1. Welcome to 4Runners.com!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all 4Runner discussion topics
    • Transfer over your build thread from a different forum to this one
    • Communicate privately with other 4Runner owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

Am I missing something, or is the Toyota app basically useless?

Discussion in '5th Gen 4Runners (2010-2024)' started by technikal, Jun 21, 2022.

  1. Jun 21, 2022 at 6:19 AM
    #1
    technikal

    technikal [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 8, 2022
    Member:
    #27396
    Messages:
    24
    Gender:
    Male
    2022 SR5P. Downloaded the Toyota app figuring I'd be able to at least unlock the doors with it - but it seems like even that doesn't work. I tried the 'connect remote services' app on the head unit and it tells me it's not supported with my vehicle. Am I missing a setup step somewhere, or is the app really that crippled for non-Pro/Limiteds?
     
    universalfrost likes this.
  2. Jun 21, 2022 at 6:38 AM
    #2
    GrantA

    GrantA Enjoying God’s creation

    Joined:
    May 25, 2020
    Member:
    #14533
    Messages:
    1,320
    Gender:
    Male
    North Carolina
    Vehicle:
    Fully locked 2020 SR5 Premium
    - GOBI roof rack and ladder - Westcott Design Rock sliders - M.O.R.E. Underbody Skid plates - Dual ARB air compressor & ARB single compressor - LED interior lighting - Ironman 2.0 meter awning and enclosure - Ironman winch with factor55 hook - Ironman foam cell pro suspension - Ironman recovery snatch rope - Ironman recovery traction boards - lilbscustomfab Hybrid Front Bumper - lilbscustomfab BMC - RRW RR7-H Hybrid Beadlock wheels - Nitto Trail Grapplers 285/75/17 M/T - 4.88 gears - ARB front air locker - ARB rear air locker - Hi-lift jack & mount - Sony aftermarket speakers - LASFIT External LED Light Conversion - Center console organizer - Glovebox organizer - ICS phone Mount holder - C4 rear bumper with dual swing arms - C4 gas skid plate - C4 rear diff skid plates
    Well you can see how many miles you have on your car. Helped me 1x when at the DMV. Other then that it is useless to me. I don’t want to pay for additional services so I don’t use it.
     
    DogoPilot and Spydr5 like this.
  3. Jun 21, 2022 at 7:07 AM
    #3
    Texoma-Brad

    Texoma-Brad OK Yota

    Joined:
    May 18, 2022
    Member:
    #27109
    Messages:
    247
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Brad
    Texoma USA
    Vehicle:
    2021 Venture, 2022 Limited 4WD, 1979 FJ40
    I feel your pain! Big difference in what the app offers on Limited's and TRD Pro's vs. everything else.

    We have a Limited (wife's) and a Venture (mine). On the Limited we use it constantly. Remote start/stop, door locks, lots of other stuff and it works great for us. Wife loves it - we live in the south (super hot right now) and she can remote start it from anywhere and have it cool when she arrives (although she's doing that less now because of fuel prices). Me, I hardly ever use it for functional items (because on the Venture, it doesn't do anything). However, I DO use it for information - like how much gas I have, odometer and occasionally to look up something in the owner's manual (see the "Glove Box") area in the app. I also like that it keeps track of services at the dealership. You can also enter your own services there (example if you have your tires rotated somewhere other than the dealership - we use Discount Tire). We always keep our receipts, but it's handy for a quick reference like when you just think to yourself "hey, when exactly did I have my tires rotated last?"
     
  4. Jun 21, 2022 at 7:39 AM
    #4
    greg8765

    greg8765 New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 28, 2021
    Member:
    #22132
    Messages:
    74
    First Name:
    Greg
    Utah
    Vehicle:
    2021 SR5 4Runner
    straight garbage
     
    Scoobyvroom likes this.
  5. Jun 22, 2022 at 1:29 AM
    #5
    DallasTRDPro

    DallasTRDPro New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 7, 2020
    Member:
    #13058
    Messages:
    1,069
    Gender:
    Male
    Dallas
    Vehicle:
    2021 Honda CRV...UGH!
    When I had it on my Pro is was good for starting the 4R. It also tracked all my braking. I bought an aftermarket system for my SR5P and its better in every way. I didn't get an app just a regular key fob remote start. It stays running for 35 minutes which is nice when I need to leave my dog in the 4R for more than 15 minutes. The Toyota app is garbage compared to other vehicles. I don't want anymore apps tracking me especially my vehicle.
     
