Software updates over-the-air (OTA)
This article is applicable to models with Google built-in.
Information regarding software updates is found by selecting your car at: volvocars.com/intl/support. Select your market and find the software updates page.
How to update over-the-air
Note
Download and install
All over-the-air (OTA) software updates are sent directly to your car. An update consists of two phases: a download phase while you are using the car and an installation phase when the car is not in use. Note that the time it takes for the download depends on the sizeof the software package.
Download – while the car is in use
1. The software package is automatically downloaded in the background when you drive the car. Depending on the size of the software package, it may take several driving cycles before the software is completely downloaded to your car. If you stop driving before the package is downloaded, the download will resume the next time you drive.
Installation – while the car is not in use
2. Once the new software is downloaded, you will receive a notification in the car's centre display that the update is ready to install along with instructions on how to proceed.
3. You may choose to start the installation immediately or later at your convenience. If you choose to do the latter, the notification will be dismissed, but you can easily find it again by swiping the screen from the top to access notifications.
Note
- The car needs to be locked during software installation. The installation has a maximum duration of 90 minutes and the car cannot be used when installation is in progress.
- For pure electric cars, please ensure that the high-voltage battery level is at least 40% before installation.
- It is important that the car's high-voltage battery is not being charged during the software installation process.
4. To start the installation: press Install now in the centre display. Leave the car and lock the doors.
5. You will be informed that the installation has been completed via a notification in the centre display and in the Volvo Cars app.
Note
- If the installation is not successful, please contact your Volvo dealer.
- If you experience any issues with the over-the-air (OTA) update installation, or issues with the car in any other way, do not hesitate to contact Volvo Cars customer service (via phone or the Volvo Cars app) or your Volvo workshop.
Frequently asked questions
How often will the software be updated via OTA?
Normally every 6-8 weeks.
How long does an OTA software installation take?
It could take up to 90 minutes. In some cases it can be quicker.
Why are software updates provided via OTA instead of being performed at the workshop?
OTA is the next step in the evolution of our products and the Volvo brand. Launching OTA allows the product to continually improve. It's also more convenient and quicker for our customers.
Can I schedule the OTA installation?
There are two options to choose from: Install now or Later. Install now means that the car will start to install the software when the prerequisites are met, i.e. the car is locked. For pure electric cars the high-voltage battery level must be at least 40%. If you choose Later, you will continue to be prompted to install the software until you choose Install now.
The possibility to schedule an OTA installation at a later time will be implemented in an upcoming software release.
Which car models can access software updates through OTA?
Cars with Google built-in are OTA compatible.
Can I schedule the installation from the Volvo Cars app on my phone?
Unfortunately this is not available at the moment.
Where can I find information about what is included in the OTA update?
- When an update is available you are prompted with a request for installation. Before initiating the update, you can find information in the centre display. Go to View release notes in the top right corner.
- After the update you can find information about the latest software updates on the support site for most markets. Check volvocars.com/intl/support and select your market to access the information.
- In the Volvo Cars app under
> Software information. This functionality is market dependent and will be launched for all Volvo Cars app markets throughout spring 2023.
What type of software is available via OTA software updates?
The content differs for each deployment but it is usually a new or updated car firmware. The updates are typically released every 6-8 weeks.
Will the OTA software updates be downloaded to the car via my phone's Wi-Fi or will the car have its own SIM installed?
All cars with Google built-in are capable of OTA downloads. The OTA software updates use the car's built-in SIM card. Update through personal SIM or Wi-Fi is not currently supported.
I have not received any new software to my car but others have - what is the reason?
Each car has a unique configuration. Not all cars are updated at the same time with the same software packages. You only receive an OTA software message if it is applicable to your car.
Can the car be used during the installation process?
No. Once an installation procedure has been initiated, the software is being upgraded and the car will not be accessible for up to 90 minutes. It is essential that you carefully planthe software installation. It should be set to install at a time when the car can remainundisturbed, such as during the night.
Am I able to access the car during the installation process if there is something I urgently need from the car?
- IT IS NOT ADVISABLE to open the car during the installation process.
