Hello,

I activated Smart Link on my swing 3 radio, at Skoda Octavia mk3 MY 2018, so I want to share with everyone how it can be done.

DISCLAIMER: You do it at your rensponsability, is not easy to do, and you can mess things out, possible brick you device. Do it only if you have expereince in this kind of activity.

Physical tools needed:

• Tool for removing radio 4 pieces, just google "VAG radio removal tool", cost about 1€.

• CH341A Mini Programmer, cost about 10€.

• PC/Laptop

• Philips screwdriver

Software needed (all software in attachment):

• CH341A driver

• NeoProgrammer

• Python (In windows 11, open start menu, type cmd, press enter, type Python, press enter. Microsoft store will open with Python 3.13, click on "Get" and wait to install complete.)

• Python script for activating CarLink (MEN2SwingPatch.py)

Install CH341A driver and NeoProgrammer, make sure python is installed, put MEN2SwingPatch.py script at some accessible location (for example at root D:\).

Firstly, you need to remove radio from car, its pretty simple, just insert four "keys" and pull the radio out.

Then remove 6 screws from the top and 2 from the bottom, split display from the unit, and pull the top cover to expose top of the PCB. I removed PCB fully from the case to check is there present video chip for reversing camera (unfortunately not), but you don't have to do that.

After top cover is removed, and PCB is accessible, you have to find ST 95256 R EEPROM.

Put clamp from the CH341A on the EEPROM chip, make sure red cable (clamp) is on the pin 1 (EEPROM).

Clamp connector insert in appropriate adapter, and adapter insert in CH341A in part intended for 25XX, make sure red cable facing toward lever. Plug CH341A in computer USB port.

All this can be sawn in picture named EEPROM 2.

Run NeoProgrammer.exe, go to Hardware tab, select "CH341 Black". Next go to IC>Search>type 95256>select M95256R> click on Read IC.

This is the tricky part, if you get all blank result it means that clamp on the eeprom not have a good grip, try to move clamp left-right, take it off and put on again. After 5-6 times of re adjusting clamp I finally got the eeprom content. Save it on pc (for example at root D:\ as 1.bin). Read IC couple more times to be sure that you have good conection to the eeprom chip (if you want to take extra check, you can compare couple .bin with Notepad++ to be sure that you have identical read every time, this is good sign that all is correct). Make sure you dont move accidentaly clamp or PCB.

Click on start, type cmd, press enter, navigate to D:\ (place where you saved EEPROM dump and script), type python men2swingpatch.py 1.bin, press enter. If everything is correct you should get printed on display TRAIN:xxx, FAZIT: xxx (see picture "script"), and now you have file named 1.bin_patched.bin. This new file we now need to write back to the eeprom.

Get back to the NeoProgrammer, click on File>Open and find 1.bin_patched.bin at D:\, click on Write IC.

After writing you can read it again and compare to patched bin, just to be sure its written correct. Now you can disconnect clamp, assemble unit and put it back in the car.

Enjoy in your unlocked Smart Link.

DOWNLOAD needed software

Edited 4 October, 20254 Oct by Zlatko580

On 04. 10. 2025. at 7:06, Zlatko580 said:

Pozdrav,

Aktivirao sam Smart Link na mom ljuljačkom 3 radiju, na Škoda Octavia mk3 MY 2018, pa želim podijeliti sa svima kako se to može učiniti.

ODGOVARAČ: Učinite to na svojoj odgovornosti, nije lako učiniti, a možete zanemariti stvari, moguće označiti uređaj. Učinite to samo ako imate iskustva u ovoj vrsti aktivnosti.

Potrebni su fizikalni alati:

• Alat za uklanjanje radio 4 komada, samo google "VAG radio alat za uklanjanje", košta oko 1 €.

• CH341A Mini programer, košta oko 10 €.

• PC/Laptop

• Philips odvijač

potreban softver (svi softver u privitku):

• CH341A vozač

• Neoprogrammer

• Python (U prozorima 11, otvoreni izbornik, tip cmd, pritisnite Enter, tip Python, pritisnite enter. Microsoft trgovina će otvoriti s Python 3,13, kliknite na "Get" i čekati instalirati kompletan.)

• Pitonski scenarij za aktiviranje CarLinka (MEN2SwingPatch.py)

Instalirajte CH341A upravljački program i NeoProgramer, provjerite je liter instaliran, stavite MEN2SwingPatch.py skriptu na neku pristupačnu lokaciju (na primjer u korijenu D:\).

