Android Auto, MirrorLink and 2015 Civic

[Andrew Vrydaghs]

I've been scouring the internet looking for information about Mirrorlink in the 2015 Civic and using Android Auto with it. There seems to be only one other person out there trying to figure it out (search youtube for "honda mirrorlink fail") so I'm asking around to see if anyone else can help.

I have a Galaxy S4 with Android 4.4, which according to my research is (somehow) the worst possible phone for this scenario. So I'm looking for people with access to a 2015 Civic and an Android with 5.0

As you can see in the video above, it appears MirrorLink does work with some apps, but I haven't seen anyone attempt with the Google's Android Auto app. I'm hoping someone out there can try it out and see how it works.

 

[Insp_Gadget]

I assume you're asking these questions because you haven't made a purchase yet? I'm not sure I understand what you're trying to accomplish. The Android Auto app doesn't display anything on the phone, so what would be the point in using MirrorLink with it?

If the head unit you purchase supports MirrorLink, then you switch the AV source or Mode of the unit to the MirrorLink function and go from there. But you then won't be using Android Auto (or any of its functions). You'll be using whatever MirrorLink-compatible app (or apps) you installed on your phone. Also, keep in mind, unlike Android Auto, MirrorLink DOES require a special cable.

Android Auto doesn't use MirrorLink. Android Auto's purpose is to put the phone into a mode in which you don't ever need to touch it, and then to provide a limited interface on the head unit for specific driver-assist functions (like Playing music, Navigation, or phone calls)...most of which can be done using voice commands.

MirrorLink's purpose is to actually "mirror" whatever is being displayed on the phone screen and project it to the head unit (with some touchscreen mirroring). Depending on the apps you use, it may or may not be a good (or safe) user interface for driving.

 

[Andrew Vrydaghs]

I assume you're asking these questions because you haven't made a purchase yet? I'm not sure I understand what you're trying to accomplish. The Android Auto app doesn't display anything on the phone, so what would be the point in using MirrorLink with it?

If the head unit you purchase supports MirrorLink, then you switch the AV source or Mode of the unit to the MirrorLink function and go from there. But you then won't be using Android Auto (or any of its functions). You'll be using whatever MirrorLink-compatible app (or apps) you installed on your phone. Also, keep in mind, unlike Android Auto, MirrorLink DOES require a special cable.

Android Auto doesn't use MirrorLink. Android Auto's purpose is to put the phone into a mode in which you don't ever need to touch it, and then to provide a limited interface on the head unit for specific driver-assist functions (like Playing music, Navigation, or phone calls)...most of which can be done using voice commands.

MirrorLink's purpose is to actually "mirror" whatever is being displayed on the phone screen and project it to the head unit (with some touchscreen mirroring). Depending on the apps you use, it may or may not be a good (or safe) user interface for driving.

Correct, I have not made a purchase yet. I was under the impression (assumed) that you could do Mirror Link with the Android Auto app on your phone. When I was searching, it sounded like Android Auto was a Mirror Link app, but it sounds like its more like Apples CarPlay which uses (yet) another standard to accomplish the same thing.

So if thats the case, that Android Auto, CarPlay and MirrorLink are all completely separate things (ugh), how does one find specifically find MirrorLink android apps?

(Ultimately, the ideal goal would have Google Maps in a 2015 Civic, but thats starting to sound like a pipe dream)

 

[Insp_Gadget]

Correct, I have not made a purchase yet. I was under the impression (assumed) that you could do Mirror Link with the Android Auto app on your phone. When I was searching, it sounded like Android Auto was a Mirror Link app, but it sounds like its more like Apples CarPlay which uses (yet) another standard to accomplish the same thing.

So if thats the case, that Android Auto, CarPlay and MirrorLink are all completely separate things (ugh), how does one find specifically find MirrorLink android apps?

(Ultimately, the ideal goal would have Google Maps in a 2015 Civic, but thats starting to sound like a pipe dream)

Google Maps is one of Android Auto's features. Mirrorlink is completely unnecessary if you're using Android Auto.

What you need to do is check a site like Crutchfield and put in your make/model of car as well as the head unit you're looking to buy (for example, AVH-4100NEX, AVIC-7100NEX, or AVIC-8100NEX). Those are the currently available units that have Android Auto. The site will then tell you if your car is compatible, and what extra items you'll need (interface adapter, wire harness, dash mount kit, etc.) in order to make everything work.

Armed with that info, you can then shop (either there or elsewhere) for what you need.

 

[Bryan Pacchioli]

I just want to mention that I have a 2015 Civic SI and I currently have a Samsung Note 5, previously had a Galaxy S5, both with Verizon. Until Android 5.0 was installed into my S5, mirrorlink was hit or miss, mostly miss. Mirrorlink DOES NOT require a special cable as previously noted by other users. Since the lollipop update, mirrorlink works 100% off the time. Although there are few apps that are CCC compliant right now, Sygic Car Navigation and Rockscout streaming Spotify music to name a few are some that work. I have seen several videos of the HTC M9 phone that can mirrorlink the entire phone screen vs Samsung that is only the apps that are CCC and mirrorlink ready. From what I've read, its a combination of andriod OS updates and phone mfg updates causing the problems here. Ive also read that the engineers at Honda half assed the mirrorlink support in Android phones. They believe the world revolves around iPhones, like everyone else. Hondalink is crap, ive tried using a friend's iPhone. As i find out more, I will post updates for everyone.

 

[AndySK]

Hi Guys,

there is a page about MirrorLink connectivity to the car provided by Sygic Car Navigation. You can find more information about technology, compatibility and how MirrorLink works with navigation app. You will find the information on mirrorlink-navigation page. Just put it into Google with .com domain.

For Android only selected countries are supported now. However it may change soon.