Audi MIB2 navigation map updates require the correct map package, region and navigation licence for the exact infotainment system installed in the vehicle.
This guide is intended primarily for Audi MIB2 High systems using software trains such as:
MHI2_
MHI2Q_
Before starting, check the complete software train in the Red Engineering Menu (REM).
Do not use this procedure blindly for MMI 3G, RMC, MIB1, MHS2, MH2p or MIB3 systems. These platforms can use different navigation databases, update packages or activation methods.
The general MIB2 map update process is:
- identify the exact MIB2 system,
- check the current firmware and region,
- obtain the compatible navigation database,
- extract the map files,
- prepare the SD card or supported update media,
- install the navigation database,
- verify or activate the required map licence,
- and confirm the new map version after installation.
If you are not sure which MMI system is installed in your Audi, start here:
Choose the Correct Audi MIB2 Navigation Map Package
Do not select a navigation update only by Audi model or production year.
The correct map package depends on:
- the MIB2 software train,
- navigation region,
- current firmware,
- map database generation,
- and navigation licence / FEC compatibility.
For example, Europe, North America and ROW use different navigation databases.
Two Audi A6 vehicles from the same production year can still have different infotainment systems and require different update packages.
If you know your current firmware version, check compatible updates here:
First of all you need to get map files for Mib2 unit.
We do have map update for Mib2 for areas:
- Europe – link
- Row ( Argentina*, Australia, Bahrain, Botswana*, Brazil*, Brunei*, Chile*, Indonesia*, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lesotho*, Malaysia, Mexico*, Mozambique*, Namibia*, New Zealand, Oman, Philippines*, Qatar, Reunion*, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, Swaziland*, Thailand*, Turkey*, United Arab Emirates. * partially) – link
How to Download and Extract Audi MIB2 Map Files
MIB2 navigation databases are large and may be supplied as a multi-part 7-Zip archive.
To unpack files you will need 7zip application – you can download it from 7zip.org for free.
A package can contain files such as:
maps.7z.001
maps.7z.002
maps.7z.003
maps.7z.004
The exact number of parts depends on the map release and region.
Download every archive part and place all parts in the same folder.
Start extraction from the file ending in:
.7z.001
Do not extract every part separately. 7-Zip will automatically read the remaining archive files during extraction.
If extraction reports an error, do not continue with the installation until all archive parts have been verified.
When you have already installed 7zip, go to the map files. Click on first file (with ending: 7z.001) with right mouse click and select Extract to “filename…”
This might take some time to unpack the files.
then you can start preparing SD CARD.
How to Prepare the SD Card for an Audi MIB2 Map Update
Use a reliable SD card with enough capacity for the complete extracted navigation package.
A 64 GB card is commonly required for larger European MIB2 map databases, although the exact capacity depends on the region and map release.
For packages using this installation method, prepare the card as FAT32 unless the instructions supplied with the specific update state otherwise.
After extraction, open the extracted map folder and copy its contents directly to the root of the SD card.
Do not copy the parent folder itself.
There’s a video manual how to format 64GB SD to FAT32.
Application used in this video: link (click to download)
For macOS users please take a look here (click)
When you have formatted your SD CARD to FAT32 now you need to copy files on to SD.
To do that, go inside newly unpacked files – you should see new folder with files inside:
all you need to do now select all those files (Mib1, Mib2 metainfo2) and copy directly on to SD CARD.
The MMI must be able to see metainfo2.txt and the required update directories directly from the root of the SD card. An additional parent folder can prevent the update from being detected.
This process might take up to 1h – depends on how fast is your SD CARD. After moving files, you can jump to the car 🙂 (do not forget to take your SD with maps).
Preparing MIB2 Map Media on macOS
macOS may create additional hidden metadata files when files are copied to removable media.
If you prepare the SD card on a Mac, check the final contents before using it in the car and make sure the required MIB2 update files remain directly in the expected directory structure.
For detailed instructions, use our dedicated macOS preparation guide.
How to Install Audi MIB2 Navigation Maps
Before starting:
- make sure the MMI has fully booted,
- verify that the correct map package is on the SD card,
- remove unnecessary update media,
- and ensure stable vehicle voltage.
Navigation updates can take a long time.
For a long update procedure, using suitable battery support is recommended.
Do not interrupt power or remove the update media while the navigation database is being installed.
Now, start your car and wait 5 to 10 minutes, all car systems and Audi MMI must be up and ready to use.
Insert your SD CARD with map updates in to SD1 slot.
After that go to the Settings
push control to the left to see this screen:
then go to the System maintenance
then System update
Select SD card 1
and wait until it shows any information. If you have correctly prepared your SD it will show you information about available update like on the photo bellow
MIB2 Does Not Detect the Map Update
If System Update does not show the navigation package, first check:
- The software train
Confirm that the map package is intended for your MHI2 or MHI2Q system.
