Can I mirror my smartphone without NISSAN CONNECT? For any reason my car always has the nissan connect and info icon grayed out, I'm starting to hate this beauty just because o f this.
My car is maxima exclusive 2016

 

I was under the same illusion when I purchased my 2017 Maxima SL new. The Nissan Connect means the car system connects to your android or apple phone so you can make and receive calls, texts, etc. It also allows you to speak to the on-board GPS maps.

If you use an Apple phone you can do all of that plus use the 8" screen to mirror certain apps on your Apple phone such as Google Maps, Siri Apple Maps, Waze, Pandora, I-Heart Radio, etc. I am an Android guy but I got a used unlocked Apple 6s for free from my daughter, loaded up all the apps I could fine, including those already mentioned. Then loaded up FreedomPop app, then quickly changed that over to free service after I plopped down $20 1-time fee. The FreedomPop app works as good as any other provider I have paid for. Now I get to use Apple Carplay for free music and all the GPS apps I can stand (kinda fond of Waze for now). The little Apple 6s resides out of sight in the lower front storage bin, and pops up the GPS/Music display on the 8" screen every time I start up. I use it mostly for music and GPS but have no problem using it as my everyday phone. That all works just fine for me and I am a happy camper. If I go over the allotted free 200 texts, 200 phone minutes, 200mb internet service per month, which I won't, I can reach for my Galaxy J7 android which has more than enough service, for which I pay about $130/year for.

 

Very creative solution you offer. Thanks for spelling out the details.! RT