AUDI A8 2021 Owners Manual

4N0012721BF
Radio

Troubleshooting
The information that follows lists some trouble-
shooting options. They depend on the equip-
ment.


A station is no longer displayed in the sta- | Store the station as a preset in advance. Access the pre-
tion list. sets using the presets list > page 245.
Online radio: no playback from online ra-_ | Check if a data plan has been purchased for the applicable
dio. country and it is available > page 225.

249

Media

Media
General information
There may be different media sources and con-
nections available depending on the vehicle
equipment. For example, you can play media files
using a connected USB drive or connect your mo-
bile devices to the Audi music interface and oper-
ate them through the MMI.
Media and format restrictions: the MMI (includ-
ing the USB storage device connection) was test-
ed with a variety of products and media on the
market. However, there may be cases where indi-
vidual devices or media and audio/video files may
not be recognized, may play only with restric-
tions, or may not play at all.
Restricted functionality: reset the MMI to the
factory default settings if functionality is restrict-
ed > page 264.
Digital Rights Management: please note that
the
audio/video files are subject to copyright pro-
tection.
Files that are protected by DRM and are identi-
fied with the symbol f@ will not play.
Data security: never store important data on
CDs/DVDs or mobile devices. Audi is not responsi-
ble for damaged or lost files and media.
Loading times: the more files/folders/playlists
there are on a storage medium, the longer it will
take to load. To reduce the amount of time it
takes the audio/video files to load, use a storage
medium that only contains audio/video files, and
create subfolders (for example, for each artist or
album).
Additional information: when playing, audio
files are automatically displayed with any addi-
tional information that is stored (such as the ar-
tist, track and album cover). If this information is
not available on the medium, the MMI will revert
to the local Gracenote metadata database or
search online if necessary. See > page 258, On-
line additional data. However, in some cases, the
additional information may not be displayed.
250
@) Note
Read the information about Audi connect, and
be sure to note the connectivity costs section
=@ in General information on page 222.
DVD drive
General information
Applies to: vehicles with a DVD drive
The functionality of individual storage mediums
may be limited due to the variety of blank CDs/
DVDs available and the various capacities. Audio
CDs or video DVDs with copy protection, CDs/
DVDs that do not conform to the standard, and
multisession CDs may have limited playback or
may not play at all. Audi recommends finalizing
the recording process when creating multisession
CDs. Multisession DVDs are not supported.
(1) Note
To reduce the risk of damaging the drive and
data carriers:
— Always store data carriers in a protective
sleeve and do not expose them to direct
sunlight
— Do not use damaged, dirty, or laminated da-
ta carriers
— Do not use single CDs/-DVDs with a 3.1 inch
(8 cm) diameter, non-circular CDs/DVDs
(shaped CDs), cleaning CDs, and protective
rings
— Never force CDs/DVDs into the drive. Discs
are pulled in automatically.
G) Tips
The thermal protection switch stops playback
temporarily when outside temperatures are
too high.

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Media

DVD drive
Applies to: vehicles with a DVD drive
—
Fig. 171 Glove compartment: DVD drive

