How Do I Program My Volkswagen Key?

The Volkswagen car key is programmable to operate your car. To program the key using buttons, hold down the lock/unlock button for about three seconds and then press another button twice. This will cause a chime to sound, indicating that you have programmed your key successfully. If you want to reprogram your key, repeat this process but press a different button twice after holding down the lock/unlock button for about three seconds.

If you're a Volkswagen owner, then this article is for you. Whether it's the first time you've purchased a VW or if you need to program your current vehicle's key fob, there's help. Here's how to program your Volkswagen key in easy steps.

1. Ensure Your Car Is Off

Locate the key fob and make sure your car is off.

  • Press and hold the unlock button on your key fob for two seconds, then release it.
  • Wait one full minute before pressing any buttons on the remote control.

2. For Different Models

If you have an older model, insert the key into the ignition and turn it to the on position. If you are using one of VW's remote-start options (like the Keyless GO or other factory-installed remote start), simply press any button on your existing remote and wait for three to five seconds.

If you have a newer model, press your brake pedal and open your driver's door. Insert your key into the ignition cylinder and turn it clockwise at 90 degrees until it stops turning.

3. Hold Down the Unlock Button

To unlock the vehicle, hold down the unlock button on the key fob while turning the ignition switch to the on position. Press and hold both the unlock and lock buttons for two seconds, then release both buttons at once.

4. A Chime Sound

You will hear a single chime indicating that you completed this step and have programmed your key. If there is no chime or you have difficulty programming your VW key fob, contact Volkswagen Customer Assistance Center.

5. When the Vehicle Beeps

When you hear a beep, press and hold down the unlock button for two seconds, then release it.

6. Program the Key Fob

It's now time to test your key fob. If the key fob is not programmed, repeat the steps until it is. If it still isn't programmed after repeating these steps several times, contact your dealer for help.

7. Later Model Cars

If you have a later-model car, you'll need to insert your key fully into the ignition, press it firmly and hold it there until the car beeps. Repeat this process for any additional remote fobs.

8. Vehicle Will Beep

You will need to repeat this process for each key fob. If your vehicle is a newer model, you can use the key fob that came with the car for programming instead of using an additional remote. If you have more than one remote and will be using both for entry/start, ensure to program each one as shown above. You will need to repeat this process if you purchase another remote in the future so that it works with your vehicle as well.

Help from Real People

We partner with a US-based company with live tech support experts available 24/7. Take advantage of a $1 one-week trial membership and chat with an expert now.
Chat With A Help Expert

Why Did GetHuman Write "How Do I Program My Volkswagen Key?"?

After thousands of Volkswagen customers came to GetHuman in search of an answer to this problem (and many others), we decided it was time to publish instructions. So we put together How Do I Program My Volkswagen Key? to try to help. It takes time to get through these steps according to other users, including time spent working through each step and contacting Volkswagen if necessary. Best of luck and please let us know if you successfully resolve your issue with guidance from this page.

Why does GetHuman Write How-to Guides for Volkswagen Problems?

GetHuman has been working for over 10 years on sourcing information about big organizations like Volkswagen in order to help customers resolve customer service issues faster. We started with contact information and fastest ways to reach a human at big companies. Particularly ones with slow or complicated IVR or phone menu systems. Or companies that have self-serve help forums instead of a customer service department. From there, we realized that consumers still needed more detailed help solving the most common problems, so we expanded to this set of guides, which grows every day. And if you spot any issues with our How Do I Program My Volkswagen Key? guide, please let us know by sending us feedback. We want to be as helpful as possible. If you appreciated this guide, please share it with your favorite people. Our free information and tools is powered by you, the customer. The more people that use it, the better it gets.

Volkswagen

Speak to An Expert Now

We partner with a US-based expert help site to provide you with tech support 24/7. Enjoy a $1 one-week trial membership and chat with a live expert now.
Get Live Expert Help
Asked 8 months ago
Updated 8 months ago
Viewed 440,730 times
Volkswagen
Program my Volkswagen key
reset your Volkswagen key

What customers are saying about this and similar problems

****o my name is Ramona i purchased a **** Tiguan on may at fox valley VW in Schaumbur...
My VW Tiguan has an engine fault. *I was told by the technician that it would cost...
Was this page helpful? If so, please share!
Sharing is what powers GetHuman's free customer service contact information and tools. You can help!