Emir Bardakçı
On the general level of integration between smartphones and in-car entertainment systems, there exist two more common platforms: Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which make both your vehicle and mobile device work in perfect harmony. Apple CarPlay is designed to put iOS convenience onto your car’s dashboard, allowing you to use the iPhone while on the road more safely and intuitively. But for Xiaomi users, the question will be: Can you use CarPlay with a Xiaomi smartphone?
CarPlay Compatibility—Understanding
Apple CarPlay is an iPhone-only interface. Plugging into an iPhone, a user will be able to get directions, make calls, send and receive messages, and play music while Most recent cars come with car play, and most aftermarket car stereo systems come with it.
On the other hand, Xiaomi is an Android-based brand. Since CarPlay is developed by Apple and designed for iOS devices, it does not natively support any Android-based device, let alone Xiaomi smartphones.
Alternative for Xiaomi Users: Android Auto
For Apple CarPlay, the closest alternative for Xiaomi users is, without a doubt, Android Auto. It is Google’s corresponding version to CarPlay, made for both versions of vehicles to deliver comparable functionality to users with Android devices, which, without a doubt, consists of Xiaomi smartphones. Alongside its applications—particularly Google Maps and Waze——other music apps like Spotify and Google Play Music, optimized for safe usage while driving, are also supported.
Is Android Auto working well on Xiaomi, Redmi, and POCO devices?
Workarounds and Third-Party Solutions
Although native CarPlay is not available with a Xiaomi phone, there have been workarounds or third-party solutions functioning to provide some kind of bridge.
Android Auto
This represents the most accessible means for a Xiaomi user. If your car supports CarPlay, most probably, it can support Android Auto as well.
Bluetooth Connectivity
If the car does not support Android Auto, one can also run the Xiaomi device through Bluetooth. Though it doesn’t view the integration of apps from your phone onto your car display, it allows for hands-free calls and audio streaming ad-enabled voice commands via the vehicle’s speakers and microphone.
Third-Party Adapters
A few third-party adapters might even claim to provide features of CarPlay with Android devices. These are adapters fitted into the CarPlay USB port and may, in turn, allow for an Android device to be connected. Such solutions are usually hit-and-miss and predominantly characterize issues relating to compatibility and limited functionality.
MirrorLink and the Like
Cars that support MirrorLink or similar systems let you mirror your Xiaomi smartphone onto its screen. It’s not as smooth as CarPlay or Android Auto, but it’s still a handy way of viewing apps such as Google Maps and Waze on your in-dash display.
Aftermarket Head Units
If your car doesn’t natively support Android Auto, you may want to install an aftermarket head unit that does. Many of these units support both CarPlay and Android Auto for incredible flexibility.
Although Xiaomi does not support Apple CarPlay, that doesn’t mean Xiaomi users are left high and dry. Android Auto offers most of the same designed-for-driving experience as CarPlay, bringing at least some of its benefits to Android users. For deeper integration, third-party adapters and systems such as MirrorLink can offer extra functionality—though this may be done at some expense to ease of use and stability. While the direct CarPlay experience remains exclusive to iPhones, ultimately, Xiaomi smartphone owners will be able to have a similarly safe and convenient car interface through Android Auto and other alternatives.
