Is Toyota Remote Connect Free

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Recently, we’ve written a lot about subscription services for the automotive industry. It all began when Publisher Tim Esterdahl became upset that his new 2022 Toyota Tundra’s remote start wasn’t actually free. You see, Toyota has changed its business strategies (i.e. profiting) to incorporate Toyota Connected Service, as have many other manufacturers.

When you consider everything that’s included, Toyota Connected Service may seem like a good addition for individuals who purchase a Toyota vehicle, but keep in mind that it costs $8 per month or $80 per year. Although it may seem like insignificant compensation that you won’t notice, the techniques used to smuggle this in on a “trial basis” appeared dubious to us.

In light of this, we decided to outline the components of the Toyota Connected Service, which is a pay-to-play service.

Remote Start: Not free for Toyota

This was the catalyst for everything for us. Esterdahl went crazy over certain key fob problems and even implicated Toyota’s engineers in the debacle. All of it was captured in this fantastic video.

However, remote start is mentioned under Remote Connect and costs $8/month or $80/year as part of Toyota’s Connected Service (i.e., a subscription). Therefore, even if you do a remote start using your key fob after the subscription expires, it will not function.

Other useful services that are also included in a subscription are available with Remote Connect, which is run through an app on your phone. They consist of:

  • Get alerts about breaching predetermined speed, curfew, or mileage limitations emailed to the main account owner as a guest driver.

How much does Toyota Remote Connect cost?

On all new Toyotas, depending on the model, buyers receive a free trial of Toyota Remote Connect that lasts somewhere between three and ten years. The service has an after-trial price of either $8 per month or $80 per year. Other features of Toyota Remote Connect make the cost of purchasing it worthwhile.

Does the cost of a remote connection apply?

Toyota offers a subscription service called Remote Connect that enables you to remotely start your car or unlock the doors. Toyota normally offers a free trial for the first year after which you will need to pay $9.95 per month to continue using this service.

How much does using the Toyota app cost?

Toyota has removed the remote start buttons from its physical key fobs, so owners who wish to start their cars remotely will have to pay. The feature will no longer be part of the actual car key as the automaker transitions to digital services and a subscription-based approach, the manufacturer informed Roadshow on Wednesday.

Here is how it works. The remote start function on the key fob for 2018 to 2020 automobiles will operate for three years during a “trial period”; nevertheless, even though an owner’s fob has the button, the function will be turned off after that period. Owners must search the brand’s Connected Services for Remote Connect in order to regain the remote start feature. The cost, which also includes a plethora of additional digital features accessible through the Toyota smartphone app, is $80 per year or $8 per month.

The remote start functionality on a key fob won’t be available on any new Toyota vehicles. Key fob remote start is not a function we actively market as we transition to more digital interactions through the Toyota app, the business stated. Owners of specific automobiles from the 2020 model year and newer enjoy a 10-year trial for connected services. In other words, since owners receive more than a decade of free use, there’s a strong chance they won’t need to fork over the cash to use remote start. However, it will eventually become permanently invalid and call for a Remote Connect subscription.

Toyota stated, “We routinely incorporate feedback from customers to ensure we’re giving features that are beneficial and enrich their ownership experiences,” despite the fact that it is a controversial move in an era where manufacturers continue to seek revenue streams via subscriptions.

What does remote Connect 2022 cost?

With OnStar, of course, GM established the foundation for this entire trend and has profited immensely over the years. For an extra $8 per month or $80 per year, Safety Connect features will be available in Toyota automobiles starting in 2022.

You will be charged for some Safety Connect services, such as:

  • In the event of a medical or other emergency while driving, pressing the emergency assistance button in your car will link you with a 24/7 response center agent who can request the dispatch of the essential emergency services to your vehicle’s location.
  • Automatic collision notificationIn the event of an airbag deployment or serious rear-end accident, a 24/7 response center is automatically alerted. The representative at the round-the-clock response center will make an effort to communicate with the passengers before alerting the local emergency services and requesting that they be dispatched to the location of the car.
  • Stolen vehicle locatorIf you find yourself in a situation involving a vehicle theft, file a police report right away and contact a response center so that agents can help law enforcement locate your vehicle using GPS technology.
  • Enhanced roadside assistanceYou can connect with 24/7 Roadside Assistance by pressing the Emergency Assistance Button, giving you the assurance that help is on the way.

Drive Connect: Cloud-based extras

“Toyota’s Drive Connect service is yet another distinct subscription service that costs $16/month or $160/year. Toyota’s Drive Connect subscription debuts in the 2022 Tundra but will be integrated into other Toyota vehicles as well. The Cloud is something we all hear about but few of us really understand what it means.

Imagine this service as a personal digital assistant (like Hey Siri), but instead you ask your Toyota for assistance with different in-car features like adjusting the stereo settings or, in some models, the climate control.

