Volkswagen/Skoda Connect Dongle Subscription & Renewal

Volkswagen and Skoda cars equipped with the connected-car dongle can use the Jio/Cerence-based connected-car services to provide features through the respective Connect app.

The dongle generally comes with a 3-year subscription. Once this period is approaching its end, owners who actively use the connected features should consider renewing the subscription before the expiry date.

The renewal cost is currently ₹5,000 + GST, or ₹5,900 including GST.

What if the subscription expires?

This is where things can become expensive.

Once the subscription has expired, renewal of the existing dongle may no longer be available. Instead, you may need to purchase a new device.

Before purchasing a replacement from a dealer, check the actual cost carefully. A replacement connected-car dongle through the dealer can cost significantly more than the renewal amount, which may approx ₹16,000.

Our recommendation

If you regularly use features such as vehicle tracking, trip information, vehicle status or other functions provided through the Connect app, renew the subscription before the existing subscription expires.

If you have already allowed the subscription to expire, don't automatically assume that buying a new device from the dealer is your only option.

There are several third-party connected-car devices available online, including options costing less than ₹6,000. These devices generally come with their own mobile application and will not work with the Volkswagen or Skoda Connect application.

Therefore, you need to decide what matters more:

Want to continue using the official Volkswagen/Skoda Connect app?
→ Renew the original subscription before expiry whenever possible.

Subscription already expired and you mainly want basic connected-car functionality?
→ Consider comparing third-party devices before spending a large amount on a dealer-supplied replacement.

We have listed some alternative devices below that you can compare before making a purchase.

Pro Tips

• Set a reminder before the 3-year subscription expires. Don't wait until the last day to check renewal options.

• If you actively use the official Volkswagen/Skoda Connect app, renew before expiry rather than letting the subscription lapse.

• Don't immediately purchase a replacement dongle from the dealer after your subscription expires. Compare the available alternatives first.

• Third-party connected-car devices will not use the official Volkswagen/Skoda Connect app. They normally have their own app.

• Check the device price + subscription/annual charges before buying a third-party device. A cheap device isn't necessarily cheap over several years.

• Compare important features such as live location, vehicle tracking, trip history, geofencing, ignition alerts and app quality before choosing an alternative.

• If you are selling the car or rarely use the Connect features, renewing the subscription may not be worth the cost.

• The third-party products listed below are alternatives, not official Volkswagen/Skoda products..

• It doesn't affect warranty, even if you use any third-party connect device