Outsource VAG coding as a garage or dealer

Many Volkswagen, Seat, Skoda and Audi models with an MIB2 or MIB2.5 system already have the hardware for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on board. The feature is locked in the software. Carro Automotive activates it through the OBD port, without any physical changes to the car.

The result works like a factory option: CarPlay appears in the menu as soon as an iPhone is connected via USB. The original screen stays in place.

Where activation is not possible, for example on older systems such as the RNS 510/RCD 510 or RNS 310/315, or on MIB1 (early Golf 7 generation), the alternative is a CarPlay module behind the original screen (from €249) or a new screen (from €199).

• Volkswagen, Seat and Skoda with MIB2 or MIB2.5 (roughly from model year 2015–2016; for earlier cars, the software version is decisive)
• Audi A1, A3, Q2, Q3 and TT
• Apple CarPlay and, where the system supports it, Android Auto
• Reversible to the original coding

For each car, you pass on the make, model, year and software version. The version is shown in the infotainment menu under system information, after 'SW'. If in doubt, a photo of that screen or the VIN is enough.

You then bring the car to the workshop at Stavorenweg 4 in Gouda, or a block is scheduled for several cars. The existing coding is saved before the change. After activation, CarPlay is tested with a phone.

Older MIB2 cars, especially from 2016 and earlier, often have an MDI connector instead of a standard USB port. CarPlay then requires a USB upgrade.

A dealer software update can reset the coding to the factory setting, for example during servicing or a recall. The feature can then be activated again. The activation itself carries a 2-year warranty.