Toyota Remote Connect
Toyota Remote Connect is a powerful tool that you won’t want to live without once you have it. Today, you will learn how to set up Remote Connect in a few easy steps.
Suppose I’m lucky enough to have sold a car. In that case, I will help my cusotmer by setting up the Toyota App for them. Then pair their phone to unlock the Remote Connect.
I remember the old Toyota App and some of the features that went along with it; the older version is not as good as today’s version. Not to mention, we just got remote start in Toyota vehicles just a few years ago. Fast-forward to today. Now, our customers can start, stop, unlock, and lock their vehicles from their phones and even operate these features from their smartwatches; all I can say is time flys.
Table of Contents
Toyota Remote Connect Capabilities
Remote Connect empowers Toyota owners with several convenient functions accessible through the Toyota App. These capabilities include:
- Starting and Shutting Off the Vehicle: You can remotely start your Toyota and even turn it off from the comfort of your mobile device.
- Locking and Unlocking Doors: Forget whether you locked your car? No problem. You can lock or unlock your doors remotely.
- Operating Hazard Lights: Need to locate your vehicle in a crowded parking lot? You can activate the hazard lights remotely for easy identification.
- Viewing Vehicle Status Information: Check vital information, such as your vehicle’s odometer reading, to ensure you’re always in the know.
Driving Alerts for Added Peace of Mind
One standout feature of Remote Connect is the ability to set up driving alerts. This is particularly useful in scenarios where your vehicle might be driven by valet attendants or family members. From the app’s “Remote Services” tile, you can access “Guest Driver Settings” to customize up to five guest driver settings.
You can define specific triggers for each setting, such as exceeding a certain speed limit or covering a particular distance. This way, you’ll receive alerts if any unexpected activity occurs with your vehicle while it’s in someone else’s hands.
Key Features and Benefits of Toyota's Remote Connect
- Remote Start and Shut Off: You can start or shut off your Toyota vehicle remotely using the Remote Connect feature. This is especially useful for pre-conditioning your car on hot or cold days.
- Lock and Unlock Doors: Remote Connect allows you to lock or unlock your vehicle’s doors from your mobile device, adding an extra layer of security and convenience.
- Hazard Light Control: You can remotely activate the hazard lights on your Toyota, making it easier to locate your vehicle in crowded parking lots or busy streets.
- View Vehicle Status Information: Check important vehicle data, such as the odometer reading, directly from your Toyota app. This feature helps you stay informed about your vehicle’s condition.
- Assign Remote Access: The primary driver can grant remote access to other drivers through the Toyota app. This is ideal for families or situations where multiple people share the same vehicle.
- Driving Alerts: Remote Connect allows you to set up driving alerts, providing added peace of mind. You can define triggers, such as exceeding a specific speed limit or covering a particular distance, to receive alerts if unexpected activities occur with your vehicle.
How To Setup Toyota Remote Connect On Your Vehicle
I use the step-by-step guide daily to connect my customer’s new vehicles with the Toyota App and the Remote Connect feature.
- Download the Toyota Mobile App:
- Ensure you have the Toyota mobile app installed on your smartphone. (Download the Toyota Mobile App Here)
- Register and Enroll:
- Open the Toyota mobile app and register your vehicle and yourself as the primary driver in an active Remote Connect trial or subscription. This can typically be done within the app.
- Authorization Code:
- You will be prompted to enter or scan an authorization code during the setup process. This code pairs your vehicle and your account and activates the remote services.
- Assign Remote Access (Optional):
- If you want to grant remote access to other drivers, follow these steps:
- Open the Toyota app and navigate to “My Garage” to access vehicle settings.
- Tap on “Authorized Remote Drivers.”
- Select “Change Remote Driver” and enter the guest driver’s name and email address.
- Tap “Invite Authorized Driver” to send an invitation.
- Guest Driver Verification:
- The guest driver will receive an invitation and should follow these steps on their device:
- Open the Toyota app and locate the message “Verify Guest Access.”
- Tap “Skip to QR Scan” to proceed.
- Ensure the guest driver’s mobile device is paired with the vehicle, which should happen automatically.
- QR Code Scanning:
- Have the guest driver scan the QR code displayed within the vehicle. This is usually done by accessing their profile on the vehicle’s touchscreen.
