2021-2023 Volkswagen ID.4 Keys and Smart Key Instructions

Opening and closing Vehicle key

Functions of the vehicle key

1. Unlock the vehicle. All turn signals flash twice.
2. Unlock only the boot lid. All turn signals flash twice. To do this, press and hold the button briefly.
3. Lock the vehicle. All turn signals flash once.
4. The indicator lamp flashes when the button is pressed if all doors and the boot lid are closed.

WARNING
Careless or unsupervised use of the vehicle key can lead to accidents or injuries.

• Take all vehicle keys with you when you leave the vehicle. Children or unauthorised persons could otherwise lock the doors and boot lid, activate the vehicle’s drive system or switch on the ignition and thus operate electrical equipment, such as the electric windows.
• Never leave children or people requiring assistance alone in the vehicle. They could become trapped in the vehicle in an emergency and may not be able to get themselves to safety. For example, locked vehicles may be subjected to very high or very low temperatures depending on the season. This can cause serious injuries and illness or fatalities, especially among small children.

NOTICE
Protect the key from moisture and excessive vibration.

Spare key

1. Press the release button briefly. The key-ring folds open.
2. Press the release button and pull the spare key out in the direction of the arrow.
3. Spare key.

A spare key → Fig. 54 3 is located in the vehicle key which can be used to lock and unlock the vehicle manually.

Changing the button cell

Fig. 55 Vehicle key: opening battery compartment cover.

Fig. 56 Vehicle key: replacing the button cell.
Volkswagen recommends having the button cell changed at a Volkswagen dealership or by a qualified workshop → .

• Remove the spare key → Fig. 55 1
• Insert the spare key in the slot → Fig. 55
  2 , press in the direction of the arrow and lever off the cover.
• Lever the button cell out of the battery
  compartment → Fig. 56.
•  Press the new button cell into the battery compartment 
• Press the cover onto the housing
• Put the spare key back
• Dispose of discharged batteries in an environmentally
  responsible way

DANGER
If button cell batteries are swallowed or get into the wind pipe, this can lead to serious or even fatal injuries due to suffocation or internal burns within a very short space of time.

• Call for medical help immediately if you suspect that someone has swallowed a button cell battery.
• If the battery cover cannot be closed, do not use the remote control.
• Always keep the remote control and key fob with button cells out of the reach of children.

NOTICE

• The vehicle key can be damaged if the button cell is not changed properly.
• Unsuitable batteries can damage the vehicle key. Replace discharged batteries only with new batteries of the same voltage rating, size and specification.
• Pay attention to the correct polarity when inserting the battery.

The type of batteries used in the remote control of your vehicle key may contain perchlorate. This may require special handling. Please observe all the legal requirements regarding the handling and disposal of these batteries. We recommend that you have this service carried out by a Volkswagen dealership or a qualified workshop.

Synchronising the vehicle key
If you cannot lock or unlock the vehicle with the vehicle key, synchronise the vehicle key or replace the button cell 
Synchronising the vehicle key:

• Stand beside the vehicle.
• Press the button on the vehicle key twice in quick succession.

OR:

• Remove the spare key
• If necessary, remove the cover of the driver
  door handle
• Press the button on the vehicle key.
•  Unlock the vehicle using the spare key.
• Open the driver door. If the vehicle has an
  anti-theft alarm, this will be triggered immediately
• Switch on the ignition.

Please note: to switch on the ignition, place the vehicle key in the drink holder or the stowage compartment in the centre console

The synchronisation process is complete

Vehicle cannot be locked or unlocked
The remote control is subject to interference caused by obstacles, adverse weather conditions or other transmitters operating in the same frequency range in the vicinity of the vehicle, e.g. mobile devices, or due to a weak or flat button cell.
OR: the central locking system has switched itself off temporarily to protect itself against overloading.

