Volkswagen ID.7: Vehicle key functions

Volkswagen ID.7 2024-2025 Owners Manual / Vehicle key functions

Fig. 1 Vehicle key.

Unlock the vehicle. All turn signals will flash twice.
Unlock the trunk lid separately. All turn signals will flash twice. To do this, briefly press and hold the button.
Lock the vehicle. All turn signals will flash once.
Indicator light: Will blink when a button is pressed if all doors and the trunk lid are closed.

WARNING

If you leave vehicle keys unattended in the vehicle, children or unauthorized people could lock the doors and/or the trunk lid, activate drive-ready mode, or switch on the ignition and thereby activate electrical equipment, such as the power windows. This can cause accidents and serious or fatal injuries.

Always take all vehicle keys with you when leaving the vehicle.

WARNING

If you leave children, people requiring assistance or animals unattended in the vehicle, they may accidentally set the vehicle in motion or be subjected to very high or low temperatures. There is a risk of accidents and serious or fatal injuries.

Never leave children, people requiring assistance or animals unattended in the vehicle.

NOTICE

External influences may limit the functionality of the remote control vehicle key and damage it.

Protect the vehicle key from moisture and strong impacts.

Regular use of comfort systems and other usage patterns shorten the service life of the button cell in the vehicle key.

Emergency key

Fig. 1 Vehicle key: releasing the emergency key.

Briefly press the release button. The key ring will fold open.
Press the release button and pull out the emergency key in the direction of the arrow.
Emergency key.

There is an emergency key located in the vehicle key that can be used to manually unlock and lock the vehicle → fig. 1 (3).

Replacing the button cell battery
Synchronizing a vehicle key
Unlocking or locking using Keyless Access
Opening the doors
Indicator light in the driver's door
Automatic locking and unlocking
Control for central locking
Opening and closing the driver's door in an emergency
Locking the front passenger door and rear doors in an emergency
Electrical childproof lock
SAFELOCK
Anti-theft alarm system

Replacing the button cell battery

Volkswagen recommends having the button cell changed by suitably qualified professionals. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility → .

Fig. 1 Remote control vehicle key: opening the battery compartment cover.

Emergency key.
Lever out the cover.

Fig. 2 Vehicle key: replacing the button cell battery

Remove the emergency key → fig. 1 1 (→ Vehicle key) .
Insert the emergency key in the slot, push it in the direction of the arrow and lever out the cover→ fig. 1 2 .
Lift the button cell battery out of the battery compartment → fig. 2 , → .
Press the new button cell battery into the battery compartment.
Press the cover onto the housing → fig. 2 , → .
Store the emergency key (→ Vehicle key) .
Dispose of drained battery in a way that will not harm the environment.

DANGER

If button cell batteries are swallowed or enter the windpipe, serious or fatal injuries will occur within a very short time due to choking or internal burns.

Seek medical assistance immediately if you suspect that a button cell battery has been swallowed.
Always keep the remote control vehicle keys and key fob with button cell batteries out of the reach of children.

NOTICE

If the button cell battery is replaced incorrectly or a battery is unsuitable, it can damage the vehicle key.

Only replace a drained battery with a new battery of the same voltage, size, and specification.
Make sure the battery is facing in the right direction when inserting it.
If the battery compartment cover cannot be closed, do not use the remote control.

The type of batteries used in the remote control of your vehicle key can contain perchlorate. This requires special handling. Observe all legal requirements regarding the handling and disposal of these batteries (→ Product recycling) . Volkswagen recommends having this service carried out for you by suitably qualified professionals. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

Synchronizing a vehicle key

If the vehicle cannot be unlocked or locked using the vehicle key, synchronize the vehicle key or replace the button cell battery (→ Vehicle key) .

Synchronizing a vehicle key

Stand next to the vehicle.
Press the button on the vehicle key twice, quickly.

