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

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?

 

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.

 

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?"

 

straight garbage

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

Useless, even if you've paid subscription it doesn't always connect.

 

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.")

 

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.

 

I use it to reference the manuals sometimes…

 

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.

 

I've hit my SOS button to see what it will do and I've gotten nothing (not a subscriber).

 

The App is no longer reading the tire pressures.
Says 'N/A'
The App has been experiencing technical difficulties with tire pressures

 

I can't even find where tire pressure used to be.

 

I've never been a fan of the way automakers design their interiors, head units, information displays, and now their apps... in fact, I don’t care for most product related apps at all.

I lament how many basic, previously simple functions now require fiddling with menus, touch screens, and all behind logic pathing that seems to have been input by a compartmentalized horde of labotomized beaurocrats.

Of course, there are just as many people who LOVE the way that most of this technology works for them, so I'm basically a Luddite sniffing my own farts over here.

 

Well are they stinky farts or the ones that smell like bubble gum and roses?

But yeah, some of the apps are to cute for their own good.

 

Worthless

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

Well, it's possible that the app and remote services aren't available on your particular vehicle. I'd recommend checking the app's description to see if there are any specific requirements or limitations. If you're still experiencing issues, you may want to contact Toyota customer support for assistance. I hope their guys will be as nice as those from https://smartengines.com/ support team. They may be able to provide more information about the app and remote services. Besides, they may direct you to any available resources that could improve the functionality of the app.

 

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?

 

I just downloaded PDFs of the manuals to my phone. Very convenient, and once downloaded they don’t require an internet connection to access. And they’re searchable.

I agree. But I must say that I appreciate that the 4Runner’s dash - derided by many as being dated - is old school in that it has actual, real, tactile buttons and knobs that can be found and operated without taking one’s eyes off the road, with a little practice and a shallow learning curve.

LOL!

 

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.

 

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?

 

Another way for Toyota to obtain info. What a garbage app

 

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??

 

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?

 

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?