• Close the driver door.
• OR: synchronise the vehicle key
• OR: change the button cell in the vehicle key 

Indicator lamp does not flash
If the indicator lamp in the vehicle key does not flash when pressing the button, the but-ton cell in the vehicle key has to be replaced.

Additional or replacement vehicle keys can be obtained from a Volkswagen dealership.

Keyless locking and starting system “Keyless Access”

Introduction to the topic
The Keyless Access function allows the vehicle to be unlocked and locked without active-ly using the vehicle key. For this purpose,
a valid vehicle key must be within close range of the vehicle.

Unlocking or locking the vehicle with Keyless Access

Fig. 58 Keyless Access: operating ranges.

Configuring Keyless Access
The behaviour of the keyless access locking and starting system Keyless Access can be set in the Vehicle menu in the Infotainment system.
If the Keyless Access function is deactivated, the functions of the system may be restriced.
Unlocking the vehicle

• Touch the sensor → Fig. 57 A on the in-  side of the door handle. All turn signals flash twice.
  The entire vehicle is unlocked if the sensor is touched twice.

Unlocking the vehicle when approaching
The vehicle can be unlocked as you approach it. For this, the function must be activated in the Infotainment system and the vehicle key must be located in the operating range of the vehicle.

•  The vehicle is unlocked if the vehicle key is detected within the operating range Fig. 58. All turn signals flash twice.

The “Unlock vehicle when approaching” function is deactivated if the vehicle is not un-locked for a longer period of time. The function is re-activated with the next locking action.
If single door unlocking is activated in the central locking settings in the Infotainment system, there may be restrictions with
the“ Unlock vehicle when approaching” function.

Locking the vehicle— Park the vehicle.

• Touch the sensor → Fig. 57 B on the outside of the door handle. All turn signals flash once.
  The unlocking function is deactivated for a few seconds so that you can check that the vehicle has been locked successfully.

Unlocking the boot lid
When the vehicle is locked, the boot lid will be unlocked automatically if you open it when a vehicle key is located within the operating range of the boot lid. The boot lid will be locked again after closing.
Please note: When “Central locking, all doors” and “Keyless Access unlocking when approaching” are activated in the Infotainment system, the vehicle remains unlocked after the boot lid has been opened and closed . The vehicle must be actively locked.

Temporarily deactivating Keyless Access
The Keyless Access unlocking function can be deactivated temporarily:

•  Lock the vehicle with the button on the vehicle key.
• Touch the sensor on the outside of the door handle once within five seconds → Fig. 57 B . Do not put your hand around the door handle when doing this. Keyless Access is now temporarily deactivated.
• You can check that it is deactivated by waiting for at least ten seconds and then pulling the door handle. It should not be possible to open the door.

When the vehicle is next unlocked, it can be unlocked electronically with the vehicle key only. Keyless Access is reactivated the next time the vehicle is unlocked → .
Permanently deactivating Keyless Access
Keyless Access can be permanently deactivated in the Infotainment system → 

NOTICE
When Keyless Access is deactivated, depending on equipment, the sensor-controlled opening and closing of the boot lid is also deactivated even it the function is active in the vehicle menu.

Troubleshooting

Keyless Access does not work
The function of the door handle sensors may be restricted if they become very dirty.

• Clean the sensors.

All turn signals flash four times
The vehicle key used last is still in the vehicle.

• Remove the key and lock the vehicle.
  Automatic deactivation of the sensors
  The sensors will be deactivated in the follow-ing circumstances:
•  The vehicle is not unlocked or locked for an extended period.
• A sensor has been triggered an excessive number of times.

Activating sensors again:

• Unlock the vehicle with the  button in the vehicle key.

