Chris, the biggest challenge I have is having a stable CarPlay connection. I understand that the Cali does not have wireless CarPlay, so when linked without usb appconnect functionality should kick in ( however I have never managed to successfully achieve this) however the wired CarPlay (my preferred method) is decidedly flaky, sometimes it works well, other times it stubbornly refuses to connect. Turning WiFi off on your phone when starting out still and attached to your home WiFi can help, but it’s truly hit and miss. A video on apple / android connectivity would be great. Thanks. T6.1.
I found the built in cube system to be very poor, I use either my mobile or I have a standalone 12v route combo from Falcon with a payg three sim. This works pretty well to stream Internet and video etc.
Getting a data plan for the integrated eSim looks to makes sense for a short period if travelling abroad. All devices can then conveniently share that one plan rather than paying multiple roaming charges.
I have a data package with Cube telecommunications on my nearly 4 year old California which I think is VW’s recommended provider. My belief is that it’s a roaming system where as I am on O2 with my phone and if there is a good signal where you camp that’s fine, but if it’s a rubbish O2 signal then the Cube system roams all the other providers to find the best and strongest one. My understanding may not be correct but it has worked for me when O2 is rubbish on occasions. In terms of its usability then that’s another issue, often it says on my vehicle system that my phone is connected but I can’t get web access, then next time it is fine….so my experience is not great. I have been in touch with Cube and they say it’s not their system it all looks fine to them and should be working but I do have problems, but as I bought an annual contract I will keep trying.
I have recently got my Cali and started a data plan which my wife uses with her phone and iPad as she doesn’t have a lot of data, we have found that when my iPhone on EE couldn’t get any internet her phone connected to the Van was still able to get data. I didn’t know what the “Wi-Fi” button on the dash did (I don’t have it in my Van)
Have also bought a data plan with the van. Worked well and was at times a better signal than the data on my phone. The location is Dublin or Frankfurt however which means that you can’t use to watch uk tv.
Oh I’ve asked. Haven’t found a dealership or anyone in head office that can get all the radio station logos to appear. Or even upload them from usbc thumb drive into the system
I think Starlink is looking interesting. In the US they are starting to roll out voice to phone (might include data, not sure). Would be a game changer if it comes to the UK and is affordable. Where I live the O2 signal is non-existent.
We've used Starlink now and I'd seriously recommend it for camping. Great, strong, fast connection. A bit pricey, but if it's needed (for work or entertainment) then it felt solid and definitely worth it.
Chris, the biggest challenge I have is having a stable CarPlay connection. I understand that the Cali does not have wireless CarPlay, so when linked without usb appconnect functionality should kick in ( however I have never managed to successfully achieve this) however the wired CarPlay (my preferred method) is decidedly flaky, sometimes it works well, other times it stubbornly refuses to connect. Turning WiFi off on your phone when starting out still and attached to your home WiFi can help, but it’s truly hit and miss. A video on apple / android connectivity would be great. Thanks. T6.1.
I found the built in cube system to be very poor, I use either my mobile or I have a standalone 12v route combo from Falcon with a payg three sim. This works pretty well to stream Internet and video etc.
Getting a data plan for the integrated eSim looks to makes sense for a short period if travelling abroad. All devices can then conveniently share that one plan rather than paying multiple roaming charges.
I have a data package with Cube telecommunications on my nearly 4 year old California which I think is VW’s recommended provider. My belief is that it’s a roaming system where as I am on O2 with my phone and if there is a good signal where you camp that’s fine, but if it’s a rubbish O2 signal then the Cube system roams all the other providers to find the best and strongest one. My understanding may not be correct but it has worked for me when O2 is rubbish on occasions. In terms of its usability then that’s another issue, often it says on my vehicle system that my phone is connected but I can’t get web access, then next time it is fine….so my experience is not great. I have been in touch with Cube and they say it’s not their system it all looks fine to them and should be working but I do have problems, but as I bought an annual contract I will keep trying.
I have recently got my Cali and started a data plan which my wife uses with her phone and iPad as she doesn’t have a lot of data, we have found that when my iPhone on EE couldn’t get any internet her phone connected to the Van was still able to get data.
I didn’t know what the “Wi-Fi” button on the dash did (I don’t have it in my Van)
Have also bought a data plan with the van. Worked well and was at times a better signal than the data on my phone. The location is Dublin or Frankfurt however which means that you can’t use to watch uk tv.
Interesting! Thanks for sharing.
Hi Chris is it possible to install the Wi-fi button aftermarket on my California T 6.1? Thanks
Not that I'm aware of.
My California app connects but constantly disconnects after a few seconds. I’ve heard this is common, is there a reason/ solution?
Not that I'm aware of.
The biggest mystery on the vans is how do you get radio station logos to appear. Now that I’d like to get solved!
Asking the proper questions.
Oh I’ve asked. Haven’t found a dealership or anyone in head office that can get all the radio station logos to appear. Or even upload them from usbc thumb drive into the system
It's beyond my level of knowledge, too, I'm afraid.
I think Starlink is looking interesting. In the US they are starting to roll out voice to phone (might include data, not sure). Would be a game changer if it comes to the UK and is affordable. Where I live the O2 signal is non-existent.
We've used Starlink now and I'd seriously recommend it for camping. Great, strong, fast connection. A bit pricey, but if it's needed (for work or entertainment) then it felt solid and definitely worth it.