Phone

Smartphone Link

Travel & Local • Garmin • ⭐ 2.70 • 1,000,000+

Connect for a Better Drive

Version 2.11.11 19.5 MB Everyone

Screenshots

Permissions Explained 28 permissions requested View details

This app requests 28 permissions. The table below explains what each permission may allow and what users should review before installing.

Status	Permission	What it means	Why it may be used	User safety note
ℹ️ Review	Query All Packages android.permission.QUERY_ALL_PACKAGES	This is an Android permission or app-specific permission requested by the app.	The app may use this permission for features related to its category, device support, background behavior, storage, connectivity, or system integration.	Review this permission before installing, especially if it does not match the app’s expected purpose.
ℹ️ Review	Com Garmin Android Apps Phonelink Permission Receive Broadcasts com.garmin.android.apps.phonelink.permission.RECEIVE_BROADCASTS	This is an Android permission or app-specific permission requested by the app.	The app may use this permission for features related to its category, device support, background behavior, storage, connectivity, or system integration.	Review this permission before installing, especially if it does not match the app’s expected purpose.
ℹ️ Review	Phonelink Permission phonelink.permission	This is an Android permission or app-specific permission requested by the app.	The app may use this permission for features related to its category, device support, background behavior, storage, connectivity, or system integration.	Review this permission before installing, especially if it does not match the app’s expected purpose.
ℹ️ Review	Keep device awake android.permission.WAKE_LOCK	Allows the app to prevent the device from sleeping while a task is running.	Used for media playback, downloads, navigation, alarms, calls, or long-running background tasks.	Review battery usage if the app keeps the device awake too often.
ℹ️ Review	Launcher Permission Install Shortcut com.android.launcher.permission.INSTALL_SHORTCUT	This is an Android permission or app-specific permission requested by the app.	The app may use this permission for features related to its category, device support, background behavior, storage, connectivity, or system integration.	Review this permission before installing, especially if it does not match the app’s expected purpose.
ℹ️ Review	Com Garmin Permission Write My Locations com.garmin.permission.WRITE_MY_LOCATIONS	This is an Android permission or app-specific permission requested by the app.	The app may use this permission for features related to its category, device support, background behavior, storage, connectivity, or system integration.	Review this permission before installing, especially if it does not match the app’s expected purpose.
⚠️ Sensitive	Precise location android.permission.ACCESS_FINE_LOCATION	Allows the app to access the device’s precise location when granted by the user.	Used for maps, navigation, local recommendations, weather, rideshare, nearby devices, or location-based content.	Sensitive permission. Grant only when location access matches the app’s purpose.
⚠️ Sensitive	Approximate location android.permission.ACCESS_COARSE_LOCATION	Allows the app to access an approximate device location.	Used for weather, local content, regional features, nearby services, or location-based settings.	Sensitive permission. Review whether the app needs location access.
✅ Common	Vibration control android.permission.VIBRATE	Allows the app to control device vibration.	Used for notifications, alerts, haptic feedback, timers, alarms, or game feedback.	Generally low risk by itself.
ℹ️ Review	Bluetooth Admin android.permission.BLUETOOTH_ADMIN	This is an Android permission or app-specific permission requested by the app.	The app may use this permission for features related to its category, device support, background behavior, storage, connectivity, or system integration.	Review this permission before installing, especially if it does not match the app’s expected purpose.
ℹ️ Review	Bluetooth access android.permission.BLUETOOTH	Allows the app to use Bluetooth features.	Used for headphones, controllers, wearables, cars, smart devices, nearby sharing, or accessories.	Review if the app has no obvious nearby-device or accessory feature.
✅ Common	Internet access android.permission.INTERNET	Allows the app to open network connections and communicate with online services.	Commonly used for streaming, syncing, login, ads, analytics, downloads, cloud features, and app updates.	Common permission. Review the app’s behavior if it does not appear to need online access.
✅ Common	View network status android.permission.ACCESS_NETWORK_STATE	Allows the app to check whether the device is connected to Wi-Fi, mobile data, or another network.	Often used to avoid loading content when offline or to adjust loading based on connection quality.	Generally low risk by itself.
ℹ️ Review	Access Wifi State android.permission.ACCESS_WIFI_STATE	This is an Android permission or app-specific permission requested by the app.	The app may use this permission for features related to its category, device support, background behavior, storage, connectivity, or system integration.	Review this permission before installing, especially if it does not match the app’s expected purpose.