NOTICE
Please note that the sensors in the handles could be activated by a powerful jet of water or steam if a valid remote control key is with-in the operating range. If at least one window is open and the sensors in a door handle are continuously activated, all windows will close. All windows could open if the jet of water or steam is moved away from the door handle sensor surfaces briefly and then moved back again 

If the message Error: Keyless Access system appears in the ID. Cockpit , malfunctions can occur in the Keyless Access system. Go to a qualified workshop.
If there is no vehicle key in the vehicle or if it is not detected, a corresponding message will be shown in the ID. Cock-
pit . This may occur if the vehicle key is disrupted by another radio signal or is covered by another item such as an aluminium suit-case.

Doors and central locking button

Introduction to the topic

The doors can be locked manually and, in some cases, also unlocked manually, if the vehicle key or central locking fails, for example.
The central locking system enables you to centrally lock and unlock all the doors, the boot lid and the charging socket flap of the vehicle.
The vehicle can be locked if the ignition has been switched off or the driver has deactivated the vehicle’s drive system before leaving the vehicle.
A symbol in the ID. Cockpit indicates if one or more doors are not closed properly. Do not drive on! Open the door in question and then close it again.
This symbol is also visible when the ignition is switched off and will go out a few seconds after the vehicle has been locked when all doors are closed.

WARNING

Any door that is not properly closed could open suddenly while the vehicle is in motion. This could lead to severe injuries.

• Stop as soon as possible and close the door.
• Ensure that the door is closed properly and that the lock has engaged. The closed door must be flush with the sur-rounding body panels.
• Doors should only be opened or closed when you are sure there is no-one in their path.

WARNING
Any door being held open by the door arrester could close unexpectedly in strong winds or if the vehicle is on a slope. This could lead to injuries.

• Always keep a good grip on the handle when opening and closing doors.

WARNING
The opening and closing paths of the doors and boot lid are potential danger areas where injury can occur.

• The doors and the boot lid should there-fore only be opened or closed when you are sure that nobody is in their path.

WARNING
Careless locking of the doors can cause serious injuries.

• If the vehicle is locked from the outside, the doors and electric windows cannot be opened from the inside.
• The central locking system locks all doors. Locking the vehicle from the in-side can prevent accidental opening of the doors and unauthorised persons from entering the vehicle. However, locked doors can delay assistance to passengers inside the vehicle in the event of an accident or emergency.
• Never leave children or people requiring assistance alone in the vehicle. All doors can be locked from the inside using the central locking button. This may mean that people lock themselves in the vehicle. People locked in the vehicle may be subjected to very high or very low temperatures.
• Temperatures inside a locked vehicle may be extremely hot or cold depending on the season. This can cause serious in-juries and illness or fatalities, especially among small children.
• Never leave anyone inside a locked vehicle. People in the vehicle could become trapped in an emergency and may not be able to get themselves to safety.

NOTICE

People who are locked in the vehicle can un-lock the doors in an emergency by pulling the door release lever forcefully twice. The lever must be pulled beyond a noticeable resistance in this case.

NOTICE
When carrying out manual opening or closing, remove parts carefully and install them again correctly in order to avoid damage to the vehicle.

Opening doors
Please refer to and at the start of the chapter 
Opening doors from outside
There is a button behind the door handles.

• Unlock the vehicle using the vehicle key
• Press the button behind the door handle.
  Opening doors from inside
  Pull the door release lever only slightly. Do not pull the door release lever beyond the resistance.

Indicator lamp in the driver door

Please refer to and at the start of the chapter 
The central locking system indicator lamp is located in the driver door.
Vehicle locked: red LED flashes at short intervals for approximately two seconds, and then more slowly. The indicator lamp does not flash if the vehicle was locked with the central locking button in the driver door.

Automatic locking and un-locking

Please refer to and at the start of the chapter on 

Automatic locking (Auto Lock)
The vehicle locks itself automatically at speeds above approximately 15 km/h
(9 mph). The indicator lamp in the central locking button will light up yellow when the vehicle is locked.

Automatic unlocking (Auto Unlock)
All vehicle doors and the boot lid are automatically unlocked if one of the following conditions applies:

• The electronic parking brake is engaged and the ignition is switched off.
• OR: the door release lever has been operated. This applies at speeds up to 15 km/h (9 mph).
• OR: in an accident where the airbags have been triggered → 

Automatic unlocking gives emergency responders access to the vehicle.