- By accessing the car during the installation process there is a risk that it may interrupt the installation and cause it to terminate. In a worst case scenario, this can have unintended effects on the car's functions.
- The key fob's ranged function is disabled during the OTA installation process. However, it is possible to unlock the car by using your key blade at the door if you need to access the car during the installation.
How do I receive information about an upcoming or pending OTA software download?
If you have enabled automatic downloads in the settings menu, the downloads will run in the background. If you have not done this, a prompt will occur every time you enter your car asking if the software can be downloaded. Once the installation prompt appears, the software is available for installation.
- Download = Software downloaded from cloud to car.
- Installation = Software installed in the car.
Can the software be installed without internet connection?
In-car internet connection is only required when downloading the data-package to the car. The installation procedure itself does not require the car to be connected to the internet.
When the feature is available in the Volvo Cars app but the car has no internet connection, you will not receive a notification message in your phone that installation has started. Additionally, the car cannot automatically report back if a failure has occurred. Once the car re-establishes an internet connection, it will begin sending information. Technically, the car needs connection once it has "woken up", allowing the car to connect to the cloud and verify that the new installation was successful.
Can I install my own SIM card in the car for data traffic?
No. It is only possible to use the car's built-in SIM card.
Can I connect the car to a local Wi-Fi to transfer the software download?
No. The car does not support this functionality. The data transfer is performed over the car's built-in SIM card and is carried out when the car is in "active mode", i.e. during driving.
Is there a minimum battery level required prior to software installation?
Yes, for pure electric cars the battery level must be at least 40%.
Will there be any kind of disclaimer in the event that a software download could overwrite some "non-Volvo software", such as a non-homologated software from a third party company?
No. There will however be a control function in the back-end system highlighting if individual configuration applies to the cars in the OTA deployment. Volvo Cars Software Release Team decides if software should be deployed to those cars or not. Unless the software part number is the same as a Volvo part number, if there is no conflicting data, then the software will be installed. If any non-Volvo or non-proprietary software from a third party is detected, this will be overwritten.
How do I know which software version is installed?
Go to 
> System > Software update. Current software version is displayed.
How do I know when a software version was made available?
Information regarding software updates is found by selecting your car at: volvocars.com/intl/support. Select your market and find the software updates page.
Where can I get information on upcoming updates?
Requirements and availability for content in software updates varies and is constantly reviewed, therefore it is impossible to specify far in advance what the content will contain. When the software is released you will find information about the content at: volvocars.com/intl/support. Select your market and find the software updates page.
Why haven’t I got the latest software release via OTA?
In our planning we sometimes decide to release certain software versions at workshops only. The reasons may differ but the ambition is always to ensure high customer value with the software that we distribute through OTA.
Can I get the latest software content anyway?
Unless you are urged to visit a dealer for an update, the easiest way is to wait for the next OTA update. Visiting a dealer in this instance may incur a fee. Relevant content for your car will automatically be part of the next OTA update at no cost.
I may have an old software version in my car, why do I not get any more updates through OTA?
You may need to visit a workshop for an assisted software update to be able to get OTA updates again. There may be different reasons why you need such assistance. Contact your dealer or customer care to get the proper support.
Is OTA free and for how long?
OTA will be free for as long as these cars are supported with software updates. Sometimes you may need a workshop visit for an assisted software update to be able to get OTA updates again. A workshop assisted software update may incur a fee.
If I get a notification about an available software update, but I decide to get it installed at a workshop, is the update still free of charge?
An assisted software update at the workshop may incur a fee.
Applicable models:
C40 Recharge Pure Electric, model year 2022 and later
S60, S60 Recharge, model year 2023 and later
S90, S90 Recharge, model year 2022 and later
V60, V60 Recharge, V60 Cross Country, model year 2023 and later
V90, V90 Recharge, V90 Cross Country, model year 2022 and later
XC40 Recharge Pure Electric, model year 2021 and later
XC40 (mild hybrid), model year 2023 and later
XC60, XC60 Recharge, model year 2022 and later
XC90, XC90 Recharge, model year 2023 and later