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Volkswagen vehicles with built-in navigation often utilize an SD card for map data and updates. If you’re looking for information on a Volkswagen SD card, you might be a VW owner trying to update your navigation system or replace/upgrade the SD card used for maps. This article will cover how Volkswagen’s navigation SD cards work, how to perform map updates (often for free via the VW online portal), compatibility considerations, and troubleshooting tips.

Overview of Volkswagen Navigation and SD Cards

Many modern Volkswagen models (mid-2010s and newer) come with one of two navigation systems:

• Discover Media – a mid-level infotainment system that uses an SD card to store map data.
• Discover Pro – a higher-end system that typically has internal storage for maps (and may update via SD or USB).

For systems like Discover Media, the car ships with an SD card inserted (usually in a slot in the glovebox or center console) that contains the navigation maps. The SD card is essentially the map database – the car reads maps from it. In those cases, if the SD card is removed, the navigation might not function (it will say “Insert Navigation Medium”). For Discover Pro (and some newer MIB3 systems), maps might be stored internally, but you still use an SD card or USB to perform updates. Key points about VW navigation SD cards:

• They are specific to region/model. For example, a North America map SD card for a 2017 VW Golf won’t work in a European VW or even necessarily in a different model’s system due to licensing.
• The SD cards often come labeled with a VW part number and a region (e.g., “V12 North America” or similar).
• VW provides a way for owners to update the map data on these SD cards via download, so you don’t have to buy a new card every time – you can refresh the card with new maps (as long as you have the original card).

How to Update Volkswagen Navigation Maps (Using the SD Card)

Volkswagen has an official online portal for map updates. Follow these steps to update your VW’s navigation: 1. Identify Your Infotainment System: First, determine which nav system your VW has. Common ones:

• MIB2 Discover Media (uses SD card for nav data).
• MIB2 Discover Pro (uses internal storage, but updates via SD/USB).
• MIB1 systems (2013-2015) might also use SD card updates but have smaller storage.
  Check your owner’s manual or the current SD card. If you have an SD card labeled with navigation info, it’s likely Discover Media.

2. Download Map Updates from VW Website: Go to the official Volkswagen Map Updates site (for example, VW’s global site or regional site). One known URL is the VW “DiscoverCare” or VW app-connect map updates page. You might also find it by searching “VW map updates” on Volkswagen’s website.

• On the site, you typically select your car model and year, then select the infotainment system.
• The site will then provide the latest map download for your system. Ensure you pick the correct region (e.g., “Europe”, “North America”, etc.).
• Download the map update file to your computer. These are large files (often several gigabytes). They usually come as a compressed .7z or .zip file.

3. Prepare the Original SD Card: Volkswagen often recommends using the original SD card that came with the vehicle for the update. This is because the card might have a specific Volume ID or license file. If your original card does not have enough space for the new maps (some early cards were 16 GB which became too small for later updates), you can use a new larger SD card (32 GB) but you may need to copy a certain identifier file from the old card (more on that later).

• Important: Do not format or delete the original SD card before backing it up. It may contain a hidden license or activation file.
• If using the original card, you might not need to format it at all. VW’s instructions often say do not format the card if it’s the factory card. Instead, just delete the old map files to make space (keeping any system files).
• If using a new card (32 GB Class 10 recommended), format it to exFAT or NTFS so that the car can recognize it (VW specifically recommends Class 10 SDHC, 32GB, formatted exFAT/NTFS).

4. Extract and Copy Map Files: Use an extraction tool (like 7-Zip) to unpack the downloaded map file on your computer. The result will be a set of folders/files (commonly named things like “Maps”, “EULAs”, and a bunch of files).

• If you had an original SD card, copy any non-map files from the old card to your computer as backup. Particularly, some VW cards have a file called metainfo2.txt or a folder named Navigationsdaten with license info.
• Copy the new map data onto the SD card. If this is the original card and you deleted old maps, simply paste the new files in the same structure.
• Ensure the structure is correct: The SD card should have a top-level directory structure as provided by VW. Do not put the files inside an extra folder. For example, after copying, the SD card might have folders like maps, mnt, etc., and a metainfo2.txt file in the root.
• If a metainfo file exists from the download, keep it. If not, the original card might have one that you shouldn’t delete.

5. Insert SD Card into Vehicle: Once the new map files are on the SD card, eject it from your PC properly. Go to your VW, and with the ignition on:

• Insert the SD card into the SD slot (for Discover Media, the SD slot used for nav is usually labeled or the manual will indicate which one to use).
• The infotainment may automatically detect the update. If not, go into the Navigation menu, then settings/update. There might be an option like “Update navigation” or it could prompt that new map data is available.
• Start the update process. The screen might show progress of copying data from the SD to the internal storage (for Discover Pro) or just updating index if it reads off the SD (for Discover Media, since the card stays in use).
• Do not remove the SD card or turn off the vehicle during the update. It can take some time. Volkswagen notes that map downloads and transfers can take 1-2 hours in some cases, so be patient.
• Once done, the system will usually say the update was successful. You may need to restart the infotainment system.

