WeConnect+ renewal offer

[CaliforniaCylus]

California is coming up to 3 years old and I'm told We Connect plus is expiring. There's an offer of 109 for year and around 170 for 2 years.

Any thoughts?

Seems like the subscription will update the online maps. I'm assuming without it the app is of no use. So I won't be able to carry out the basic lock or unlock nor will I receive journey data.

But, without the subscription will I still get all the other software updates?

As always, as clear as mud.

 

[WelshGas]

California is coming up to 3 years old and I'm told We Connect plus is expiring. There's an offer of 109 for year and around 170 for 2 years.

Any thoughts?

Seems like the subscription will update the online maps. I'm assuming without it the app is of no use. So I won't be able to carry out the basic lock or unlock nor will I receive journey data.

But, without the subscription will I still get all the other software updates?

As always, as clear as mud.

As far as I am aware, some vehicle critical updates could be done by the Dealership during a service free, others would be Paid For .
In the past, official VW Satnav updates cost about £99 and that was 7 yrs ago.

 

[lohr500]

I found this on Google :

We Connect (Basic)

• Cost: Free for an initial 10-year period.
• Remote App Access: Check battery levels (for EVs), range, and charging status.
• Vehicle Status: View parking location, driving data (mpg, mileage), and vehicle health reports.
• Control: Remotely preheat or cool the car and manage departure times.
• Safety: Emergency call service (eCall) and breakdown call. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

We Connect Plus (Premium)

• Cost: Free for the first 1 to 3 years (depending on your model/trim), then requires a paid subscription.
• Advanced Navigation: Includes live traffic updates, online map updates, and route planning with precise charging/petrol stops.
• Online Voice Control: Access smart, natural voice recognition (e.g., "Hello Volkswagen").
• Remote Vehicle Control: Lock/unlock doors, and activate the horn and hazard lights remotely.
• Security & Monitoring: Area alerts (notifies you if the car leaves a set zone) and speed alerts.
• Entertainment: Access to internet radio and media streaming. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
  
  Some of these functions aren't available anyway on my 2024 T6.1!!!
  
  But if the info is correct, then you still get the vehicle status data, but not the ability to remotely lock/unlock, etc.
  
  I use Waze for navigation, so I could live without any of the SatNav updates.
  
  And my 3rd party tracker alerts me if the vehicle is moved/leaves a pre set zone, is started without a prox tag being present.
  
  So if VW want £109 from me next year, then I think I won't bother.

 

[dspuk]

I pay for mine purely to have the remove door lock/unlock. Saved me a long walk back to the beach from the carpark a few times.

 

[Viktorgeorge]

My 3 year free WeConnect + expired last November, and I decided not to renew, because I never use the inbuilt SatNav, preferring TomTom via CarPlay. As @dspuk says, the only other apparent reason to renew might be the remote locking. Provided 'privacy' is set up correctly you should (I believe) continue to get normal software updates 'over the air' - though not the SatNav ones.

I have received several reminders and 14% off offers from VW since, but have not changed my mind yet.

See also: https://vwcaliforniaclub.com/threads/we-connect-plus.58521/post-782649 perhaps I am missing some other advantage?

 

[dspuk]

“Provided 'privacy' is set up correctly you should (I believe) continue to get normal software updates 'over the air' - though not the SatNav ones.”

I get both normal and SatNav via the WeConnect

 

[Flower Power]

“Provided 'privacy' is set up correctly you should (I believe) continue to get normal software updates 'over the air' - though not the SatNav ones.”

I get both normal and SatNav via the WeConnect

What is then "provided privacy is set up correctly" ?

 

[Viktorgeorge]

What is then "provided privacy is set up correctly" ?

I believe privacy needs to be at ‘share my position’ though others may know better which of the four privacy options allow updates.

I have just 30 minutes ago done an over the air update that my main screen was offering me, with WeConnect (basic) only so it does work:

I thought my Navigation database would not be updated, as I no longer have WeConnect+, though from what @dspuk says I could be wrong - anyway I never use (and genuinely dislike) the VW SatNav.

 

[WelshGas]

View attachment 148971
I believe privacy needs to be at ‘share my position’ though others may know better which of the four privacy options allow updates.

I have just 30 minutes ago done an over the air update that my main screen was offering me, with WeConnect (basic) only so it does work:
View attachment 148972
I thought my Navigation database would not be updated, as I no longer have WeConnect+, though from what @dspuk says I could be wrong - anyway I never use (and genuinely dislike) the VW SatNav.

You definitely do not have the latest Navigation Database.

 

[CaliforniaCylus]

I found this on Google :

We Connect (Basic)

• Cost: Free for an initial 10-year period.
• Remote App Access: Check battery levels (for EVs), range, and charging status.
• Vehicle Status: View parking location, driving data (mpg, mileage), and vehicle health reports.
• Control: Remotely preheat or cool the car and manage departure times.
• Safety: Emergency call service (eCall) and breakdown call. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

We Connect Plus (Premium)

• Cost: Free for the first 1 to 3 years (depending on your model/trim), then requires a paid subscription.
• Advanced Navigation: Includes live traffic updates, online map updates, and route planning with precise charging/petrol stops.
• Online Voice Control: Access smart, natural voice recognition (e.g., "Hello Volkswagen").
• Remote Vehicle Control: Lock/unlock doors, and activate the horn and hazard lights remotely.
• Security & Monitoring: Area alerts (notifies you if the car leaves a set zone) and speed alerts.
• Entertainment: Access to internet radio and media streaming. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
  
  Some of these functions aren't available anyway on my 2024 T6.1!!!
  