[RAH-9153,

Loading a CD/DVD
> Slide the CD/DVD straight into the DVD slot @
with the label facing up. The CD/DVD will be au-
tomatically pulled in.
Ejecting a CD/DVD
> Press the button (2).
The CD/DVD is pulled in again automatically if it
is
not removed from the DVD slot within approxi-
mately ten seconds after ejecting it.
The DVD drive is accessed and operated through
the MMI > page 253.
@) Tips
— Playback cannot be guaranteed with media
files that have a high data rate.
— Always read the chapter > page 250, Gener-
al information.
Bluetooth audio player
Applies to: vehicles with Bluetooth audio player
With the Bluetooth audio player, you can play
music wirelessly through the MMI from your
Bluetooth-capable mobile device (such as a cell
phone).
Requirement: the vehicle must be stationary and
the ignition must be switched on. The Bluetooth
settings will open on your mobile device during
the connection setup. The Bluetooth function and
visibility of the MMI > page 264 and mobile de-
vice must be switched on.
Connecting a mobile device
> Applies to: MMI: Select on the home screen:
MEDIA > Source > Connect external device >
New connection. The available Bluetooth devi-
ces will be displayed after several seconds.
> Press on the desired mobile device in the list of
displayed Bluetooth devices.
> To update the list, press OQ.
A PIN for a secure Bluetooth connection will be
generated.
> Confirm the PIN on your mobile device.
After
connecting successfully, the mobile device
will be displayed in the Connected devices menu
as a Bluetooth audio player.
Playing media > page 253.
@ Tips
— Check for any connection requests on your
Bluetooth device.
— Multiple Bluetooth audio players can be
paired with the MMI, but only one at a time
can be active as a Bluetooth audio player
=> page 265.
— The supported media functions (such as
shuffle, list view, categories, search, op-
tions) depend on the Bluetooth device being
used.
— Note the volume setting on your Bluetooth
device. Audi recommends setting your mo-
bile device to the maximum volume when
using it as a Bluetooth audio player.
—Aselection of supported Bluetooth devices
can be found in the database for tested mo-
bile devices at www.audi.com/bluetooth.
Amazon Alexa
Applies to: vehicles with Amazon Alexa Integration
You can play various Amazon Alexa content using
the MMI. The voice recognition system is used to
operate it.
Requirement: Amazon Alexa must be activated
=> page 35.
>» Start Amazon Alexa using the voice recognition
system.
251
>

Media

» Applies to: MMI: Select on the home screen:
MEDIA > Source > Amazon Alexa.
@) Note
Read the information about Audi connect, and
be sure to note the connectivity costs section
> page 222.
Multimedia connections
USB adapter cable

[RAH-9202

Fig. 172 Audi Genuine Accessories: USB adapter
You can connect your mobile devices through the
Audi music interface to the MMI using the USB
adapter and charge the battery at the same time.
You can purchase the USB adapter cable from an
authorized Audi dealer or at specialty stores:
@ USB adapter for devices with a mi-
cro USB connection
@ USB adapter for Apple devices with
a Lightning connection
@ USB adapter for devices with USB
type C connection
@) Note
Handle the USB adapter carefully. Do not al-
low it to be pinched.
G) Tips
Apple devices with a dock connector can only
be charged using a USB adapter designed for
devices with a dock connector. Data cannot be
transmitted.
252
ONU reat em Tale)
Connect your mobile devices to the Audi music in-
terface in order to operate them through the
MMI and charge the batteries.
The Audi music interface USB ports are located in
the storage compartment under the front and
rear* center armrest and are labeled with the +<
symbol. If multiple USB devices are connected to
the USB ports (for example, a smartphone and a
USB flash drive), all of these devices can be used
as the playback source.
Connecting or charging mobile devices using
a USB adapter
> Connect the matching USB adapter to the Audi
music interface USB port and connect it to the
mobile device, such as a smartphone.
The battery will charge automatically.
Mobile devices connected to the Audi music inter:
face can be started and operated using the MMI
=> page 253.
Disconnecting a mobile device from the Audi
music interface
> Remove the USB adapter cable from the Audi
music interface.

ZA\ WARNING
Driving requires your complete and undivided
attention. As the driver, you have complete re-
sponsibility for safety in traffic. Never operate
mobile devices while driving, because this in-
creases the risk of an accident.
@) Note
— Pull the cable out of the Audi music inter-
face carefully so that the USB ports are not
damaged.
— Use a USB extension cable to connect devi-
ces that have an integrated USB connector
(such as a USB stick) to reduce the risk of
damage to your USB device and the Audi
music interface.
— Extremely high or low temperatures that
can occur inside vehicles can damage mobile
devices and/or impair their performance.