6. Verify: Go to the Nav settings -> Map Info/version to ensure the new version number or year is reflected. Free Map Updates: A great thing about VW is that many models come with free map updates for at least a few years. Volkswagen often allows free downloads even beyond the initial years as long as you have the original SD card. For example, some VW owners have reported getting free updates for 5 years or more via the website. Always check the VW map update site for new releases (they usually come out once or twice a year). Note: If your car’s SD card was lost or damaged, you may need to purchase a new one from VW or an online map supplier (like HERE). Replacement cards come pre-loaded with maps and a license. However, before buying, try the online update if you still have the old card – it’s free and often straightforward.

Volkswagen SD Card Specifications and Tips

• Original Card vs New Card: The safest approach is to use the original SD card that came with your vehicle’s navigation. It’s already paired with your car. If you must use a new card (e.g., original was 16GB and new map needs 20GB), use a quality 32GB card. After copying the new maps, the car might prompt for activation if it doesn’t recognize the card. Some advanced users clone the SD card ID or copy hidden files to make the new card work. If you’re not tech-savvy, it might be easier to get an official replacement SD from VW for that region.
• Lock Switch: SD cards have a tiny lock slider. Ensure it’s unlocked (so you can write to it) when copying files. Some people forget this and wonder why they can’t add files to the card.
• Class 10 Speed: VW recommends Class 10 cards because of the data volume. Using a slow card can extend the update time significantly.
• Do Not Format Warning: If using the original card, do not format it unless absolutely necessary. It may contain a needed identifier. Instead, delete only the map data files (usually a folder like maps or files with .db extensions) and then add the new data.
• Backup: Always keep a backup of the SD card contents on your computer before modifying it. If something goes wrong, you can try again.
• Mac Users Caution: If you use a Mac to copy files, be aware that macOS creates hidden files (like ._DS_Store) that can sometimes interfere. VW documentation suggests using a tool to remove hidden files or using Windows if possible. Alternatively, after copying on Mac, insert the SD back into the car and it should ignore the hidden files (usually not a big issue, but just so you know).

Benefits of Updating Your VW’s Maps

• New Roads & Routes: Cities expand roads, highways get added or changed. An update brings all these into your system. You’ll get more accurate guidance and possibly new route options that save time.
• POI Updates: The database of points of interest (gas stations, restaurants, attractions) is refreshed. Closed locations are removed, new ones added. This helps when searching for nearby services.
• Safety and Convenience: Updated maps mean your nav can properly guide you around new traffic patterns (for example, if a one-way street direction changed, the nav will know after an update). It can also prevent instructions that are no longer valid, reducing driver confusion.
• Cost Savings: Volkswagen’s policy of allowing free map downloads means you can save money versus buying new map SD cards. You’re essentially getting the updates that otherwise might cost $100+ for free by doing it yourself.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

SD Card Not Recognized by Car: If you insert the SD card and the car doesn’t detect navigation at all (e.g., it says “No Navigation Data”):

• Make sure you put the card in the correct slot. Some cars have multiple SD slots; often one is for media, one for navigation. They might be labeled as “SD1” and “SD2” in the glovebox. Check your manual for which is for nav.
• Turn the car off and on. Sometimes a reboot helps the system re-read the card.
• If using a new card, it might not be “paired” to the car. You may need the original. If lost, a dealer may need to activate a new card for you.

Update Process Fails or Freezes: If during the update the progress bar freezes or you get an error:

• There might be a corrupt file. Try re-downloading the map and copying again.
• Ensure the car’s battery is good – low voltage can cause the infotainment to glitch. Best to keep the engine running.
• If it fails repeatedly at the same point, consider trying a different SD card in case the card has a bad sector.

Not Enough Space on Card: If the original card is too small and you try using it, the download might not fit. Solution: use a bigger card (32GB) and copy as above. Just remember the license issue – ideally copy everything from the old card to the new one, then replace the map files with new ones. Navigation Disabled After Update: In rare cases, if something went wrong, the nav might not work at all after an attempted update. If this happens, you can try to restore the old map files from your backup to the SD card. If even that fails, a VW dealer can usually re-enable the system or provide a new SD with maps. Map Version Not Changing: Check that you actually installed the new version. Some folks download it but then accidentally still use the old files. In the navigation settings, the map version might have a year or version code – ensure it matches the latest release notes from VW’s site.