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Why Do I See a Black Screen with Mirrored Text When Starting Navigation? (Head-Up Display Explained)
Summary:
If you start navigation and see a black screen with large mirrored text, don’t worry this isn’t an error. What you’re seeing is Magic Earth’s Head-Up Display (HUD) mode. The HUD projects essential navigation information onto your car’s windshield at night, allowing you to drive safely without looking down at your phone screen.
This feature is useful for nighttime driving but may be confusing if enabled accidentally. You can easily turn it off or adjust its settings from within the app.
Understanding Head-Up Display (HUD):
The HUD mirrors key navigation details such as current speed, next turn, and distance to destination.
It is designed to be reflected on the windshield when your device is placed flat on your dashboard.
If your device isn’t positioned for reflection, the screen will simply appear black with mirrored white text which can look like an error screen.
Steps to Turn Off the Head-Up Display:
On Android:
Open the Magic Earth app.
Tap the Account icon → Settings → Navigation → Car.
Locate the Head-Up Display option.
Toggle it Off to disable the feature.
On iOS:
Open Magic Earth.
Tap the Account icon → Settings → General → Navigation → Car.
Find Head-Up Display and switch it Off.
Optional: Enabling or Customizing HUD (If You Use It Intentionally)
You can enable HUD again anytime from the same settings menu.
For best reflection results, place your phone flat on the dashboard under the windshield.
The application will automatically change to maximum screen brightness, but if the system denies the adjustment due to other settings we recommend changing it yourself.
Notes:
HUD is designed primarily for drivers who prefer a mirrored windshield projection at night.
The display may appear reversed on the device.
If you still see a black screen even after disabling HUD, restart Magic Earth and check your device’s Display Settings or battery saver mode, which may dim or block the navigation UI.