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Media

Never leave mobile devices in the vehicle in
extremely high or low temperatures.
@ Tips
— Always follow the information found in
=> page 94.
— When you switch the ignition off, the USB
ports are still supplied with power until the
energy management intervenes.
— Do not use an additional adapter cable or
USB extension cable to connect mobile devi-
ces to the Audi music interface that already
have a cable or that must be connected with
a USB adapter cable (> page 252, fig. 172).
Using an additional adapter or US extension
cable may impair functionality.
— Functionality is not guaranteed for mobile
devices that do not conform to the USB 2.0
specification.
— USB hubs are not supported.
— Video playback through the Audi music in-
terface is not supported on Apple devices
and MTP devices (such as smartphones).
— iPod touch or iPhone malfunctions also af-
fect the operation of the MMI. Reset your
mobile device in these situations.
— Audi recommends updating the iPod touch
or iPhone software to the latest version. Re-
fer to your mobile device owner's manual
for more information.
— The USB adapter on the Audi music inter-
face will support iPod touch or iPhone devi-
ces from the 5th generation or newer with
the lightning connector.
—Aselection of supported devices can be
found in the database for tested mobile de-
vices at www.audi.com/mp3.
Playing media
The following sources can be selected depending
on the vehicle equipment:
— Amazon Alexa > page 251.
— USB device > page 252.
— DVD © page 251.
— External device: you can connect external devi-
ces via Bluetooth and use the Bluetooth audio
player > page 251, or you can connect an exter-
nal device directly to the Audi music interface
=> page 252.
Accessing media
Playing media files using the MMI
> Applies to: MMI: Select on the home screen:
MEDIA > Source > a source. Depending on the
connected device, the symbol for a source may
change. The device name may be displayed (for
example: myPhone).
> Select a track from the categories in the media
center > page 254.
Playing media files using the multifunction
steering wheel
Requirement: a media source must contain me-
dia files > page 253.
> Select the radio/media tab in the instrument
cluster.
> Turn the left thumbwheel to display the play-
list.
> To switch to a different source, press the
button.
> To select a media file or a source, turn and
press the left thumbwheel.
> To switch between radio and media, select in
the instrument cluster: the LE] button > Switch
to radio/Switch to media.
Playing media files using the Rear Seat
Remote
Applies to: vehicles with Rear Seat Remote
Requirement: the Rear Seat Remote must be con-
nected to the MMI > page 28.
> Applies to: Rear Seat Remote: Press MEDIA on
the home screen.
Operation of the available media functions with
the Rear Seat Remote is very similar to operation
in the MMI > page 255.

Z\ WARNING
Observe the safety precautions > page 26,
Rear Seat Remote. >

253

— For safety reasons, the video image is only
displayed when the vehicle is stationary. On-
ly the sound from the video plays while driv-
ing.
— Applies to: multifunction steering wheel:
Depending on the selected function, opera-
tion through the MMI may be required.
Sone
fe
S| x Ea ee
Fig. 173 Upper display: media center
There are various categories available in the me-
dia center. You can also search for media files
across sources. The current music track continues
playing while you search the MMI.
Opening the media center
> Applies to: MMI: Select on the home screen:
MEDIA > Source > a source > a category.
@ Source symbol
The symbol for the source that is currently in use
is displayed. Depending on the connected device,
the symbol for the source may change. As an ex-
ample, a USB stick is shown connected to the
Audi music interface.
@ Source device name
The device name of the source that is currently in
use is displayed.
@ Categories
The media center will display categories depend-
ing on the connected device, the selected source
content, and the connection type.
Last played tracks
The last played media file will be played.
254

Artists
All available artists are displayed.
> Select: an artist > an album > a song.
Playlists
All playlists and smart playlists in the source are
displayed.
> Select: a playlist > a song.
Smart playlists
Last played tracks: the tracks that were dis-
played last are displayed.
Most played tracks: the tracks that are played
most frequently are displayed.
Folders
The folder structure or track/chapter list is dis-
played.
> Select: a folder > a song.
Compilations
You can control your compilations through the
MMI.
> Select: a compilation > a song.
Composers
All available composers are displayed.
> Select: ad composer > an album > a song.
iTunes Radio
> Press on a radio station.
Audio books
You can control your audio books on the MMI.
» Press on an audio book.
Podcasts
You can control your podcasts through the MMI.
> Select: a podcast > a podcast episode.
Genres
All available genres are displayed.
> Select: a genre > an artist > an album > a song. >

