Drivers are rightfully discouraged from using their phones while driving. However, in our increasingly connected world, smartphones are essential for navigation, music, and communication, even on the road. To bridge this gap safely, smartphone integration systems have become a crucial feature in modern cars. These systems allow you to pair your smartphone with your car’s infotainment system, bringing your phone’s functionalities to your dashboard.
Let’s delve into two popular smartphone integration systems: Android Auto and MirrorLink. While both aim to connect your smartphone to your car, they operate differently and offer varying levels of compatibility and features. Understanding these differences is key to choosing the right system for your needs, especially when considering the landscape of in-car technology.
What is Android Auto?
Android Auto, launched by Google in 2015, is designed to mirror features from your Android device onto your car’s infotainment screen and digital dashboard. It allows seamless connectivity between your Android phone and your car via USB or Bluetooth, depending on the car model and infotainment system.
Once connected, Android Auto projects compatible apps directly onto your car’s display. This integration extends to voice control through Google Assistant, enabling hands-free operation for safer driving. Android Auto focuses on essential driving apps, primarily navigation, communication, and entertainment. For navigation, it supports Google Maps and Waze. Communication apps include functionalities for calls, text messages, and messaging platforms like WhatsApp, Messenger, and Telegram. Entertainment options are broad, including Spotify, Google News, and Google Play Books & Audiobooks.
Beyond pre-installed apps, users can also download a range of Android Auto-optimized apps from the Google Play Store, expanding its functionality. Android Auto is compatible with smartphones running Android 6.0 Marshmallow and later. It’s important to note that starting from Android 12, the ability to run Android Auto directly on your phone screen was discontinued in favor of Google Assistant driving mode. This shift emphasizes the need for an Android Auto-compatible infotainment system in your vehicle to utilize its features fully.
What is MirrorLink?
MirrorLink, while perhaps less known by name to the average consumer, is a widely installed car integration platform. It’s maintained by the Car Connectivity Consortium (CCC), a group comprising numerous major car manufacturers like Volkswagen, Toyota, Hyundai, Mercedes Benz, and Chevrolet. Launched by Nokia in 2011, MirrorLink is the oldest of the three major standards discussed here and uniquely operates as an open-source platform.
In the early to mid-2010s, MirrorLink was a leading option for smartphone-car connectivity. It supported Nokia Symbian OS phones and Android devices. Phone manufacturers like HTC, LG, Samsung, and Sony offered MirrorLink compatibility. Similar to Android Auto, MirrorLink allows you to access compatible apps on your car’s infotainment system, including music and navigation.
However, MirrorLink has a more restricted app ecosystem compared to Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. App developers must undergo a certification process with the CCC, in addition to the standard app store approvals, which can be a deterrent. This additional step has resulted in fewer apps being officially available for MirrorLink. Despite this, the open-source nature of MirrorLink has led to community-driven workarounds, such as RockScout, which enables access to apps like Spotify.
Android Auto vs. MirrorLink: Key Differences and Compatibility
While both Android Auto and MirrorLink aim to integrate your smartphone with your car, they differ significantly in approach, compatibility, and overall user experience.
| Feature | Android Auto | MirrorLink |
|---|---|---|
| Developer | Car Connectivity Consortium (CCC) | |
| Launch Year | 2015 | 2011 |
| Open Source | No | Yes |
| App Ecosystem | Extensive and growing, Google Play Store | Limited, strict certification process |
| Compatibility | Android 6.0+ smartphones, compatible cars | Older Android/Symbian, diminishing support |
| Voice Control | Google Assistant | Varies, less integrated |
| Update Frequency | Regular updates and feature additions | Less frequent, platform phasing out |
| Future Outlook | Actively developed, industry standard | Phasing out in new vehicles, limited future |
Crucially, Android Auto and MirrorLink are not directly compatible. You cannot “run Android Auto On Mirrorlink” in the sense of using MirrorLink as a platform to enable Android Auto. They are distinct and competing standards. A car infotainment system will typically support one or the other, or in some cases, neither or both (along with Apple CarPlay).
MirrorLink essentially mirrors your phone screen onto the car display, whereas Android Auto is a more integrated system that presents a car-optimized interface and app ecosystem. This difference in architecture leads to Android Auto generally offering a smoother, more feature-rich, and safer in-car experience compared to MirrorLink.
Choosing Between Android Auto and MirrorLink
When selecting a car or considering aftermarket infotainment systems, understanding the availability of Android Auto and MirrorLink is essential.
For New Car Purchases: If you are buying a new car, prioritizing Android Auto (or Apple CarPlay, depending on your smartphone preference) is advisable. Android Auto is the actively developed and widely supported standard in the automotive industry. It offers better app support, frequent updates, and a more integrated user experience. MirrorLink is increasingly being phased out of new vehicles due to its limitations and the rise of Android Auto and CarPlay.
For Older or Second-hand Vehicles: If you own an older vehicle, particularly one manufactured in the early to mid-2010s, it might come equipped with MirrorLink. While still functional for basic mirroring and some certified apps, its limited app ecosystem and lack of ongoing support make it a less desirable long-term solution compared to Android Auto. If your older car does not have any smartphone integration system, consider aftermarket infotainment systems that support Android Auto and/or Apple CarPlay for a modern and feature-rich experience.
Considering Your Smartphone: Your smartphone choice is a primary factor. Android users will naturally gravitate towards Android Auto for seamless integration, while iPhone users will opt for Apple CarPlay. Some cars offer compatibility with both systems, providing flexibility.
Drive Safely with Integrated Smartphone Apps
Both Android Auto and, to a lesser extent, MirrorLink, aim to enhance driving safety by minimizing phone distractions. By bringing essential smartphone functionalities to your car’s infotainment system, these platforms allow drivers to access navigation, communication, and entertainment features without directly handling their phones. This integration promotes safer driving habits and a more connected in-car experience. While MirrorLink served as an early solution, Android Auto has emerged as a more robust and future-proof option for smartphone integration in modern vehicles.
