WebLink is another car connectivity platform that creates a safe driving experience for all vehicles by allowing the driver to connect their smartphone and project and control relevant applications from the in-vehicle screens while driving or parked. Like other platforms, it also has its issues. Other users have had difficulties with the set up. In this guide, we are going to show you how to use WebLink and perform various functions, as well as give step-by-step instructions for troubleshooting commonly-reported WebLink problems.
What is Sony WebLink Cast?
WebLink is a lightweight app delivery platform designed especially for in-vehicle use. Using the iOS or Android device connection leverages the power of the phone to deliver driver-relevant applications to the in-vehicle displays (car radios) in a safe manner. Weblink enabled applications to run on the smartphone and are “projected” to the in-vehicle systems.
How Do You Use WebLink?
WebLink lets you enjoy compatible smartphones apps in the car. You can operate WebLink compatible applications with finger gestures such as tapping, dragging, scrolling, or clicking on the device screen.
To use WebLink, you must first install the WebLink Host app on the iPhone or smartphone.
What Phones Are Supported by WebLink?
WebLink supports phones meeting the following specifications:
- iPhones with iOS version 13.0 and above.
- Android phones with Android version 7.0 and above
- Smartphone must have a hardware video decoder
- Minimum smartphone CPU: 1.5GHz Dual Core
- Minimum smartphone RAM: 2GB.
Can I Add Apps to WebLink?
Not all head units come with the same available applications and you may not have access to certain applications. Each car stereo manufacturer decides which applications are available for each different head unit model and each region of the globe.
WebLink Cast VS Android Auto: Which is Better?
There are several car connectivity platforms nowadays and choosing one that is better than the other can be tricky. This is because each has its own pros and cons, and such a decision can vary from one person to another based on what works for them.
WebLink Cast and Android Auto are both compatible with Android phones and iPhones. While Weblink supports third-party navigation applications, Android Auto does not. The main con of Android Auto is perhaps the fact that it is not available in all countries.
However, on the other side, you have options when it comes to the number of compatible apps with Android Auto than WebLink. WebLink is limiting when it comes to adding apps. With WebLink, each car stereo manufacturer decides which applications are available for each different head unit model and each region of the globe.
How to Use WebLink on Pioneer
To use WebLink, you must first install the WebLink Host app on the iPhone or smartphone. When connecting an iPhone or a smartphone to the Pioneer car stereo, the settings are automatically configured according to the device to be connected. Here are tips on how to use WebLink on Pioneer:
- Touch the desired application after the WebLink app is launched.
- If you connect your device to the Pioneer while a WebLink compatible application is already running, the application operation screen will appear on the Pioneer screen.
- The desired application is launched, and the application operation screen appears.
- Touch the menu button to go to the top menu screen.
If you are using an iPhone, follow these steps to launch WebLink:
- Unlock your iPhone and connect it to the Pioneer via USB.
- Touch menu icon
- Touch connected device (phone) icon
- Touch WebLink
- Touch desired icon on the tab. The WebLink app is launched.
If you are using an Android device:
- Unlock your Android smartphone and connect it to the Pioneer via USB.
- Touch the menu icon
- Touch connected device (phone) icon
- Touch WebLink.
- Touch the desired icon in the tab. The WebLink is launched.
Using the audio mix function
You can output the audio mixing AV source and an application for iPhone when WebLink is used:
- Startup the WebLink.
- Touch VOL (+/-). The audio mix menu will be displayed on the screen. Touch to mute, cancel mute, or adjust the audio volume.
Where to Download the WebLink Host App
The WebLink host app turns your vehicle into a connected car by letting you easily enjoy your apps on the go. Once you have downloaded the app, simply use your smartphone to connect to your car’s WebLink-compatible multimedia receiver, and then launch popular navigation, weather, media, and even calendar apps.
You can download the WebLink host application from the app store (Apple App Store or Google Play Store) onto your smartphone.
Why is My WebLink Not Working?
If you have a certified WebLink car stereo and a supported smartphone, but WebLink won’t launch when the phone is connected to the car stereo, this may be caused by several factors. Follow these troubleshooting steps:
- Start by reading the owner’s manual that came with the car stereo or car manufacturer of your WebLink compatible unit.
