The Toyota Entune app, once a staple for Toyota owners seeking connected services, has been officially discontinued. This has left many drivers wondering: what now? What alternatives exist to access navigation, vehicle health reports, and other features previously offered by Entune? The answer lies in understanding Toyota’s evolving connected services ecosystem and the options available to you based on your vehicle’s model year and trim level. This article delves into the replacements for the Entune app, providing a comprehensive guide to navigating Toyota’s current connected services offerings.
Understanding the Transition from Entune
Entune was Toyota’s first foray into connected car technology. It offered a range of features through a smartphone app, integrating with your vehicle’s infotainment system. However, as technology advanced, Entune’s limitations became apparent. The app was often criticized for its clunky interface, slow performance, and limited feature set compared to competitors. Recognizing these shortcomings, Toyota embarked on a path to develop a more robust and user-friendly system.
The sunsetting of Entune was a strategic move to pave the way for newer, more capable connected services platforms. Toyota’s goal was to provide a seamless and integrated experience that leverages the latest advancements in connectivity and cloud technology. This transition aims to offer enhanced features, improved reliability, and a more intuitive user interface.
The decision to discontinue Entune was not taken lightly. Toyota considered the long-term benefits of a modern, adaptable platform against the limitations of maintaining an aging system. The move aligns with the automotive industry’s broader trend towards software-defined vehicles and over-the-air updates, enabling continuous improvement and feature enhancements.
Toyota’s Connected Services Ecosystem: A Detailed Overview
Toyota’s current connected services ecosystem isn’t a single, monolithic app like Entune was. Instead, it’s a collection of services, some accessed through smartphone apps and others directly through the vehicle’s infotainment system. The availability of these services depends heavily on the vehicle’s model year, trim level, and whether or not it’s equipped with specific hardware. It is vital to check the Toyota Owners website or consult your local dealership to determine which services are compatible with your particular vehicle.
Key connected services within Toyota’s ecosystem include:
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Toyota App: This is the primary app for accessing many connected services. It allows you to remotely start/stop your engine (on select models), lock/unlock doors, check vehicle status, and receive maintenance alerts.
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Safety Connect: This service provides emergency assistance, automatic collision notification, and stolen vehicle locator features. It relies on a dedicated cellular connection within the vehicle.
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Service Connect: This service provides vehicle health reports, maintenance alerts, and service scheduling reminders, helping you keep your vehicle in optimal condition.
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Remote Connect: As the name suggests, Remote Connect allows you to remotely control certain vehicle functions, such as starting the engine, locking/unlocking doors, and even setting the climate control (on some models).
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Wi-Fi Connect: This service turns your vehicle into a mobile hotspot, allowing passengers to connect their devices to the internet.
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Destination Assist: This service provides live agent assistance for navigation and points of interest. A human operator can help you find the best route, locate nearby restaurants, or make reservations.
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Drive Connect: A comprehensive suite including Cloud Navigation, Intelligent Assistant, and Destination Assist, offering real-time traffic updates, voice command capabilities, and personalized route guidance.
The Toyota App: Your Central Hub
The Toyota App serves as the central hub for accessing most of Toyota’s connected services. It’s a significant improvement over the Entune app in terms of user interface, speed, and reliability. The app is available for both iOS and Android devices.
Through the Toyota App, you can manage your vehicle’s connected services subscriptions, view vehicle health reports, schedule service appointments, and access a range of other features. The features available within the Toyota App are dependent upon your vehicle’s model year, trim level, and subscribed services.
The Toyota App’s interface is designed to be intuitive and user-friendly. It provides a clear overview of your vehicle’s status and allows you to easily access the features you need. Regular updates ensure that the app remains compatible with the latest smartphones and operating systems.
Safety Connect: Peace of Mind on the Road
Safety Connect is a critical safety feature that provides peace of mind while driving. It offers several potentially life-saving services:
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Emergency Assistance Button (SOS): In the event of an emergency, you can press the SOS button in your vehicle to connect with a live agent who can dispatch emergency services to your location.
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Automatic Collision Notification: If your vehicle is involved in a collision, Safety Connect will automatically notify emergency services, even if you are unable to do so yourself.
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Stolen Vehicle Locator: If your vehicle is stolen, Safety Connect can help law enforcement locate it.
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Enhanced Roadside Assistance: Provides access to roadside assistance services, such as towing and jump-starts.
Safety Connect requires an active subscription and relies on the vehicle’s built-in cellular connection. It’s a valuable service for anyone who wants added security and peace of mind on the road.
Service Connect: Staying on Top of Vehicle Maintenance
Service Connect helps you stay on top of your vehicle’s maintenance needs. It provides valuable information about your vehicle’s health and sends alerts when it’s time for scheduled maintenance.
