Fermata Mirror and FS Mirror Explained
Fermata is best known as a media player, but the project has also included mirroring components that put your phone screen on the car display. They are confusing to newcomers because there are several of them, some are optional, and one was recently switched off. This article untangles it.
The pieces
- Fermata (the player): the main app for music, video, YouTube and IPTV on the car screen.
- Fermata Mirror: projects your phone's screen to the car display in a window, with a launcher where you can pin apps.
- FS Mirror: a full-screen variant of mirroring. It is disabled in 2.0.2.
- Media service: the background piece that exposes your library to Android Auto for audio.
Mirroring was introduced in release 1.9.8 (January 2024), when Fermata Mirror and FS Mirror were added. In 1.9.9 the separate Fermata Control app was removed and a launcher for Fermata Mirror was added.
What mirroring is good for
With a launcher pinned to your favorite phone apps, you can show an app that has no Android Auto version, such as a video app, on the car screen while parked. It is not a replacement for a proper car interface; it is a workaround that comes with caveats.
How the setup works
- Install the Fermata build that includes mirroring from the download page.
- Enable Android Auto developer settings and Unknown sources (see the install guide).
- Grant the Accessibility permission to Fermata on the phone. On some Android versions you must first lift restrictions on that permission for a sideloaded app.
- Open the mirror launcher and pin the apps you want.
Why Accessibility permission?
To interact with another app's screen from the car, the mirroring component needs to perform touches on your behalf. Android provides one route for that: the Accessibility service. It is a powerful permission, which is why it is worth installing only from official sources. We covered this in our safety guide.
Drawbacks to know before you try it
- Battery: mirroring keeps the phone screen on and rendering.
- Heat: a hot dashboard plus a busy phone can overheat. Use a ventilated holder and keep it out of the sun.
- Orientation: mirroring may try to force landscape on the phone.
- Compatibility: some phones and adapters do not play well with it. Reports exist of trouble with certain Samsung One UI versions and some wireless adapters.
- Apps may refuse: some apps block screen capture or show a black screen.
Why FS Mirror was disabled
Since Android Auto 17.3, FS Mirror conflicts with the media service. The developer disabled it in release 2.0.2 so media playback stays reliable. The full story is in Fermata 2.0.2 and Android Auto 17.3.
Should you use mirroring?
If you mainly want a player for music, video, YouTube and IPTV, you do not need mirroring at all; the main app handles those. Use mirroring only if you must show an app that has no other route, and only while parked. And remember: never watch video while driving.
Frequently asked questions
What is Fermata Mirror?
Fermata Mirror projects your phone screen onto the Android Auto display and offers a launcher to pin apps. It requires the Accessibility permission.
Why is FS Mirror disabled?
Since Android Auto 17.3 it conflicts with MediaService, so Fermata 2.0.2 disabled it.