How to Turn On Reverse Tilt Mirrors on an Audi

On most modern Audi models, you activate the reverse tilt mirror feature by setting the mirror selector switch to the passenger (right) side before shifting into reverse; the mirror will then tilt automatically if the car is equipped and the function is enabled in the vehicle settings. Below is a detailed breakdown of how the system works, how to turn it on via the rotary mirror switch and infotainment menus, and what to check if it doesn’t function as expected.

What Reverse Tilt Mirrors Do on an Audi

Reverse tilt mirrors (sometimes called curb-view mirrors) automatically angle one of your side mirrors downward when you select reverse gear. This helps you see the curb, parking lines, or obstacles near the rear wheel, reducing the risk of scraping wheels or misjudging tight spaces.

Basic Activation Using the Mirror Selector Switch

On most Audis from roughly the mid‑2010s onward (A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, A8, Q3, Q5, Q7, Q8, e‑tron and others), the reverse tilt function is tied to the electric mirror control switch on the driver’s door. If the function is supported and enabled in the settings, you normally only need to choose the right-hand mirror with this switch before engaging reverse.

The following steps outline the typical way to activate reverse tilt mirrors using the door-mounted rotary mirror switch:

1. Start the vehicle: Switch on the ignition or start the engine so all electronic systems, including power mirrors, are active.
2. Locate the mirror control switch: Look on the driver’s door panel for the circular or rotary knob that lets you adjust and fold the side mirrors.
3. Select the passenger-side mirror: Turn the switch to the “R” (right) or mirror icon for the passenger side. On many Audis, the tilt function only works when this side is selected.
4. Shift into reverse (R): With the selector on the right mirror, shift the transmission into reverse. If the feature is present and enabled, the passenger mirror should tilt downward automatically.
5. Shift out of reverse: When you move from reverse into drive (D) or park (P) and start moving forward, the mirror will usually return to its previous normal position after a short delay.
6. Turn feature “off” temporarily: If you do not want the mirror to tilt the next time you reverse, simply move the mirror selector switch away from the passenger-side position (e.g., to the center or left mirror position).

These steps cover how the feature behaves in everyday use: if the tilt is supported and enabled in the menus, the system relies on the position of the mirror control switch to decide whether to dip the mirror in reverse.

Enabling Reverse Tilt in the Audi MMI / Infotainment System

Some Audi models require you to explicitly enable the reverse tilt function in the vehicle settings menu before it will respond to the mirror selector switch. The exact wording and menu path can vary by model year and software generation (MMI, MMI Touch, MMI Navigation Plus, or the newer MIB‑based systems), but the logic is similar across cars.

Typical Menu Path on Recent Audi Models

In many 2017+ Audis, particularly those with MMI and a central display, you must activate the function in the Vehicle or Exterior mirrors settings. Here’s a generic path that applies to most modern cars:

Use the steps below as a general guide; menu names may differ slightly depending on your model and region:

1. Open the main menu: Press the MENU or Home button on the center console or near the screen to access the main infotainment screen.
2. Go to Vehicle settings: Select Car or Vehicle (often an icon of a car).
3. Select exterior mirror options: Look for submenus such as Settings & Service, Exterior mirrors, or Central locking and mirrors, depending on the generation.
4. Find “Tilt on reverse” or similar: Locate an option typically labeled “Mirror dip on reverse”, “Lower mirror on reverse”, or “Tilt on reverse gear”.
5. Enable the feature: Check the box or toggle the switch to turn this feature on.
6. Confirm with the mirror selector: With the option enabled in the menu, make sure the mirror control knob is set to the passenger side (R). Then place the car in reverse to verify that the mirror now tilts.

After enabling the feature in the MMI, the tilt behavior is controlled on a day-to-day basis by the position of the mirror selector switch, so you can choose when you want the mirror to dip.

Older MMI Systems and Legacy Models

On certain older models (early 2010s A4/A5/A6/Q5, for example), the option may be under Car > Systems > Vehicle Settings or even combined with central locking or memory seat options. Some cars with basic infotainment (or no main screen) may not offer on-screen configuration at all, and the tilt function, if equipped, is active by default and controlled only via the mirror switch.

Adjusting and Storing the Tilt Position (with Memory Seats)

On higher-trim Audis equipped with electric seats and memory functions, you can often “teach” the car how far you want the mirror to tilt when reversing. The exact behavior can differ by model, but the process typically uses the same principles: adjust, then store into a memory profile.