Or:

Remove the emergency key (→ Vehicle key) .
If necessary, remove the cap from the driver's door handle .
Press the button on the vehicle key.
Unlock the vehicle using the emergency key.
Open the driver door.
If the vehicle is equipped with an anti-theft alarm system, the alarm will be triggered immediately (→ Anti-theft alarm system) .
Switch the ignition on.
To switch on the ignition, an emergency start must be performed. (→ Starting the engine) .

This completes the synchronization.

Troubleshooting

Vehicle cannot be locked or unlocked

The remote control vehicle key is disrupted by objects, poor weather conditions or transmitters on the same frequency band close to the vehicle (e.g. cell phones), as well as by a drained button cell battery.

The central locking switches off briefly to protect it from overloading.

Close the driver door.

Or: Synchronize the vehicle key (→ Vehicle key) .

Or: Change the battery cell in the vehicle key (→ Vehicle key) .

The indicator light is not blinking

If the indicator light in the vehicle key does not blink when you press one of the buttons, then the button cell battery in the vehicle key must be replaced.

You can get an additional or replacement vehicle key from an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

Unlocking or locking using Keyless Access

Introduction

The Keyless Access with push-button start makes it possible to unlock and lock the vehicle without actively using the key. A valid vehicle key must be present within the vicinity of the vehicle to use this function.

Fig. 1 Keyless Access with push-button start: general example of the unlocking and locking areas.

Fig. 2 In door handle: sensors.

Sensor surface on the inside of the door handle.
Sensor surface on the outside of the door handle.

Configuring Keyless Access

The behavior of the Keyless Access with push-button start can be set in theO pening and closing menu in the Infotainment system.

It is recommended that you always leave the Keyless Access with push-button start activated.

Unlocking the vehicle

Touch the sensor on the inside of the door handle→ fig. 2 (A) .

All turn signals will flash twice.

The driver door unlocks. All of the doors can also be opened at the same time by pressing the central locking button in the driver door or by grasping the door handle twice in quick succession. If single door unlocking is activated, only the driver door can be unlocked by approaching the driver's side. Other doors will not be unlocked.

Unlocking the vehicle upon approach

The vehicle can be automatically unlocked upon approach. The following conditions must be met at the same time:

The function is activated in the Infotainment system.
The remote control vehicle key is in the vehicle unlocking area.

If automatic unlocking is successful, all of the turn signals will flash twice.

If the vehicle is not unlocked for a long period of time, the function will only available again after the next time the vehicle locks.

Locking the vehicle

Park the vehicle.
Touch the sensor on the outside of the door handle→ fig. 2 (B) .
All turn signals will flash once.

The unlock function is deactivated for several seconds so that you can check if the vehicle locked correctly.

The vehicle will only lock if all of the doors and the trunk lid are closed. If it has been activated in the vehicle settings, a warning tone may sound indicating open doors or windows.

Locking the Vehicle Upon Exiting

The vehicle can be locked automatically upon exiting. The following conditions must be met at the same time:

The function is activated in the Infotainment system.
The last key belonging to the vehicle exits the locking area.
If automatic locking is successful, all of the turn signals will flash once.

If another vehicle key is in the vehicle, the vehicle will not lock automatically.

To deactivate automatic locking once:

Press the button for longer than two seconds with a door open.
Automatic locking will be unavailable until the next time the vehicle is deliberately locked.

If you lock the vehicle upon exiting, it will be locked without SAFELOCK. This is indicated to the user by audio feedback. The vehicle is only locked with SAFELOCK if it is deliberately locked.

If the key is within the detection range around the vehicle for a long period of time, there may be restrictions to locking upon exiting or unlocking upon approach.

If the vehicle is parked for a long time and has not been used, the vehicle can only be unlocked via the sensor on the inside of the door handle.

Unlocking the trunk lid

If the vehicle is locked and a vehicle key is within the unlocking area of the trunk lid, the trunk lid will unlock automatically when opened. After closing, the trunk lid will lock again.

If Central locking for all doors and Keyless Access unlocking with push-button start upon approach are activated in the Infotainment system, the vehicle will remain unlocked after opening and closing the trunk lid. The vehicle must be actively locked.