- Make sure you have downloaded the WebLink Host app on your smartphone.
- If it is the first time you have launched the application, be sure to read and accept the WebLink app terms of use prior to connecting to the car stereo.
- Use a certified USB cable to connect your iPhone or Android device to the car stereo. Also, be sure to connect the phone to the right USB input as described by your WebLink-compatible car stereo/ car manufacturer owner’s manual.
- In some car stereos, you need to adjust the settings in their menu to enable WebLink. Be sure the WebLink settings are enabled on the car stereo as described in your owner’s manual.
- Make sure your phone is unlocked when connecting to the car radio. For security purposes, the apps will not project onto the car radio if the phone screen is locked.
How to Tell If Your Car Stereo is WebLink Compatible
Look for a WebLink certified logo on your product’s packaging or in the owner’s manual of your vehicle to find out if your car stereo is WebLink compatible.
If your understanding is that you have a WebLink compatible car stereo, connect your phone to the car stereo via the correct USB connection as described by the car stereo manufacturer and launch the WebLink Host application on your phone. If the car stereo is compatible, the WebLink connection should be established and the phone screen and car stereo should indicate that WebLink is started.
How Can I Find WebLink Compatible Apps?
To find what applications are compatible with your car stereo, follow these instructions:
- Download the Weblink Host application from Google Play Store or Apple App Store and connect your phone to a WebLink compatible car stereo.
- Once the connection between the phone and car radio is established, the car stereo will pass its identity to WebLink and the corresponding apps will be displayed in the “Apps” tab of the WebLink Host application which is available when the phone is not connected to the car stereo.
- When the WebLink Host app is launched and connected to the car stereo, the WebLink home screen on the car stereo will show the compatible app icons.
App compatibility may vary by car stereo.
Why is My Car Stereo Screen Showing a Black Screen after Connecting?
Several issues can cause your car stereo screen to show a black screen when you launch WebLink on your phone:
- Confirm that your car stereo is WebLink-compatible.
- Make sure you have the correct WebLink Host application downloaded from the app store and installed on your phone.
- Launch the WebLink Host app on your phone and connect your phone via USB to the correct USB port described by your car stereo manufacturer.
Also, ensure you are using an authorized and certified USB cable as often third-party cables are not suitable for use with WebLink.
Why Won’t My Phone Establish a Connection with the Radio?
If your smartphone won’t establish a connection with the head unit, it may be due to several reasons such as compatibility issues, an unoriginal or damaged USB cable, and settings among other things.
Try the following troubleshooting tips to see if you could get your phone to establish a connection:
- Confirm that the head unit that you are connecting to is compatible with WebLink. Check your vehicle or head unit’s manual for compatibility and/or directions to establish an initial connection.
- Make sure that you have downloaded the WebLink Host application on your phone.
- If you are launching the application for the very first time, please be sure to read and accept the WebLink Host app “Terms of Use” prior to connecting to the car stereo.
- Make sure that you using an official USB cable from the smartphone or head unit manufacturer. Third-party cables can have issues with video projection.
- Ensure that you are not using a USB hub or extender between the phone and head unit.
- Some car stereos may require that you adjust the settings in the menu to enable WebLink. Be sure that the WebLink settings are enabled on your car stereo as described in your owner’s manual.
If even after the above steps the issue stays unresolved, you may also try a Force Stop of the WebLink app and try connecting again. To do that, go to Settings> Apps> WebLink> Force Stop.
Why Don’t My Video Tracks Show Up in the Search Results When I Launch the Video Player Application?
The likely reason why video tracks do not show up in the search results is that WebLink does not have access to the video content from your phone.
Check this too: Car Stereo No Sound Troubleshooting Guide
Be sure to give WebLink access to your Camera Roll so that it can access your video content from your smartphone. Check your phone’s permission settings to grant WebLink access.
How Do I Change the Language on WebLink?
WebLink uses the language that you have set on your smartphone. If you want to change the language on WebLink, you can do that by going to the settings on your phone and change the language to your preferred language.
If WebLink does not support the language which your phone is set to, it will default to English.