ℹ️ Review	Use Credentials android.permission.USE_CREDENTIALS	This is an Android permission or app-specific permission requested by the app.	The app may use this permission for features related to its category, device support, background behavior, storage, connectivity, or system integration.	Review this permission before installing, especially if it does not match the app’s expected purpose.
ℹ️ Review	Get Accounts android.permission.GET_ACCOUNTS	This is an Android permission or app-specific permission requested by the app.	The app may use this permission for features related to its category, device support, background behavior, storage, connectivity, or system integration.	Review this permission before installing, especially if it does not match the app’s expected purpose.
ℹ️ Review	Manage Accounts android.permission.MANAGE_ACCOUNTS	This is an Android permission or app-specific permission requested by the app.	The app may use this permission for features related to its category, device support, background behavior, storage, connectivity, or system integration.	Review this permission before installing, especially if it does not match the app’s expected purpose.
ℹ️ Review	Foreground Service android.permission.FOREGROUND_SERVICE	This is an Android permission or app-specific permission requested by the app.	The app may use this permission for features related to its category, device support, background behavior, storage, connectivity, or system integration.	Review this permission before installing, especially if it does not match the app’s expected purpose.
ℹ️ Review	Bluetooth Scan android.permission.BLUETOOTH_SCAN	This is an Android permission or app-specific permission requested by the app.	The app may use this permission for features related to its category, device support, background behavior, storage, connectivity, or system integration.	Review this permission before installing, especially if it does not match the app’s expected purpose.
ℹ️ Review	Connect to Bluetooth devices android.permission.BLUETOOTH_CONNECT	Allows the app to connect to paired Bluetooth devices.	Used for audio devices, controllers, watches, cars, sensors, and smart accessories.	Review paired-device access if the app does not need Bluetooth features.
ℹ️ Review	Read Logs android.permission.READ_LOGS	This is an Android permission or app-specific permission requested by the app.	The app may use this permission for features related to its category, device support, background behavior, storage, connectivity, or system integration.	Review this permission before installing, especially if it does not match the app’s expected purpose.
ℹ️ Review	Receive Boot Completed android.permission.RECEIVE_BOOT_COMPLETED	This is an Android permission or app-specific permission requested by the app.	The app may use this permission for features related to its category, device support, background behavior, storage, connectivity, or system integration.	Review this permission before installing, especially if it does not match the app’s expected purpose.
⚠️ Sensitive	Read contacts android.permission.READ_CONTACTS	Allows the app to read contacts stored on the device.	Used for messaging, calling, social features, contact sync, invitations, or account matching.	Sensitive permission. Review carefully if the app does not need contact-related features.
⚠️ Sensitive	Modify external storage android.permission.WRITE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE	Allows the app to write or modify files in shared device storage.	Used for saving downloads, media files, exports, edited documents, backups, or cached content.	Sensitive permission. Make sure file access matches the app’s purpose.
⚠️ Sensitive	Read external storage android.permission.READ_EXTERNAL_STORAGE	Allows the app to read files from shared device storage.	Used by media players, file managers, backup apps, editors, upload tools, and document apps.	Sensitive permission. Review carefully if the app does not need access to files or media.
ℹ️ Review	C2dm Permission Receive com.google.android.c2dm.permission.RECEIVE	This is an Android permission or app-specific permission requested by the app.	The app may use this permission for features related to its category, device support, background behavior, storage, connectivity, or system integration.	Review this permission before installing, especially if it does not match the app’s expected purpose.
ℹ️ Review	Gms Permission Ad Id com.google.android.gms.permission.AD_ID	This is an Android permission or app-specific permission requested by the app.	The app may use this permission for features related to its category, device support, background behavior, storage, connectivity, or system integration.	Review this permission before installing, especially if it does not match the app’s expected purpose.
ℹ️ Review	Finsky Permission Bind Get Install Referrer Service com.google.android.finsky.permission.BIND_GET_INSTALL_REFERRER_SERVICE	This is an Android permission or app-specific permission requested by the app.	The app may use this permission for features related to its category, device support, background behavior, storage, connectivity, or system integration.	Review this permission before installing, especially if it does not match the app’s expected purpose.