If Keyless Access with push-button start locking upon exiting is activated, the vehicle will also automatically lock when you exit it.

Deactivating Keyless Access temporarily

The Keyless Access with push-button start unlocking function can be temporarily deactivated.

Lock the vehicle with the button on the vehicle key.
Within five seconds of locking the vehicle, touch the sensor on the outside of the door handle once→ fig. 2 B

All turn signals will flash once.

Keyless Access is now temporarily deactivated.

To check that it has actually been deactivated, wait at least 10 seconds and then pull on the door handle.

The door should not open.

The next time the vehicle is unlocked, you must use the electronic vehicle key. Keyless Access will be reactivated the next time the vehicle is unlocked.

Deactivating Keyless Access permanently

Keyless Access can also be deactivated permanently in the Infotainment system.

If Keyless Access with push-button start is deactivated, the sensor-controlled opening and closing of the trunk lid (→ Automatic trunk lid (easy open)) will also be deactivated depending on the vehicle equipment, even if the function is activated in the vehicle menu.

Troubleshooting

If Keyless Access is not working

The sensor function may be impaired if the sensor is dirty.

Clean the sensors.

If all turn signals flash four times

The vehicle key that was last used is still in the vehicle.

Remove the key and lock the vehicle.

Automatic sensor deactivation

The sensors will deactivate automatically under the following conditions:

If the vehicle is not unlocked or locked for a long period of time
If a sensor is triggered too frequently

Reactivating the sensor pads:

Unlock the vehicle using the button on the vehicle key.

Valid vehicle key cannot be detected

The yellow indicator light turns on. A message will also appear in the instrument cluster display.

The vehicle key is no longer in the vehicle.

Do not end drive-ready mode.
Bring the vehicle key back into the vehicle.

If the problem persists, contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

NOTICE

Strong streams of water or vapor could activate the sensors in the door handles if a valid vehicle key is located near the vehicle. This unlocks the vehicle and moisture may enter the vehicle interior. This could lead to damage to the vehicle interior.

Never direct the jet of a high pressure cleaner or a steam jet directly towards the sensors in the door handles.

If at least one window is open and the sensors in one door handle are permanently activated, then all windows will close.

If the Keyless faulty. message appears in the ID. display, there may be a malfunction in the Keyless Access with push-button start system. Contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

The Keyless Access with push-button start may not function correctly if another signal, e.g. from a cell phone in the immediate vicinity, interferes with the vehicle key or if the vehicle key is covered by an object, such as a metal case. If there is no remote control vehicle key in the vehicle or the key is not detected, a corresponding message appears in the ID. display.

Opening the doors

Introduction

The doors can be manually locked and in some cases unlocked, for example if the vehicle key or the central locking system is malfunctioning.

The central locking system allows you to unlock and lock all doors, the trunk lid, and the battery charging flap from one location.

The vehicle can be locked when the ignition is switched off or if the driver has exited the vehicle when the vehicle's drive system has been deactivated.

An image in the ID. display indicates if one or more doors are not closed correctly.

Do not continue driving!

Safely park the vehicle, if necessary.
Open the respective door and close it again.

The image is also displayed when the ignition is switched off, and it turns off several seconds after the doors are closed and the vehicle has been locked.

WARNING

If a door is not closed correctly, it can open suddenly while driving and cause serious or fatal injuries.

Stop immediately and close the door.
When closing the door, make sure it engages securely and completely. When closed, the door must be flush with the areas of the vehicle body that are around the door.

WARNING

When the door is being held open by the door arrester, it may close by itself in high winds or on inclines, which can cause serious injuries.

Always hold the door handle firmly when opening and closing the door.

WARNING

Opening and closing the doors and trunk lid without due care can be dangerous and result in serious injuries.

Do not open or close the doors and trunk lid if anyone is in the way.

WARNING

The central locking system locks all the doors. In case of an emergency or accident, locked doors can make it more difficult for first responders to access the vehicle interior. When the vehicle is locked from the outside, the doors and power windows cannot be opened from the inside. There is a risk of serious or fatal injuries.