Prvo, morate ukloniti radio iz automobila, njegov prilično jednostavan, samo umetnuti četiri "ključa" i izvući radio.

Zatim uklonite 6 vijaka s vrha i 2 s dna, podijelite zaslon iz jedinice i povucite gornji poklopac kako biste izložili vrh PCB-a. U potpunosti sam uklonio PCB iz kućišta kako bih provjerio postoji li trenutni video čip za preokretanje kamere (nažalost ne), ali ne morate to učiniti.

Nakon što se uklone gornji poklopac, a PCB je dostupan, morate pronaći ST 95256 R EEPROM.

Stavite stezač iz CH341A na EEPROM čipu, provjerite je li crveni kabel (tiskanje) na pin 1 (EEPRM).

Umetak priključka u odgovarajući adapter i umetnuti adapter u CH341A dijelom namijenjen 25XX25XX, provjerite siguran crveni kabel okrenut prema poluzi. Uključite CH341A u računalu USB priključak.

Sve se to može vidjeti na slici pod nazivom EEPROM 2.

Run NeoProgramer.exe, idite na karticu Hardver, odaberite "CH341 Black". Zatim idite na IC>Search>type 95256>elect M95256R> kliknite na čitanje IC.

Ovo je lukav dio, ako dobijete sve prazan rezultat to znači da stezaljka na eeprom nema dobar stisak, pokušati premjestiti stegnuti lijevo-desno, povucite ga i staviti na opet. Nakon 5-6 puta ponovnog prilagođavanja stezaljke konačno sam dobio sadržaj eeprom. Uštedite na pc (na primjer u korijenu D:\ kao 1.bin). Pročitajte IC par više puta kako biste bili sigurni da imate dobru vezu s eeprom čipom (ako želite uzeti dodatni pregled, možete usporediti par .bin s Notepad++ kako biste bili sigurni da imate identično čitanje svaki put, to je dobar znak da je sve točno). Pobrinite se da ne pomičete slučajno stezaljka ili PCB.

Kliknite na početak, upišite cmd, pritisnite enter, navigirajte do D:\ (mjesto gdje ste spremili EEPROM odlagalište i skriptu), tip piton men2swingpatch.py 1.bin, pritisnite enter. Ako je sve ispravno, trebali biste biti tiskani na zaslonu:xxx, FAZIT: xxx (vidi sliku "skript"), a sada imate datoteku pod nazivom 1.bin_patched.bin. Ovaj novi dosje moramo odmah napisati natrag na eeprom.

Vratite se na NeoProgramer, kliknite na File>Open i pronađite 1.bin_patched.bin na D:\, kliknite na Napišite IC.

Nakon pisanja možete ga ponovno pročitati i usporediti s zakrpljenom kanti, samo da biste bili sigurni da je napisano ispravno. Sada možete isključiti stezaljku, sastaviti jedinicu i staviti ga natrag u automobil.

Uživajte u otključanoj pametnoj vezi.

PREUZIMANJE potreban softver

Hello Zlatko, can I immediately insert your python file via the programmer into my unit chip and its code is MEN2_EU_SKGPX_P0101L

Yes, I think it should work. If you have "App" button on radio, and its locked this is the cheapest way to unlock it.

Thank you very much...I'll try it when I get my equipment... regards, Mesa Mostar

Thank you for the instructions. The USB programmer can be found on amazon easy but where can I find the flat cable, clamp and adapters? tnx

EDIT: https://www.amazon.com/XLX-Motherboard-Universal-Connector-Programmer/dp/B081495VY7

Edited 9 December, 20259 Dec by Godovic

9 hours ago, Godovic said:

Thank you for the instructions. The USB programmer can be found on amazon easy but where can I find the flat cable, clamp and adapters? tnx

EDIT: https://www.amazon.com/XLX-Motherboard-Universal-Connector-Programmer/dp/B081495VY7

Well I think you found it. Anyway I ordered on Ali for similar price.

There is also in Belgrade in local store... (yeey)
Can be error https://mib-helper.com/im-so-xory/?key=01555 solved somehow with this programmer?

Edited 10 December, 202510 Dec by Godovic

You can read adaptation channel: Confirmation of installation change on 5F with VCDS or ODIS, write its value on that website, click on magnifier, and get new key. Write that new key on same adaptation channel, and clear fault codes. It should work that way.

With eeprom programmer idk, probably yes but it would be hard to do as there is no tutorial how to do it. First option is much more convinient.

