Exploring the Volvo Cars app
Before you collect your car from the dealer, we recommend that you download the free Volvo Cars app and test in demo mode. The demo mode allows you to explore the majority of functions and provides information on how the app is used.
Volvo ID and linking the Volvo Cars app to the car
In order to use the Volvo Cars app, you need a Volvo ID. When a Volvo ID has been created, the app needs to be linked to the car.
Buying a used car with digital services
When buying a used car with digital services, it is important to delete data from the previous owner and add your own details to make the service work. Visit a Volvo dealer for assistance.
Devices compatible with the Volvo Cars app (Option/accessory.)
The Volvo Cars app is compatible with various mobile devices and operating systems. The Volvo Cars app is available for iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch as well as Android phones. The app can be downloaded free-of-charge from the Apple App Store or Google Play. For the Volvo Cars app to work as well as possible, ensure that you have updated the app to the latest version available for your device. More information on the technical requirements for the version and operating system as well as compatibility for device models is available from where you download apps.
Volvo reserves the right to stop supporting older versions of apps and discontinue them from existing app stores at any time.
Internet connection
The app communicates with the car via the Internet, and so your mobile device must have an Internet connection(Data is transferred (data traffic) when using the Internet, and this may involve a cost.) to be able to execute your commands.
Contact between the Volvo Cars app and the car (Option/accessory.)
The car’s systems that have contact with the Volvo Cars app are programmed to close when the car is not used for a long period. After a few days, the system is deactivated to save the battery. At which point, it is not possible to use certain app functions. The system will be fully available again as soon as the car has been started.
The system’s services only work in areas where Volvo Assistance‘s partners have mobile coverage and where the technology permits. Just as with mobile phones, atmospheric disturbances or sparse transmitter coverage may lead to connection being impossible, e.g. in sparsely populated areas.
Volvo Cars app (Option/accessory.)
Using the Volvo Cars app,(Applies to certain markets.) you can maintain contact with your car via different app functions.(Requires that both car and mobile device have mobile coverage or other Internet connection.) There is the option to lock or unlock the car and start the climate control in the car before departure, for example.(Available functions may vary depending on market and car model.)
Downloading the Volvo Cars app
The Volvo Cars app can be downloaded free of charge from the Apple App Store or Google Play. You can try out several of the app’s functions without linking it to a car by running it in demo mode.
Internet connection required
When you use the Volvo Cars app, your mobile device will send and receive data via the Internet. If you do not have a data plan, then your mobile network operator may charge you for that data. If you use the app abroad, you may be charged for data roaming. For more information, contact your mobile service provider.
Data sharing for the roof buttons needs to be enabled for remote control of car functions, such as climate control and locking/unlocking, to work.
Connecting the Volvo Cars app to the car
To be able to use the services in the Volvo Cars app, the app needs to be connected to the car first. When the main user (administrator) has linked his/her app to the car, more users of the car can be added.
Connect the Volvo Cars app to the car
Make sure your car is in an area with mobile coverage and that your mobile device has an Internet connection. Ensure that you have your Volvo ID and the Vehicle Identification Number. A Volvo ID can be created when logging in to the Volvo Cars app, and you can find the Vehicle Identification Number in the windscreen or centre display, for example. If you are the main user (administrator), all of the car’s keys need to be taken with you. For other users, one of the car’s keys is sufficient. The first user to link his/her app to the car must be logged in to the Owner profile and be carrying all of the car’s keys.
- Sit in the car.
- Sign in to the Volvo Cars app with your Volvo ID and follow the instructions in the app. If you have already a car connected in the app and want to add a further one, select, Connected cars and Add a car.
Note
It is recommended that every user creates a personal Volvo ID in order to enjoy a more customized experience and support. - Make sure that data sharing for the Volvo Cars app is enabled. In the centre display, tap on, select Profiles, Volvo privacy settings, and then Volvo Cars app.
- Go back to Profiles and select Volvo Cars app devices to access the menu for connecting the app to the car.
- Follow the instructions in the centre display and the Volvo Cars app.
Difference between administrator and non-administrator in the Volvo Cars app
The car’s Owner profile must be linked to the app before linking can take place for another profile. To be allocated the administrator role requires that all of the car’s keys are in the car when the app is linked.
A user that is an administrator in the app can
- see which mobiles or other devices are linked with the car
- remove own and other linked phones/devices from the car.
