Author Topic: VW Software update notification email  (Read 2273 times)

Offline DrG_GTi

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VW Software update notification email
« on: 13 February 2026, 10:29 »
Anyone else get one today? Always wary about updating past the current stable build i have....
Something about.

This update is required for the following reasons: Some mobile data providers are gradually switching off their 2G and 3G networks. Volkswagen AG has no influence over this. Accordingly, without the update, there may be restrictions to the mobile online services and Emergency Call Service1. With the new software update, these functions remain fully intact even after the network switchoff. The update can be installed “over-the-air”, i.e. directly in the vehicle.
2021 Mk8 GTI Clubsport - Reflex Silver

Offline SRGTD

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Re: VW Software update notification email
« Reply #1 on: 13 February 2026, 20:35 »
Some forum members over on golfmk8.com forum have had this communication; see the most recent replies #1715, #1719 and #1720 in the linked discussion topic below. Note that forum member @Massimo 2323 in reply #1720 states that if the update isn’t installed, it won’t be possible to receive future OTA updates.

https://www.golfmk8.com/forums/index.php?threads/infotainment-hardware-and-software-updates.391952/page-115#post-8145976
2020 Polo GTI Plus; Pure White, DSG (because they all are)
Gone but not forgotten;
2016 Polo GTI; Blue Silk
2011 mk6 Golf GTD; Carbon Grey
2007 mk5 Golf GT (2.0 170bhp TDI version); Deep Black Pearl
2002  mk4 Golf GTI (the 150 bhp diesel version); Deep Black Pearl

Offline fredgroves

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Re: VW Software update notification email
« Reply #2 on: 14 February 2026, 21:55 »
It's a bit weird as I didn't think the Mk8 used 2g or 3g...i thought it was lte (4g) right from the go...

I wonder if actually what this update is is a switch to a different network provider for vw.

But anyway if you don't do this update you'll never use any vw service again... Map updates, software updates, find your car, get traffic to the satnav.... Or the emergency call mechanism work.

Suggest you update it.
Current: Mk8 GTI DSG, Adelaides, DCC, HUD, HK, Winter Pack, Rear Camera.. Aka "HMS Weasel"

Gone: 2017 Mk7.5 GTD,manual, NavPro
Gone: 2014 Mk7 GTD, manual, NavPro, DCC

Offline DrG_GTi

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Re: VW Software update notification email
« Reply #3 on: 16 February 2026, 15:01 »
Thanks all. Heads up it's a bit of a PITA this one - the update logs you out, resets your sound equaliser personalisation, removes favourited phone contacts, resets your custom background lighting options/colours, and finally it removes any personalisation's you may have done to the vehicle settings (such as enabling dynamic cornering lights, etc)
2021 Mk8 GTI Clubsport - Reflex Silver

Offline DrG_GTi

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Re: VW Software update notification email
« Reply #4 on: 17 February 2026, 11:54 »
Oh and just for sh*ts and giggles it also reenables your sPIN even if you have had it disabled/never used it
2021 Mk8 GTI Clubsport - Reflex Silver

Offline davo245

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Re: VW Software update notification email
« Reply #5 on: 20 February 2026, 09:21 »
Thanks all. Heads up it's a bit of a PITA this one - the update logs you out, resets your sound equaliser personalisation, removes favourited phone contacts, resets your custom background lighting options/colours, and finally it removes any personalisation's you may have done to the vehicle settings (such as enabling dynamic cornering lights, etc)


Does this auto update as other oth or do you have to manually search for it?
Mk6 GTI DSG
MK7.5 GTI performance DSG
Mk8 GTI

Offline fredgroves

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Re: VW Software update notification email
« Reply #6 on: 20 February 2026, 21:46 »
Thanks all. Heads up it's a bit of a PITA this one - the update logs you out, resets your sound equaliser personalisation, removes favourited phone contacts, resets your custom background lighting options/colours, and finally it removes any personalisation's you may have done to the vehicle settings (such as enabling dynamic cornering lights, etc)


Does this auto update as other oth or do you have to manually search for it?

Vw gift it to you on their whim... Doesn't go out to everyone at once.

Even after the question about downloading it, it asks again about installation.

Mine is downloaded but not installed yet.
Current: Mk8 GTI DSG, Adelaides, DCC, HUD, HK, Winter Pack, Rear Camera.. Aka "HMS Weasel"

Gone: 2017 Mk7.5 GTD,manual, NavPro
Gone: 2014 Mk7 GTD, manual, NavPro, DCC

Offline fredgroves

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Re: VW Software update notification email
« Reply #7 on: 02 March 2026, 10:37 »
I did mine yesterday.... much fear!

Seemed to go ok though but really, really glad I'd heard on here about that it would require logging back into VW and it was going to reset all of my stuff.... armed with that I made a load of photos of how my stuff was setup so I could easily put most of it back together.

I don't really understand why it all got reset... there has to be more to this update than they were explaining or why did it change all of my lighting colours and the speedo display mode (it came back with it in standard golf display - not the GTI single rev counter dial, which I am sure was actually the factory default from new). Why did a SOS/celluar unit update do this? Same as messing with my HK equaliser settings...
Current: Mk8 GTI DSG, Adelaides, DCC, HUD, HK, Winter Pack, Rear Camera.. Aka "HMS Weasel"

Gone: 2017 Mk7.5 GTD,manual, NavPro
Gone: 2014 Mk7 GTD, manual, NavPro, DCC