Hello have problems after programming. I install back display working at firtst time great working android auto. After night display working well but I trybconnect usb it not shows any just charging phone but display not regonised anything. Just uncan use only like BT device but android auto not showing up. Please help with that.

36 minutes ago, vstvst said:

Hello have problems after programming. I install back display working at firtst time great working android auto. After night display working well but I trybconnect usb it not shows any just charging phone but display not regonised anything. Just uncan use only like BT device but android auto not showing up. Please help with that.

Problem with USB cable or USB port. I had problem with both. Try another cable and make sure you insert it in usb port "correct" way. My USB port was missing plastic part inside, so it was possible to insert usb cable wrong way. Try to restart MIB, press and hold power button, then try with another usb cable, and make sure you insert cable in correct way.

I update that lg to latest firmware after update they again working once and thats all. After restart mib and they don't work anymore... I don't think usb t bad... Something more I think

14 hours ago, Zlatko580 said:

Problem with USB cable or USB port. I had problem with both. Try another cable and make sure you insert it in usb port "correct" way. My USB port was missing plastic part inside, so it was possible to insert usb cable wrong way. Try to restart MIB, press and hold power button, then try with another usb cable, and make sure you insert cable in correct way.

Edited 12 December, 202512 Dec by vstvst

I didnt updated mine, because it works perfectly, no need to update. When you press app button does it say that you need to unlock it or say "connect your phone theough usb..."? Also you can scan 5F infotainment address with vcds or odis to see is there any error codes. When I used bad cable, he triggered error, something like "bad usb connection" or something simillar.

2 hours ago, Zlatko580 said:

I didnt updated mine, because it works perfectly, no need to update. When you press app button does it say that you need to unlock it or say "connect your phone theough usb..."? Also you can scan 5F infotainment address with vcds or odis to see is there any error codes. When I used bad cable, he triggered error, something like "bad usb connection" or something simillar.

It says "connect your phone theough usb" but I use original brand new usb cable. I will try using vcds but need to buy..

Then it is not releated to the multimedia unit itself. Its releated to USB port, USB cable, or phone itself. Try with other USB cable - phone, make sure USB port is functional, try to insert flash drive with music and see does it recognize flash drive for example. Or with some diagnostic tool check for error codes on 5F. VCDS can be bought preety cheap, for example 20-25€.

EDIT:

On my car octavia 3, I had broken usb port. Plastic part inside port was missing, so I was able to insert usb cable on two oposite ways, but only one is correct. When cable is insert wrong way, error code is stored in 5F, you need to clear that error in order to make usb port functional again.

Edited 13 December, 202513 Dec by Zlatko580

4 hours ago, Zlatko580 said:

Then it is not releated to the multimedia unit itself. Its releated to USB port, USB cable, or phone itself. Try with other USB cable - phone, make sure USB port is functional, try to insert flash drive with music and see does it recognize flash drive for example. Or with some diagnostic tool check for error codes on 5F. VCDS can be bought preety cheap, for example 20-25€.

EDIT:

On my car octavia 3, I had broken usb port. Plastic part inside port was missing, so I was able to insert usb cable on two oposite ways, but only one is correct. When cable is insert wrong way, error code is stored in 5F, you need to clear that error in order to make usb port functional again.

Wich one usb you use i will try same because tested few nothing happens

Bro you give no information, does a USB flash drive work when you plug it in?

Do you have any error code stored on 5F infotainment system?

I use standard USB-A to USB-C with Samsung phone...

1 hour ago, Zlatko580 said:

Bro you give no information, does a USB flash drive work when you plug it in?

Do you have any error code stored on 5F infotainment system?

I use standard USB-A to USB-C with Samsung phone...

Latter next week buy VCDS. On weekend no one want to sell me. I will report how its going on.

On 13/12/2025 at 16:04, vstvst said:

Latter next week buy VCDS. On weekend no one want to sell me. I will report how its going on.

I think I have a solution to your problem, the usb port in your car was coded in stock to charge only or full which is not comptible witch smart link so if you have an obd elm327 just go with carscanner and read the coding in multimedia for usb port and then switch to charge+ipod you may also enable the devloper mode and switch the usb from that

Edited 24 December, 202524 Dec by Yop5E

On 04/10/2025 at 06:06, Zlatko580 said:

Hello,

I activated Smart Link on my swing 3 radio, at Skoda Octavia mk3 MY 2018, so I want to share with everyone how it can be done.

DISCLAIMER: You do it at your rensponsability, is not easy to do, and you can mess things out, possible brick you device. Do it only if you have expereince in this kind of activity.

