VW Bluetooth Not Working (Causes And Fixes)
So your VW Bluetooth has decided to stop working? If yes, you’re not alone. Many other VW car owners often deal with their Bluetooth suddenly taking a leave. We have researched more about this issue and gathered helpful info on why it happens and how you can fix it.
VW Bluetooth not working can be caused by many different issues including:
- Improper device connection
- Compatibility issues
- Bluetooth is disabled on your device
- Issues with the MIB (modular infotainment system)
- Outdated phone OS
- Outdated MIB software
- Smartphone errors
- Signal range
- Low volume
- Incorrect Bluetooth settings
This article will dig deeper into why your VW Bluetooth has stopped working and what you can do to resolve the issue. We’ll also discuss additional helpful info such as how to reset your Bluetooth module, why your Bluetooth is connected but not sound, and more.
VW Bluetooth not working causes:
Here are the most common reasons why your Volkswagen Bluetooth may have stopped working:
The device isn’t properly connected
One of the common issues that may make your Bluetooth stop working is not connecting your device properly.
Your device may be unable to connect to your VW infotainment system due to a wide range of issues such as signal blockers or connection range.
Compatibility issues
It’s also likely that you have an incompatible device preventing a successful connection as your device may not be Bluetooth-enabled.
In this case, your Volkswagen system will be unable to decode the device and connect with it.
Also, some older vehicles might be incompatible with newer mobile devices.
Bluetooth is off
The Bluetooth feature may also be disabled on your mobile phone or your vehicle’s infotainment system.
This is an often overlooked issue but most of the time, it turns out you may have forgotten to enable this feature on your vehicle or phone.
Needless to say, Bluetooth won’t work if it’s not enabled.
The volume could be low
In some cases, you may have successfully connected your Bluetooth, but the volume is too low that you can’t hear anything.
In this case, you may think your Bluetooth is malfunctioning.
Issues with VW MIB
The VW MIB software is tasked with managing your vehicle’s infotainment and audio systems, including Bluetooth connections.
However, if this system starts malfunctioning, it may cause issues with your vehicle’s Bluetooth system. These issues include pairing issues, connectivity problems, or audio dropouts.
The infotainment system memory may also get overwhelmed and lead to Bluetooth connectivity issues.
Smartphone errors
Various smartphone errors could also create difficulties when trying to connect to your VW Bluetooth system.
For instance, your phone operating system could be outdated or have software issues with restricted functions.
Random glitches and bugs may also catch up with older iOS versions as well as non-Apple products, leading to connection problems.
If you have tried multiple times to connect with no results, you may be facing software issues with your smartphone.
In this case, you may consider taking it where you purchased it so that it can be looked into.
Incorrect Bluetooth settings
You may also be experiencing problems with your vehicle Bluetooth because your Bluetooth settings are incorrect.
This is especially common if you recently changed your vehicle battery. This tends to return all your Bluetooth settings to default.
In other words, your customer settings are wiped out and you will need to reset them in your car all over again.
Outdated software
If your vehicle’s infotainment software is outdated, it could also cause Bluetooth feature malfunction. Some of the updates that the manufacturers keep releasing tend to impact connectivity issues, so you should not ignore this potential culprit.
Recently updated your phone OS
If you recently updated your phone operating system, it may also have unpaired your phone to the vehicle. This will also result in your Bluetooth malfunctioning when you try to establish a connection. Updating your device software may also help resolve compatibility issues.
Other potential causes for your VW Bluetooth not to work include reaching the maximum number of paired devices, a defective Bluetooth module, and a low car or phone battery level.
How do you get your VW Bluetooth to work?
To get your VW Bluetooth to work again, you’ll need to diagnose the underlying issue and resolve it.
Below, we have discussed some helpful troubleshooting tips to help you revive your VW Bluetooth feature:
- Start by ensuring that your device is compatible with your Volkswagen Bluetooth system.
- Next, ensure the Bluetooth feature is enabled on your phone or device as well as in your vehicle infotainment system.
- Confirm whether you’re within proper range from your vehicle when trying to connect your device to the VW Bluetooth system. If you’re too far, consider moving closer to your vehicle.
- Check that your device’s Bluetooth connection visibility is on to promote hassle-free pairing with your vehicle.
- Reboot your phone and restart your vehicle to see if it helps resolve the Bluetooth issue. Turn the two off for a few seconds and then turn them back on and try to connect them again.
