In recent years, with the rollout of various infotainment systems, the ways you can interact with your cellphone have become varied. Since 2010 many cars, vans, and trucks now have Bluetooth as standard or a trim option at the least. You may be wondering if the Volkswagen Golf is one of these. We have thoroughly researched this subject and have some answers.
Bluetooth started to become widely available on Volkswagen Golf models in 2010 as an audio connection only. In 2012 it became available as a voice-controlled component through the rollout of the infotainment systems. If you no longer have access to the owner's manual, capability can easily be confirmed by:
- With the car running, or at least in auxiliary mode with the dash on, activate Bluetooth on your cellular device.
- If some variant of VW or Volkswagen appears on the Bluetooth search screen on your phone, then your vehicle is emitting a Bluetooth signal.
Bluetooth has fast become standard on many Volkswagen models. Keep reading as we discuss the different types of Bluetooth available in older and newer models, and how you can get connected in your vehicle.
When Did Volkswagen Golf Get Bluetooth?
The Volkswagen Golf has been a contender in the technology ring since the early stages of the various media centers offered in vehicles. By 2010, most models of Volkswagen golf had Bluetooth or at least Bluetooth as a trim option.
Does 2010 Volkswagen Golf have Bluetooth?
The 2010 Volkswagen Golf has a limited Bluetooth connection available on various models. Once connected, you can use the controls on the dash or steering wheel to answer calls.
This older version of Bluetooth does not allow voice-activated control, so the user would have to use the device itself to select music to play or contact to call. Hands-free messaging is not available through this connection.
To connect:
- Click the menu button and go to BT-Audio. It may be off-screen; click the right arrow until it shows.
- Select and switch the BT-Audio to on. You should only have to do this once.
- Make sure your phone is already connected via its Bluetooth link and select audio to play. This system will only recognize a streaming Bluetooth connection.
- Once the audio is playing, click media, then BT-Audio.
Does 2012 Volkswagen Golf have Bluetooth?
From 2012, with the advancement of Volkswagen's infotainment system, Bluetooth is now widely available on the Volkswagen Golf media systems. This second version of Bluetooth allows voice control through the car's speakers and infotainment system over contacts and calls.
Contacts get downloaded into the car's infotainment system. The car's voice system can read the list and select contacts to call.
How Do I Connect My Phone To VW Golf?
With the 2016 and 2017 upgrades in the Volkswagen entertainment system, there are now various ways to connect your phone to a Volkswagen Golf. They range from sound-only options to getting completely connected through in-drive apps.
- Bluetooth
- Auxiliary Input
- MirrorLink
- Apple CarPlay
- Android Auto
How Do I play Music On My VW Bluetooth?
To connect your Bluetooth to a Volkswagen Golf, it will depend on the vehicle's kind of entertainment system. The instructions for your vehicle may differ slightly depending on your vehicle model, but these instructions will fit most cars.
To play music over Bluetooth on a touchscreen, models use the onscreen or on-steering wheel controls to flip through tracks or select an application to stream.
Using Bluetooth On A Premium 8 Radio With A Touchscreen
- Turn on the car.
- Search for a VW phone in your available device list for Bluetooth on your phone.
- Click to pair and accept any permissions on your phone.
- Click "OK," on the steering wheel when it says "Phone Found" or displays a similar message.
- Some systems will ask for a passcode; it will be "0000." Other systems will just ask if it's ok to pair. Click "OK" again on the steering wheel.
- Your phone's audio will now be able to be controlled via the entertainment system.
Connect Bluetooth In A 2019 Volkswagen Golf
- Press "Start" then go to the "Phones" list.
- Tap "Find New Phone."
- Activate Bluetooth on your phone.
- Select your phone from the "Phones" list on the screen.
- Accept permissions on screen and on your phone.
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Volkswagen Golf MirrorLink
Mirrorlink is an app available on certain Android devices. It allows your phone's apps to be mirrored on Volkswagen's entertainment screen. To connect your phone to your Volkswagen via Mirrolink, plug your phone into your vehicle's infotainment system while on the "App Connect" screen. Accept all warnings and access permission requests on both your phone and the vehicle's screen. You are now connected and can select apps to use through your VW Golf touchscreen.
Apple Carplay on VW Golf
On models 2017 and newer, you can connect your phone via Apple Carplay. Connect using a USB to lightning cable that has been approved by Apple. The first time you do this, a prompt will come up on your Volkswagen screen asking permissions to connect. Accept on both your phone and the screen.
Apple Carplay will launch automatically every time you connect your phone in the future. Read our article about CarPlay on a Buick Encore for more on CarPlay features and troubleshooting tips.
Click here to see a USB to lightning cable on Amazon.
Connect To Android Auto On a Volkswagen
Android Auto is available to 2016 and newer Volkswagen Golf models. You'll need to download the Android Auto app to your phone and make sure your phone is running the latest software.
Click on "App Connect" and select "Android Auto" as the preferred connection from the settings screen. Use a USB cable to connect your phone to the infotainment center. Android Auto launches automatically. Accept any on-screen waivers and accept requests for permissions on your cellphone.
Click here to see these Type C to USB cables on Amazon.
Where Is The Aux Located In A Volkswagen Golf
In an older model, you may not have Bluetooth available. In this case, look for the Aux input to connect your phone. If your car has one, it will be in the center console by the armrest, on the media hub, or in the glove compartment.
Connect the Aux cable that is fit for your phone to the jack. This connection will allow you to listen to audio through your car's speakers, and if your phone has an assistant, you can still be hands-free. The Aux input is a 3.5 mm jack.
To program your Aux, go to "Menu" then "Setup." Select "Aux." Then set it to "On." To control audio volume, select AUX Level. You may have to test the different levels and toggle the volume on your phone, to make sure you get the best sound.
See an Aux cable for an iPhone on Amazon here.
Click here to see a Type C to Aux.
Click here to see a 3.5 mm audio cable.
What To Do If Bluetooth Won't Connect
Connecting Bluetooth to your Volkswagen Golf is generally a simple process, but from time to time, you might experience difficulties. Here are some steps to take to attempt to resolve Bluetooth connection issues.
Unpair Your Bluetooth
Go to your cellphone's settings under Bluetooth. Click the VW Phone or Volkswagen connection and then click "Unpair."
In a vehicle that has an infotainment screen, go to the phone or Bluetooth screen. After selecting "Users," scroll to your device and select it. Click on the option to delete the device. The media center may vary from model to model. Consult your owner's manual for further details on unpairing your device for your car's model and year.
Turn off your Bluetooth on your phone, then your car. Turn on the Bluetooth, then start the car. Follow the instructions above for playing music on your VW Bluetooth to re-pair the device.
Check For Interference
If your Bluetooth was connecting and then stopped. See if a new app was installed in the meantime. Try uninstalling the App to see if this resolves the Bluetooth issue. Other interference could be caused by another Bluetooth connection being present. Ask other passengers to deactivate their Bluetooth to see if the Bluetooth will now connect.
Install A Bluetooth Compatible Stereo
In older models, it's possible the car does not have Bluetooth. If you consult the owner's manual and see that there is no Bluetooth connection, there are aftermarket Bluetooth systems that can be installed so that you can connect. Consult your dealer or owner's manual as installing aftermarket devices can void certain warranties or service plans.
Click here to see an example of an after-market touchscreen that has Bluetooth.
Click here to see this aftermarket that device with Bluetooth, Navigation, and MirrorLink.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know which years Volkswagen Golf has Bluetooth available and how you can set it up, play your music and access your apps for a daily commute that is both enjoyable and connected!
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