    Frizzle77 likes this.
  6. Jun 22, 2022 at 4:30 AM
    #6
    Jere39

    Jere39 Rattlesnake Trail - Sproul SF

    Joined:
    Oct 29, 2021
    Member:
    #24022
    Messages:
    69
    Gender:
    Male
    Sky Island, PA
    Vehicle:
    2022 4Runner SR5 MGM
    I gave it what I considered a fair try to find anything useful on my SR5, and failed. I am at least glad I had the free trial period to discover there was nothing useful there. A simple, free fuel and service tracker on my phone has served me well enough.
     
  7. Jun 22, 2022 at 6:17 AM
    #7
    ZackDanger

    ZackDanger New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 28, 2022
    Member:
    #25387
    Messages:
    34
    Western MA
    Many of the features anyone would want are restricted to the higher trims. You're not missing anything in your app... your trim level doesn't include the functionality you may hear others mention.
     
    achtung6, kolter45 and Singleminded like this.
  8. Jun 22, 2022 at 8:43 AM
    #8
    MAXIM

    MAXIM New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 6, 2020
    Member:
    #12593
    Messages:
    394
    Gender:
    Male
    Useless, even if you've paid subscription it doesn't always connect.
     
  9. Jun 22, 2022 at 8:50 AM
    #9
    MAXIM

    MAXIM New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 6, 2020
    Member:
    #12593
    Messages:
    394
    Gender:
    Male
    Don't pay monthly for stuff that is already built in and you paid for with vehicle such as remote start. Keyfob starts things just fine from reasonable distance (you don't need to be in next state to start your car). Your SOS button will work in emergency even without subscription ("Using the SOS button will put you in direct contact with the response center when you have a breakdown such as a dead battery, a flat tire, run out of gas, or need to be towed. With Toyota’s Safety Connect®, you no longer need to purchase a membership in any other roadside assistance program.")
     
    Last edited: Jun 22, 2022
    wafersmith likes this.
  10. Jun 22, 2022 at 8:56 AM
    #10
    mwill07

    mwill07 New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 3, 2022
    Member:
    #26410
    Messages:
    67
    Gender:
    Male
    Carolina
    Vehicle:
    2022 Nauti ORP
    from your link:

    How Much is Toyota Safety Connect®?
    The Toyota’s Safety Connect® plan is available for an annual fee of $80.00 or you can pay it monthly at the rate of $8.00 per month. For all new Toyota vehicles purchased starting with the 2010 model year and equipped with Toyota’s Safety Connect®, you get the first year’s subscription at no cost to you. Once the free trial period is over, you must pay for a subscription if you wish for the coverage to remain in effect. You have the right to cancel your subscription at any time and will receive a pro-rated refund.
     
  11. Jun 22, 2022 at 9:05 AM
    #11
    CJT4Runner

    CJT4Runner Frosty

    Joined:
    Jan 11, 2020
    Member:
    #12672
    Messages:
    290
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Chris
    Vehicle:
    ‘20 TRD ORP
    I use it to reference the manuals sometimes…
     
  12. Jun 22, 2022 at 10:12 AM
    #12
    MAXIM

    MAXIM New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 6, 2020
    Member:
    #12593
    Messages:
    394
    Gender:
    Male
    You are right, mwill I see how the the link is misleading. You don't need to pay anything and your SOS button still works if you need it is what I was getting at. I confirmed that in my 2020 HL where i stopped service more than a year ago but when needed help with head unit software update pressing SOS button gets you to customer support.
     
  13. Jun 22, 2022 at 11:49 AM
    #13
    MeefZah

    MeefZah ---

    Joined:
    Nov 1, 2015
    Member:
    #1122
    Messages:
    2,544
    Gender:
    Male
    Lexington, Ohio
    I've hit my SOS button to see what it will do and I've gotten nothing (not a subscriber).
     