Never leave children, people requiring assistance or animals unattended in the vehicle.

WARNING

All doors can be locked from the inside using the central locking button. Otherwise, children, people requiring assistance or animals could be locked inside the vehicle. In an emergency, they may not be able to exit the vehicle without assistance or help themselves. Otherwise, they may be subjected to very high or low temperatures. There is a risk of serious or fatal injuries.

Never leave children, people requiring assistance or animals unattended in the vehicle.

NOTICE

Removing caps without due care may result in damage to the vehicle.

When using the emergency locking or emergency unlocking feature, remove and reinstall the parts carefully and correctly.

When the vehicle is locked from the inside, it reduces the risk of opening the doors unintentionally and of unauthorized people entering the vehicle.

People locked inside the vehicle can unlock the doors in an emergency by firmly pulling the door opening lever twice. To do so, you must pull beyond a noticeable resistance.

Opening the doors

Opening the doors from the outside

There is a button on the inside of the door handles.

Unlock the vehicle using the remote control vehicle key.
Grasp the door handle, pressing and holding the button on the inside of the door handle whilst doing so.
Pull open the door with the door handle.

Comfort Ready

If you are occupying the driver seat, the vehicle will be in "Comfort Ready" mode. This means that:

the air conditioner is available.
some of the convenience features, e.g. the radio, are available.
the anti-roll function remains activated.
the ignition is still switched off.

The ignition will only switch on if you press the starter button or actuate the brake with a recognized key (→ Starter button) .

If the ignition has been switched off again and you are still in the driver seat, the vehicle will remain in Comfort Ready mode until you exit the vehicle. It is also possible that the battery might switch off due to a low 12 V battery charge level, after a period of 30 minutes has passed or if the vehicle is locked.

Opening the doors from the inside

Pull the door opening lever until you feel resistance and push open the door. Do not pull the door opening lever beyond the point of resistance.

If the vehicle has been locked from the outside, the door opening lever must be pulled twice, as far as it goes, in order to open the door from the inside.

Indicator light in the driver's door

The indicator light for the central locking system is located in the driver's door.

The indicator light shows the status of the central locking system for around 30 seconds after the vehicle is locked.

The red LED light blinks at short intervals for around 2 seconds.

The status of the central locking system is then displayed for around 28 seconds:

Vehicles with SAFELOCK

If the red LED light blinks at long intervals, the vehicle will be locked with SAFELOCK.
If the red LED light does not come on, the vehicle will be locked, but without SAFELOCK.

Vehicles without SAFELOCK

If the red LED light blinks at long intervals, the vehicle will be locked.

After around 30 seconds, the LED light blinks at slow intervals.

Special conditions

If the red LED light comes on continuously, there is a fault in the central locking system or the anti-theft alarm system.

Automatic locking and unlocking

Depending on how your vehicle is equipped, settings for the central locking can be configured in theV ehicle settings menu in the Infotainment system.

Automatic locking (Auto Lock)

The vehicle locks automatically at speeds of approx. 15 km/h (approx. 9 mph) or higher. If the vehicle is locked, the indicator light will turn yellow in the central locking button.

Automatic unlocking (Auto Unlock)

If one of the following conditions apply, all doors and the trunk lid will unlock automatically:

If the electronic parking brake is switched on and the ignition is switched off.
Or: if the door handle has been pulled. This applies at speeds up to approx. 15 km/h( 9 mph).
Or: if airbags have deployed during a collision.

The Auto Unlock function makes it possible for first responders to access the inside of the vehicle.

Control for central locking

Fig. 1 In the driver door: Control for central locking.

Indicator light in the control panel for central locking.

Depending on the country, the control for central locking may also be located on the front passenger door.

If the vehicle is locked from the outside with the vehicle key, the control for central locking is not activated.

If the vehicle is locked from the inside using the control for central locking, then:

The yellow indicator light in the control comes on if all the doors are shut and locked→ fig. 1 1 .
The anti-theft alarm system will not be activated (→ Anti-theft alarm system) .

The doors can be opened from the inside by pulling the door handle. The indicator light in the control turns off.

