Author Topic: Just Bought A 2023 40th Anniversary GTI - app interface issues  (Read 2994 times)

Offline Slapshot

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Just picked up an absolutely pristine 2023 GTI 40th Anniversary last weekend and am really enjoying t he car.
It may be that I have more to learn, but the phone driven connection (via cable) to Android Auto seems to only provide an extremely rudimentary interface to Sirius/XM. All I see is a small window (NAV takes up the rest of the screen) showing the artist and name of the channel. There is also two buttons to go one station up or down. This is extremely limiting, as, depending on the time of day, there easily half a dozen channels that I listen to. I can hardly drive along pressing one of those buttons up to twenty or thirty times to get somewhere. Much less also visually watch as each channel changes.

Is that literally all there is to work with? My state also enacted a law, which is enforced often, that you cannot have your phone in your hand at any point while driving your car. This even applies at stop lights.

Do I have any better options to use Sirius/XM in the car? This is a definite problem.

In addition, I sometimes have to restart the car to get nav and siruus/xm to re-synch.

Any recommendations for more effectively using this fiddly interface?

Offline joe6

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Re: Just Bought A 2023 40th Anniversary GTI - app interface issues
« Reply #1 on: 09 January 2026, 15:40 »
You have identified one reason I will not be buying another Golf in addition to the TV screen. My mk7.5 does as much as I want in performance and cockpit ergonomics are good.
Mk6 GTI Carbon Grey, 2010 Bluetooth and voice fitted, a few VCDS mods still a comfortable family car. Red Scirocco 2011 twin charger stage 1 - enjoyable drive now gone.  White 2016 Polo GTI (roller skate on steroids) replaced with an Indium Grey 2019 7.5 GTI PP.

Offline fredgroves

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Re: Just Bought A 2023 40th Anniversary GTI - app interface issues
« Reply #2 on: 12 January 2026, 12:29 »
You've encountered the android auto app safety requirements.

To get an app android auto certified (and allowed to function) it has to meet a load of requirements (apple car play is the same).

Basically its all about not overloading the display meaning the driver spends too much time looking at it.

Loads of apps become quite hard to use because of it. Some cope better than others...

Try a different radio app? Tune In Radio maybe?

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 Slapshot

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I'm really surprised at the lack of responses here other than the two people who have commented. There have to be a LOT of people dealing with this issue who must have some suggestions or recommendations?

Offline Watts

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I'm really surprised at the lack of responses here other than the two people who have commented. There have to be a LOT of people dealing with this issue who must have some suggestions or recommendations?

The forum is generally quieter than it used to be, also though, you chose the quiet corner of the playground. Most of the boys and girls play in the MK specific sections so you might want to re-post there. In order to avoind any confusion though, yours is a 2023, the Ed40 was a 2017 car so likely yours is an Ed45. You might want to add a summary of your car's spec as your signature, it often helps with questions.

Lastly, we all love a picture, perhaps an introduction to your car with your thoughts would be nice especially given it's rarity.

Good luck! :smiley:
2025 Oryx Black Edition Clubsport with Performance Pack.
Previously:
2019 Oryx 5dr TCR with Reifnitz.
2015 Tornado Red 3dr GTI PP, manual, Santiagos, Audi short shifter.

Offline jv

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Slapshot, you have joined a UK forum asking US specific questions.

Sirius/XM is a US/Canada only satellite radio service that UK GTI owners will have no access to nevermind knowledge of.

The 40th anniversary GTI you own is also a US only market limited edition.
https://media.vw.com/releases/1715

You should therefore not be at all surprised at the lack of response.
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