  14. Jun 22, 2022 at 12:24 PM
    #14
    LuLu

    LuLu New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 20, 2022
    Member:
    #26229
    Messages:
    618
    Gender:
    Male
    Utopia
    Vehicle:
    2022 TRD Sport
    OEM Crossbars OEM Hood Deflectors OEM Running Boards Tints
    The App is no longer reading the tire pressures.
    Says 'N/A'
    The App has been experiencing technical difficulties with tire pressures
     
  15. Jun 22, 2022 at 3:39 PM
    #15
    Glenn Goodlett

    Glenn Goodlett New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 14, 2020
    Member:
    #14894
    Messages:
    175
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Glenn
    Vehicle:
    2020 TRD Pro
    Paid for
    I can't even find where tire pressure used to be.
     
  16. Jun 22, 2022 at 8:14 PM
    #16
    Vito Corleone

    Vito Corleone New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 16, 2017
    Member:
    #4900
    Messages:
    260
    Gender:
    Male
    Georgia
    Vehicle:
    2022 4Runner ORP
    Current Mods: 3/2 Lift Kit w/Billstein 5100’s SPC Front Upper Control Arms 285/70/17 Michelin Defender LTX TRD Pro Wheels TRD Pro Grill 20% Tint on Windows & Sunroof Pedal Commander Cold Air Kit LED Front Turn Signals Brite-Box Anytime Foglight Kit “Tail as Turn” Rear Turn Signal Kit LED Reverse Lights LED Tag Lights LED Puddle Light Pods Sequential Turn Signals N-Fab 3” Step Bars Future Mods: In-Car Camera System Rear Molle Panel Storage System Magnuson Supercharger (when available)
  17. Jun 22, 2022 at 8:23 PM
    #17
    Steve40th

    Steve40th New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 28, 2019
    Member:
    #11462
    Messages:
    298
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    sTEVE
    I was looking at the app, but I am not paying for it. They programmed my limited to open windows with the remote. For some reason, I never asked about remote start. Not even sure it has it. I guess I will check when I get back home.
     
  18. Jun 22, 2022 at 9:06 PM
    #18
    dosomeplowin

    dosomeplowin New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 7, 2020
    Member:
    #17754
    Messages:
    155
    Vehicle:
    '22 AG ORP
    Every update of the app (Toyota or Lexus) seems to remove options, features and bring in more ads. It's handy for our GX since we can lock/unlock and remote start, but on my TRDP it has little value thus far.
     
  19. Jun 23, 2022 at 6:07 AM
    #19
    mwill07

    mwill07 New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 3, 2022
    Member:
    #26410
    Messages:
    67
    Gender:
    Male
    Carolina
    Vehicle:
    2022 Nauti ORP
    the only value I see is to keep track of maintenance. Does anyone know if the maintenance records transfer on the app if you sell the vehicle?

    CarFax has a similar utility and may be a better option.
     
  20. Mar 16, 2023 at 3:53 PM
    #20
    Singleminded

    Singleminded New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 12, 2020
    Member:
    #15483
    Messages:
    1,724
    Vehicle:
    2020 4Runner Limited
    OEM LED foglights
    didn’t know that! My SOS button seems dead since subscription expired. I’ve been afraid to try remote start from my key fob due to horrible experience with the truck not shutting down when opening door then refusing to restart, but I tried it just now and it worked no problem.

    My app experience when subscribed was so so. I liked remote start, seeing tire pressure and fuel gauge etc. But hardly worth $80 a year.

    Edit: I mistakenly deleted the part where @MAXIM said SOS works even without a subscription. That’s what I didn’t know. Others can confirm from their own experience?
     
  21. Mar 16, 2023 at 5:54 PM
    #21
    Jedi5150

    Jedi5150 New Member

    Joined:
    Dec 3, 2022
    Member:
    #29906
    Messages:
    307
    Gender:
    Male
    PNW
    Vehicle:
    2022 4Runner ORP
    It's totally useless. I wanted it for the ability to turn the engine on remotely (for when I'm sleeping in the back), and my vehicle is not supported for that either (TRD ORP). I deleted the app once I found that out.
     