Central locking touch control

Fig. 59 In the driver door: central locking touch control.
Depending on the market, the touch panel for the central locking can also be found in the front passenger door.
If the vehicle has been locked from outside with the vehicle key, the central locking touch control is not activated.
Please note the following if the vehicle was locked from inside using the central locking touch control:

• The indicator lamp in the touch control lights up yellow when all doors are closed and locked → Fig. 59.
• The anti-theft alarm will not be activated

The doors can be opened from the inside by pulling the door release handle. The indicator lamp in the touch control goes out. The unopened doors and boot lid remain locked and cannot be opened from the outside.
If the driver door is open, it will not be locked.

Opening and closing the driver door manually

Fig. 60 Handle on the driver door: levering off the cover.

Fig. 61 Locking the driver door manually.

• Lever the cap off with the vehicle key in the direction of the arrow → Fig. 60.
• Insert the key bit into the lock cylinder.
• Turn the spare key clockwise to lock the
  vehicle → Fig. 61.
  Turn the spare key anticlockwise to unlock
  the vehicle.
• Pull the driver door handle forcefully to open the door.
•  Fit the cap again.
  Things to note when unlocking manually When manual locking takes place, all doors are locked. With manual unlocking, only the driver door is unlocked. Observe the information about the anti theft alarm 
  The alarm is triggered when the driver door is opened 
  The vehicle must be started manually once unlocked 
• Activate the vehicle’s drive system to
  switch off the alarm.
  The electronic immobiliser recognises a valid vehicle key.
  The anti-theft alarm is activated when the vehicle is locked manually using the key bit .

Manually closing the front passenger door and rear doors

Fig. 61 Locking the driver door manually.

• Lever the cap off with the vehicle key in the direction of the arrow → Fig. 60.
•  Insert the key bit into the lock cylinder.— Turn the spare key clockwise to lock the vehicle → Fig. 61.
• Turn the spare key anticlockwise to unlock the vehicle.
• Pull the driver door handle forcefully to open the door.
  Fit the cap again.

Things to note when unlocking manually When manual locking takes place, all doors are locked. With manual unlocking, only the driver door is unlocked. Observe the information about the anti-theft alarm 

• The alarm is triggered when the driver
  door is opened .
• The vehicle must be started manually once
  unlocked .
• Activate the vehicle’s drive system to switch off the alarm.
  The electronic immobiliser recognises a valid vehicle key.
  The anti-theft alarm is activated when the vehicle is locked manually using the key bit.

Manually closing the front passenger door and rear doors

Fig. 62 In the end face of the right-hand door: locking the vehicle manually with the spare key.
The front passenger door and the rear doors can be locked manually. The anti-theft alarm is not activated in this case

• Open the door.
• Remove the rubber seal from the end face of the door..
• Insert the spare key in the vertical slot and turn → Fig. 62.
• Secure the rubber seal again.
• Ensure that the door is locked.
• The vehicle should be checked by a qualified workshop as soon as possible.
  A door that has been locked manually will be unlocked again if the vehicle is unlocked or the door in question is opened from the in-side.
  The doors can be unlocked and opened from the inside by pulling the door release handle.

Electric childproof lock
Please refer to and at the start of the chapter on

Fig. 63 In the driver door: touch control for electric childproof lock.
The electric childproof lock stops the doors from being opened and the electric windows in the doors from being operated.
To switch the electric childproof lock on or off:

• Switching on: press the touch control.
• Switching off: press the touch control again.

The indicator lamp in the touch control lights up yellow when the childproof lock is active → Fig. 63.

WARNING
When the electric childproof lock is activated, the rear doors cannot be opened from the inside.

