How to Mirror iPhone and Android Screens to Your Car Display

In this highly digital 21st century, it seems everyone is busy with daily social interactions and work, using their smartphones. Even when we’re buckled up in the driver’s seat, we occasionally find ourselves wanting to use our phones. However, taking our hands off the steering wheel while driving is not only dangerous but also against traffic laws. This is where car screen mirroring solutions come in handy.

What is iPhone and Android Screen Mirroring?

iPhone & Android Mirroring, also known as screen mirroring, is a way to project your phone’s content onto another display (specifically, your car’s screen). This allows you to synchronize your phone’s content to the larger car display in real time, making it easier to make calls, navigate, or watch movies or online videos in the car. Once your phone’s apps are mirrored to the car’s infotainment system, you can use your phone’s features without interruption.

Why do you need iPhone and Android Screen Mirroring?

Gone are the days when you could only make hands-free calls and listen to music via Bluetooth or listen to news and music via FM. Screen mirroring technology has taken in-car connectivity to a new level. It seamlessly connects your phone and car screen, adding convenience, safety, and a variety of entertainment options to enhance your driving experience. Here are the benefits of screen mirroring for iPhone and Android devices:

• Safety: Screen mirroring allows you to safely use your phone’s features without taking your eyes off the road or worrying about accidents.
• Entertainment: Because audio is synced to your car’s infotainment system in real time, you can enjoy streaming music, podcasts, classic movies, comedic shorts, and more, even when you’re not using CarPlay or Android Auto. This allows your family and friends to enjoy watching even the most tedious journeys.
• Navigation: With this screen mirroring feature, you can directly access your phone’s navigation app. Your car stereo can then receive and display real-time navigation routes and traffic updates, eliminating the need for a separate in-car GPS navigation system.
• Smartphone App Integration: With screen mirroring, you can access your favorite apps (such as messaging, navigation, phone, and Spotify). You can even access apps that aren’t accessible through CarPlay. Imagine integrating your calendar into your car’s screen. You can quickly check your schedule and the weather, making it easier to decide where to go next.

How to Mirror Your iPhone to Your Car’s Screen

Perhaps your car has been retrofitted with a Dickcar-branded central control smart touchscreen car audio system, but you’re unsure how to mirror your iPhone to the car’s screen. Here’s a summary of the steps.

Using CarPlay

CarPlay is Apple’s in-car entertainment system. It has become the preferred way for iOS users to project iOS apps like iMessage, Maps, Now Playing, and Podcasts onto their car’s screen. Let’s see how to project your iPhone content onto the car’s screen.

For Wireless Connections

Before mirroring, make sure your car supports CarPlay and that the iPhone you’re connecting to is an iPhone 5 or later.

• Step 1: Tap “Settings” – “General,” tap “CarPlay,” and enable the feature on your phone.
• Step 2: Turn on Bluetooth on both your iPhone and your car, then pair and establish a connection. You’ll then be asked to grant permission to connect to the car’s infotainment system detected by your phone. Contacts will be synced by default.
• Step 3: Activate Siri by going to “Settings” – “Siri & Search” – “Listen for Siri.” You can then use voice commands to operate the CarPlay app.
• Tip: If your car supports steering wheel controls, you can press and hold the voice control button to wake Siri and then use it in your car.

Wired Connection

When you connect your iPhone to your car’s CarPlay-enabled USB port (OTG) using the original data cable, you can successfully mirror your iPhone to your car’s display.

Using AirPlay

Another popular app for iPhone screen mirroring is AirPlay. AirPlay is an Apple-invented interconnection protocol that enables wireless screen mirroring between iPhones and cars. AirPlay fills in display functions that CarPlay isn’t compatible with, such as displaying short video apps, movies and TV shows, as well as notes and work files. Let’s take a look at how to reach these new areas.

• Step 1: Tap “Settings” on your car screen – Find iPhone Wi-Fi – Change Hotspot
• Step 2: Turn on your iPhone’s hotspot and make sure the car screen can detect it.
• Step 3: Confirm pairing and check that your iPhone is sharing the hotspot with the car screen.
• Step 4: Tap “Settings” to light up the “Screen Mirroring” button, or simply swipe down on your iPhone to find the shortcut button for the “Screen Mirroring” icon. Tap it and select your car to start sharing content from your iPhone to your car.

How to Mirror an Android Phone to Your Car Screen

Perhaps your car has been modified with a Dickcar-branded central control smart touchscreen car audio system, but you’re not sure how to mirror your Android phone to the car screen. Here’s a summary of the steps.

Through Android Auto

Android Auto is another mainstream in-car entertainment system developed by Google and has been a favorite among Android users since its launch. Similar to CarPlay, Android Auto allows Android phones to seamlessly integrate with the car’s display. Let’s take a look at the specific steps.

For wireless connection

Before mirroring, make sure your car supports Android Auto and that the connected Android phone is running Android 11 or higher and has the Android Auto app installed.

• Step 1: On your car’s screen, turn on Bluetooth, tap the Android Auto icon, and select Wireless Connection.
• Step 2: Open the Android Auto app on your Android device, activate your phone’s Bluetooth, and pair it with your car’s screen.
• Step 3: A notification will pop up; tap “Agree” to sync your Android phone to your car. You’ll then be asked to grant permission for your connected phone to detect your car’s infotainment system. Remember to sync your contacts so you can make calls hands-free if needed.
• Step 4: Activate Siri by tapping “Settings” > “Siri & Search” > “Listen for Siri.” You can then use voice commands to operate the CarPlay app.

For Wired Connections

Make sure the Android Auto app is pre-installed on your phone and car. Connect your phone to your car using the original data cable. You can then use Android apps like Google Maps, Phone, News, and more in your car.

Through Android Cast

Another popular app for Android mirroring is Android Cast. It’s a powerful and easy-to-use screen sharing and connectivity tool that streams your Android phone’s screen to your car’s screen. You can download it for free from the Google Play Store. How do you use it? Read on.

• Step 1: Activate your car stereo’s Wi-Fi in Settings.
• Step 2: Turn on your phone’s hotspot so it’s visible on your car’s screen. When pairing your car and phone, make sure they’re connected to the same network.
• Step 3: Open Android Cast on your phone and select your car (which has been detected by the hotspot network connection) to establish the integration.
• Step 4: Once connected, you can enjoy your favorite entertainment apps from your Android phone.
• Reminder: Android Cast allows for two-way control. For example, when watching an online video, you can touch the car screen to pause, resume, switch, and other actions on your phone. With Android Cast, you can enjoy both the display and the integrated features simultaneously.

Frequently Asked Questions About iPhone and Android Screen Mirroring

Can I wirelessly mirror my screen to a car that supports wired CarPlay?

Yes, you’ll need a wireless CarPlay adapter with MirrorLink functionality to achieve this.

Is there any lag in my car screen mirroring?

Lag occurs when the connection is interrupted. One possibility is a loose wired cable, while another is an unstable wireless connection. In the latter case, you can place your phone near the car stereo to avoid lag.

Are there any limitations to wireless mirroring for iPhone or Android devices?

The compatibility and availability of wireless screen mirroring may vary depending on the device, application, and technology. Some older displays may not support wireless mirroring, but this capability can be increased through operating system upgrades.

Can I mirror all apps on my iPhone or Android phone to my car screen?

Both iPhone and Android phones can stream specific apps or content to the car screen using MirrorLink technology. However, the ability to share specific content depends on the technology and protocol support of different applications. Generally speaking, the applications and content you see on the car screen are compatible with specific applications and content.