About Smartphone Link

Smartphone Link works with select Bluetooth® enabled Garmin navigation devices, including most products from the following product categories: • Garmin Drive™, Garmin DriveSmart™, Garmin DriveAssist™, Garmin DriveLuxe™ automotive navigators • Garmin RV and Camper navigators • zūmo motorcycle navigators • dēzl truck navigators • some nüvi automotive navigators (3597/3598/2x17/2x18/2x97/2x98/2x67/2x68/2577) Check garmin.com/spl for a detailed list of compatible Garmin devices. Some models require a software update, available at garmin.com/express Smartphone Link allows you to connect a compatible Garmin navigator and your Android smartphone. Once linked, the compatible Garmin navigator uses your existing mobile data plan[1] to share information with your Android smartphone, including contacts, search results, favorite locations, your driving destination, and even your parking spot. With Smartphone Link, your compatible Garmin navigator can also access Garmin Live Services[2] for useful, real-time driving information. What Are Garmin Live Services? Garmin Live Services provide the most up-to-date “live” information to your Garmin navigator using your existing mobile data plan. There’s no need for an additional data connection. Some services are included when you connect to Smartphone Link. Other services within the app are available through optional paid subscriptions offering premium content and enhanced features. To receive data relevant to your location, Garmin Live Services require your current GPS location be shared with Garmin and Garmin partners. Included Live Services: • Address sharing - Send locations and online search results from your phone to your compatible Garmin navigator, and navigate there • Garmin Live Traffic Avoid delays and find detours with the best-in-class real-time information. Garmin Live Traffic is updated every minute and receives more than 1,000 messages every update cycle • Live Parking[3] Save time, and take the stress out of parking. View helpful parking information, including pricing and availability trends for on-street public parking, as you approach your destination. • Weather - View forecasts and current conditions • Last Mile - Remembers your parking spot and shows your destination, so you can find your way on foot and back again Premium Live Services, available for a one-time[4] purchase within the app, include: • photoLive traffic cameras[2] Look up live photos from over 10,000 traffic cameras to see traffic and weather conditions • Advanced Weather[2] View detailed forecasts, current conditions, and animated radar images, plus receive severe weather alerts • Dynamic Off-Street Parking[2] Find parking close to your destination, including the number of spots available and current cost [1] Contact your mobile service provider for more information about your service plan’s data and roaming rates. [2] Restrictions apply. Not available in all areas. Subscriptions required. [3] Parking data is available for most…

What Smartphone Link Is Used For

Smartphone Link appears to be Garmin’s companion app for connecting an Android phone to select Bluetooth-enabled Garmin navigation devices. Based on the metadata, it is commonly used to share phone data with a compatible Garmin navigator, such as contacts, saved locations, search results, and a destination you want to navigate to. It may also help keep your navigation experience tied to your current phone and location data while driving, riding, or traveling with a supported Garmin unit.

The app also appears to support Garmin Live Services, which can provide driving-related information like traffic, parking details, weather, and last-mile guidance. Its permissions, including location, Bluetooth, contacts, network access, and account-related access, fit a use case centered on syncing navigation content and delivering location-based updates. This makes it most relevant for users who already rely on a compatible Garmin device in a car, RV, motorcycle, or truck context, rather than as a standalone map app on the phone itself.

Common uses

Connects an Android phone to a compatible Garmin navigator
Shares destinations, contacts, and saved places to the Garmin device
Helps access traffic, parking, and weather information while traveling
May support location-based guidance for reaching the final destination
Useful for drivers, riders, RV users, and truck navigation setups
Relies on Bluetooth, location, and internet access for syncing and live updates

Best for:

Garmin navigator owners Drivers and commuters RV and truck users Motorcycle riders Phone-to-navigator syncing

Related tags

App Details

Package:
com.garmin.android.apps.phonelink

Category:
Travel & Local

Developer:
Garmin

Version:
2.11.11

Updated:
Jan 8, 2025

Min Android:
7.0

Age Rating:
Everyone

Contains Ads:
No

In-App Purchases:
Yes

Official Listing

Official listing available on Google Play
Package name: com.garmin.android.apps.phonelink
Age rating: Everyone

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How to Download Smartphone Link

If this app is not hosted directly on APKApps official link, then for the safest and most up-to-date version, install it from its official Google Play listing.