retrofits), MirrorLink focuses on essential driving-related functions.

Can I Add MirrorLink to an Older Car?

Yes, it is possible to add MirrorLink functionality to an older car, provided it has a compatible aftermarket head unit with a screen. Manufacturers like Pioneer and Sony offer head units that support MirrorLink. While the cost of these units can vary, you can find basic models starting around £90. However, installing an aftermarket head unit may require professional assistance to ensure it's correctly integrated with your car's electrical system.

Frequently Asked Questions

What phones support MirrorLink?

MirrorLink supports a wide range of Android-based smartphones from manufacturers like Samsung, LG, HTC, Sony, and Huawei. iPhones are not supported.

Does MirrorLink use Bluetooth?

While the primary connection is usually via USB, MirrorLink can also utilise Bluetooth for certain functions or pairing, depending on the specific implementation by the car manufacturer and phone provider.

Can I use Netflix with MirrorLink?

No, video streaming apps like Netflix are generally not supported by MirrorLink due to safety regulations aimed at minimising driver distraction. MirrorLink focuses on navigation, music, and communication apps.

How do I update MirrorLink?

Updates for MirrorLink typically come through your smartphone's operating system updates or through firmware updates provided by your car manufacturer for the infotainment system. Ensure both your phone and car's software are kept up to date.

Is MirrorLink free?

MirrorLink itself is an open standard, so the technology itself is freely available. However, the availability and functionality depend on your car's infotainment system and your smartphone's support. In the case of Volkswagen, services like We Connect are often free for a period after activation, allowing access to App Connect features.

In conclusion, MirrorLink offers a robust and versatile way to integrate your Android smartphone with your vehicle. Its open-source nature and wide compatibility make it a popular choice for many drivers seeking a safer and more convenient in-car experience. Remember to check your car's manual and your phone's specifications for the most accurate connection and feature information.