--- title: "T-SB-0050-26: 2026 RAV4 Head Unit Software Update" url: https://toyotadata.com/guides/toyota-t-sb-0050-26-rav4-head-unit-software-update/ description: "Toyota T-SB-0050-26 explained: the 2026 RAV4 Hybrid and Prime head unit update 8612G42397, what it fixes, how to check your version and update by OTA or USB." platforms: [RAV4] category: Maintenance & Problems author: Rob Krause published: 2026-10-21T04:00:00Z updated: 2026-10-21T04:00:00Z --- # T-SB-0050-26: 2026 RAV4 Head Unit Software Update > **Quick answer:** T-SB-0050-26 (August 19, 2026) is Toyota's head unit software update for the 2026 RAV4 Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid, version 8612G42397. It fixes head unit reboots, a black screen, a dead "Add a device" button, wireless Android Auto failing after remote start, navigation ETA mismatches and more. To check your version, open Settings (gear icon), then Software update, then Multimedia part information. If the number is earlier than 8612G42397, the bulletin applies. Toyota prefers the over-the-air update and uses a USB update only if OTA fails. A dealer repair is covered by the 36-month/36,000-mile Basic Warranty, and Toyota says the head unit should not be replaced. > QUICK ANSWER > > **T-SB-0050-26 (August 19, 2026) is Toyota's head unit software update for the 2026 RAV4 Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid, version 8612G42397.** It fixes head unit reboots, a black screen, a dead "Add a device" button, wireless Android Auto failing after remote start, navigation ETA mismatches and more. To check your version, open **Settings (gear icon), then Software update, then Multimedia part information**. If the number is earlier than **8612G42397**, the bulletin applies. Toyota prefers the **over-the-air update** and uses a USB update only if OTA fails. A dealer repair is covered by the 36-month/36,000-mile Basic Warranty, and Toyota says the head unit should not be replaced. If your 2026 RAV4's screen reboots, goes black, or will not pair a phone, this is the bulletin to ask about. Quote **T-SB-0050-26** to the service advisor. This page summarizes what Toyota's bulletin says; the bulletin PDF is linked at the bottom. ## What It Fixes Toyota says the software addresses these items in multimedia versions earlier than 8612G42397: - Head unit reboots and a black display (Toyota notes the backup camera display is not affected) - The "Add a device" button does not work - A "Network required" screen during user profile setup - Wireless Android Auto does not connect after a remote engine start drive-off - Navigation ETA in the instrument cluster does not match the head unit, or ignores the 12-hour or 24-hour clock setting - Voice guidance prompts overlap, and alternative navigation routes are only suggested if they save five minutes or more - Drive Recorder videos cannot be exported to USB, and the drive recorder does not record the panoramic view monitor camera - The audio icon shows a loading screen instead of the audio source screen - FM volume is higher than expected, and AM/FM seek buttons intermittently fail - Toyota app destinations do not transfer to the head unit - Road sign assistance and cruise control warnings when parked in a location with poor GPS signal - Key fob lock and unlock sound volume cannot be changed - General navigation, voice assistant, road sign assistance, efficient drive and software update enhancements ## Check Your Software Version Toyota's steps, from the bulletin: 1. Select the gear icon, then scroll down and select **Software update**. 2. If the menu opens normally, scroll down and select **Multimedia part information** and read the software part number. 3. If the number is **earlier than 8612G42397**, the bulletin applies. If it is the same or later, it does not. 4. If the Software update menu shows the message **"Please wait for a moment"**, the dealer needs to run a menu repair procedure first. ## How the Update Is Done - **Over the air (preferred).** The update is a **phased rollout**: more vehicles get the on-screen notification over time, and the timing varies by location. You can accept the notification, or start the update from the Settings menu. Toyota points to section 1-6 of the Multimedia Owner's Manual, "Software Update." - **USB (only if OTA fails).** The dealer prepares a USB-C flash drive of 4 to 32 GB formatted FAT32 with a single update file, then follows the repair manual's registration steps. - **Menu repair.** If the Software update menu hangs on "Please wait for a moment," the dealer runs a repair procedure from a USB drive. On trucks with the JBL audio system this includes removing the 30A amplifier fuse during the procedure. If the menu still hangs afterward, Toyota's bulletin says to replace the head unit. ## Cost and Warranty The bulletin lists the over-the-air update as not applicable to warranty claims, since you accept it on screen. A dealer-performed repair (operation code EL2613, 0.5 hour) is covered under the **Toyota Basic Warranty, 36 months or 36,000 miles** from the in-service date, limited to the condition in the bulletin. Toyota's note in the bulletin: **the head unit should not be replaced as part of the software update**. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What is T-SB-0050-26? A Toyota service bulletin dated August 19, 2026, announcing head unit software version 8612G42397 for the 2026 RAV4 Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid. ### How do I know if my RAV4 needs it? Open Settings, then Software update, then Multimedia part information. If the software number is earlier than 8612G42397, it applies. ### Is this a recall? No. It is a service bulletin, which is Toyota's repair guidance to dealers. ### Will the dealer replace my head unit instead? Toyota's bulletin says the head unit should not be replaced as part of the software update. Replacement is only called for if the update menu stays broken after the menu repair. ### What about the CarPlay and JBL audio dropouts? Those have their own tech tip, [T-TT-0803-26](https://toyotadata.com/guides/toyota-t-tt-0803-26-rav4-carplay-audio-bluetooth-tech-tip/), with temporary recovery steps. ## Related - [2026 RAV4 TSB Tracker: Bulletins and Known Issues](https://toyotadata.com/guides/toyota-rav4-2026-tsb-tracker-known-issues/) - [Toyota RAV4 Recall Tracker](https://toyotadata.com/guides/toyota-rav4-recall-tracker-2013-2026/) Sources: Toyota Motor Sales USA, [T-SB-0050-26](https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2026/MC-11037199-0001.pdf), August 19, 2026, as filed with NHTSA. --- Source: https://toyotadata.com/guides/toyota-t-sb-0050-26-rav4-head-unit-software-update/