What Kia updates are and why they matter
A Kia update is a software patch that Kia sends to your vehicle to fix problems, add features, or improve how your car runs. These updates happen through your car's infotainment system (the screen in your dashboard), your engine control computer, or both. You do not have to pay for them — they are part of owning a Kia vehicle.
Updates can address anything from a glitchy touchscreen to a transmission shift that needs adjustment to a security issue in your car's wireless connection. Some updates are small and take a few minutes; others are larger and may take 20 to 30 minutes. Your car will not start or drive during the update, so you need to plan time for this.
Kia pushes updates in two ways: over the air (wirelessly, while your car is parked and connected to WiFi or cellular) or through a dealer visit. Which method applies to you depends on your model year and which system needs updating.
Key Takeaways
- Kia sends updates wirelessly to newer vehicles or through a dealer appointment for older models and engine software.
- You can check for pending updates in your car's settings menu under "Software" or "System Updates," or ask your Kia dealer to check.
- Over-the-air updates require your car to be parked, plugged in or have a full battery, and connected to WiFi or cellular service.
- Engine and transmission updates almost always require a dealer visit and take longer than infotainment updates.
- If an update fails or stalls, restart your car and try again, or contact your Kia dealer for help.
How to check if your Kia has a pending update
The fastest way to check is through your car's touchscreen. Go to Settings, then look for System, Software, or About (the exact name varies by model year). Tap that option, and the screen will show your current software version and whether an update is waiting.
If your car is older or you are not sure where to look, call your Kia dealer with your vehicle identification number (VIN). They can pull up your car's record and tell you when ready whether updates are available and which ones your specific model needs.
You can also check the Kia website or your Kia account (if you have one set up through the Kia app) to see pending updates, though the in-car method is usually faster.
Infotainment updates: what happens over WiFi
Infotainment updates — changes to your touchscreen, navigation, voice commands, or entertainment system — usually come over the air on 2020 and newer Kias. These are the easiest updates to install yourself.
To install one, park your car in a place with a strong WiFi signal (your home, a parking lot near a coffee shop, or anywhere with public WiFi). Make sure your battery is at least half full or plug the car in. Go to Settings > System Updates (or similar), and tap read or Install. The update will read and install while you wait — this usually takes 5 to 20 minutes. Do not turn off the car or disconnect it during this time.
If the update stalls or fails, restart your car and try again. If it fails a second time, contact your Kia dealer — they can install it for you or troubleshoot what went wrong.
Engine and transmission updates: dealer-only installations
Updates to your engine control unit (ECU) or transmission control unit (TCU) cannot be done over the air on most Kias. These require a dealer visit because they are more complex and carry more risk if something goes wrong during installation.
Call your Kia dealer and tell them you want to schedule an appointment for a software update. Bring your keys and be prepared to wait — these updates can take 30 minutes to over an hour, depending on what is being changed. Some dealers will let you wait in the lounge; others may ask you to come back.
There is no charge for the update itself, though you may be charged a diagnostic fee if the dealer has to investigate a problem first. Ask about this when you call to schedule.
What to do if an update fails or your car will not start after an update
If an over-the-air update stops partway through, your car will usually tell you on the screen. Restart the vehicle (turn it off completely, wait 30 seconds, then turn it back on) and try the update again. Most of the time, restarting fixes the problem.
If the update fails a second time or your car will not start after an update, do not try again yourself. Contact your Kia dealer when ready. Bring your car in or call the roadside information number on your insurance card if the car will not start. The dealer has tools to recover the car's software if something went wrong.
This is rare, but it is important to know that forcing a failed update or ignoring an error message can make the problem worse. When in doubt, call the dealer.
Cellular updates and what they mean
Some newer Kias have built-in cellular service (not your phone's connection — the car has its own SIM card). These cars can read updates over cellular data instead of WiFi. If your car has this feature, you will see an option in Settings to allow cellular updates.
Cellular updates work the same way as WiFi updates: your car downloads and installs them while parked. The advantage is that you do not need to find a WiFi signal. The disadvantage is that your car's cellular service may have a monthly cost (though many Kias include a trial period for free).
How often Kia sends updates and what to expect
Kia does not send updates on a fixed schedule. Some months you may get nothing; other months you might get two or three. Updates usually come out after Kia discovers a problem, adds a new feature, or improves how a system works based on feedback from owners.
You will not be forced to install an update when ready, but Kia may remind you through your car's screen or through email if you have a Kia account. It is a good idea to install updates within a few weeks of when they become available, since they often fix bugs or security issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive my car while an update is installing?
No. Your car will not start while an update is in progress. This is a safety feature — the software is being rewritten, and the car needs to stay off to avoid corruption. Plan for the update to take 5 to 30 minutes depending on the type.
Do I have to pay for Kia updates?
No. Software updates are included with your vehicle. You pay nothing for the update itself. A dealer may charge a diagnostic fee if they have to investigate a separate problem, but the update installation is free.
What if I ignore an update notification?
Your car will keep reminding you, but nothing bad will happen when ready. However, updates often fix bugs or security issues, so it is best to install them within a few weeks. If you ignore it for months, you may miss important fixes.
Can I update my Kia while driving?
No. Over-the-air updates only work when your car is parked and the engine is off. Dealer updates also require the car to be stationary. You cannot start an update and then drive away.
What if my Kia does not have WiFi or cellular?
Older Kias and some base models do not have wireless update capability. Your dealer can install any available updates during a service appointment. Call your dealer to ask what updates are available for your specific model year.