- Confirmation:
- After scanning the QR code, both the guest driver’s mobile device and the vehicle’s touchscreen will display a confirmation message. This indicates that the guest driver now has remote access to the vehicle.
- Control and Monitoring:
- The primary driver can regain control and monitor remote access through the “Authorized Remote Driver” section of the Toyota app that was used to assign access to the additional user.
- Set Up Driving Alerts (Optional):
- For added convenience and security, customize driving alerts:
- Access “Guest Driver Settings” from the app’s “Remote Services” tile.
- Define specific triggers, such as exceeding a particular speed limit or distance.
- Toggle alerts on or off as needed.
- Explore Remote Connect:
- Now that Remote Connect is set up, you can enjoy the convenience of remotely starting and shutting off your vehicle, locking and unlocking doors, operating hazard lights, and viewing vehicle status information, all from the Remote Services tile within your Toyota App dashboard.
*Pro-Tip: If you are purchasing a brand-new vehicle, your salesperson should assist you in this process. If you and the salesperson cannot pair the vehicle with the Toyota app or if the QR Code never appears to help finalize the process, be sure to have the salesperson check with the finance office to be sure the vehicle has been RDR (Retail Delivery Reported). In my experience, I’ve seen technical difficulties pairing the Toyota App with new vehicles if this step still needs to be completed.
If this vehicle is pre-owned, you may need to clear all profiles in the multimedia radio before proceeding. In rare cases, you may have to take the vehicle to your local Toyota dealer to have the previous owner’s profile removed from it via Toyota’s Dealer Daily Connected Services Portal. For more help, visit: https://toyotaaudioandconnectedservicessupport.com/toyota/home
Adding Remote Connect to an Apple Watch
Not only can you use your Apple iPhone to access the powerful features of Toyota’s Remote Connect, but you can also take it one step further and interact with your vehicle using your Apple Watch. Follow the steps below to get started using your Apple Smartwatch.
- Vehicle and Account Setup:
- Ensure your vehicle is equipped with Remote Connect and you are registered for Toyota Connected Services via your Toyota owner’s account.
- Check iPhone App:
- Confirm that the Remote Connect app is installed on your iPhone, is up-to-date, and that you are signed in to your account.
- Open Watch App:
- Open the Watch app on your iPhone and select the “My Watch” tab.
- Find Remote Connect:
- Scroll down to locate “Remote Connect” in the list of available apps within the Watch app.
- Install Remote Connect:
- Tap on “Remote Connect” and then select “Install.”
- Sync to Apple Watch:
- Wait for the app to sync to your Apple Watch.
- Open Remote Connect on Apple Watch:
- On your Apple Watch, open the Remote Connect app.
- Enter PIN:
- Select “OK” to continue and enter the same Remote Connect PIN you use on the iPhone app.
- Settings Configuration:
- Choose whether to enable or disable the PIN requirement and voice command functionality.
- Accept Terms and Conditions:
- Accept the terms and conditions.
- You’re All Set:
- Remote Connect is now up and running on your Apple Watch.
Adding Remote Connect to an Android Wear Watch
You can use your Android smartphone to access Toyota’s robust capabilities through Remote Connect and extend your control to your Android Wear Watch. Follow the steps below to use your Android Wear smartwatch with Remote Connect.
- Vehicle and Account Setup:
- Ensure your vehicle is equipped with Remote Connect and you are registered for Toyota Connected Services via your Toyota owner’s account.
- Check Phone App:
- Confirm that the Remote Connect app is installed on your Android phone, that it is up to date, and that you are signed in to your account.
- Wake the Watch:
- Press the power button on your Android Wear watch to wake the device if needed.
- Access Play Store:
- Within the list of apps on the watch, scroll down and select “Play Store.”
- Find Remote Connect:
- Within the Play Store, scroll again to find the “Apps in your phone” section.
- Download Remote Connect:
- Locate “Remote Connect” in the list and tap its download arrow icon to install it to the watch.
- You’re All Set:
- Remote Connect is now up and running on your Android Wear watch.
These step-by-step guides should help you seamlessly add Remote Connect to your Apple Watch and Android Wear watch, enabling you to manage your Toyota vehicle remotely.
