How-to · Elgin CDJR · Streamwood, IL
How to Update Uconnect Software
Keeping your Uconnect system up to date gives you the latest features and enhancements, much like a phone update. How you get an update depends on your model year: 2020-2026 Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram systems update over the air or at a dealer, while for 2019 and earlier systems, dealers may have newer software than DriveUconnect.com offers. Here is how it works, from DriveUconnect.com and the 2026 Ram 2500/3500 Owner's Manual.
2020-2026model years updated over the air or at a dealer
Wi-Fiupdates can download over any password-protected network
OTAover-the-air updates on select connected vehicles
Uconnect 5includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
The short answer
Connect your vehicle to a password-protected Wi-Fi network (Settings, Wi-Fi, choose your network, enter the password) and make sure software downloads over Wi-Fi are turned on in the Software Updates menu. Select vehicles with connected services get updates over the air. Model year 2020-2026 systems are updated over the air or at a certified Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep or Ram dealer only, and do not have the latest USB updates available for customer download.
Step 1: connect your Uconnect system to Wi-Fi
Uconnect updates can be performed over any password-protected Wi-Fi network, and select vehicles with connected service capabilities are eligible for over-the-air updates. To connect, per DriveUconnect.com:
- Touch Settings on your vehicle's touchscreen.
- Select Wi-Fi from the list of options.
- Select your network and enter the password.
In the Uconnect settings, the Software Updates menu is where downloading software updates over Wi-Fi can be turned on or off, according to the 2026 Ram 2500/3500 Owner's Manual. Leave it on if you want updates to download.
From Uconnect Software Updates (DriveUconnect.com) and the 2026 Ram 2500/3500 Owner's Manual (Uconnect Settings: Software Updates), read October 26, 2026.
How updates work by model year
| Model year | How the system gets updates |
|---|---|
| 2020-2026 | Updated over the air or at a certified Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep or Ram dealership only. These model years will not have the latest USB updates available for customer download. |
| 2019 and earlier | Dealers may have newer software than what is offered for download on DriveUconnect.com. |
| All model years | Contact your dealer to request an update or to check whether your system software is up to date. |
From Uconnect Software Updates (DriveUconnect.com), read October 26, 2026.
Uconnect settings that relate to updates
Software Updates
Settings for updating the Uconnect software, including turning Wi-Fi downloads on or off.
System Information
Shows the Uconnect system versions and licensing, handy when a dealer asks which software you have.
Reset
Returns Uconnect to default settings and can clear personal data or restart the radio. It is not the same as an update. Our Uconnect reset guide covers resets.
Check for updates
The manual suggests owners routinely check DriveUconnect.com to learn about available Uconnect software updates.
From the 2026 Ram 2500/3500 Owner's Manual (Uconnect Settings; Cybersecurity), read October 26, 2026. Menu names can differ by system and model year.
What a software update cannot do
DriveUconnect.com answers the common questions about upgrades:
- A Uconnect 4 or 4C system cannot be updated to Uconnect 5.
- An update cannot add Apple CarPlay support or Android Auto compatibility to a system that lacks it. Uconnect 5 includes both, as do select Uconnect 4 and 4C systems with a 7-inch, 8.4-inch or 12-inch touchscreen. Systems from model year 2016 and earlier do not support them.
- Map updates are separate. Uconnect 5 and newer systems receive over-the-air map updates during a trial or paid Navigation Package subscription; Uconnect 4 and earlier get map updates through the Chrysler navigation map site linked from DriveUconnect.com.
From Uconnect Software Updates (DriveUconnect.com) (Frequently Asked Questions), read October 26, 2026.
Only use trusted media devices
The 2026 Ram 2500/3500 Owner's Manual warns to insert only trusted media devices into your vehicle: media of unknown origin could contain malicious software and make it easier for vehicle systems to be breached. If you notice unusual vehicle behavior, contact an authorized dealer right away.
Uconnect software updates at Elgin CDJR
Uconnect software updates are part of the service work our Mopar-certified department does for Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram vehicles, along with recalls and warranty work. If your system is a 2020-2026 model and you want to make sure it has the current software, schedule a visit and ask for a Uconnect update check.
Our service department is open Monday to Friday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., closed Sunday. Elgin CDJR is at 1500 W. Lake St. (U.S. 20) in Streamwood. Get directions.
Schedule service online. Learn more about the system on our Uconnect page.
Uconnect software update FAQ
How do I update my Uconnect system?
Connect the vehicle to a password-protected Wi-Fi network (Settings, Wi-Fi, choose the network, enter the password) and keep Wi-Fi downloads turned on in the Software Updates menu. Select connected vehicles update over the air; you can also ask a Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep or Ram dealer to update it.
Can I update Uconnect with a USB drive?
For model year 2020-2026 systems, DriveUconnect.com says the latest USB updates are not available for customer download; these systems update over the air or at a certified dealership only.
Does my Uconnect system need to be updated?
DriveUconnect.com highly recommends keeping it up to date with the latest software for optimal performance, just like a smartphone.
Can I upgrade Uconnect 4 to Uconnect 5?
No. DriveUconnect.com says a Uconnect 4 or 4C system cannot be updated to Uconnect 5.
Will an update add Apple CarPlay or Android Auto?
No. Software updates cannot add Apple CarPlay or Android Auto to a system that does not have them. Uconnect 5 includes both, as do select Uconnect 4 and 4C systems with 7-inch, 8.4-inch or 12-inch screens.
How do I get map updates?
Uconnect 5 and newer systems get over-the-air map updates during a trial or paid Navigation Package subscription. Uconnect 4 and earlier systems get map updates through the navigation map site linked from DriveUconnect.com.
Does Elgin CDJR do Uconnect updates?
Yes. Uconnect software updates are among the services our Mopar-certified service department offers for Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram vehicles.
Want the latest Uconnect software?
Schedule a visit at Elgin CDJR in Streamwood and ask us to check your Uconnect software.
Sources
Wi-Fi steps and model-year rules are from DriveUconnect.com; Uconnect menu details are from the 2026 Ram 2500/3500 Owner's Manual; both read on October 26, 2026; menus can differ by vehicle and system. Services and hours are from our own website, checked the same day. Photos are illustrative.