Modern-day cars are equipped with a plethora of useful features in order to make our daily experience both safer and more entertaining. In-car Bluetooth functionality has been around since the early 2000s but was later upgraded to multiple different functions which include in-car calling, audio streaming, GPS, various comfort features, and even some safety features.
All VW cars these days come with Bluetooth functionality which is to be expected since VW cars are modern and in line with the times. However, sometimes these systems can experience a wide variety of problems, some of which are easy to fix while others do require software or even hardware replacements/updates.
The most common VW Bluetooth pairing problems include the central infotainment system failing to pair a device or cutting off the connection for no apparent reason, hands-free cellphone problems, audio playback issues, and issues with the system not recognizing your phone is even there.
These problems tend to have similar/the same solutions which are why you should perform all of these if you can’t seem to manage to get the system up and running. If you fail to fix your problems this way, it’s best to refer to an experienced VW technician/service center as some of these can be due to problems with the car’s essential electrical systems.
Pairing Problems Or The System Can’t Maintain A Consistent Connection
Likely the most common problem with VW Bluetooth functionality is when the system refuses to pair a new device or it drops the connections intermittently. Both of these are rather frustrating as they do require you to pay attention to the system to solve these which means that you shouldn’t be driving while trying to fix these.
The VW MIB system can exhibit problems with corrupted system files and various bugs and glitches which typically tend to lead to these problems. To fix them, it’s best to perform a master reset of the system or update the VW MIB system to its latest iteration. If this does not help you, you should contact your VW dealership as this can also be a hardware issue that will need a professional assessment.
Hands-Free Bluetooth Cellphone Problems
The hands-free Bluetooth cellphone functionality enables you to answer and make calls while driving in a manner that isn’t illegal. This is the only way how you should make and answer calls while behind the wheel as this typically does not require you to take your phone in your hands. However, all of this becomes difficult to rather impossible if the system fails.
In order to solve this, it’s best to go into the MIB infotainment system and forget your Bluetooth device and try to reconnect. This tends to solve the problem in most instances, but if it does not, you should turn off the car and leave it for 10-15 minutes before trying again. It’s also a good idea to check your phone security prompt messages which means that you forgot to enable the function through your phone’s Bluetooth menu.
Bluetooth Audio Playback Issues
Most people these days use Bluetooth connections to stream their music while behind the wheel which can also become a problem if the system refuses to do so. You can educate yourself on how to stream music in your VW before you can start fixing this problem. The first point of interest should be checking if you enabled this function via your phone.
If this does not solve the problem, it’s best to restart your music application on your phone and reconnect to the system. Make sure to turn up the volume on your app and enable media music playback on your central infotainment screen.
VW Bluetooth Does Not Recognize My Phone
The last problem we are going to mention is one where the system can’t even find your phone. First, be sure to turn on your Bluetooth visibility on your phone while searching for your device through the car’s infotainment system. It’s best to rename your phone to something you will easily be able to notice on your car’s infotainment screen.
If you still can’t find your phone, try to turn off your phone and your car and leave them be for 10-15 minutes before trying again. If this does not solve the problem, try to update your phone and your in-car MIB system to its latest iteration before trying again. Lastly, if the problem persists, it is best to come in contact with VW.
FAQ Section
Is It Safe To Use Bluetooth Functions While Driving?
One of the main benefits Bluetooth offers is the ability to use/control your devices while driving. As such, it is indeed safe to do so if you do it in a manner the automaker recommends you do. Also, if your Bluetooth system is glitching or making you focus your attention on solving it while on the road, it’s best to leave everything until you come to a complete stop.
Sometimes these systems can do more harm than good as the calibration of some of these can be an issue. Either way, if everything is as it should be and if you use the system as intended by the manufacturer, it is safe to do so while behind the wheel.
Does VW Offer Bluetooth 5.0?
Bluetooth 5.0 comes with quite a lot of improvements over older systems because it enables you to connect multiple devices at once which tends to come useful for those using separate devices for making calls and playing music/setting the nav. Another benefit of a Bluetooth 5.0 system is that it typically offers a better connection.
Thankfully, all modern-day VW models do come with Bluetooth 5.0 while older (10 years or so) VW models come with older Bluetooth versions.
Does VW Offer Wireless Apple CarPlay And Android Auto?
Only the very latest 2021+ VW models come with wireless CarPlay and Android Auto which means that you need to use a cable if you want to use these functions in older VW models. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto use Bluetooth instead of a wired connection which makes the connection process a lot more seamless and premium-feeling.