Physical tools needed:

• Tool for removing radio 4 pieces, just google "VAG radio removal tool", cost about 1€.

• CH341A Mini Programmer, cost about 10€.

• PC/Laptop

• Philips screwdriver

Software needed (all software in attachment):

• CH341A driver

• NeoProgrammer

• Python (In windows 11, open start menu, type cmd, press enter, type Python, press enter. Microsoft store will open with Python 3.13, click on "Get" and wait to install complete.)

• Python script for activating CarLink (MEN2SwingPatch.py)

Install CH341A driver and NeoProgrammer, make sure python is installed, put MEN2SwingPatch.py script at some accessible location (for example at root D:\).

Firstly, you need to remove radio from car, its pretty simple, just insert four "keys" and pull the radio out.

Then remove 6 screws from the top and 2 from the bottom, split display from the unit, and pull the top cover to expose top of the PCB. I removed PCB fully from the case to check is there present video chip for reversing camera (unfortunately not), but you don't have to do that.

After top cover is removed, and PCB is accessible, you have to find ST 95256 R EEPROM.

Put clamp from the CH341A on the EEPROM chip, make sure red cable (clamp) is on the pin 1 (EEPROM).

Clamp connector insert in appropriate adapter, and adapter insert in CH341A in part intended for 25XX, make sure red cable facing toward lever. Plug CH341A in computer USB port.

All this can be sawn in picture named EEPROM 2.

Run NeoProgrammer.exe, go to Hardware tab, select "CH341 Black". Next go to IC>Search>type 95256>select M95256R> click on Read IC.

This is the tricky part, if you get all blank result it means that clamp on the eeprom not have a good grip, try to move clamp left-right, take it off and put on again. After 5-6 times of re adjusting clamp I finally got the eeprom content. Save it on pc (for example at root D:\ as 1.bin). Read IC couple more times to be sure that you have good conection to the eeprom chip (if you want to take extra check, you can compare couple .bin with Notepad++ to be sure that you have identical read every time, this is good sign that all is correct). Make sure you dont move accidentaly clamp or PCB.

Click on start, type cmd, press enter, navigate to D:\ (place where you saved EEPROM dump and script), type python men2swingpatch.py 1.bin, press enter. If everything is correct you should get printed on display TRAIN:xxx, FAZIT: xxx (see picture "script"), and now you have file named 1.bin_patched.bin. This new file we now need to write back to the eeprom.

Get back to the NeoProgrammer, click on File>Open and find 1.bin_patched.bin at D:\, click on Write IC.

After writing you can read it again and compare to patched bin, just to be sure its written correct. Now you can disconnect clamp, assemble unit and put it back in the car.

Enjoy in your unlocked Smart Link.

DOWNLOAD needed software

I just bought hardware required to attack this one i will tell you once done

Worked perfectly but it was to hard to get it readed the clap is tricky i

Have unsoldred and soldred back

7 hours ago, Yop5E said:

Worked perfectly but it was to hard to get it readed the clap is tricky i

Have unsoldred and soldred back

Good job. Yes, reading eeprom with a clamp is tricky. I got feedback from people using different type of "clamp". I didnt tested, but it could be another option beside desoldering.

3 hours ago, Zlatko580 said:

Good job. Yes, reading eeprom with a clamp is tricky. I got feedback from people using different type of "clamp". I didnt tested, but it could be another option beside desoldering.

Ah this one maybe more confortable I read also about a patch by enthusiast in drive2.ru it stated solution without opening unit but didn’t manage to understand how written in russian

1 minute ago, Yop5E said:

Ah this one maybe more confortable I read also about a patch by enthusiast in drive2.ru it stated solution without opening unit but didn’t manage to understand how written in russian

Can you send me link to the post on drive.ru where is stated to be possible to do this without serial programmer?

I know there is software "MIBHelper" but it works only for Bolero/Amundsen/Columbus, unfortunately not Swing...

3 minutes ago, Zlatko580 said:

Can you send me link to the post on drive.ru where is stated to be possible to do this without serial programmer?

I know there is software "MIBHelper" but it works only for Bolero/Amundsen/Columbus, unfortunately not Swing...

https://www.drive2.ru/b/696194545985012302/

7 minutes ago, Yop5E said:

https://www.drive2.ru/b/696194545985012302/

Indeed this is little bit easier way to do it. But they not share details unfortunately. As I understood, you have to remove device from the car, and somehow to access same eeprom chip but from outside.