How to activate air recirculation in a Polestar 5
When outside air smells unpleasant, recirculation can close the intake and reuse cabin air. Check the windows as well as the smell during prolonged use.
Checked against the UK model-year 2026 Polestar 5 manual on 27 October 2026. Match the display and fitted equipment to your car before following these instructions. Optional comfort features may be absent.
Open the climate view with the fan symbol and select the recirculation symbol. Constant recirculation is then active.
Before you start
Do not leave the mode selected without monitoring visibility. The manual warns that prolonged recirculation can fog the windows, and max defroster makes recirculation unavailable.
Follow the controls
Tick steps as you go. Your progress stays in this tab.
Check the result
The car can also decide automatically to recirculate air based on conditions and its air-quality sensor. An automatic change does not necessarily indicate a fault.
Common questions
Why can the car select recirculation by itself?+
The manual describes automatic control based on factors such as temperatures and outside air quality.
Why is the control unavailable with max defroster?+
The two functions do not operate together in the documented workflow.
SOURCES & SCOPE
Where this guide comes from
Written from the official references below. Reviewed on 27 October 2026. This is a source-based guide, not a claim of hands-on vehicle testing.
Read our editorial policy