Remote connect for new car
Thread Starter
2nd gear
Joined: Jun 2024
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Remote connect for new car
I am looking at either a base or premium model. The premium has the digital key and remote connect. The base model does not have the remote connect. If I buy the base can I buy a digital key and use the remote connect if I pay for the subscription? Basically I want to be able to unlock and start the car from my phone if I have the base model.
Pole Position
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 2,129
Likes: 947
From: Toronto, ON
As I understand it, the vehicle must already come with the digital key capability at time of purchase. It can't (or perhaps alternatively described as "not allowed" to) have the feature added after the fact.
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 855
Likes: 326
From: Illinois
I am looking at either a base or premium model. The premium has the digital key and remote connect. The base model does not have the remote connect. If I buy the base can I buy a digital key and use the remote connect if I pay for the subscription? Basically I want to be able to unlock and start the car from my phone if I have the base model.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 1,717
Likes: 806
From: Ontario
Digital Key and Remote Connect are 2 different things.
Remote Connect can remote start the car, remote lock/unlock the doors etc... but you can not drive away without using a keyfob or digital key.
The Digital Key uses your phone as a keyfob allowing you to unlock/lock and start the vehicle.
My understanding is if the car does not have Digital Key function at build, you can only get Remote Connect Subscription.
If your car has digital key function at build, you will get Remote Connect w/ Digital Key Subscription.
Remote Connect can remote start the car, remote lock/unlock the doors etc... but you can not drive away without using a keyfob or digital key.
The Digital Key uses your phone as a keyfob allowing you to unlock/lock and start the vehicle.
My understanding is if the car does not have Digital Key function at build, you can only get Remote Connect Subscription.
If your car has digital key function at build, you will get Remote Connect w/ Digital Key Subscription.
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 404
Likes: 194
From: Il
I have the digital key, and I use it almost exclusively; it works great. It’s such a pleasure not to have to carry my keys when I’m driving. Note, if I’m driving more than 10 miles from home, I take my key as a precaution, but rarely, if ever, need it.
When I’m not going to use my car, I usually close the app so it doesn’t drain the battery. As a result, I have no issues with battery drain. I also charge my phone when I’m driving.
When I’m not going to use my car, I usually close the app so it doesn’t drain the battery. As a result, I have no issues with battery drain. I also charge my phone when I’m driving.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 1,717
Likes: 806
From: Ontario
I have the digital key, and I use it almost exclusively; it works great. It’s such a pleasure not to have to carry my keys when I’m driving. Note, if I’m driving more than 10 miles from home, I take my key as a precaution, but rarely, if ever, need it.
When I’m not going to use my car, I usually close the app so it doesn’t drain the battery. As a result, I have no issues with battery drain. I also charge my phone when I’m driving.
When I’m not going to use my car, I usually close the app so it doesn’t drain the battery. As a result, I have no issues with battery drain. I also charge my phone when I’m driving.
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Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 404
Likes: 194
From: Il
I agree, it’s so much more reliable than when the car first came out back in 2022. Furthermore I’m not sure that the app actually drains the battery that much. I’m going to leave the app running in the background all day today as well as drive around and I’ll see what the usage is at the end of the day.
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Pole Position
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 2,129
Likes: 947
From: Toronto, ON
I agree, it’s so much more reliable than when the car first came out back in 2022. Furthermore I’m not sure that the app actually drains the battery that much. I’m going to leave the app running in the background all day today as well as drive around and I’ll see what the usage is at the end of the day.
Pit Crew
Joined: May 2024
Posts: 148
Likes: 29
I have the digital key, and I use it almost exclusively; it works great. It’s such a pleasure not to have to carry my keys when I’m driving. Note, if I’m driving more than 10 miles from home, I take my key as a precaution, but rarely, if ever, need it.
When I’m not going to use my car, I usually close the app so it doesn’t drain the battery. As a result, I have no issues with battery drain. I also charge my phone when I’m driving.
When I’m not going to use my car, I usually close the app so it doesn’t drain the battery. As a result, I have no issues with battery drain. I also charge my phone when I’m driving.
Also it seems that any time you change the method of car entry the app logs me out. Can anyone confirm that?
Pole Position
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 2,129
Likes: 947
From: Toronto, ON
In my experience, if the digital key opens the door, it will start the car so IMO probably not worthwhile. But if you wanted to hide a key within the car, you would need to put it in a faraday pouch, otherwise you would not be able to lock the car and it would beep incessantly at you if you tried. Maybe one of those old magnetic key holders that attach/hide underneath might be an alternative, if you really want to have a second key available.
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