A couple of months ago I acquired a 2021 Karoq STY 2.0 4x4 and just recently started fiddling with the infotainment system. In the system info menu it is stated that my navigation database version is 21.3, which basically makes it the same version the car came equipped with from the dealership. I have an active Infotainment Online subscription through Skoda Connect and have tried: 

1. Connecting the system to my home WiFi; got a successful connection every time, but no update prompts pop up, have also tried going into system info menu after connecting and it’s just blank.

2. Entered my VIN number on Skoda’s update portal and downloaded the update file, unzipped it and then transferred the folders to a 1TB hard drive (my car isn’t equipped with SD card ports) which I connected into the USB-C port; the hard drive has a small light which lights up, starts blinking and does so for 15-20 minutes, then just stops. Tried leaving it plugged in for a couple of hours but to no avail. 

 

It’s not a huge issue or an issue at all, because the roads in the area I frequent haven’t been altered much in the past couple of years, but it’s still been bugging the hell out of me. I’d appreciate some insight as to if there’s something I’m doing wrong or should I just have the dealer try and take care of it on my next service appointment

Edited 10 February, 20251 yr by specturow

There are several threads on this subject See here https://www.briskoda.net/forums/forum/7-audio-electronics-and-security/

 

11 minutes ago, chills said:

There are several threads on this subject See here https://www.briskoda.net/forums/forum/7-audio-electronics-and-security/

 

I’ll give it a shot, thank you. I just found it odd that, although I have an active subscription and connection, nothing actually prompted an update. 

8 minutes ago, specturow said:

I just found it odd that, although I have an active subscription and connection, nothing actually prompted an update. 

I find it all somewhat confusing, being on my first Škoda (first VW group car of any sort)  having had Nissan's for the last 20 years. However, this forum, when you get used to it is a gold mine of information

47 minutes ago, chills said:

I find it all somewhat confusing, being on my first Škoda (first VW group car of any sort)  having had Nissan's for the last 20 years. However, this forum, when you get used to it is a gold mine of information

Yeah, tell me about it…

I owned a couple Skodas before this one and I’ve worked in a company that dealt with mostly VW group cars during my studies, so you’d think I’d be well versed in this sort of stuff, but with every new generation everything keeps changing. For example, my friend bought a brand new Scala STY last year and he’s somehow been receiving automatic OTA updates without even having a Skoda Connect subscription, so basically everything is possible. 

18 minutes ago, specturow said:

I owned a couple Skodas before this one and I’ve worked in a company that dealt with mostly VW group cars during my studies, so you’d think I’d be well versed in this sort of stuff, but with every new generation everything keeps changing

My problem is that I kept the same Nissan's for about 15-18 years each  (over lapping)  and it was Company cars before that. So when you say "each generation is something new", my Karoq is about 3 generations on from my last new car.... and the recent generations of cars, in general not just Škoda, have moved quite a way.  However I am getting there.

 

2 hours ago, specturow said:

 I connected into the USB-C port; the hard drive has a small light which lights up, starts blinking and does so for 15-20 minutes, then just stops. Tried leaving it plugged in for a couple of hours but to no avail. 

 

You need to leave the drive plugged in for a week or so (sometimes less) with the infotainment on (and preferably set to the navigation screen) as you drive around. These updates are big files and it takes time for them to download to the car, and it seems downloads only happen when you are driving. Keep checking the database version screen to see when (if?!) the download has been successful. 

I note you are using a portable hard drive - something is telling me the car doesn't like those - I use a tiny 'double ended' flash drive which is small enough to leave in the usb c socket and still close the sliding lid above it. Photo of one I use attached.

2 hours ago, chills said:

My problem is that I kept the same Nissan's for about 15-18 years each  (over lapping)  and it was Company cars before that.

How are you fairing with the Karoq so far? I have to say I am fully enjoying mine. I used to own a 2016 Yeti 4x4 DSG, a fantastic car but pretty robust, which is normal given that it was the first proper SUV Škoda made. Later I switched to a 2018 Superb L&K 4x4 which was a spectacular vehicle, probably would never have gotten rid of it if it hadn't been totaled in an accident. Right now I have this 21 Karoq as my daily driver and a 2021 Audi A6 50TDI Quattro, which I tend to save for longer trips across the country. It's pretty neat how far Škoda has come from their first foray into the world of SUV's up until now. 

2 hours ago, VRT24 said:

You need to leave the drive plugged in for a week or so (sometimes less) with the infotainment on (and preferably set to the navigation screen) as you drive around. These updates are big files and it takes time for them to download to the car, and it seems downloads only happen when you are driving. Keep checking the database version screen to see when (if?!) the download has been successful. 

I note you are using a portable hard drive - something is telling me the car doesn't like those - I use a tiny 'double ended' flash drive which is small enough to leave in the usb c socket and still close the sliding lid above it. Photo of one I use attached.

I honestly thought it wouldn't present a problem, since the hard drive was formatted to exFAT in Windows, no adapters were used; just a proper high speed USB-C data cable. But I will definitely try either this, or a proper USB-C flash drive, or both if the first option fails. Thank you for your recommendation, as I told @chills just above, I find it really odd that the car won't automatically push updates given that all the prerequisites have been met (valid Škoda connect subscription and a stable internet connection). But I suppose if all else fails, I'll just have the dealership do the update for me during my next appointment. Cheers!

Edited 10 February, 20251 yr by specturow

I like the Karoq.  It is my Semi retirement car.  Previously things like Nissan Primera,  Rover 75, BMW3,  Before that Fords, Motorbikes, Land-rover but my life was different then. Wife had Nissan Micra and Note.  I looked at the Kodiaq but didn't need the extra space over a Karoq. Besides car parks around here are not exactly generous.   So I got the SE L with Varioflex seats as I do need to carry a lot of kit in Peli cases at times. Though I don't need 4x4 or off road.  Picked up a 6 month old 3K5 millage dealer demo on a good deal.

Edited 10 February, 20251 yr by chills

5 minutes ago, specturow said:

a proper USB-C flash drive,

I am going for one of these.  I have 100's USB drives with USB-A but none with USB-C also most are less than 32GB so it is probably worth getting a 64GB USB-C drive for doing the maps.  As they are less than a tenner it is a no-brainer given the amount of time and faffing about with other options