Control Your VW from Your Wrist
Volkswagen is adding a high-tech twist to everyday EV ownership in the U.S. Drivers of the ID.4 crossover and ID. Buzz minivan can now control key vehicle functions using a smartwatch. Whether you’re checking charge levels or preconditioning the cabin, it’s all just a tap away.
Smartwatch Support Rolls Out
The update comes via myVW+, Volkswagen’s enhanced vehicle control platform. It’s available on smartwatches running watchOS or Wear OS. That means Apple and Android smartwatch users can now access features they once had to reach for their phone to use.
Compatible cars include most 2020 or newer Volkswagen models, with the EVs gaining the most useful features. From your wrist, you can now:
- Lock or unlock the car
- Honk the horn or flash the lights
- Check battery charge status
- Precondition the cabin
- Start or stop charging sessions
It’s sleek, fast, and undeniably convenient.
Your Phone Still Plays a Role
There’s a catch, though. The smartwatch doesn’t work fully on its own. Your phone still needs to be nearby and logged into the myVW app. The watch acts more like an extension of the app rather than a replacement.
To activate smartwatch control, you’ll need to:
- Download the myVW app
- Add your vehicle
- Agree to the myVW+ terms
- Subscribe to Remote Access and VW Vehicle Insights
Remote Access gives you control over charging, climate, and security functions, while Vehicle Insights lets you check lock status and battery health.
Legacy Brands Catching Up
Volkswagen isn’t first to market here—Tesla has offered smartwatch integration for years. But legacy brands like Ford and now VW are quickly closing the gap. Smartwatch control may soon become standard for connected cars, and VW’s move signals it’s ready to compete on tech, not just wheels.