• Never leave children or people requiring assistance alone in the vehicle when the doors are locked. This may mean that these people lock themselves in the vehicle. They could become trapped in the vehicle in an emergency and may not be able to get themselves to safety. People locked in the vehicle may be subjected to very high or very low temperatures.
• Temperatures inside a locked vehicle may be extremely hot or cold depending on the season. This can cause serious in-juries and illness or fatalities, especially among small children.

SAFELOCK

Please refer to and at the start of the chapter on.
Depending on the vehicle equipment level, the vehicle may have a SAFELOCK mechanism.
The SAFELOCK deactivates the door release levers if the vehicle has been locked. This makes it more difficult to break into the vehicle. The doors can no longer be opened from the inside → .

Deactivating SAFELOCK
The SAFELOCK can be deactivated in one of the following ways:

• Press the button on the vehicle key again within 2 seconds.
• Touch the sensor on the outside of the door handle again within 2 seconds
• Switch on the ignition.
•  OR: deactivate the interior monitor and the anti-tow alarm
  Depending on the equipment level, temporarily deactivate the interior monitoring and the anti-tow alarm in the Vehicle Settings menu in the Infotainment system before locking the vehicle → 
  A message may be displayed in the ID. Cock-pit indicating that SAFELOCK is active.
  The following applies when SAFELOCK is de-activated:
• The vehicle can be unlocked and opened from the inside using the door release lever. from the inside using the door release lever.
• The anti-theft alarm is active 
•  The interior monitoring and anti-tow alarm are deactivated .

WARNING
Always take care when using the SAFELOCK as you could cause serious injuries.

• Never leave anybody in the vehicle if the vehicle has been locked using the vehicle key. The doors can no longer be opened from the inside once the SAFE-LOCK is activated.

If you unlock the driver door mechanically using the vehicle key, only the driver door is unlocked, and not the whole vehicle. The doors are released (but not un-locked) and the central locking button is activated only when you switch on the ignition.

Troubleshooting
Please refer to and at the start of the chapter 
Indicator lamp lights up continuously
The red LED in the vehicle door flashes at short intervals and then lights up continuously.

There is a fault in the locking system.

• Go to a qualified workshop. Volkswagen recommends using a Volkswagen dealer-ship for this purpose.

Turn signals do not flash
If the turn signals do not flash as confirmation when you lock the vehicle:

•  At least one of the doors or the boot lid is not closed or
• The bonnet is not closed

Vehicle locks itself automatically
The vehicle locks again automatically after approximately 45 seconds if one of the following conditions applies:

• The vehicle was unlocked but not opened.
• The ignition was not switched on.
• The boot lid was not opened.
•  The vehicle was unlocked by means of the
  lock cylinder.
• The vehicle was locked with the control
  button in the vehicle interior.
  Response when locking the vehicle with a second vehicle key
  The vehicle key inside the vehicle is disabled for activating the vehicle’s drive system as soon as the vehicle is locked from outside with a second vehicle key. Press the but-ton on the inside vehicle key in order to re-lease it for activating the vehicle’s drive system 
  Locking the vehicle after airbags have been triggered
  The entire vehicle is unlocked if the airbags are activated during an accident. Depending on the extent of the damage, the vehicle can be locked as follows after an accident.
• Switch off the ignition.
• Open the driver’s door and close it again.
• Lock the vehicle.

It may not be possible to lock or un-lock the vehicle using the Keyless Access if the 12-volt vehicle battery or button cell in the vehicle key is weak or discharged. The vehicle can be locked or unlocked manually 
If there is no vehicle key in the vehicle.
or if it is not detected, a corresponding message will be shown in the ID. Cockpit. This may occur if the vehicle key is disrupted by another radio signal or is covered by an-other item such as an aluminium suitcase.

FAQs

Useful Link

 View Full PDF : 2021-2023 Volkswagen ID.4 Owners Manual| Auto User Guide

2021-2023 Volkswagen ID.4 Interior and Exterior Features