VAG coding for garages, dealers and body shops

Many VAG cars (Volkswagen, Seat, Skoda and Audi) already have the hardware for Apple CarPlay inside the MIB2 or MIB2.5 infotainment system. The feature is disabled at the factory and is unlocked by changing the coding of the infotainment module.

Coding is done through the OBD-II diagnostic port, with no physical changes to the car. The result works like a factory option: CarPlay appears in the menu as soon as a phone is connected by USB.

The work requires specific knowledge of each platform and software version. By handing it to Carro Automotive, you can offer customers the feature without investing in specialist equipment.

Carro Automotive currently codes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto; other coding only by arrangement.

Carro Automotive activates Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on MIB2 and MIB2.5 systems. This includes the Volkswagen Golf 7 and 7.5, Polo, Passat B8, Tiguan, T-Roc and Transporter T6, the Seat Leon, Ibiza, Arona and Ateca, the Skoda Octavia 3, Superb 3, Karoq and Kodiaq, and the Audi A1, A3, Q2, Q3 and TT.

Before any coding, a backup of the existing coding is always made so the original state can be restored. Other platforms, such as MIB3 or Audi MIB High, need a separate assessment.

• Supported: MIB2 and MIB2.5 in Volkswagen, Seat, Skoda and Audi
• Not by coding: older systems such as the RNS 510/RCD 510, MIB1 (early Golf 7 generation), RNS 310/315 and Audi MMI 3G/3G+; the alternative is a CarPlay module
• Not by coding: Composition Colour without a touchscreen; the alternative is a new screen
• Separate assessment: MIB3 and Audi MIB High

You bring the car to the workshop at Stavorenweg 4 in Gouda, or Carro Automotive schedules a block in which several cars are coded one after another. The workshop is open 7 days a week by appointment.

For larger numbers, coding at your premises can be arranged. Volume pricing is available on request. After handover you receive an overview per vehicle of the work carried out.

Whether activation works depends on the software version of the infotainment system. On VW, Seat and Skoda you find it under MENU > Settings > System information, after 'SW:'. On Audi it is under System settings > Version information.

Send a photo of this screen by WhatsApp beforehand, or the chassis number (VIN) if the version cannot be found. That way you know before the appointment whether the car is suitable.

Older MIB2 cars, usually from 2016 or earlier, sometimes have an MDI connector instead of USB. These need a USB upgrade at extra cost.

The activation carries a 2-year warranty. If the coding disappears on its own, or a mistake was made during coding, the car is recoded free of charge.

A software update at the dealer can reset the coding to factory settings. That is not covered by the warranty, but within 2 years of the first activation the car is reactivated at a reduced rate, on proof of the dealer visit.

Physical damage to the OBD port or the infotainment system, and problems caused by coding changes made by third parties, are not covered.