Mirrorlink and Android Auto issues

[BrianS]

If you want wireless Android Auto then this is the best one: https://www.aawireless.io/

Thank you for that but I just checked the advert and it needs Android Auto on the car system to work. As I said, I haven't got that. Just Carplay and Mirrorlink

[DavidM]

I have the CarlinKit 4.0 and (for Sat Nav) it works reasonably well.
Others have reported lags with media and hands free.

Also I’ve seen someone suggest a (cheaper) gadget from AliExpress.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005007495190007.html

But I have no experience with that gadget.

To use either of those you need to have working CarPlay on your head unit.
For this you need one of the later (latest) versions of firmware and for CarPlay to be enabled.

Another reality check if you don't mind David.
So, you don't have Android Auto on your car system, just Apple Carplay and Mirrorlink?
And somehow these devices can link to Carplay and allow the use of an Android phone to, for instance, mirror Google Maps on your cars screen?
Sorry to be dim but that just seems too good to be true!

Yes these two gadgets connect to the Head Unit via wired CarPlay (USB cable).
The Head Unit thinks it’s connected to a CarPlay device.

Your mobile then connects to the gadget via WiFi and Bluetooth.
The gadget supports Android Auto (wireless or wired) and CarPlay (wireless).

My main use is to connect to my Android mobile in order to use Google Maps for navigation.
Been using the CarlinKit 4.0 for the last few months with no problems.

Only quibble I have is that the bottom edge of the display is clipped.
But that doesn’t affect Google Maps.
See the photo. The bottom edge of those icons at the bottom off the screen is missing plus the time at the bottom left of the screen.
   

It might get fixed in a firmware update for the gadget or it might not.

Still very useable though.

I think the one from AliExpress may have a small strip of wasted real estate at the bottom of the screen. But I’ve never seen it in the flesh.

[BrianS]

That is really helpful David. Many thanks!

[DavidM]

That is really helpful David. Many thanks!

You just need to make sure that …

The firmware in your Head Unit is a recent one , ideally the latest one SMEG6.4.A.R10 CD: 31210 Dated: 16-06-17.
AFAIK CarPlay wasn’t working in versions prior to SMEG6.3.C.R11 CD: 31061 Dated: 09-05-16.

AND

CarPlay is enabled.
AFAIK it wasn’t standard on every Berlingo.
If it’s not enabled you’ll get this message “The Apple CarPlay function is not available on your system. You can acquire it from your dealer Citroën”.
My understanding is that it is/was a dealer enabled feature on some models.

You can update the Head Unit firmware yourself but if CarPlay is not enabled then you’d need a dealer to do that.

[Multispacer]

As the original post was about mirrorlink, I think it should be pointed out that mirrorlink was being 'sunsetted' in September 2023 [ie no longer being installed on any new applications] and support ending [for all manufacturers]

https://carconnectivity.org/mirrorlink-o...r-30-2023/

[BrianS]

You just need to make sure that …

The firmware in your Head Unit is a recent one , ideally the latest one SMEG6.4.A.R10 CD: 31210 Dated: 16-06-17.
AFAIK CarPlay wasn’t working in versions prior to SMEG6.3.C.R11 CD: 31061 Dated: 09-05-16.

AND

CarPlay is enabled.
AFAIK it wasn’t standard on every Berlingo.
If it’s not enabled you’ll get this message “The Apple CarPlay function is not available on your system. You can acquire it from your dealer Citroën”.
My understanding is that it is/was a dealer enabled feature on some models.

You can update the Head Unit firmware yourself but if CarPlay is not enabled then you’d need a dealer to do that.