Where memory seats and mirrors are linked, you can usually customize the tilt angle by following these steps:

1. Ensure the feature is enabled: Confirm that the reverse tilt function is turned on in the MMI and that the mirror selector switch is set to the passenger side (R).
2. Shift into reverse: Put the car in reverse so that the passenger-side mirror tilts down automatically.
3. Fine-tune the mirror angle: While still in reverse, use the mirror adjustment controls to move the passenger mirror exactly where you want it for reversing (for example, to see the curb and rear wheel clearly).
4. Store the position to memory: With the car still in reverse, press and hold your chosen seat memory button (e.g., “1” or “2”) until you hear a confirmation chime or see confirmation on the display. This stores both your seat position and the specific reverse-tilt angle for that driver profile.
5. Test with your memory profile: Shift to park, then drive, then back into reverse to confirm the mirror dips to your newly set angle when that memory button is active.

Once stored, each driver memory profile can have its own preferred tilt angle or even no tilt if the function is disabled for that profile, giving multiple drivers consistent curb-view visibility tailored to their needs.

Model Differences and Limitations

Not all Audi vehicles, or all trim levels, will have reverse tilt mirrors. In some cases, the car may require a specific option package such as power-folding exterior mirrors or a memory seat package. The exact behavior can also vary by market (Europe, North America, Asia) and model year.

Common Variations by Model and Trim

Owners may notice differences depending on whether their car has advanced driver-assistance systems, power-folding mirrors, or high-spec infotainment. The following points summarize what often changes across the lineup:

• Base vs. premium trims: Entry-level trims may include electric adjustment but omit tilt-on-reverse, while higher trims with memory seats and power-folding mirrors almost always include it.
• Driver’s vs. passenger’s mirror: Most Audi models tilt only the passenger-side mirror by design, to give a better view of the curb. In left-hand-drive markets, that’s the right mirror; in right-hand-drive markets, it may be the left mirror.
• Manual vs. automatic return: Some cars instantly return the mirror to normal position as soon as you leave reverse. Others wait until you move a certain distance forward or exceed a low speed threshold.
• Memory integration: On cars with driver profiles and seat memory, tilt behavior is often saved per profile. On simpler models, the tilt angle may be fixed or only loosely adaptive.
• Infotainment generation: Newer MIB/MIB3-based systems (common from around 2019 onward) put the setting under clear “Exterior mirrors” or “Parking aid” menus, while older MMI generations may use slightly different paths or wording.

These variations mean that, while the basic principle is the same, you may see slightly different menu options and mirror behavior depending on your Audi’s model year, software, and equipment level.

Troubleshooting: When Reverse Tilt Mirrors Don’t Work

If your Audi should have the feature but the mirror does not tilt when reversing, checking a few key items often resolves the issue without a workshop visit.

The checklist below outlines the most common issues and how to address them:

1. Confirm the car actually has the feature: Check your owner’s manual or the original specification sheet. The presence of power-adjustable mirrors alone does not guarantee tilt-on-reverse.
2. Check the mirror selector position: Make sure the rotary switch is set to the passenger-side mirror (R). If it’s centered, set to left (L), or on “fold,” many models will not activate tilt.
3. Verify the setting in MMI: Reopen the Vehicle or Car menus and ensure “Mirror dip on reverse” (or similar) is ticked. After software updates or resets, some settings can revert to default.
4. Check the gear and speed: The feature typically only engages when the gearbox is fully in reverse (R) and the car is moving slowly or stationary. Rapid gear changes or rolling starts may prevent it from activating.
5. Test with a different driver profile: If your Audi uses personal profiles, switch to another profile or reset your current one; a profile setting or memory issue can sometimes interfere with tilt behavior.
6. Look for software or electrical issues: If the mirrors behave erratically (not just the tilt function), there may be a fault with the mirror motor, door control unit, or software. In this case, a diagnostic scan at an Audi dealer or specialist is recommended.

Working through these checks usually identifies whether the issue is due to settings, driver-profile configuration, or a hardware fault that may need professional attention.

Regional and Safety Considerations

In some regions, local regulations and customer preferences influence how aggressively the mirrors tilt or whether both sides are allowed to dip. Audi typically prioritizes the side closest to the curb to avoid reducing rearward traffic visibility too much. Drivers should still check their surroundings and blind spots as usual; the tilt feature is meant to assist with parking, not replace careful observation.