Service Connect can:
- Provide vehicle health reports that summarize key vehicle data, such as engine oil level, tire pressure, and battery health.
- Send maintenance alerts when your vehicle is due for scheduled maintenance, such as an oil change or tire rotation.
- Allow you to schedule service appointments directly through the Toyota App.
By proactively monitoring your vehicle’s health and staying on top of scheduled maintenance, Service Connect can help you avoid costly repairs and keep your vehicle running smoothly for years to come.
Remote Connect: Control at Your Fingertips
Remote Connect allows you to control certain vehicle functions remotely using the Toyota App. This can be incredibly convenient, especially in extreme weather conditions.
With Remote Connect, you can:
- Remotely start/stop your engine (on select models).
- Lock/unlock your doors.
- Set the climate control (on some models) to pre-heat or pre-cool the cabin before you get in.
- Check the vehicle’s status, such as fuel level and tire pressure.
Remote Connect can be especially useful in the winter, allowing you to warm up your car before heading out into the cold. It’s also convenient for unlocking your doors if you’ve accidentally locked your keys inside.
Drive Connect: The Future of Toyota Navigation
Drive Connect is Toyota’s most advanced connected services package, offering a comprehensive suite of navigation and intelligent assistant features. It builds upon the features of previous systems with advanced capabilities.
Drive Connect includes:
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Cloud Navigation: Provides real-time traffic updates and dynamic route adjustments, ensuring you always have the most efficient route to your destination. Unlike traditional navigation systems that rely on onboard maps, Cloud Navigation leverages cloud-based data for up-to-the-minute information.
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Intelligent Assistant: A voice-activated virtual assistant that can respond to your commands and answer your questions. You can use the Intelligent Assistant to find points of interest, make phone calls, control your vehicle’s climate control, and more.
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Destination Assist: Provides live agent assistance for navigation and points of interest.
Compatibility and Subscription Models
It’s important to understand that not all Toyota vehicles are compatible with all connected services. Compatibility depends on the vehicle’s model year, trim level, and whether it’s equipped with the necessary hardware. Always check the Toyota Owners website or consult your local dealership to confirm which services are available for your vehicle.
Furthermore, most of Toyota’s connected services require a subscription. Typically, Toyota offers a trial period of several months or years, after which you’ll need to pay a subscription fee to continue using the services. Subscription pricing and terms vary depending on the service and your vehicle’s model year. It is very important to note subscription requirements, otherwise functionality will be lost.
Toyota offers various subscription packages that bundle different connected services together. This can be a more cost-effective option than subscribing to individual services separately. Be sure to carefully review the available subscription packages and choose the one that best meets your needs.
Tips for Maximizing Your Toyota Connected Services Experience
Here are some tips for getting the most out of your Toyota connected services:
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Download the Toyota App: This is the first step to accessing most of Toyota’s connected services. The app is available for both iOS and Android devices.
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Create a Toyota Owners account: You’ll need a Toyota Owners account to manage your connected services subscriptions and access vehicle information.
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Activate your connected services: Follow the instructions in the Toyota App or on the Toyota Owners website to activate your connected services.
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Explore the features: Take the time to explore the features of each connected service and learn how to use them effectively.
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Keep your app updated: Make sure you have the latest version of the Toyota App installed to ensure optimal performance and compatibility.
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Manage your subscriptions: Keep track of your connected services subscriptions and renew them as needed to avoid interruption of service.
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Contact Toyota support: If you have any questions or issues with your connected services, don’t hesitate to contact Toyota support for assistance.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
While Toyota’s connected services are generally reliable, you may occasionally encounter issues. Here are some common problems and how to troubleshoot them:
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App connectivity issues: If you’re having trouble connecting to your vehicle through the Toyota App, try the following:
- Make sure your smartphone has a stable internet connection.
- Ensure that Bluetooth is enabled on your smartphone.
- Restart the Toyota App.
- Restart your smartphone.
- If the problem persists, try deleting and reinstalling the Toyota App.
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Service activation issues: If you’re having trouble activating your connected services, contact Toyota support for assistance. Ensure your vehicle’s VIN is correctly registered.
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Subscription issues: If you’re having trouble managing your connected services subscriptions, log in to your Toyota Owners account or contact Toyota support.
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Navigation issues: If you’re experiencing issues with navigation, make sure your vehicle has a clear view of the sky for GPS reception. Also, ensure that your navigation maps are up to date.
The Future of Toyota Connected Services
Toyota is committed to continuously improving its connected services offerings. Expect to see even more advanced features and capabilities in the future, such as:
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Enhanced integration with smart home devices: Imagine being able to control your vehicle’s climate control from your smart home assistant or receive notifications when your vehicle is approaching your home.
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Personalized driving experiences: Toyota may leverage data from your driving habits to provide personalized recommendations for routes, points of interest, and even vehicle settings.
