Why do holograms appear on the map and can they be removed?

Holograms on maps of car navigation systems are 3D visual effects that are designed to improve the perception of the route. They display buildings, bridges, junctions and even road signs in 3D format. However, not all drivers like such a “toy” picture: it can distract from the road, slow down the system, or simply irritate with its design.

In most modern cars (from Toyota and Volkswagen up to Hyundai and Kia) holograms are activated by default on multimedia systems that support 3D maps. They can be disabled through the settings, but this is not always obvious: manufacturers hide the option deep in the menu or require a software update. In this article we will analyze all the working methods - from simple to radical.

It is important to understand that holograms are not a separate feature, but part of the card display. Removing them will not affect the accuracy of navigation, but may change the appearance of the interface. If your machine is equipped with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, the problem can be solved even easier - through the smartphone settings.

Method 1: Disable 3D mode in navigation settings

The fastest and safest method is to deactivate the 3D display directly in the navigation system menu. The algorithm of actions depends on the car brand, but the general logic is the same:

  1. Launch the navigation system (usually the NAV or Map on the main screen).
  2. Find the settings icon (gear or three dots) in the right/left corner of the screen.
  3. Go to section Map display (or Map View, Display Settings).
  4. Look for options like:
    • 🔄 2D/3D View - switch to 2D.
    • 🏙️ Buildings - turn off the slider.
    • 🌉 Landmarks - deactivate.

For example, in systems Toyota Touch 2 the path will be like this: Navigation → Settings → Map view → Display style → Classic. B Volkswagen MIB3 — CAR → Navigation → Map settings → 3D buildings → Off.

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If your car doesn't have a separate option for holograms, try changing the map theme to "Day" or "Night" - sometimes this will automatically turn off the 3D effects.

If the holograms remain after the changes, check whether the settings were reset after rebooting the system. In some models (for example, Mazda Connect) you need to save the changes with the button OK or Apply.

Method 2: Updating cards and multimedia system firmware

Holograms often appear after updating cards or firmware, but they can be removed by rolling back to the previous version. Or vice versa - by installing the latest firmware, which adds a disable option. Here's how to do it:

  1. Check the current software version:
    • 📱 B Android Auto/Apple CarPlay: Settings → About phone → Map version.
    • 🚗 In standard navigation: Settings → System → Software information.
  • Download the latest firmware:
    • 🔗 For Toyota: official website Toyota Europe (section "Support").
    • 🔗 For Volkswagen: portal VW Car-Net.
    • 🔗 For Hyundai/Kia: service Hyundai Map Update.
    • Update the system: via a USB drive (instructions are usually included with the firmware file) or by air (OTA), if supported.
      • Car make Minimum version of software to disable holograms Update link
      Toyota (2018–2023) v12.00.005 or later Official website
      Volkswagen (MIB3) v0720 or later VW Car-Net
      Hyundai/Kia (2020–2026) v4.2.1 or later Hyundai Map Update

      ⚠️ Attention: A firmware update can reset all user settings, including saved routes and points of interest. Before the procedure, export important data or take screenshots of the settings screen.

      📊 Which navigation system do you use most often?
      Standard car system
      Apple CarPlay
      Android Auto
      Google Maps/Waze on phone
      Other

      Method 3: Reset the multimedia system to factory settings

      If holograms cannot be removed through the menu, and the update did not help, try resetting the system to factory settings. This is a radical method, but it often works when other methods are powerless.

      Instructions for most systems:

      1. Go to Settings → System → Reset (or Reset).
      2. Select Reset navigation settings or Full Reset (full reset).
      3. Confirm the action (you may need to enter a PIN code, e.g. 0000 or 1234).
      4. After rebooting the system, check the map display - the holograms should disappear.

    ⚠️ Attention: A hard reset will delete all saved data: Bluetooth contacts, route history, favorite radio stations and Wi-Fi passwords. If your machine has a backup function (for example, BMW iDrive), use it before resetting.

    What should I do if the holograms return after the reset?

    This means that 3D display is built into the firmware by default. In this case, only updating the software (see Method 2) or installing alternative cards (see Method 4) will help.

    In some vehicles (eg Audi MMI) reset is performed through the hidden menu: 

    Press and hold the "SETUP" + "CAR" + "MEDIA" buttons simultaneously for 10 seconds.