A user that is not an administrator in the app can
- see that your own phone/device is linked with the car
- remove own phone/device.
Switching between several connected cars in the Volvo Cars app
If you have connected several cars to the Volvo Cars app, switch between these as follows:
- Go to the tab.
- Select Connected cars.
- Highlight the car in question and select Switch to this car.
Tips for using the Volvo Cars app
If you experience disruptions with the Volvo Cars app, ensure that the car to which the app is linked is outdoors in an open area with mobile coverage and that your mobile device has a good Internet connection. If the disruptions persist, read more in the section with frequently asked questions about the Volvo Cars app at volvocars.com/intl/support or contact Volvo’s Customer Service. If the car is a used car, you should check that access to Volvo Assistance is activated in the car.
Lock function in the Volvo Cars app (Option/accessory.)
The Volvo Cars app shows the current lock status, and you can both lock and unlock the car remotely. You can find the lock function in the tab.
If the incorrect lock status is shown, open the lock function from the tab and wait for 15-20 seconds.
Shortcuts to the Volvo Cars app (Option/accessory.)
You can create shortcuts to the functions offered in the Volvo Cars app.(Applies to certain iPhone models. See manufacturer’s website for more information.)
Widgets
If you are using the Volvo Cars app on an Android or iOS device, you can add Widgets (shortcuts) for faster access to functions such as climate remote start and lock/unlock car.
3D Touch
Using 3D Touch you have access to shortcuts for some functions in the Volvo Cars app.
Press firmly on the app icon on your phone to access, among other things, shortcuts to the following functions: Start climate control and Unlock the doors.
Sharing addresses to the Volvo Cars app
Some third-party apps facilitate sharing addresses to the Volvo Cars app(Varies depending on phone model and version of the operating system.)
View battery level in the Volvo Cars app (Option/accessory.)
You can use the Volvo Cars app to view the car’s current battery level. The battery level is shown in the tab.
Remote starting climate control using the Volvo Cars app (Option/accessory.)
You can use the Volvo Cars app to remote start the climate control in order to heat or cool the car to a comfortable temperature. The climate control is started from the climate function in the tab and runs for 30 minutes.
Using the Volvo Cars app with Apple Watch (Option/accessory.)
You can use an Apple Watch to access some of the Volvo Cars app’s functions, e.g. start/stop parking climate control and lock/unlock the car. If the Volvo Cars app is installed on a phone and connected to the car, the app functions will automatically be available in the Apple Watch that is paired with your phone.
Functions that can be controlled from Apple Watch: (Available functions may vary over time.)
- Parking climate control (start/stop).
- Car remote start (start/stop).
- Doors (lock/unlock).
- Find the car by activating the car’s horn and/or direction indicators for a couple of seconds.
- See the estimated range.
- See the car’s position on a map.
Pairing Apple Watch with your phone
For instructions on how to pair an Apple Watch with your phone, as well as technical requirements for this, see Apple‘s website.
Technical requirements
Technical requirements for applicable operating system and information about compatibility for different mobile models can be found on the information page in the relevant app store.
Deactivating the link between the car and the Volvo Cars app (Option/accessory.)
Volvo ID is personal and does not need to be changed or deleted if you sell your car. However, you must complete the ownership and coupling between the Volvo Cars app and the car. The link between the car and the Volvo Cars app can be removed from the administrator account in the app. If you do not have access to the app, contact your Volvo dealer and explain that you want to sell your car. You can terminate your ownership under Connected cars in the tab. Select the car in question and terminate the ownership by following the instructions in the app. User history and other user accounts will be deleted once you have terminated the ownership. In addition, an automatic factory reset of the car takes place, so that profiles, user data, linked keys and personal settings, etc., are removed. Contact your Volvo dealer if you want to delete your contact details from the dealer’s system.
Change of ownership when the Volvo Cars app is linked to the car (Option/accessory.)
In the event of a change of ownership, there are some steps that need to be taken to unlink the previous owner and give the new owner the option to connect the Volvo Cars app to the car.
Selling the car
The previous owner needs to remove the link between the car and the Volvo Cars app. When the ownership is ended, an automatic factory reset of the car takes place, so that profiles, user data, linked keys and personal settings, etc., are removed.
Buying a car
The new owner needs to connect the Volvo Cars app to the car.
Change of owner when changing country
Further action is necessary when a car is purchased and imported into another country. Contact a dealer for information.