Data transmission
Cyber security
Cyber security describes measures that
reduce the risk of illegal access to
vehicle functions, data and control
modules caused by malware or an
Internet attack.
What are connectivity components?
Control modules for data transmission, interfaces, media and diagnostic connections are connectivity components, through which information and data can be
exchanged between the vehicle and external devices or the Internet.
Connectivity components are the key points for cyber security. Connectivity components are also equipped with security mechanisms that minimize the risk of
unauthorized access to vehicle systems.
The following connectivity components may not be available in all vehicles:
Diagnostic connection port
Control module with installed eSIM card.
Mobile phone interface
App-Connect.
NFC radio technology.
Bluetooth® interface.
USB port.
Security mechanisms
Software and security mechanisms available in the vehicle undergo continuous development. Similar to computers or operating systems on cell phones, software
and security mechanisms in the vehicle may also be updated at various times.
Generally, system updates improve the security, stability, and processing speeds of the vehicle systems in vehicles.
WARNING
In spite of the integrated security mechanisms, malware can cause malfunctions in control modules and the vehicle. Malfunctions may cause serious accidents
and fatal injuries.
If the vehicle works or reacts differently to normal, reduce your speed in a controlled manner.
Contact qualified professionals for assistance. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service
Facility.
Malware can also access data and information that are stored in the control modules, in the Infotainment system, on connected data carriers, and in paired cell
phones.
Minimizing risks
You can actively help to reduce the risk of unauthorized access to vehicle systems and functions by following these guidelines:
Only use data carriers, Bluetooth devices and cell phones in the vehicle that do not contain any manipulated data or malware.
Install the system updates provided by Volkswagen immediately ⇒ System update.
Only have the vehicle repaired and serviced by suitably qualified professionals. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or
authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
WARNING
Computers, data carriers and cell phones that are connected to the Internet or are used in public or private networks can be infected by viruses through
manipulated data and by malware. This may cause a complete loss of data or damage to computers, data carriers or cell phones.
Protect computers, data carriers and cell phones with a suitable antivirus program and by taking generally recognized precautions.
Regularly update the antivirus program using the supplied system updates or upgrades provided by the vendor.
System update
Introduction
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The system update is a preventative
measure, for example, to protect from
malware and to optimize functionality.
A system update can be used to update the software of control modules in the vehicle.
Depending on the vehicle and country, this can be performed in two ways:
System update by a suitably qualified authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
System update by Volkswagen via an Over-the-Air Update.
How do I recognize an upcoming system update?
When switched on, the Infotainment system displays an upcoming system update.
If multiple system updates are available for the vehicle at a given time, one system update must be successfully completed before the next system update can be
carried out.
WARNING
In very occasional circumstances, there is the possibility that a control module may no longer work properly after a system update. Malfunctions in a control
module and the vehicle can cause serious accidents and fatal injuries.
If the vehicle works or reacts differently to normal while driving, reduce your speed in a controlled manner.
Contact qualified professionals for assistance. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service
Facility.
WARNING
If the digital instrument cluster malfunctions after a system update, no instruments, warning lights, symbols or messages can be displayed. Driving with a
malfunctioning instrument cluster can lead to serious accidents and fatal injuries.
Do not use the vehicle. Contact Volkswagen Customer Care.
A measure (e.g. engine tuning) to increase performance or efficiency that has not been undertaken by Volkswagen may be undone when you update the
system.
Depending on the vehicle equipment, “release notes” that describe the changes to the vehicle status may be displayed once before or after a system update.
The release notes cannot be viewed again after this.
Prerequisites for a system update
Please read the introductory information and heed the Warnings and Notice ⇒
Introduction.
The following prerequisites must be met so that the system update download can take place and you can install the software.
The “system update” function is available in your country.
You have assigned the vehicle to your active Volkswagen user account.
A primary user has been set up.
The vehicle is in an area with enough mobile reception.
The 12-volt vehicle battery is sufficiently charged.
Download and software installation
Please read the introductory information and heed the Warnings and Notice ⇒
Introduction.
Download
A system update is automatically downloaded without a prior message and is possible even while driving.
The download duration depends on the network quality, file size and type of system update.
The download can be interrupted at any time and then continued if required by switching on the ignition.
Prerequisites for download
The requirements for the system update have been met ⇒ Prerequisites for a system update .
An Internet connection is possible via the integrated eSIM card at the vehicle's current location ⇒ Parking.
The vehicle is parked safely in accordance with legal requirements and local conditions ⇒ Parking.
Software installation
Select a time for the software installation of a system update at which neither you nor any other person needs to use the vehicle.
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WARNING
Control units are deactivated and do not operate for the duration of any software installation. Driving with deactivated or non-functioning control units can lead
to accidents and fatal injuries.
Never operate your vehicle during a software installation.
Functional limitations during software installation
During software installation, control units, functions and displays will not be available. Do not use the vehicle during this process and do not operate the Infotainmen
system.
The vehicle's drive system is blocked from being activated by the system.
The high-voltage battery is not charged.
The diagnostic connection port is deactivated.
Control modules, the central processor, functions and displays are not available. Do not use the vehicle during this process.
Following the software installation
After the software installation and before establishing drive-ready mode, read the message regarding completion of the installation in the Infotainment system and
instrument cluster. The vehicle takes up to a minute to display the system update status.
The vehicle's drive system can be activated following the successful software installation.
If the software installation is unsuccessful: ⇒ Troubleshooting.
Troubleshooting
Please read the introductory information and heed the Warnings and Notice ⇒
Introduction.
Software installation is unsuccessful
If the software installation was not successful, a corresponding error message appears in the Infotainment system or instrument cluster. Take note of
corresponding messages and warning notifications.
If there was a critical installation error, control modules may no longer function or not function correctly. Functions and displays will not be available until the
error is rectified. Do not use the vehicle. If this is the case, contact Volkswagen Customer Care.
Should I allow the system update?
For your own benefit, you should run the system update as soon as possible. If the system update is ignored multiple times by the driver, you must see a suitably
qualified professional for advice. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.
Can I interrupt the software installation?
No, this is not possible.
What happens if the software installation is interrupted?
If a software installation is interrupted, e.g. due to damage to the vehicle's electrical system, control modules cannot be updated and may be damaged by the
incomplete software installation.
Wired and wireless connections
Introduction
Some external devices can be connected to the Infotainment system using the wired and wireless connections in the vehicle, if available.
The type and number of wired and wireless connections depends on the vehicle equipment and the country. The connections may differ within a model line or in a
model with optional equipment.
In wired connections, only use the original connecting cable that belongs to the device or the connecting cable that was placed in the vehicle at the factory, if
available.
If the plug on the connector cable cannot be inserted, check the position and the connections.
NOTICE
Using unsuitable or damaged connector cables or inserting the plug on the connector cables in the wrong position or too forcefully may cause malfunctions and
damage to devices.
Only use suitable and undamaged connector cables.
Hold the plug on the connector cable in the correct position and insert it into the intended socket while pressing lightly. Pressing strongly can damage the
device connection and the plug on the connector cable.
The connector cable must not be pinched or bent sharply.
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2024 VW ID.4 Owner's Manual