- The SD card structure
metainfo2.txt and the required directories must be located in the correct place.
- Archive extraction
Make sure all archive parts were downloaded and extraction completed without errors.
- SD card format and condition
Try another reliable SD card if necessary.
- Region
A European map package should not be used as a replacement for a different navigation region unless the unit has been correctly converted.
- Update compatibility
Check whether the package is compatible with the current firmware train.
A missing or incompatible navigation licence / FEC is a separate issue from the MMI being unable to detect the update media.
Then you can press Start update
The update can take approximately one to two hours depending on the navigation database and hardware.
The safest approach is to perform the update while the vehicle is parked and stable power is available.
Allow the installation to finish completely before switching the vehicle off.
When the update process complete you will see this information
just click OK and it’s done 🙂
If map update doesn’t work
Make sure you have prepared SD correctly, all files are directly on SD (1,2, metainfo.txt)
Sometimes also need select map files manually. To do you need enter Green Engineering Menu (GEM)
and go to SWDL and tick User_Defined
after that back to the Red Engineering Menu (REM) and start update again, when you will see User Defined option just go in and go to navdb and chose Select All, which automatically select speechsds, truffle, eggnog. After that continue the update.
MIB2 Map Licence and Navigation Activation
Installing the navigation database and licensing the navigation database are separate stages.
A compatible MIB2 system needs the appropriate navigation licence / FEC for the installed map release.
If the map database installs successfully but navigation remains unavailable or becomes blocked, check the licence state before reinstalling the complete map package.
The required solution depends on:
- MIB2 hardware,
- firmware train,
- navigation region,
- current FEC / SWaP configuration,
- and the map release.
Do not use a patch or licence method intended for another MIB2 software train.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Apple CarPlay / Android Auto activation is not part of the navigation map installation itself.
On compatible MIB2 systems, a software activation package may provide both smartphone interface activation and navigation licensing, but these are separate functions.
If you want to add CarPlay / Android Auto together with a lifetime map licence, see:
Do I Need to Update MIB2 Firmware Before Installing Maps?
Not always.
A navigation map update and a firmware update are separate procedures.
Some navigation releases may require a minimum firmware level or a particular software train, while others can be installed with the current firmware.
Do not update firmware only because a newer version exists.
First check compatibility between:
- current firmware train,
- target navigation database,
- region,
- and map licence.
For MIB2 firmware installation instructions:
What to Check After the MIB2 Map Update
After the navigation update has completed and the MMI has restarted, verify:
- the new navigation database version,
- GPS position,
- map rendering,
- route calculation,
- voice guidance,
- navigation licence status,
- and any error message displayed by the MMI.
If the new database is displayed and navigation works normally after reboot, the map installation has been completed successfully.
Check the navigation/database version in the MMI version information screen.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I update Audi MIB2 navigation maps?
Identify the MIB2 software train, choose a compatible navigation database, extract the map package, prepare the SD card, install the maps through System Update and verify the required navigation licence.
Which Audi MIB2 systems does this guide cover?
This procedure is primarily intended for compatible MIB2 High systems using MHI2 and MHI2Q software trains.
Can I use MHS2 maps with MHI2?
No. MHS2 and MHI2 are different infotainment platforms and should use map packages intended for the exact system.
Do I need to update MIB2 firmware before maps?
Not always. Update firmware only when the navigation release or update path requires a compatible firmware level.
What size SD card do I need for Audi MIB2 maps?
Large European navigation packages may require a 64 GB card. The required capacity depends on the map release and region.
Why does my MIB2 not detect the map update?
Check the SD card structure, metainfo2.txt location, archive extraction, firmware compatibility, navigation region and update media.
Is FEC required for Audi MIB2 maps?
Compatible navigation licensing is required for map functionality on systems using FEC / SWaP licensing. The required licence depends on the infotainment system and map release.
Why are my new MIB2 maps installed but navigation is unavailable?
The database may be installed while the required navigation licence is missing or incompatible. Check the FEC / licence state before reinstalling the maps.
Do I need User Defined mode for an MIB2 map update?
Not normally. Use User Defined mode only when the specific update procedure requires manual component selection.
Can I activate Apple CarPlay while updating maps?
CarPlay activation and navigation map installation are separate functions, although some compatible software packages can provide both licensing features.
How long does an Audi MIB2 map update take?
A large navigation database can take approximately one to two hours to install, depending on the system and map release.
Can I switch the car off during an MIB2 map update?
Do not interrupt the update while navigation data is being installed. Maintain stable power until the procedure has completed.
