Can You Use Waze on Audi Virtual Cockpit?

Waze works in compatible Audis through Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. Whether the map also appears in the Virtual Cockpit instrument cluster depends on the infotainment generation.

On many older Audis, Waze stays on the center MMI display. Newer Audi platforms can mirror smartphone navigation into the driver display on supported models.

Waze on the MMI screen

If your Audi supports Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, Waze can normally run through the vehicle’s infotainment system. That does not automatically mean the same navigation view can be moved into Virtual Cockpit.

Earlier Audi systems were generally designed to show smartphone apps on the center screen while reserving the full instrument-cluster map view for Audi’s own navigation.

Newer Audis can offer deeper integration

Audi’s information for the 2026 A5 and Q5 says smartphone navigation can be mirrored into both the MMI touch display and Audi Virtual Cockpit. On supported vehicles, that opens the door for Waze to appear in the driver’s display when used through a compatible phone interface.

Phone type, software version, equipment and market can still affect what is available.

How to check your Audi

1. Connect your phone and confirm that Waze works on the center MMI display.
2. Check the owner’s manual or Audi equipment information for smartphone-navigation mirroring to Virtual Cockpit.
3. If your system offers a driver-display navigation option, test it while Waze guidance is active.

If Waze remains on the center screen, that may simply be the intended behavior for that generation rather than a fault.

Related: Audi Virtual Cockpit vs Virtual Cockpit Plus and Google Maps on Audi Virtual Cockpit.

Sources

• Google Waze Help — Waze on Android Auto
• Google Waze Help — Waze on Apple CarPlay
• Audi USA Media — 2026 A5/Q5 smartphone navigation in Virtual Cockpit