How to Install MirrorLink on Xiaomi: A Complete Guide with Step-by-step Instructions

MirrorLink technology allows you to mirror your smartphone screen onto the display of an automotive multimedia system, providing easy access to navigation, music and calls without distraction. Xiaomi smartphone owners often face the question: how to activate this feature if it is not pre-installed in the system? Unlike Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, MirrorLink requires deeper customization, especially on devices with custom firmware or limited support.

In this article, we will look at all the ways MirrorLink is installed on Xiaomi smartphones (including Redmi models, POCO and flagship series), consider compatibility with automotive head devices, and provide solutions for typical connection errors. It is important to consider that MirrorLink support depends not only on the smartphone, but also on the MIUI version and hardware of the car. If your car is equipped with a system that supports USB MirrorLink or Wi-Fi MirrorLink, the chances of successful integration are much higher.

What is MirrorLink and why it is not in Xiaomi default

MirrorLink is an open standard Car Connectivity Consortium (CCC) designed to securely interoperate smartphones with automotive systems. Unlike proprietary solutions (like Android Auto), it does not require mandatory authorization through Google, but its support from smartphone makers is gradually declining. Xiaomi has not officially included MirrorLink in MIUI firmware since 2019, focusing on alternative solutions.

The main reasons for the absence of MirrorLink in Xiaomi:

• 📱 Android Auto competition: Google is actively promoting its solution, and manufacturers refuse to duplicate features.
• 🔒 Security: MirrorLink requires deep integration with the system, which increases the risk of vulnerabilities.
• 📉 Decline in interest: Carmakers move to wireless standards (e.g. Wireless CarPlay).
• 🛠️ Technical limitations: Not all Qualcomm and Mediatek chipsets in Xiaomi smartphones support the protocol.

However, you can activate MirrorLink on Xiaomi in three ways:

1. Through hidden MIUI settings (available on older versions).
2. Installation of third-party software (for example, MirrorLink Enabler).
3. Using alternative protocols (e.g. Scrcpy for wired mirroring).

MirrorLink Compatibility with Xiaomi Models

Not all Xiaomi smartphones support MirrorLink even after manual activation. USB Host Mode and Correct Protocol Implementation MTP/PTP. Below is a compatibility table for popular models:

If your model is not listed in the table, check for USB OTG and MTP support in the developer settings (Settings → About Phone → MIUI Version → 5 times tap to activate developer mode). It’s also worth checking if your MirrorLink car head unit supports – some brands (such as Pioneer or Sony XAV) require a firmware update.

⚠️ Note: On smartphones with Mediatek chipsets (such as Redmi 9 or Redmi Note 8), MirrorLink may not work as smoothly due to driver limitations. In this case, it is recommended to use alternatives like AAWireless (for Android Auto over Wi-Fi).

Preparation of Xiaomi smartphone to install MirrorLink

Before activating MirrorLink, you need to follow several mandatory steps to avoid connection errors:

Enable the developer mode (stamp 5 times according to MIUI)

Activate debugging over USB in the developer settings

Update MIUI to the latest stable version

Install ADB drivers on PC (using manual methods)

Disconnect the energy saving for USB-connection-->

If you plan to use a wired connection, make sure the cable supports data transfer (not all of it is a wired connection). USB-Charging cables are suitable!!! for wireless MirrorLink will require:

• 📶 Support for Wi-Fi Direct or Miracast on a smartphone and tape.
• 🔄 Updated firmware of the car system (for example, for Pioneer) AVH — version 6.0+).
• 📱 A mirroring application (e.g. ApowerMirror or TeamViewer QuickSupport).

Xiaomi models on MIUI 13/14 may need to roll back to an older firmware version (e.g. MIUI 12.5), as new updates block access to the hidden MirrorLink API. Before rolling back, back up your data via Settings → Additional → Backup.

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If your Xiaomi doesn’t recognize the car system when connecting over USB, try changing USB mode from Charging to File Transfer (MTP) in the notification curtain.

Method 1: Activate MirrorLink via hidden MIUI settings

On Xiaomi smartphones with MIUI 10-12.5, you can turn on MirrorLink through the engineering menu, which does not require root rights, but does not work on all models.

1. Open the Phone app and enter the combination: ##83781## (this is the code to activate the menu). USB-Debugging and Hidden Functions).
2. If the combination doesn’t work, try the alternative code: ##13491## (for Qualcomm models).
3. In the menu that opens, look for the MirrorLink Settings or Car Mode section and activate the switch.
4. Connect your smartphone to the car system through USB-cable (select MirrorLink mode in the notification curtain).

If MirrorLink does not appear in the notification curtain after activation, check:

• 🔌 Cable compatibility (use original cable) USB-C Xiaomi).
• 🔄 Rebooting the smartphone and tape recorders.
• 📋 Updates for the automotive system (e.g., Parrot or JVC).

⚠️ Attention: On some firmware MIUI MirrorLink activation via the engineering menu may cause the module to crash USB. If the smartphone has stopped to identify other USB-Devices, reset network settings (Settings) → SIM-maps and mobile networks → Resetting network settings).

Method 2: Install MirrorLink through third-party applications

If you don't have hidden settings, you can use third-party utilities.

1. MirrorLink Enabler (requires root): Download APK s XDA Developers. Install through ADB: adb install mirrorlink_enabler.apk Launch the app and activate MirrorLink.
2. CarWebGuru MirrorLink (for wireless connectivity): Supports Wi-Fi Direct and Miracast. Requires Wi-Fi Hotspot on your smartphone.

AA Mirror (alternative)

• Emulates Android Auto, but allows you to run any applications.
• It works without root, but requires a USB connection.

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If your goal is to simply duplicate navigation or music, Android Auto will be more reliable than MirrorLink. If you want complete freedom (for example, to run arbitrary applications), consider Scrcpy or hardware adapters.

Solving MirrorLink problems on Xiaomi

Typical errors when connecting MirrorLink and how to fix them:

• 🚫 "Device not supported": Check the compatibility of the chipset (see table above). Update the firmware of the tape recorder (for example, for Pioneer download the update from the official website).
• 🔌 "USB device not recognized": Try another cable (preferably original from Xiaomi). USB and select mode PTP instead MTP.
• 📵 "No connection" (for Wi-Fi MirrorLink): Make sure the smartphone and the radio are connected to the same Wi-Fi Direct network. Turn off power saving for Wi-Fi (Settings) → Battery → Energy saving regime → Turn off for Wi-Fi).
• 🔄 "MirrorLink Disconnects Randomly: Turn Off Optimization MIUI for the MirrorLink application (Settings) → Annexes → Application management → MirrorLink → Battery → No restrictions. Check your sleep settings. USB (Developer settings → Sleep regimen USB → Never).