  22. Mar 21, 2023 at 6:29 AM
    #22
    Singleminded

    Singleminded New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 12, 2020
    Member:
    #15483
    Messages:
    1,724
    Vehicle:
    2020 4Runner Limited
    OEM LED foglights
    Following up on this: I pressed my SOS button and got an automated message saying I need to call an 800 number to use the service. There was no option to report an emergency or anything like that.

    I had been subscribed to all the services but let them expire. I also opted out of data sharing. Perhaps that is why, if SOS is working for others whose services have simply expired?
     
  23. Mar 21, 2023 at 6:47 AM
    #23
    BlakeIsla

    BlakeIsla New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 5, 2023
    Member:
    #30438
    Messages:
    19
    Gender:
    Male
    Another way for Toyota to obtain info. What a garbage app
     
  24. Mar 21, 2023 at 6:51 AM
    #24
    Scoobyvroom

    Scoobyvroom New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 12, 2021
    Member:
    #22788
    Messages:
    33
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2020 Tundra
    Useless. I kept getting logged out of the APP. So instead of a quick open the app and remote start, had to type in my PW. Used it for 2 months. Installed a Compustar 2 way remote start, range is ridiculous, at least 1/8th mile. Not sure when I would want to start my car from more then 1/8th mile away??
     
  25. Mar 21, 2023 at 7:16 AM
    #25
    CandyManDan

    CandyManDan New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 10, 2023
    Member:
    #31699
    Messages:
    103
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2023 ORP
    Working on it
    I hate to hear that the ORP isn't supported for the remote start.
    That's a feature I would pay monthly to have.

    Can you lock/unlock the doors?
     
  26. Mar 21, 2023 at 7:50 AM
    #26
    rmiked

    rmiked New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 9, 2023
    Member:
    #31156
    Messages:
    495
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Mike
    Fort Mill, SC
    Vehicle:
    2023 ORP, Lunar Rock , Moonroof, rear sliding cargo deck, cargo mat
    I don’t have an ORP yet (April 7) but do I understand the key fob will remote start the vehicle independent of the App?
     
  27. Mar 21, 2023 at 7:57 AM
    #27
    CandyManDan

    CandyManDan New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 10, 2023
    Member:
    #31699
    Messages:
    103
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2023 ORP
    Working on it
    That's nice, but it's really convenient to be able to start it when you're in you're not in sight of the vehicle... I know the gen5 is ready for an update, but to have it for some trim levels and not others seems a little lazy in 2023.
    I read where the FOB starts it for 35 mins... Can anyone confirm this?

    Thanks
    Dan (my ORP is still en route).
     
  28. Mar 21, 2023 at 7:57 AM
    #28
    RumHamRunner73

    RumHamRunner73 Dead on with a zero

    Joined:
    Nov 24, 2022
    Member:
    #29771
    Messages:
    2,124
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Philip
    Oakboro, N.C
    Vehicle:
    2022 4 Runner Limited. Blizzard Pearl
    My 2022 limited can remote start with the factory remote/fob. No Toyota app used. Two quick lock presses and a 3rd long press will activate the starter.

    Down side is the vehicle will shut off when you open the door.

    I am not 100% sure what trim levels include this at this time.
     
  29. Mar 21, 2023 at 4:12 PM
    #29
    Jedi5150

    Jedi5150 New Member

    Joined:
    Dec 3, 2022
    Member:
    #29906
    Messages:
    307
    Gender:
    Male
    PNW
    Vehicle:
    2022 4Runner ORP
    I couldn't say about locking or unlocking the doors, I didn't try that before deleting the app. But it's my understanding some ORP's may actually be able to do the remote start with the app. If I understood the tech support person correctly, it is an additional option or something. She checked my specific VIN to see if I had it or not, and I didn't. So it's possible some can do it.
     
  30. Mar 21, 2023 at 4:14 PM
    #30
    Jedi5150

    Jedi5150 New Member

    Joined:
    Dec 3, 2022
    Member:
    #29906
    Messages:
    307
    Gender:
    Male
    PNW
    Vehicle:
    2022 4Runner ORP
    Do you know how it does that? There isn't a button for it on the key fob, the only three buttons are the lock, unlock, and panic. Is it a special sequence you press the buttons in??

    Whoops, just answered my question. I'm going to go try it right now. haha
     

Products Discussed in

To Top