4N0012721BF
Media

Videos section >@ in General information on
All available video files are displayed. page 222.
> Press on a video. @) Tips
Tracks — Only the categories supported by the medi-
Allavailable track displayed um are available.
ewe soon ebiayet — For safety reasons, the video image is only
>» Press on a track. displayed when the vehicle is stationary. On-
ly the sound from the video plays while driv-
Albums ing
All available albums are displayed. — When synchronizing a portable device with
Cloud services, playlists may display incor-
rectly
in the MMI. Use the media center in
0 Note the eo
— Applies to: iPod touch/iPhone: Note the in-
formation about the Audi music interface
and the supported devices > page 252.
> Select: an album > a track.
Applies to: vehicles with Audi connect Infotainment
— Cloud services and the iTunes radio category
always require an Internet connection.
— Read the information about Audi connect,
and be sure to note the connectivity costs
Media functions


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Fig. 174 Upper display: left side: playback view, right side: playlist
Operating > To open the playlist @, select List in the play-
> Applies to: MMI: To open the playback view @), back view @©)
select on the home screen: MEDIA > Source > a
source > a category (for example, Artists > Al-
bum) > a track.
The following functions may be available depend-
ing on the selected media source and the vehicle

equipment:
Symbol/Description | Description
® we The media center categories are displayed based on the active
* source > page 254.
@ Source Displays sources in the Media menu. >

255

Media


Symbol/Description Description

Source/device name
Applies to: playback view: Device name of the source that is current-
ly playing.

Applies to: media center view: Source that you are currently brows-
ing > page 254.

©
Album cover in the play-
Requirement: a media source with album covers must be selected
or the covers must be available online > page 258, Online addition-
al data.


same Displays the current album cover.
Display the playlist: press on the cover.
@ & Settings > page 257.
Current track informa- | Display of Track and Artist. Highlights the track that is currently
tion playing.
List Browsing in the list: drag your finger upward or downward.

Album cover in the play-
Requirement: a media source with album covers must be selected
or the covers must be available online > page 258, Online addition-








Playback position The bar shows the current playback position in the track.


Info section

©
© list al data.
Displays the current album cover.
@ More Opens options > page 257.
O Off Switching between off/playlist/track: press @..
() O Playlist The tracks in the current playlist will repeat continuously in a loop.
© Track The current track will repeat continuously in a loop.
Selecting the previous/next track (or station/chapter): press Ki or
Di.
@ ‘aii Fast forward/rewind: to fast forward or rewind within a track, press
and hold Dior K.
Jumping to the beginning of a track: press on K after the first
three seconds of play time.
@ PAI Start or stop playback
@ og When this function is switched on, all files in the playlist will play in
random order.
@ List The playlist @ is displayed.
@
® Display of Track, Artist, and Album.

DVD functions
Applies to: vehicles with a DVD drive
— Using the DVD main menu: press the desired
function.
— Switching to the media functions: press on the

Requirement: the vehicle must be stationary and
a DVD must be playing.
The following functions are available in the play-
back view:
— Display the DVD main menu: press on the up-
per display. Press DVD menu.
256
upper display. Select: *1 > select a chapter, or
start the movie in the DVD main menu and
press on the upper display.
— Adjusting the aspect ratio: press on the upper
display. Select: Aspect ratio > an aspect ratio >
OK > table on page 257.

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Media

@) Tips
Not all functions are available in every source
and on every touch display.
i-th aaes-T- 1a)
Applies to: vehicles with free text search
You can search across all active sources, for ex-
ample for tracks and video files.
Opening the search
Requirement: the selected source must support
the search function.
> Applies to: MMI: Select on the home screen:
MEDIA > Search.
Entries that contain the entered search term are
listed in the results list. Each result is marked
with the symbol for a category in the media cen-
ter > page 254.
You can search for the following categories:
— Artists
— Albums
— Tracks
— Genres
— Videos
Options and settings
Context-dependent functions and settings may
be available depending on the selected source,
the connected mobile device, and the connection
type.
Requirement: the playback view must be dis-
played @) > page 255, fig. 174.
> Press More @)).
Play more like this
The track currently playing is quickly analyzed for
features such as artist, genre, mood, and beat,
and a smart playlist with similar tracks will be
shown.

