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Safety Connect... does it include Entune on 2017-2019s?

Discussion in 'Prime Main Forum (2017-2022)' started by Tha_Ape, May 3, 2021.

  1. Tha_Ape

    Tha_Ape Active Member

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    Washington, DC
    Vehicle:
    2017 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Plug-in Advanced
    My trial period for Toyota's SafetyConnect is almost over and they're offering me a subscription. The details arent totally clear so I figured I'd ask people here, specifically with a 2017-2019 Advanced if that includes Entune services as well.

    If I decline to continue SafetyConnect, will I lose the ability to do this stuff from my phone?
    1) Turn on AC/Defrosters
    2) Check the charging status
    3) Locate my car on map

    I got my car later than most, so I'm hoping someones already been down this road and can tell me a first hand experience
     
    #1 Tha_Ape, May 3, 2021
  2. Salamander_King

    Salamander_King Senior Member

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    I did not have Advanced trim with my 2017, but from what I have read here, I know you will not be able to use the PRIME APP you indicated if you disconnect the Safety Connect. The Saftey Connect service is a prerequisite for the remote connect services you mentioned. The apps use the telematics (cellphone connection) of Saftey Connect to communicate with the car.
     
    #2 Salamander_King, May 3, 2021
  3. CharlesH

    CharlesH CA HOV Decal #5 on former PiP

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    Exactly. In the 2017-2019, only the Advanced has the built-in Safety Connect cell phone that is used by the Prime Apps to communicate with the car. This has nothing to do with the Entune media apps (what few there are left, like iHeartRadio), that use a Bluetooth connection between the car and the phone, and are thus limited to a few hundred feet or so in range.

    They really confused things by conflating the Prime Apps, which use the Safety Connect cell phone to connect the car to the Internet for the Prime Apps, such as the Vehicle Locator and Remote Climate, versus the Entune media apps, which connect to the Internet over Bluetooth to the user's smartphone.Two completely different things.

    The Prime Apps on the smartphone use the phone's Internet connection to connect to a Safety Connect server, and that server places the data call to the SafetyConnect phone in the car to do the requested operation. The Safety Connect phone in the car has a phone number, but it is not known by the user. People who have dug into the matter have determined that it uses Verizon LTE service.

    Starting in 2020, all Prime trims have the Safety Connect cell phone, but the Prime Apps were not available on the 2020. They seem to be back again in the 2021. The whole business with Prime Apps versus Entune media apps has been redone, but I don't know all those details.
     
    #3 CharlesH, May 3, 2021
    Last edited: May 3, 2021
  4. Tha_Ape

    Tha_Ape Active Member

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    that makes sense. I figured someone has to pay for the cellular connection to the car. it makes sense that it's bundled. they should spell that out!
     
    #4 Tha_Ape, May 3, 2021
  5. exhuman

    exhuman Member

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    How much do they charge to keep smart connect alive after the trial period?

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #5 exhuman, May 5, 2021
  6. Salamander_King

    Salamander_King Senior Member

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    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.
     
    #6 Salamander_King, May 5, 2021
  7. Tha_Ape

    Tha_Ape Active Member

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    yea, with as little as I'm driving these days, I'm gonna pass on it. it's not expensive at all, but I just don't need it.

    I've only put 1700mi on my Prime since December

    I may reconsider in a few months
     
    #7 Tha_Ape, May 5, 2021
  8. shebobg

    shebobg Junior Member

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    Five
    They charge $80.00 a month
     
    #8 shebobg, Aug 10, 2021
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