Summary

To turn on reverse tilt mirrors in an Audi, you typically need to enable the “mirror dip on reverse” or similar option in the Vehicle/Exterior mirrors menu of the MMI, then set the door-mounted mirror selector switch to the passenger-side mirror before engaging reverse. On many models with memory seats, you can further customize and store your preferred tilt angle for each driver profile. If the mirror does not tilt, verifying that the feature is actually fitted, checking the mirror switch position, and reviewing the infotainment settings will usually resolve the issue, while persistent faults may require dealer diagnosis.

How do you activate Audi folding mirrors?

You can activate Audi folding mirrors by using the MMI system’s vehicle settings to enable the “auto fold on lock” feature, or by pressing and holding the lock button on your key fob. For manual folding, use the mirror control knob on the driver’s door, and ensure your vehicle is equipped with power-folding mirrors to begin with. 
Automatic activation
This video demonstrates how to enable automatic mirror folding on an Audi Q8: 51sAUDI NYACKYouTube · Aug 9, 2019

• Through the MMI system: 
  1. Press the home button on your MMI control panel. 
  2. Go to Vehicle, then Settings & Service. 
  3. Select Central Locking. 
  4. Find and activate the “Fold Mirrors” or “Auto Fold Mirrors” option. 
  5. Once enabled, the mirrors will fold automatically each time you lock the car. 
• Using the key fob:
  1. Press and hold: the lock button on your key fob for a second or two. 
  2. The mirrors will fold in as long as the feature is enabled in the MMI settings. 
  3. To unfold them, press and hold the unlock button on the key fob for a second. 

Manual activation
This video demonstrates how to manually fold mirrors using the control knob: 1mmr-fixYouTube · Aug 18, 2021

• Using the door control knob:
  1. Locate the mirror control knob on the driver’s door.
  2. Turn the knob to the icon that represents folding, which is often at the 6 o’clock position.
  3. The mirrors will fold in manually.
  4. Return the knob to the original position to unfold them. 

Important considerations

• Check your vehicle’s equipment: Not all Audi models come standard with power-folding mirrors. You can check the configuration or the mirror control knob for a folding icon to see if you have the feature. 
• Potential conflicts: If you manually fold the mirrors with the door knob, it may override the automatic folding setting. You may need to turn the knob back to its original position to re-enable automatic folding. 
• Troubleshooting: If automatic folding doesn’t work, check the MMI settings or, if the feature is not available, consider if a retrofit is possible. 

How to turn on reverse tilt mirrors?

To turn on reverse tilt mirrors, go to your vehicle’s settings menu on the infotainment screen, select Vehicle and then Comfort and Convenience to find and enable the Reverse Tilt Mirror option. Alternatively, for some cars, you can turn on the feature by ensuring the mirror selector switch is in the “L” or “R” position, then shifting to reverse, and optionally adjusting the mirror to your preferred angle, which the system will then save. 
Method 1: Using the vehicle’s settings menu

1. Turn the vehicle’s ignition to the “ON” position.
2. Navigate to the Settings menu on the infotainment screen.
3. Select Vehicle.
4. Choose the Comfort and Convenience section.
5. Find and select Reverse Tilt Mirror.
6. Enable the feature for the driver, passenger, or both, as desired. 

This video demonstrates how to turn on reverse tilt mirrors using the vehicle’s settings menu: 1mCaleb ReddYouTube · Nov 2, 2024
Method 2: Using the mirror selector switch

1. Set the mirror selector switch to the L (left) or R (right) position. If the switch is in the center, the mirrors will not tilt. 
2. Shift the vehicle into Reverse. 
3. The selected mirror will tilt down automatically. 
4. If you want to adjust the angle, you can use the joystick or mirror control to move it to your desired position while in reverse. 
5. Shift the vehicle out of reverse. The mirror will return to its normal position, and the new angle will be saved for future use. 

You can watch this video to learn how to use the mirror selector switch to enable and set reverse tilt mirrors: 57sSteve CliffordYouTube · Jan 9, 2024

How to program your passenger mirror to tilt down in reverse in Audi Etron?

From here you can adjust it to however you want. And once you are done make sure you put it back to center and you put the car to park. And you’re good to go.

How to turn on reverse tilt mirrors on Audi?

Place your foot on the brake. And move the gear shift to reverse. With the control knob on the driver’s. Door select the passenger side mirror adjustment and adjust so you’re able to view the curb.