- Assuming you have previously paired your phone/device with your VW, consider deleting the old pairings from both your vehicle and phone Bluetooth settings. Now try pairing them afresh to see if they will connect.
- If you had previously paired your phone to your VW, unpair and repair your VW Bluetooth connection on your phone. Simply go to your phone BT connections and forget the VW Bluetooth connection. Similarly, delete your phone on your VW infotainment system. Now attempt to pair the two again.
- Ensure both your phone OS and your infotainment system software are up-to-date. This may help resolve connectivity and compatibility issues you may be experiencing.
- Check if you have reached the maximum number of paired devices on your VW MIB. If yes, simply delete some of the old pairings to create room for your device to successfully connect with your vehicle.
- Disconnect the Bluetooth module, usually situated underneath the passenger seat, and then reconnect it again. This helps reset the module and may help fix the Bluetooth connection issue.
- Clear the Bluetooth cache on your Android phone and then try to connect it to your VW Bluetooth system to see if it works.
- Reset your car infotainment to its factory settings. However, this action may erase all the settings and preferences in the system. So, you’d want to consider it as a last resort. Also, you’d want to back up any important data that may be lost in the process.
If you have tried all the above fixes but still can’t fix the Bluetooth issue, we advise you to contact VW customer support or your local VW dealership for further assistance.
How do you reset your VW Bluetooth Module?
As we’ve just mentioned above, resetting your VW Bluetooth module is one of the troubleshooting steps to consider if you’re experiencing connectivity issues.
However, the exact process may differ depending on your VW model and the infotainment system you’re using.
Below are the general steps for resetting your Volkswagen Bluetooth:
Step 1. Locate your VW Bluetooth module. Most people are unable to access the module in their vehicle.
You can easily find it under the passenger seat, above your glove box. It can be built into the head unit or console depending on your VW trim.
Step 2. Once you get to the Bluetooth module, you’ll see a wide connector. Pull out this connector and then reconnect it back after a few seconds. Make sure it properly locks in place.
Step 3. Now turn on your car ignition and test your Bluetooth connection again.
Here’s a video showing you how to reset your VW Bluetooth module:
Video:
Why is your VW Bluetooth connected but no sound?
If you have a situation where your Bluetooth connection is okay but you get no audio, there are several steps to follow to help you fix this issue.
You‘ll first need to check the volume settings on your phone and VW infotainment system. If it’s muted, simply turn it up to see if you’ll hear a sound.
Some mobile devices have a separate volume for media and calls. Ensure your phone media volume is turned up.
Next, check whether the media output on your media source is set to your VW infotainment system. Some systems usually have the default setting to output to a different audio source.
Ensure the media is playing on your device. The media may have been paused or stopped unintentionally, leading to no sound.
Consider disconnecting and reconnecting your car to the VW Bluetooth system to see if it helps.
Check that your phone OS and your vehicle infotainment system software are up to date
Also, ensure that the phone and your vehicle infotainment system are compatible
Try resetting your vehicle’s Bluetooth module to see if the audio problem will be resolved.
Why your VW Bluetooth connection keeps dropping
If you have a situation when your Bluetooth connection keeps dropping, then the cause could be a software issue with your smartphone or infotainment system.
You may also notice that the drop happens when you hit a pothole or speed bump.
In this case, the culprit is most likely a loose wire, so you may want to check your wires and connections.
FAQs:
Your iPhone may not be connecting to your VW Bluetooth system due to compatibility issues, pairing problems, software glitches, or due to outdated software. To fix this issue, ensure your vehicle and phone Bluetooth is enabled and try restarting both devices before you attempt to pair them again.
Your VW Passat Bluetooth may not be visible due to software problems, pairing issues, or device compatibility.
If your VW Golf Bluetooth is not working, there are many different culprits to consider as we discussed in this article. Refer to our section above on the potential culprits that may cause your VW Bluetooth to stop working.
Conclusion
The Volkswagen Bluetooth system is known to malfunction from time to time. The most common causes for this issue include improper connection, compatibility issues, outdated phone OS, issues with the MIB, outdated MIB software, smartphone errors, signal range, improper Bluetooth settings, or a faulty Bluetooth module.
By following the troubleshooting steps we have discussed in the above guide, you will be able to fix the VW Bluetooth not working issue in your vehicle. Remember, if the problem persists, you should consult a professional for further assistance.