)) Depending on the DVD, this may not be possible during
playback.
Language!)
You can set the language manually. The availabil-
ity of the language and audio format depend on
the video DVD.
Subtitles)
You can manually select subtitles for playback.
The languages available depend on the DVD.
Aspect ratio
Audi recommends the Auto setting for the pic-
ture format. If you press on an aspect ratio, you
will see a preview of the setting on the screen.
Press OK to apply the selected aspect ratio.
The following table gives an overview of the as-
pect ratios. The possible aspect ratios depend on
the source or video file being played.



spect te Description
tio
The MMI detects the picture for-
Auto mat of the source and displays the
image in the optimal ratio.
The image is fixed in the corre-
4:3, sponding ratio. Select one of these
16:9, options if the image is distorted or
Cinema a section of the image is cut off or
blurry when Auto is selected.
The image is enlarged to fill the en-
Zoom seco
tire display.
The image is displayed in the ratio
of the source format. Select this
Original option if the image is distorted or a
section of the image is cut off or
blurry when Auto is selected.

Accessing settings
> Applies to: MMI: Select on the home screen:
MEDIA > ©}.
Depending on the vehicle equipment, the follow-
ing settings may be available: >
257

Media

Online additional data
Requirement: the MMI must be connected to the
Internet. A data plan must be available
=> page 225.
When the function is switched on, additional in-
formation (such as album cover, artist, track) will
be loaded depending on the availability from the
different providers.
DVD playback parental cntrl.
Playback of video DVDs can be restricted based
on age restrictions using parental control.
Displaying the DVD parental control menu
> Applies to: MMI: Select on the home screen:
MEDIA > ©} > DVD playback parental cntrl..
> Enter the PIN for parental control. The PIN set
at the factory is 1234.
> Press OK.
Switching the rating level on and off
Requirement: the DVD parental control menu
must be displayed.
> Select: DVD playback parental cntrl. > a rating
level (for example, level 5) > *, or
> To remove all restrictions, press Off.
Eight different protection levels can be set for
parental control. If you set the parental control
level at level 5, all DVDs from levels 1 - 5 can be
played. Video DVDs with a higher level will not
play.
Changing the PIN
Requirement: the DVD parental control menu
must be displayed.
> Select: Change PIN > enter a new PIN for pa-
rental control > OK.
> Repeat the entry and press OK.
G) Tips
— Not all video DVDs have parental control.
— The protection levels for the parental con-
trol are based on the US standards from the
Motion Picture Association of America
(MPAA). Note that the age levels for video
DVDs in European countries may differ.
— PIN entry for parental control will be locked
for approximately one minute if you enter
the incorrect PIN three times in a row. The
PIN can only be reset by an authorized Audi
dealer.
Supported media and file formats
OTe TN]
Depending on the vehicle equipment, the follow-
ing properties for media files may be supported
by the DVD drive and the connection for USB stor-
age devices:

Audio/video files

DVD drive: audio CDs (up to 80 min) with CD text (artist, album,
Supported media
song)*, CD-ROMs with a capacity of up to 700 MB; DVD+R/RW; DVD
video; DVD audio with audio tracks that are compatible with a DVD
video player;
Audi music interface: mobile devices > page 252 (such as an iPhone,
MTP player, USB storage device in “USB Device Subclass 1 and 6” that
conforms to USB 2.0: USB sticks, USB MP3 players (Plug-and-Play-ca-
pable), external USB flash drives and hard drives

File system

USB storage device: exFAT, FAT, FAT32, NTFS
USB storage device partitions (primary/logical*): 2 per USB connec-
tion
CD/DVD file systems: ISO9660, Joliet, UDF

258