The unopened doors and the trunk lid will remain locked and cannot be opened from the outside.

The driver's door will not lock if it is open.

Opening and closing the driver's door in an emergency

Fig. 1 Driver's door handle: prying off the cap.

Fig. 2 Emergency locking of driver door.

Use the vehicle key to pry the cap off in the direction of the arrow→ fig. 1 .
Insert the key bit in the lock cylinder.
Turn the emergency key right to lock the vehicle → fig. 2 .
Turn the emergency key left to unlock the vehicle.
Pull firmly on the driver door handle to open the door.
Replace the cap.

Special considerations for manual unlocking

Generally, all doors will lock when locking manually. Only the driver door will unlock when unlocking manually. Note the information about the anti-theft alarm system (→ Anti-theft alarm system) .

An alarm is triggered when the driver's door is opened (→ Anti-theft alarm system) .
An emergency start must be performed after unlocking (→ Starting the engine) .
Make the vehicle drive-ready to turn off the alarm.

The electronic immobilizer will detect a valid vehicle key.

The anti-theft alarm system is activated when the vehicle is manually locked using the key bit (→ Anti-theft alarm system) .

Locking the front passenger door and rear doors in an emergency

Fig. 1 In the front edge of the rear right-hand door: vehicle emergency lock for using the emergency key (general example).

The front passenger door and the rear doors can each be locked manually.

The anti-theft alarm system is not activated when this happens (→ Anti-theft alarm system) .

Open the door.
Remove the rubber stopper in the front of the door.
Insert the emergency key in the vertical slot and turn it inwards→ fig. 1 .
Reattach the rubber seal.
Check that the door is locked.
Have the vehicle checked immediately by a suitably qualified professional. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

If a door is locked manually, it will unlock again when the vehicle is unlocked or if that door is opened from the inside.

Doors can be unlocked and opened from the inside by pulling the door handle.

Electrical childproof lock

Fig. 1 In the driver door: Control for the electric child safety lock.

Control for the child safety lock.

The electrical childproof lock stops the doors and the electric windows being opened.

Switching the electric childproof lock on or off

Switching on: press the control → fig. 1 (1)
Switching off: press the control again.

If the child safety lock is active, the yellow indicator light in the control will come on → fig. 1 (1) .

Error message in the Infotainment system or instrument cluster display

If the electric child safety lock is activated and a rear door is opened at the same time, the electric child safety lock cannot be switched on or off at this door.

An error message is displayed in the Infotainment system or the instrument cluster display.

Press the button for the electric child safety lock again to synchronize the condition of the rear doors.
If the error message does not disappear, contact a suitably qualified workshop and have the child safety lock checked. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

WARNING

When the electric childproof lock is switched on, that particular door cannot be opened from the inside. This can result in people locking themselves inside the vehicle. In an emergency, they may not be able to exit the vehicle without assistance or help themselves.

Never leave children or people requiring assistance unattended in the vehicle when the doors are locked.

WARNING

If you leave children, people requiring assistance or animals unattended in the vehicle, they may be subjected to very high or low temperatures. There is a risk of serious or fatal injuries.

Never leave children, people requiring assistance or animals unattended in the vehicle.

SAFELOCK

Your vehicle may be equipped with a SAFE lock.

The SAFE lock deactivates the door handles when the vehicle is locked to reduce the risk of someone breaking into the vehicle. The doors can no longer be opened from the inside → .

Deactivating SAFE lock

The SAFE lock can be deactivated through one of the following methods:

Press the button on the vehicle key for a second time within two seconds.
Touch the sensors on the outside of the door handle again within two seconds (→ Keyless Access) .
Switch the ignition on.

Or: Deactivate the interior monitoring and towing protection functions (→ Interior monitoring and towing protection) .

Depending on vehicle equipment, the interior monitoring and towing protection functions can be temporarily deactivated in the Vehicle settings menu in the Infotainment system before locking the vehicle (→ Interior monitoring and towing protection) .

The ID. display may indicate an active SAFE locking mechanism.

