Inside the System menu, you will see a list:
Scroll until this line is highlighted.
Look at your RNS 300 faceplate.
If you are reading this from your driver’s seat with a German menu staring back at you, here is the bare-bones version:
Done. Your RNS 300 is now in English.
But what if you want another language? Or what if your menu is in French, Italian, or Spanish? Read on for the full, universal guide.
Solution: Your RNS 300 might be in a special service mode or locked. Try this alternative path:
To change the language on an RNS 300, remember the golden rule: Highlight "Language" in the System menu, then turn the right knob—do not press it.
The unit is not intuitive by modern standards, but once you learn that the scroll knob simultaneously selects and cycles values, the mystery disappears. If you follow the 8 steps above, you should have your Volkswagen or SEAT navigation system displaying English (or your preferred tongue) in under 45 seconds. how+on+rns+300+change+language+new
Final Pro Tip: Write the button sequence down on a sticky note and put it in your glovebox: Menu > System > Language > Turn Right Knob. If your battery ever dies or you accidentally reset the unit, you won't need to search the internet again.
Need further help? Consult the official VW RNS 300 manual (page 43) or visit a VW forum with your specific firmware version (found by holding "MENU" for 10 seconds).
Topic Review: Changing the Language on the RNS 315 (RNS 300 Series)
Overview: Changing the language on the Volkswagen RNS 315 navigation system is a straightforward process that does not require specialized diagnostic tools like VCDS or OBD11. The user interface allows for quick adjustments via the settings menu.
Step-by-Step Procedure:
Important Observations & Limitations:
Conclusion: The process is user-friendly and rated as "Easy" in terms of DIY difficulty. For most users, the "Language" button in the main settings menu resolves the issue without the need for dealership intervention.
To change the language on a Volkswagen RNS 300 unit, follow these steps using the physical controls: Inside the System menu, you will see a list:
Press the "SETUP" Button: Locate the hard button labeled SETUP on the front of the unit and press it to open the settings menu.
Navigate to Language: Use the right-hand rotary knob (the menu dial) to scroll through the list of options until you highlight Language.
Select the Option: Press the rotary knob inward to confirm the selection and open the language sub-menu.
Pick Your Language: Scroll through the list (e.g., English, Deutsch, Français) using the knob.
Confirm: Press the knob inward again on your desired language. The system will take a few seconds to update all menus and navigation prompts. Key Features of the RNS 300
The RNS 300 MP3 unit (often found in Volkswagen, SEAT, and Skoda vehicles) includes:
Monochrome Display: A simple 5-inch dot-matrix screen primarily for navigation arrows and audio info.
CD/MP3 Support: The drive can read standard audio CDs as well as MP3 files burned to a disc. Scroll until this line is highlighted
Integrated Navigation: Provides turn-by-turn guidance via visual icons on the screen and voice announcements.
Contextual Controls: The rotary knob acts as a multi-functional tool—rotating it adjusts values or scrolls lists, while pressing it confirms choices. radio-navigation 300 MP3 - SEAT
He noticed a prompt asking him to confirm the system restart to apply the changes. He selected Ja (Yes). The screen went black for a moment, and the system rebooted.
Suddenly, the familiar VW startup chime played, and the interface reappeared—but this time, the menus were in English. The navigation voice greeted him: "Please enter a destination."
Mark breathed a sigh of relief. He entered his destination and drove off, the language barrier finally broken.
Some older or region-specific RNS 300 units hide the language menu differently. Here is a secondary method for how on rns 300 change language new using the navigation menu:
This method is useful if your TONE button is broken or unresponsive.
A: No. The button sequence for the RNS 300 is unique. For the RNS 310, you press SETUP then the screen button for Language. For the RNS 510, you press SETUP > System > Language. This article is strictly for the RNS 300 (often called MFD2 in some markets).