Vehicle Software Updates

The latest software updates occur over-the-air (OTA) and may include new features and enhanced functionality.

Get updates over the air

Over-the-air (OTA) updates are a convenient way to keep your vehicle's software up-to-date . These updates are delivered wirelessly directly to your car, much like how a smartphone receives software updates. This means your Volkswagen can receive the latest enhancements, features, and security improvements.

Your benefits

Updated performance and safety-enhancing features
Optimized systems and functionality
Fixes for bugs and better connectivity with the latest devices and apps

Man leaning against electric vehicle with mobile phone.

Why does my vehicle need software updates?
Like your computer or smartphone, your vehicle has embedded software fully integrated within the vehicle. Updates are made available to improve operation, performance, or comfort of your vehicle, and may include new features or functionality. Accordingly, completing a software update when available is important. Some features and functions might not be available or optimal if updates are not completed.
What is an over-the-air (OTA) software update?
Using vehicle network connectivity, we can update your eligible vehicle’s software remotely or “over-the-air”, making this routine maintenance quick and convenient, saving you time.
How will I know when an OTA update is available?
When an OTA software update is available, we attempt to notify you in several ways, which may include an email, a myVW app or in-vehicle notification, or by mail.

Young woman in front of electric vehicle.

Over-the-air updates checklist

What's necessary for a successful over-the-air update?

Most model years 2020 and newer are eligible to receive available over-the-air (OTA) updates. Requires the myVW mobile app and acceptance of the myVW and Car-Net terms of service.

Green light on: With your vehicle running, check your overhead console to verify there is a green light illuminated indicating your vehicle is "online" and able to communicate with Volkswagen servers
Network coverage: OTA updates are delivered to your vehicle using cellular connectivity, so cellular network coverage is critical for a successful update. If network connectivity becomes limited during the process, the update will pause, but will automatically resume if network connectivity becomes available
Battery charge (EV only): For electric vehicles, your vehicle must have a battery charge of 50% or more

Your step-by-step over-the-air updates process

For eligible vehicles, there are two steps to complete an over-the-air update: download and install. First, the vehicle automatically downloads the update through the vehicle's data connection. Once the download is complete, you'll be prompted to install the update, helping your vehicle remain up-to-date with the latest features and improvements.

1

Download

For electric vehicles and some MY25 gasoline vehicles, once you’ve accepted the myVW and Car-Net Terms of Service, and provided consent to download the software in your vehicle through the myVW mobile app, the download will occur automatically while the vehicle is in operation.

For all other vehicles whose owners have accepted the myVW and Car-Net Terms of Service, an in-vehicle message will display on your infotainment screen prompting you to initiate each step. At that time, you will have the option to “download” or “cancel”. To begin the software download, select “Download”. You may safely drive the vehicle during the download process. Turning off the ignition will automatically pause the download, but it will resume the next time you start your vehicle. Therefore, it may take several vehicle trips for the download to complete.

To postpone the download, select “Cancel” on the in-vehicle display. You will be prompted again to initiate the download each time you start your vehicle while the OTA update is available, which may be for a limited time. If at any point the software update becomes available through your local Volkswagen dealer, you will be notified by mail or email.

2

Installation

Warning

For electric vehicles: Do not charge your vehicle during installation
For all eligible vehicles: The vehicle cannot be driven during software installation. Before choosing to install, please park your vehicle in a safe location
During the installation process, all Volkswagen connected services and Safe & Secure emergency response systems will not be active

Once the software download is complete, your vehicle is ready for the installation to begin. As soon as you turn your ignition off, your infotainment screen will prompt you to begin installation by tapping “Start” or selecting “Cancel” if you need to delay. Installation time will vary based on the size of the update but can take up to 60 minutes. Once the installation begins, you can leave and lock your vehicle. The vehicle must remain parked and off.

When complete, your infotainment screen will display an “Installation Successful” notification the next time your vehicle is started. You may also receive a confirmation of completion by email or verify completion in the myVW mobile app under the Service tab.

View of red 2024 Volkswagen ID.4 in the desert

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I opt-out of over-the-air updates?

If you’ve never enrolled in myVW and accepted the myVW and Car-Net terms of service, your vehicle will not be eligible to receive over-the-air (OTA) updates. If you’ve enrolled in myVW, you may unenroll which will revoke your eligibility for an OTA.

Alternatively, you may postpone an OTA by selecting “Cancel” in the myVW mobile app or on your infotainment screen when prompted to download and/or install the software update. By doing so, the update will not complete.

It's possible the software update may become available at your local Volkswagen dealer for an in-person installation at which time you will be notified of its availability.

How is my data used during an over-the-air update?

How do I know which software version is currently installed in my vehicle?

Which features do I get from the latest over-the-air update?

Do I incur any cost for an over-the-air update?

Will the vehicle warranty be forfeited if I do not install software updates?

Why haven’t I received a notification about the over-the-air (OTA) update yet?

Updates are rolled out in batches across all vehicles in operation. When an OTA software update is available, we attempt to notify you in several ways, which may include an email, a myVW app or in-vehicle notification, or by mail.

If you're unsure if your vehicle qualifies for an Over-the-Air Update or you have not received notification, you can confirm using our look-up tool. Simply enter your VIN to view any open campaigns, including software updates available for your vehicle and contact your dealer for next steps.

My over-the-air installation failed, now what?

Can I install the over-the-air update without a data connection?

Why are there no visible changes after my over-the-air update?

I accidentally bypassed the notification that the over-the-air update is ready to install. How can I complete the installation?

For electric vehicles, is there a minimum state-of-charge required for the over-the-air update?

Can I charge my electric vehicle during the over-the-air software installation?

Find answers about vehicle software updates

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Vehicle software updates