Another feature is cloud-based navigation, which allows you to share your ETA with contacts in your phone book and offers Google Point-Of-Interest search functionality.

Installing system and navigation updates is made possible by Wi-Fi capability “to ensure that the car is always up to date, over-the-air. newly built roads? These can also be included on the map thanks to OTA updates.

Bottom line on Toyota Connected Service

Yes, the switch to pay-per-feature is quite irksome. But given how many conveniences improve our quality of life, shouldn’t a carmaker place a value on them?

Refer to this website for a comprehensive list of the Connected Services that are offered for each Toyota model.

From a business standpoint, all of this makes sense, but it also adds up. You may have to spend up to $32 per month or $320 annually if you want all the services.

Do not subscribe if you do not agree. The automakers will understand the message if the earnings aren’t there. What services are you willing to pay for and which ones bother you, please? Comment on this article below.

What is Toyota Remote Connect, and how do I use it?

The Toyota app must first be downloaded to your phone before the QR code can be scanned:

  • THE TOYOTA APP MUST BE DOWNLOADED TO YOUR SMARTPHONE.
  • SELECT THE NATION AND LANGUAGE.
  • Only your Toyota account is created after all of this. Keep an eye out for an email from Toyota containing a 6-digit passcode to finish the Remote Connect setup.

Why must I pay for a Toyota remote start?

Toyota now asserts that it never meant to promote the key fob remote start as a functional feature and that the subscription requirement was an unintended outcome of a minor technical choice relating to the architecture of its new vehicles.

Does the Toyota app need payment to use it?

The Toyota app was created to provide a simple method of staying connected. The Toyota app also assists the driver in maintaining vehicle knowledge. Additionally, the app gives car owners access to repair specials, maintenance data, and recall notifications.

The software provides a distinctive in-car entertainment experience and is available for Apple and Android. It facilitates the connection of a smartphone to a Toyota car. There are no additional fees or yearly fees must be paid. This Toyota software allows you to use a variety of well-known apps on your phone while driving. These are listed below:

  • MovieTickets.com
  • Slacker Music
  • OpenTable
  • Pandora
  • Location-Based Search
  • iHeartRadio

Entune can be useful whether one needs to look up the weather, reserve movie tickets, or locate a restaurant in a specific city.

Utilizing the smartphone app couldn’t be simpler. The user only has to download this software from Google Play or the iTunes App Store. They must next register their vehicle using the VIN, or vehicle identification number. After that is finished, particular model-specific information will be accessible. These can be specific recalls or the vehicle’s warranty. The app also contains additional vehicle-specific data including the owner’s manual and how-to manuals.

Additionally, drivers will be able to make service appointments, request roadside help, and get some service discounts. There is also a forum where drivers may ask other Toyota owners questions about their vehicles.

When it comes to smartphone connectivity and car performance, Toyota is in the lead. There are several different Toyota apps available that can improve convenience and safety.

Do you need help downloading the Toyota app or do you have any more questions about it? Please feel free to ask any questions you may have at Stevenson Hendrick Toyota Jacksonville.

What is included in Toyota Remote Connect?

With Toyota Remote Connect, users of Google Assistant-enabled gadgets, Amazon Alexa-enabled devices, smartphones, and a few smartwatches can operate their vehicles.

Drivers should visit the Apple App Store or Android Play to download the Toyota Remote Connect app. then go ahead and start the app. Once logged in, users can access numerous functions from anywhere, including:

  • to inspect the car’s windows and doors.
  • Look for car status and warnings.
  • To remotely warm or cool the interior of your Toyota throughout the winter
  • Unlock and Lock a Door
  • Verify the car’s mileage, fuel level, etc.
  • Check where you parked.
  • to allow a guest driver to start the car
  • remote control the engine off

Access the Toyota Remote Connect application. On either side of the start remote engine icon are the unlock and lock icons. A red rotating circle will appear around the image when you choose and hold the Unlock or Lock icon for a brief period of time.

When this happens, it means your request was granted. Additionally, you will get a confirmation on your phone shortly.

The doors will quickly re-lock automatically to make sure you don’t forget to lock your vehicle.

Open the app first. The “Engine Start” icon should be selected and held for at least one second. If everything goes well, a red circle will start to spin around the icon. Your phone will receive a confirmation that the engine is on in a short while.

If no action is taken, the hybrid or engine system will run for up to 10 minutes before automatically shutting off for safety reasons. The engine will shut off if any door is opened to stop an unauthorized individual from utilizing your car.

Want to know more about Toyota’s technological specifications? Set up your test drive right away. We are conveniently located near the nearby towns of Fayetteville, Benson, and Goldsboro at Deacon Jones Toyota in Clinton, North Carolina.