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Advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS): Connected services can play a crucial role in enhancing the performance and safety of ADAS features.
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Over-the-air (OTA) software updates: Toyota will likely continue to expand the use of OTA software updates to deliver new features, bug fixes, and security enhancements to your vehicle.
The transition from Entune to Toyota’s current connected services ecosystem represents a significant step forward. While the initial transition may have caused some confusion, the newer systems offer a more robust, reliable, and feature-rich experience. By understanding the available services, compatibility requirements, and subscription models, you can maximize your Toyota connected services experience and enjoy a more connected and convenient driving experience. Remember to consult the Toyota Owners website or your local dealership for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding your specific vehicle.
What happened to the Entune app?
The Entune app, Toyota’s previous suite of connected services, has been phased out in favor of a newer, more comprehensive system. This decision reflects Toyota’s commitment to providing a more modern and integrated experience for its customers. The Entune app, while initially innovative, was showing its age and was not equipped to handle the evolving demands of connected car technology.
Technological advancements and changing consumer expectations necessitate continuous improvement. The new system aims to address the limitations of Entune by offering enhanced features, a more user-friendly interface, and improved reliability. The shift also allows Toyota to streamline its services and provide a more consistent experience across its vehicle lineup.
What are the new connected services replacing Entune?
Toyota has replaced Entune with a collection of connected services integrated within the Toyota app and vehicle’s infotainment system. These services vary depending on the vehicle model and trim level but generally include features like Remote Connect (remote start, lock/unlock), Safety Connect (emergency assistance, stolen vehicle locator), Service Connect (vehicle health reports, maintenance alerts), and Drive Connect (cloud navigation, destination assist).
The specific connected services available depend on the vehicle’s hardware and the subscription package chosen by the owner. These services are often bundled together and offered on a subscription basis after a trial period. The Toyota app serves as the central hub for managing these services, allowing users to interact with their vehicle remotely and access important information.
Is my older Toyota compatible with the new connected services?
Compatibility with the new connected services depends on the vehicle’s model year and the technology it was originally equipped with. Generally, older Toyota vehicles that relied solely on the Entune app may not be compatible with the full range of new services. The hardware and software architecture in older models may not support the advanced features and communication protocols required by the new system.
While a complete upgrade may not be feasible for all older vehicles, some models might receive limited support for certain features through software updates or aftermarket solutions. Owners of older Toyota vehicles should consult their local Toyota dealer or refer to the official Toyota website to determine the specific compatibility and upgrade options available for their vehicle.
How much do the new connected services cost?
The cost of Toyota’s connected services varies depending on the specific package and subscription duration. Typically, new Toyota vehicles come with a trial period of these services, allowing owners to experience the features before committing to a paid subscription. After the trial period expires, users can choose to subscribe to individual services or bundled packages.
Pricing structures can be found on the Toyota website or through the Toyota app. Factors influencing the cost include the level of service (e.g., Safety Connect only vs. a package with Remote Connect and Drive Connect) and the length of the subscription (monthly, annual, or multi-year). It’s important to review the details of each package to understand the included features and associated costs.
How do I activate the new connected services?
Activating Toyota’s connected services typically involves downloading the Toyota app onto your smartphone and creating an account. Once logged in, you will need to link your vehicle to your account using the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). The app will guide you through the necessary steps, which may include verifying your identity and setting up payment information.
After linking your vehicle, you can select the desired connected service packages and activate them through the app. The activation process may require you to accept the terms and conditions and provide consent for data collection. In some cases, you may need to visit a Toyota dealership to complete the activation process, especially for older vehicles requiring a software update.
What are the key benefits of the new connected services compared to Entune?
The new connected services offer several key improvements over the previous Entune system. These include a more modern and user-friendly interface, enhanced features such as cloud-based navigation and over-the-air software updates, and improved reliability due to a more robust infrastructure. Integration with the Toyota app provides a seamless experience across multiple devices.
Furthermore, the new services offer increased security features, such as advanced stolen vehicle tracking and emergency assistance capabilities. The ability to remotely monitor vehicle health and schedule maintenance appointments enhances convenience and helps owners proactively manage their vehicle’s upkeep. The improved technology allows for future updates and integration with emerging technologies.
What if I’m having trouble using the new connected services?
If you encounter issues with Toyota’s new connected services, there are several resources available to help resolve them. The Toyota app itself often includes troubleshooting guides and frequently asked questions (FAQs). You can also consult the Toyota website for detailed information and support documentation related to the specific services you are using.
For more complex issues, contacting your local Toyota dealership or Toyota Customer Support is recommended. Dealership service departments are equipped to diagnose and resolve technical problems related to the connected services. Customer Support can provide phone or online assistance, guiding you through troubleshooting steps and escalating issues if necessary.