    After this, a service menu will appear where you can select Factory Reset.

    Method 4: Installing alternative maps (for example, from OpenStreetMap)

    If the standard navigation does not allow you to disable holograms, you can install third-party maps where 3D effects are absent or are flexibly configured. For example, OpenStreetMap or Waze through Android Auto/Apple CarPlay.

    How to do it:

    1. For Android Auto:
      • 📱 Install the application on your phone OsmAnd or Magic Earth.
      • 🔗 Connect your phone to your car via USB or Bluetooth.
      • 🗺️ Launch the application through the menu Android Auto.
  • For standard navigation (if supported):
    • 💾 Download maps OSM in a format compatible with your system (for example, .fbl for Toyota).
    • 📁 Copy files to USB drive (FAT32) to folder Map.
    • 🚗 Insert the flash drive into the multimedia slot and update the cards via Settings → Maps update.

      • Important: Not all car systems support third-party cards. For example, Mercedes COMAND and BMW iDrive work only with official cards from HERE Maps or TomTom.

      Application 2D mode support Car compatibility
      OsmAnd Yes (configurable) Android Auto, Apple CarPlay
      Magic Earth Yes (default) Android Auto
      Waze 2D only Android Auto, Apple CarPlay

      Method 5: Contact the service center (if all else fails)

      If all of the above methods do not work, there are two options left:

      1. Official dealer. The service center can reflash the system to disable 3D effects or install a patch. Check in advance whether such a service is provided - some dealers refuse to make changes to the software under warranty.
      2. Informal workshops. Auto electronics specialists often know “gray” ways to modify firmware (for example, through ODB-II and software like WinOLS). However, this is risky and could void your warranty or damage your system.

    ⚠️ Attention: Before visiting the service, check whether the display of holograms is part of the security of the system. For example, in some Tesla 3D maps are used to visualize the autopilot; turning them off may affect the operation of the driving assistant.

    The cost of the service varies:

    • 💰 At the dealer: from 3,000 to 10,000 rubles (depending on the brand).
    • 💰 In the unofficial service: from 1,500 to 5,000 rubles.

      • ☑️ Preparing for a service visit

      Done: 0 / 4

      Common mistakes and how to avoid them

      When trying to remove holograms, drivers often encounter typical problems. Here are the most common of them and ways to solve them:

      1. Settings are not saved.

        Reason: On some systems (eg Ford SYNC 3) changes are applied only after a reboot. Solution: Turn off the ignition for 2-3 minutes, then restart the system.

      2. Holograms return after map updates.

        Reason: Newer versions of maps may automatically enable 3D mode. Solution: Before updating, check the version description on the manufacturer's website - sometimes it indicates how to disable the effects.

      3. There is no 2D/3D option in the menu.

        Reason: In budget models (for example, Renault R-Link) display settings are limited. Solution: Try Method 4 (alternative cards) or contact service.

      Another common mistake is trying to turn off holograms through Engineering Mode (engineering menu). This is dangerous: incorrect actions can lead to system freeze or even loss of functionality. If you are not an expert, it is better to avoid this method.

      Is it possible to remove holograms on Google Maps in Android Auto?

      Yes. Open Google Maps on your phone, go to Settings → Navigation → Map view and select Default or Satellite instead of 3D buildings.

      Why did the holograms appear again after resetting the settings?

      This means that your firmware has 3D mode enabled by default. Solution: update the software to the latest version (see Method 2) or install alternative cards (Method 4).

      My car doesn't have an option to turn off 3D. What to do?

      Try:

      1. Install Waze or OsmAnd through Android Auto/Apple CarPlay.
      2. Contact the service to flash the system.
      3. Use mode Night theme - sometimes it turns off holograms automatically.
      Can turning off holograms affect the operation of the navigator?

      No, this is a purely visual setting. The accuracy of determining coordinates, route calculations and voice prompts will remain the same.

      How to remove holograms on a map in Tesla?

      B Tesla 3D maps are integrated into the autopilot system. They can only be reduced: Controls → Display → Map → Zoom Level. Complete disabling is only possible through unofficial modifications (risk of loss of warranty).

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      If your machine was manufactured before 2018, it most likely does not have hardware support for 3D maps - holograms appear as flat icons. In this case, the problem is solved by updating the maps.