Toyota Connected Services
Toyota Connected Services offers a range of convenient features for most late-model Toyota vehicles, accessible through an active trial or subscription. These services are designed to enrich the driving experience, providing the ability to stay connected even while driving. To learn more about Toyota Connected Services, visit: https://www.toyota.com/connected-services/
- Safety Connect: Offers emergency assistance, roadside help, and automatic collision notifications to ensure driver and passenger safety.
- Service Connect: Provides vehicle health reports and maintenance updates directly to your email or mobile app, helping you keep your Toyota in top condition.
- Remote Connect: Allows you to control specific vehicle functions remotely, such as starting the engine, locking/unlocking doors, and locating your vehicle, all from your smartphone or smartwatch.
- Wi-Fi Connect: Turns your vehicle into a mobile hotspot, enabling you to connect multiple devices to the internet for streaming, browsing, and staying connected.
- Dynamic Navigation: Offers updated maps, real-time traffic information, and dynamic route guidance to help you reach your destination efficiently.
- Destination Assist: Connects you with a live agent who can help find locations and send directions directly to your vehicle’s navigation system.
- Drive Connect Cloud Navigation: Offers advanced connectivity, including Cloud Navigation for real-time traffic, automatic map updates, and voice-activated searches. Enhances driving with up-to-date information, offline capabilities, and customizable map views, all integrated into Toyota’s multimedia system.
- Wireless Apple CarPlay® & Wireless Android Auto: Allows for seamless integration of your smartphone, giving you access to apps, music, messages, and more through the vehicle’s touchscreen display.
- Insure Connect (TIMS): offers Toyota owners easy access to insurance through the Toyota App or Dealer Daily, featuring OEM part repairs, various discounts, and comprehensive coverage options beyond just vehicles.
Availability can vary by vehicle model and region; some services may require a subscription.
Recap of Toyota Remote Connect
Toyota’s Remote Connect is a valuable tool for enhancing the convenience, security, and connectivity of your driving experience. This is why, at 11 p.m., when I’m performing a late-night delivery, most customers will only leave the dealership once I have set up their Remote Connect over other features on their vehicle. With the ability to control various vehicle functions remotely and set up driving alerts, you can stay connected and informed wherever you go. Take it one step further with Toyota Service Connect, click here to learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions
To enable Remote Connect, you must register your vehicle and yourself as the driver in an active Remote Connect trial or subscription through the Toyota mobile app.
Remote Connect allows you to start and shut off the vehicle, lock and unlock doors, activate hazard lights, and view vehicle status information, such as the odometer reading.
Yes, the primary driver can assign remote access to other drivers through the Toyota app. This is useful for families or multiple users of the same vehicle.
Driving alerts are customizable notifications triggered by specific events, such as exceeding a speed limit or covering a particular distance. You can set them up in the app’s “Guest Driver Settings” section.
Remote Connect availability may vary by model and trim level. It’s best to check with your dealership or visit Toyota’s official website for model-specific details.
Yes, to use the feature, you must have an active Remote Connect trial or subscription. The enrollment process often involves entering or scanning an authorization code.
Toyota takes security seriously, and Remote Connect features are designed with encryption and authentication measures to ensure the safety of your vehicle’s remote control functions.
The availability of Remote Connect services may vary by region and country. When traveling abroad, it’s advisable to check if the service is supported in your area.
Note: Always refer to the vehicle’s Owner’s Manual for more detailed information about your specific vehicle. Safe driving practices should always be followed. For more details, contact your local Toyota Dealer or visit Toyota.com.
Cedric Jackson
Cedric is a Sales Pro with 20+ years of experience. He is currently a Sales Consultant at Toyota of Riverside. He aims to share his passion for product knowledge of the Toyota brand here on his blog. Cedric writes content here and produces short-form videos on YouTube, Instagram & TicTok. Connect with him here or on all social media @ cedricthecarguy 🙏🏾🤙🏾
Cedric Jackson
Cedric is a Sales Pro with 20+ years of experience. He is currently a Sales Consultant at Toyota of Riverside. He aims to share his passion for product knowledge of the Toyota brand here on his blog. Cedric writes content here and produces short-form videos on YouTube, Instagram & TicTok. Connect with him here or on all social media @ cedricthecarguy 🙏🏾🤙🏾
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