If the SAFE lock is deactivated, then:

The vehicle can be unlocked and opened from the inside using the door handle.
The anti-theft alarm system is active (→ Anti-theft alarm system) .
The interior monitoring and towing protection functions are deactivated (→ Interior monitoring and towing protection) .

WARNING

When SAFELOCK is activated, the doors can no longer be opened from the inside. Careless or unintended use of SAFELOCK can result in people being locked in the vehicle interior and can cause serious injuries in an emergency.

Never leave any individuals in the vehicle when the vehicle is locked using the vehicle key.

Unlocking the driver's door mechanically using the vehicle key will only unlock that door, and not the entire vehicle. Once the ignition is switched on, all doors will be released but not unlocked, and the central locking button will be activated.

Troubleshooting

If the indicator light does not turn off

The red LED light in the vehicle door flashes at short intervals and then stays on.

There is a malfunction in the locking system.

Contact a suitably qualified professional. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

If the turn signals are not flashing

The turn signals are not blinking as confirmation when locking the vehicle:

Check whether all of the doors and the trunk lid and engine hood are closed.
Close any doors and trunk lid or engine hood that are not closed.

If the vehicle is locking automatically

If the vehicle was unlocked using a remote control vehicle key, Keyless Access with push-button start or a cell phone and one of the following conditions apply, the vehicle will lock again automatically after approximately 45 seconds:

The trunk lid was not opened.
No door was opened.
The ignition was not switched on

Locking with a second vehicle key

The key inside the vehicle will be blocked from activating the vehicle's drive system if the vehicle is locked from the outside with a different vehicle key.

To enable the vehicle key inside the vehicle so that it can be used to activate the vehicle's drive system as usual, press the button on the vehicle key inside the vehicle (→ Activating the vehicle's drive readiness) .

Locking the vehicle after an airbag deploys

The entire vehicle unlocks when an airbag deploys in a collision. Depending on the severity of the damage, it may be possible to lock the vehicle as follows after the collision:

Switch the ignition off.
Open the driver door and shut it again.
Lock the vehicle.

NOTICE

Strong streams of water or vapor could activate the sensors in the door handles if a valid vehicle key is located near the vehicle. This may cause the windows to open and moisture may enter the vehicle interior. This could lead to damage to the vehicle interior.

Never direct the jet of a high pressure cleaner or a steam jet directly towards the sensors in the door handles.

It may not be possible to unlock or lock the vehicle using Keyless Access if the 12 V vehicle battery or button cell battery in the vehicle is weak or drained. The vehicle can be manually unlocked or locked.

If there is no valid vehicle key in the vehicle or the key is not detected, a corresponding message appears in the ID. display. This can occur if another signal interferes with the remote control vehicle key or if the remote control vehicle key is covered by an object, such as a metal case.

Anti-theft alarm system

The vehicle may be equipped with an anti-theft alarm system.

The anti-theft alarm system monitors the doors, the hood, and the trunk lid.

The anti-theft alarm system is automatically activated when you lock the vehicle.

If an attempt is made to access the vehicle electronically without using the appropriate vehicle key, this triggers the anti-theft alarm system, which emits audible and visual warning signals for up to five minutes.

When is the alarm triggered?

If a door that was unlocked manually using the vehicle key is opened.
If the hood is opened.
If the trunk lid is opened.
When using an invalid remote control vehicle key.
If the vehicle is equipped with an interior monitoring system and movement is detected inside the vehicle (→ Interior monitoring and towing protection) .
If the vehicle is equipped with towing protection and it is raised or towed (→ Interior monitoring and towing protection) .
If the vehicle is equipped with towing protection or an interior monitoring system, and it is transported on a car ferry or railway (→ Interior monitoring and towing protection) .
If a bicycle rack that is paired with the anti-theft alarm system is unhitched.
If trailer that is paired with the anti-theft alarm system is unhitched.
If the 12 V vehicle battery is disconnected.
If the rear window breaks.
If a device is connected to the diagnostic connection when the anti-theft alarm system is active.