# Smartphone Link

> Connect for a Better Drive

Canonical page: [https://chrome-stats.com/d/com.garmin.android.apps.phonelink](https://chrome-stats.com/d/com.garmin.android.apps.phonelink)

## Overview

- **ID:** `com.garmin.android.apps.phonelink`
- **Platform:** Android
- **Type:** Android app
- **Status:** Available
- **Publisher:** Garmin
- **Category:** TRAVEL\_AND\_LOCAL
- **Downloads:** 3,444,457
- **Rating:** 2.65 / 5 (17,468 ratings)
- **Version:** 2.11.5
- **Last updated:** 2025-01-08
- **First published:** 2012-01-09
- **Publisher country:** US
- **Data as of:** 2026-09-12
- **Store listing:** [Google Play Store](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.garmin.android.apps.phonelink)
- **Website:** [https://support.garmin.com/?partNumber=010-00SPL-AP&tab=topics](https://support.garmin.com/?partNumber=010-00SPL-AP&tab=topics)
- **Privacy policy:** [https://www.garmin.com/en-US/privacy/navigonapps/](https://www.garmin.com/en-US/privacy/navigonapps/)

## Description

Smartphone Link is a versatile Chrome extension that enhances your driving experience by connecting your compatible Garmin navigation device with your Android smartphone via Bluetooth. It supports various Garmin navigators, including automotive, RV, motorcycle, and truck models. Once linked, it leverages your existing mobile data plan to deliver real-time driving information such as live traffic updates, parking availability, weather forecasts, and your saved destinations.

The extension offers access to Garmin Live Services, which include address sharing, live parking info, and weather updates. Users can opt for premium live services through one-time in-app purchases, unlocking advanced features like traffic camera feeds, detailed weather radar, and dynamic off-street parking info. Smartphone Link ensures you stay informed and stress-free on the road by integrating essential data directly into your Garmin navigator, making every drive safer and more efficient.

## Rankings

- #31,589 — Overall
- #2 — smartphone

## Review summary

Users report Smartphone Link is often unstable and intrusive. The top complaints are intermittent connectivity with Garmin devices, crashes and unresponsiveness, and outdated map data. Privacy/login friction and Android Auto conflicts add to the pain. Some users do find value in sharing locations with Garmin or using it when the connection works, but overall reliability concerns dominate the reviews.

### Pros

- Easy to find and share locations from your phone to Garmin devices.
- Works with Garmin GPS when the connection is stable.
- Some users appreciate improved Google Maps integration for navigation when connected.

### Cons

- Unstable and intermittent connectivity with Garmin devices / frequent disconnects.
- App crashes, freezes, or becomes unresponsive; issues with background operation.
- Maps/data are not up-to-date; outdated maps and reliance on Google Maps for navigation.
- Privacy and login friction, including mandatory Google login and looping location permissions prompts.
- Android Auto compatibility issues and conflicts with the latest Android Auto version.

## Similar extensions and apps

- [Garmin Smartphone Link](https://chrome-stats.com/d/com.garmin.android.apps.phonelinkapac) — 154,619 users, 5.00 / 5
- [smart nAVVi Link](https://chrome-stats.com/d/jp.co.aisin_aw.nAVViLink) — 63,587 users
- [Garmin add-on for Locus Map](https://chrome-stats.com/d/info.wearsoft.locus.addon.ciq) — 78,977 users, 4.35 / 5
- [Auto Sync Smart Car Link Mate](https://chrome-stats.com/d/com.carplay.applecarplay.mirrorlink.andriod.autocarplay.carplayandroid.app) — 359 users
- [Garmin Explore™](https://chrome-stats.com/d/com.garmin.android.apps.explore) — 2,269,824 users, 3.49 / 5
- [MyRide - Link](https://chrome-stats.com/d/jp.co.yamaha.motor.myridelink) — 43,559 users, 1.00 / 5
- [Carlink Play Connect Auto Sync](https://chrome-stats.com/d/com.carplay.android.car.connect.mirrorlink.auto.happystudiobox) — 65,942 users, 2.94 / 5
- [SLink](https://chrome-stats.com/d/co.kr.telecons.slink) — 86,958 users
- [Phone To Car Linker](https://chrome-stats.com/d/com.phone.to.carlinker) — 4 users
- [Car Play Link for Android](https://chrome-stats.com/d/com.mirror.screen.android.auto.app) — 44 users
- [Auto Sync: Smart Car Link](https://chrome-stats.com/d/com.autosync.carsync.smart.carlink) — 1,483 users
- [Auto Link for Android/Car Play](https://chrome-stats.com/d/com.car.play.carplay.android.applecarplay.autocarplay.carplayandroid) — 433,532 users, 2.88 / 5

---

Source: [Chrome-Stats](https://chrome-stats.com/d/com.garmin.android.apps.phonelink)