Carmaker Volkswagen is facing criticism from privacy-conscious drivers after GrapheneOS users reported being locked out of the company’s mobile app, leaving some unable to log in, sync vehicle data, or remotely control their cars.

VW's app now blocks GrapheneOS users – roughly 500,000 privacy-focused Android users can't log in or control their cars, despite the app still supporting outdated Android versions.
Part of a broader data lockdown – VW recently cut off third-party tools for smart charging and told affected users their privacy-focused OS "is not an official Volkswagen offering."
Privacy users are fighting back – Critics say VW is violating user data rights and creating closed ecosystems, while GrapheneOS communities are organizing email campaigns to pressure the company.

Key Takeaways by nexos.ai, reviewed by Cybernews staff.

GrapheneOS, a hardened Android-based operating system that strips out much of Google’s tracking technology, has become a popular choice among smartphone users that value privacy.

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The open-source project now has an estimated half a million users and is growing as users look to de-couple from big tech brands.

motorola announced long term partnership with the GrapheneOS — Partnership with Motorola could see the privacy-focused OS go mainstream. Image by Cybernews.

A collaboration with Motorola, announced in March, could eventually result in a mainstream device shipping with the open-source operating system.

Frustration among user base is growing

Reports began surfacing on the GrapheneOS forum and Reddit’s r/degoogle community, where users described suddenly losing access to Volkswagen’s app despite using fully updated devices.

The issue appears to affect Volkswagen’s app ecosystem rather than a specific vehicle model, so owners that rely on VW Connect, We Connect, We Connect ID or related services could potentially be affected.

Some posters pointed to the apparent contradiction that Volkswagen’s software continues to support older, end-of-life Android versions while rejecting GrapheneOS installations.

One affected user, Aaron94, said Volkswagen’s app stopped working entirely after a logout.

Despite enabling compatibility settings and trying multiple workarounds, they were unable to log back in.

Another user, XavDub, reported similar problems. “First symptom, sync did not work anymore from the app, so I tried to logout to login again, but it’s since just impossible,” they wrote, adding that testing on a standard Google Pixel running stock Android worked normally.

When XavDub contacted the German car maker, the company responded that GrapheneOS “is not an official Volkswagen offering” and advised them to contact their OS provider instead.

The timing has raised eyebrows because Volkswagen recently changed the APIs used to access vehicle data.

According to German tech title Heise, the change disrupted third-party tools used by owners for smart charging, solar energy integration, and home automation.

Automakers favoring tightly controlled operating systems?

Developers and vehicle owners argue the move has made customers more dependent on the manufacturer’s own systems while reducing practical access to data generated by their vehicles.

Questions have also been raised about whether the restrictions align with the EU Data Act’s goals of improving user access to connected-device data.

Critics argue GrapheneOS lockout reflects a broader industry trend of favoring tightly-controlled ecosystems over user choice. As one poster said on Hacker News, it would have cost VW little to not block GrapheneOS or the unofficial API.

“It would have no adverse effects on the average Joe, but it would gain a lot of support and enthusiasm from heavy users, differentiating from other brands.

“Not to mention the fact that it is the USERS data in the first place,” they added.

Another forum poster, This_User, attributed the move to national compliance bias.

“German companies, especially old school industrial ones like VW, have a very hard time understanding open platforms.They view everything through the lens of liability and compliance first.”
This_User, Hacker News forum

Cruel summer

It’s shaping up to be a cruel summer for GrapheneOS users. Earlier this month reports emerged that age-verification provider Yoti, used by Sony, Facebook and TikTok, had allegedly flagged GrapheneOS users during verification processes, prompting widespread backlash in privacy communities.

yoti gamer privacy — Age-verification provider Yoti allegedly flagged GrapheneOS users during verification processes last month. Image by Cybernews.

While it’s easy to dismiss a few owner complaints, and they may be able to use the app on Google Play inside the car – if the vehicle runs Android Automotive and supports Play Store apps.

But the point is they don't want to do that, and their voices are getting louder as they bubble over to other forums.

The way they see it, VW has changed the locks on the door and the old key doesn't work anymore – even though the person has done everything they can on their end to make sure their key still fits.