The California app

To be able to use the California app, your smartphone will need iOS 12.1 or Android 8.0 as a minimum technical requirement.
To use the California Remote Control*, you will need Android 10.

For the “Owner’s Manual” function under “My vehicle”, you will need to have a valid vehicle identification number (VIN) from model year 2011 onwards.

The following vehicle models can be stored in the app:  

• New California
• California Generation 6 
• California Generation 6.1 
• Grand California from model year 2025
• Caddy California 

*Remote control is only possible for the California Generation 6.1, New California and Grand California models (from model year 2025). To remotely control the California Generation 6.1, special preparation is required in the vehicle configuration. If the package “Prepared for the California remote control” was selected when ordering (or the J608 control unit with the PNR IP6 is installed) or the connection button/Wi-Fi switch is installed on the right below the steering wheel in your vehicle, your California has 6.1 about the function.

Compatibility of the California app (specifically in relation to California Remote Control) has been tested with the following smartphones:

• Samsung Galaxy S9, S21 5G, S22 und Z Fold 4 
• Google Pixel 2, 5, 6 und 8 
• Apple iPhone Modelle 6s Plus, 7, 8, SE (2020), 12, 12 Pro, 13, 13 Pro / Pro Max und 15 Pro 
• OnePlus 10 Pro 

The app may be compatible with other smartphones, but this cannot be guaranteed by Volkswagen AG. Should you experience any compatibility issues, California Support is available around the clock.

Yes, use of the California app and also the California Remote Control is free of charge.

When you open the app for the first time, you will be asked to enter your VIN. You can also save these later at any time under “Settings”. You can also register a VW user account and log in with the corresponding Volkswagen ID either by opening the menu bar (indicated by three lines at the top left), via “Discover” or under “Settings” à “My Profile”.

Note: In principle, no login or registration is necessary to use the California App1. However, in order to fully use the numerous app features, you must provide a valid vehicle identification number (VIN) and log in with your cross-service VW user account, so it is recommended that you register and provide it.

You can use the California app to find campsites and pitches in Europe.

To plan your next camping trip using the California app, you can use “Plan” to find campsites/pitches, among other things, and even book them directly, depending on the provider. You can also save other places of interest, such as restaurants & leisure activities. 

Under “My places”, you will then find a list of your favourite places; you can manage them there and add notes.

You can book campsites or pitches in the California app either by sending a booking request to the respective operator or just directly using the app.

The California In-Car App is your digital companion for a relaxing van life – located directly in your California’s infotainment system.

The Discover mode can help you find near-by campsites and pitches quickly and easily. You can also save interesting locations as favourites or plan entire tours. And specialised California service partners can also be found with zero effort. Contact your destination directly by phone – or start the navigation with just one click.

For even more convenience, you can control camper specific functions, such as the refrigerator, via your infotainment system, or check important status indicators such as the water level. The inclination display helps you set up your California in the optimal position – for an all-round pleasant camping experience.

The California In-Car App is available for the new California and the Grand California from model year 2025 (not available for the Grand California with the Composition infotainment system)

You can get the California In-Car App via the In-Car Shop or VW Connect web shop. Your vehicle will need an active main user and an existing connection to the VW Connect mobile online service. This can be activated via the Volkswagen App or the MyVolkswagen private customer portal.

Simply log in to your infotainment system using your Volkswagen ID, select the In-Car Shop, and download the California In-Car App directly to your system.

Yes, the California In-Car App is free of charge. Good to know: the data costs incurred for the download and use of the app are already covered by your VW Connect contract.