  But if the info is correct, then you still get the vehicle status data, but not the ability to remotely lock/unlock, etc.
  
  I use Waze for navigation, so I could live without any of the SatNav updates.
  
  And my 3rd party tracker alerts me if the vehicle is moved/leaves a pre set zone, is started without a prox tag being present.
  
  So if VW want £109 from me next year, then I think I won't bother.

Of course the emails don't say I'll still have We Connect basic. Since I use Google maps looks like the only feature I've ever used is Remote Lock. Once.

Will let the subscription lapse I think.

 

[Viktorgeorge]

You definitely do not have the latest Navigation Database.

Thanks for that confirmation @WelshGas, I thought as much.

 

[dspuk]

View attachment 148971
I believe privacy needs to be at ‘share my position’ though others may know better which of the four privacy options allow updates.

I have just 30 minutes ago done an over the air update that my main screen was offering me, with WeConnect (basic) only so it does work:
View attachment 148972
I thought my Navigation database would not be updated, as I no longer have WeConnect+, though from what @dspuk says I could be wrong - anyway I never use (and genuinely dislike) the VW SatNav.

Looks like your last update was August 2025. Is that after your original WC lapsed? If so it’s either an OTA update or done at a dealer.

 

[Steve9911]

Mine will expire in September I haven’t made my mind up yet about renewing will wait to see what price it will be on Black Friday. I did find the internet radio a useful feature while in France recently and there is also Apple Music on top off previously mentioned features.

 

[Viktorgeorge]

Looks like your last update was August 2025. Is that after your original WC lapsed? If so it’s either an OTA update or done at a dealer.

No, my WeConnect+ lapsed November 2025. I did also have the 23BB service update carried out by my dealer (ie not ‘over the air’) in February 2026.

 

[Johnbee]

I’ve renewed my WeConnect+, which expires in September as I find the remote unlock/lock on it extremely useful and use it quite a lot.

One particular occasion springs to mind, where the key was safely stored in my friends car before heading on the beach, which was deserted. Then to their horror (and my amusement) they locked the car key in their boot!

Also handy when I’m gardening down the road and my parcel guy arrives. He rings me, I unlock the van, he pops the parcel in, takes his picture and I lock it. It always amuses him.

 

[dspuk]

No, my WeConnect+ lapsed November 2025. I did also have the 23BB service update carried out by my dealer (ie not ‘over the air’) in February 2026.

Cool, looks like they may have updated in the service update.

 

[ParachuteMan]

I rarely use VW Connect and the other VW California app has never worked for me. Apple Maps / Google for sat nav (and OS Maps allows you to set directions on Apple Maps)

 

[Maddie]

California is coming up to 3 years old and I'm told We Connect plus is expiring. There's an offer of 109 for year and around 170 for 2 years.

Any thoughts?

Seems like the subscription will update the online maps. I'm assuming without it the app is of no use. So I won't be able to carry out the basic lock or unlock nor will I receive journey data.

But, without the subscription will I still get all the other software updates?

As always, as clear as mud.

My We Connect Plus expired 2 years ago and I only realised when I could no longer receive live traffic updates. I raised the matter with my local dealer who seemed know less than I did. It took several calls to VW to realise the contract had expired requiring an annual fee. I still make regular use of the SAT Nav although have not been successful in updating the maps using a memory stick, which in theory should be possible. I use Google Maps for live traffic information. VW and the system were so opaque I did not bother to renew. I get basic information from the app. It does say if locked and vehicle information.

I did extend my service contract for an extra two years, which extended the warranty and included breakdown cover. Main reason concern about the air conditioner. I had to pay for a re-gas which would have been covered under guarantee. Fortunately AC has been ok and likely to transfer to my local garage at the end of the contract.

 

[Grass verge 13]

I’ve also received the discount offer to renew Weconnect but not going to extend. I use google maps as well so the only benefit was remote locking and it is a little expensive for that feature.

I’d also expect it to have more useful features for the money like warning you that your leisure batteries are low while the van is sat somewhere but nope. It truly feels like the bare minimum service for the most cost. A few changes and they could make it a valuable addition.

 

[Steve9911]

I might have missed this info, can I ask does the app map still show/track your location if you don’t have connect +? Arrived England yesterday see you all Friday at Camper Jam

 

[CaliforniaPhil]

I’ve also received the discount offer to renew Weconnect but not going to extend. I use google maps as well so the only benefit was remote locking and it is a little expensive for that feature.

I’d also expect it to have more useful features for the money like warning you that your leisure batteries are low while the van is sat somewhere but nope. It truly feels like the bare minimum service for the most cost. A few changes and they could make it a valuable addition.

Totally agree, I have used the unlock a couple of times. The other handy one is the notifications if the alarm is triggered. The main thing I use is the driving data, which still works without it. I wouldn't miss this if they removed it though.

Android Auto and Apple Carplay, VW must hate them.

I will leave it a few years and pay just to update the VW maps. There are still areas that have no Internet, so you can't access Google maps.

If it was around £50 they would probably get more money in. Its more expensive than the BMW connected drive!

 

[WelshGas]

On my vehicle I can use Google Maps to input destinations that are sent to the Vehicle Satnav via the cellular network and onboard e-sim.