Mitsubishi My Link Drive is a smartphone integration system that mirrors your phone's apps and functions on your vehicle's dashboard screen

My Link Drive is Mitsubishi's name for its infotainment system that connects your smartphone to your car's display. It lets you control certain phone functions — navigation, music, messaging, and calls — through the vehicle's touchscreen or steering wheel controls instead of handling your phone while driving. The system works through a wired USB connection or wireless Bluetooth, depending on your vehicle model and year.

The purpose is straightforward: keep your hands on the wheel and eyes on the road by moving common phone tasks to a larger, dashboard-mounted interface. You don't need a separate subscription or monthly fee to use it. The system comes built into newer Mitsubishi models as part of the standard infotainment package.

Key Takeaways

  • My Link Drive connects your smartphone to your Mitsubishi's dashboard screen via USB cable or Bluetooth, displaying navigation, music, and messaging apps.
  • The system requires no monthly subscription and works with both Android and iPhone devices, though some features depend on your phone's operating system.
  • You control My Link Drive through the vehicle's touchscreen, voice commands, or steering wheel buttons, reducing the need to handle your phone while driving.
  • Setup involves pairing your phone to the vehicle through the settings menu, a process that typically takes a few minutes and only needs to be done once.

Which Mitsubishi Models Include My Link Drive

My Link Drive comes standard on most Mitsubishi vehicles sold in North America from roughly 2015 onward, though the exact year varies by model. Newer Outlander, Outlander Sport, Mirage, Mirage G4, and Eclipse Cross models all include it. Older vehicles or base trim levels may have a simpler infotainment system without smartphone integration.

Check your owner's manual or the vehicle's infotainment screen to confirm which version you have. If your Mitsubishi has a touchscreen display and steering wheel controls for audio or phone functions, you likely have My Link Drive or a compatible system. Mitsubishi's website lists which features come with each model year if you need to verify before purchase.

How to Connect Your Phone to My Link Drive

The connection process differs slightly depending on whether you use a wired or wireless connection. For a wired connection, plug your smartphone into the USB port located in your vehicle's center console or dashboard using a standard USB cable. The system should recognize your phone within a few seconds. For wireless connection, go to your vehicle's settings menu, select Bluetooth, and put your phone in pairing mode. Select your vehicle's name from your phone's Bluetooth list and confirm the pairing on both devices.

Once paired, your phone will connect automatically each time you start the vehicle, as long as Bluetooth remains turned on. You only need to complete the pairing process once. If you switch to a different phone, you'll need to pair that device separately. Most vehicles can store multiple phone pairings, so you can switch between devices without erasing previous connections.

What Apps and Functions Work With My Link Drive

My Link Drive supports navigation apps like Google Maps and Apple Maps, music streaming services including Spotify and Apple Music, and phone functions like calling and text messaging. The exact apps available depend on your phone's operating system — iPhone users access different apps than Android users, and some features may not work on older phone versions.

Voice control is a major feature: you can speak commands to make calls, send messages, or change songs without touching the screen. The system uses your phone's voice assistant (Siri for iPhone, Google Assistant for Android) to process these commands. Not all apps support voice control, so some functions still require using the touchscreen or steering wheel buttons.

Steering Wheel Controls and Voice Commands

Your Mitsubishi's steering wheel includes dedicated buttons for controlling My Link Drive without taking your hands off the wheel. These typically include buttons to answer or end calls, skip songs, adjust volume, and access voice commands. The exact button layout varies by model year, so check your owner's manual for the specific controls on your vehicle.

Voice commands work by pressing the voice button (usually marked with a microphone icon) and speaking your request. You can say things like "call Mom," "play jazz," or "navigate to the nearest gas station." The system processes the command through your phone's voice assistant and displays the result on the dashboard screen. Response time is usually quick, though accuracy depends on background noise and how clearly you speak.

Troubleshooting Common Connection Problems

If your phone won't connect, first check that Bluetooth is turned on in both your vehicle and your phone. Restart both devices — turn off your phone and the vehicle's infotainment system, wait 30 seconds, then turn them back on. Try pairing again from the vehicle's Bluetooth settings menu. If the problem persists, delete the previous pairing from both devices and start fresh.

For wired connections, try a different USB cable — the original cable may be damaged. Make sure you're using a data cable, not just a charging cable; some cables only carry power and won't transmit data. If the vehicle's USB port isn't working, try a different port if your vehicle has more than one. If none of these steps work, contact a Mitsubishi dealer for service, as the issue may be with the vehicle's infotainment system itself.

Safety Considerations While Using My Link Drive

My Link Drive is designed to reduce distraction by moving phone functions to the dashboard, but it still requires attention. Keep your eyes on the road and only interact with the system when it's safe to do so. Use voice commands whenever possible instead of touching the screen. If you need to adjust settings or select a specific app, do so before you start driving or pull over safely.

Remember that navigation apps, music, and messaging all compete for your attention. Set up your route and music before you drive, and let calls go to voicemail if you're in heavy traffic or difficult driving conditions. The system is a tool to make driving safer, not a replacement for paying attention to the road.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to pay a monthly fee to use My Link Drive?

No. My Link Drive itself is free and comes with your vehicle. You may pay for music streaming services or navigation apps separately, but those subscriptions are through the app providers, not Mitsubishi. Basic navigation and music streaming are available through free versions of many apps.

Can I use My Link Drive with both iPhone and Android phones?

Yes. My Link Drive works with both operating systems, though the available apps and features may differ. Some apps work better on one platform than the other, and older phone models may not support all features. Check your phone's compatibility with the apps you want to use before relying on them while driving.

What should I do if My Link Drive stops working while I'm driving?

Pull over safely and restart the connection. Turn off Bluetooth on your phone, wait 10 seconds, then turn it back on and reconnect. If it still doesn't work, you can continue driving and use your phone directly, though you'll need to handle it manually. Address the issue when you reach your destination or contact a Mitsubishi dealer.

Can I use My Link Drive to send text messages while driving?

You can dictate messages using voice commands, which the system will send through your phone's messaging app. You should not read or compose messages manually while driving. Use voice-to-text features only, and keep your eyes on the road at all times.