Unfortunately it looks like I need to update my firmware!
I have made a few mistakes along the way trying to use my Android phone with the car.
The first mistake was in buying a Carlink 5.0 adapter which I discovered had been modified and the ability to convert Carplay to Android Auto removed.
After a bit more research, I bought a Carlink 4.0 but haven't been able to get this working. Reading your message, I checked and still have the 2016 firmware installed.
The CarPlay function works as I can connect an Apple phone.
I have been around the houses trying to find out how to update the firmware but can't find the option on the PC or the MyCitroen app on my phone.
Is there a guide (with weblinks that work!) somewhere please?
TIA
Brian

[DavidM]

You just need to make sure that …

The firmware in your Head Unit is a recent one , ideally the latest one SMEG6.4.A.R10 CD: 31210 Dated: 16-06-17.
AFAIK CarPlay wasn’t working in versions prior to SMEG6.3.C.R11 CD: 31061 Dated: 09-05-16.

AND

CarPlay is enabled.
AFAIK it wasn’t standard on every Berlingo.
If it’s not enabled you’ll get this message “The Apple CarPlay function is not available on your system. You can acquire it from your dealer Citroën”.
My understanding is that it is/was a dealer enabled feature on some models.

You can update the Head Unit firmware yourself but if CarPlay is not enabled then you’d need a dealer to do that.

Unfortunately it looks like I need to update my firmware!
I have made a few mistakes along the way trying to use my Android phone with the car.
The first mistake was in buying a Carlink 5.0 adapter which I discovered had been modified and the ability to convert Carplay to Android Auto removed.
After a bit more research, I bought a Carlink 4.0 but haven't been able to get this working. Reading your message, I checked and still have the 2016 firmware installed.
The CarPlay function works as I can connect an Apple phone.
I have been around the houses trying to find out how to update the firmware but can't find the option on the PC or the MyCitroen app on my phone.
Is there a guide (with weblinks that work!) somewhere please?
TIA
Brian

Although I’ve never had to do it updating the firmware looks straightforward.

Basically you copy the files to a FAT32 USB Stick, insert it in the vehicle and the update should proceed.
The most important thing is KEEP THE ENGINE RUNNING throughout the update.

Some info on these forums here …

https://www.berlingoforum.com/thread-21921-page-2.html

[Psymorama]

Hello lovely Berlingo people. I have a 2016 Berlingo B9, has anyone used one of these devices quoted below? I’d be interested to hear how it has worked out. I use an Apple phone myself so connection is fine but I’m sure my partner would love to use this.

Thanks

Psymorama.

If you want wireless Android Auto then this is the best one: https://www.aawireless.io/

[DavidM]

Hello lovely Berlingo people. I have a 2016 Berlingo B9, has anyone used one of these devices quoted below? I’d be interested to hear how it has worked out. I use an Apple phone myself so connection is fine but I’m sure my partner would love to use this.

Thanks

Psymorama.

If you want wireless Android Auto then this is the best one: https://www.aawireless.io/

I don’t think this would be any use to you.
As far as I can see this converts wired Android Auto to wireless Android Auto.
The standard Head Unit it the 2016 model doesn’t support Android Auto (Android) at all.

In effect all you have is wired CarPlay (Apple).

There are suitable gadgets with convert wired CarPlay (Apple) to wireless CarPlay AND wired CarPlay to wireless Android Auto. A couple of which are mentioned in earlier comments on this thread.

[Psymorama]

Hello lovely Berlingo people. I have a 2016 Berlingo B9, has anyone used one of these devices quoted below? I’d be interested to hear how it has worked out. I use an Apple phone myself so connection is fine but I’m sure my partner would love to use this.

Thanks

Psymorama.

If you want wireless Android Auto then this is the best one: https://www.aawireless.io/

I don’t think this would be any use to you.
As far as I can see this converts wired Android Auto to wireless Android Auto.
The standard Head Unit it the 2016 model doesn’t support Android Auto (Android) at all.

In effect all you have is wired CarPlay (Apple).

There are suitable gadgets with convert wired CarPlay (Apple) to wireless CarPlay AND wired CarPlay to wireless Android Auto. A couple of which are mentioned in earlier comments on this thread.

Thanks DaveM that’s more or less what I thought. I will have a poke about for the other links. Ta.