Phone-as-key PAAK issues

[XLR8R]

Just wondering if I am unlucky or if it is somewhat common that your R1 doesn't wake up, unlock etc, even when standing directly next to the vehicle with the phone out? I have to open the app and tell it to unlock (which takes at least 30 secs or more) and when I get in, it almost always tells me that no "key" is detected and it won't let me drive. At this point, I usually have to restart my phone and then wait a few minutes. It used to be somewhat intermittent, but now it happens whenever the vehicle has gone to sleep. FWIW, I have a Pixel 8 Pro, which has the same upgraded "ulta-low-wide-band" (whatever the name) Bluetooth as current iPhones, and I'm running the latest app version I am aware of... 2.12.0. I have also recently rebooted the car with the outside paddles. I'm a very tech-savvy guy, but possibly I have some settings that need to be tweaked? Also, I've tried turning Bluetooth off and on again, but that still doesn't enable the key...it usually requires a full reboot of the phone. So, I don't know if it is the app, my phone or the vehicle. I DO KNOW that it is very frustrating and even embarrassing!

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[godfodder0901]

FWIW, I have a Pixel 8 Pro, which has the same upgraded "ulta-low-wide-band" (whatever the name) Bluetooth as current iPhones

I'm a very tech-savvy guy

These two statements are not compatible...

 

[SANZC02]

Just curious, have you tried using the key fob? Might help determine if it is phone or vehicle. I have an iPhone 14 max pro, it is working fine.

Might want to try setting up a different phone to use as well to isolate the phone or vehicle question.

 

[XLR8R]

Just curious, have you tried using the key fob? Might help determine if it is phone or vehicle. I have an iPhone 14 max pro, it is working fine.

Might want to try setting up a different phone to use as well to isolate the phone or vehicle question.

My wife's iPhone works flawlessly with the vehicle. I have not tried the key fob or wrist band. I fully believe they will work fine, as the tech is different. At the end of the day, I don't want to carry another thing in my pocket. My phone works perfectly with my Tesla S, so it strikes me as strange that the same tech struggles with the R1S.

 

[XLR8R]

These two statements are not compatible...

Now that's funny!

 

[SANZC02]

My wife's iPhone works flawlessly with the vehicle. I have not tried the key fob or wrist band. I fully believe they will work fine, as the tech is different. At the end of the day, I don't want to carry another thing in my pocket. My phone works perfectly with my Tesla S, so it strikes me as strange that the same tech struggles with the R1S.

Sounds like you have it down to your phone if your wife’s is working fine. I was not actually suggesting you carry another key just trouble shoot with it to pinpoint the issue.

I do recall in one of the interviews of Wysam that the experience with IOS is more consistent than with the Droid experience because of the different hardware stacks on the Driods.

 

[dduffey]

Yep, my PaaK rarely works as expected, even opening the app is not sufficient. Also get the behavior where it won't start. A Bluetooth reset fixes it every time, and that's what I do every time I want to use the truck. Key fob works fine, but wife uses it.

(Edit, sometimes the truck unlocks as it detects the PaaK, but when I get in it doesn't find the key and won't start, until I toggle Bluetooth)

Pixel 6a and 7a

 

[atebit]

Often as I approach my truck, I’ll get a welcoming flash of the tail lights, only for it to then mock me as I incredulously stand in front of the driver door, waiting for it to deem me worthy of entry.

Fishing your phone out of your pocket is the Rivian equivalent of knocking three times & saying “Joe sent me” to the guy on the other side of the peephole.

 

[dradam]

Sorry you’re having issues. Gloming on in a similar vein…. My iPhone 15 works well, but can not be in a jacket or pocket of any sort. I would have expected the Bluetooth to reach through average clothing.

 

[XLR8R]

Often as I approach my truck, I’ll get a welcoming flash of the tail lights, only for it to then mock me as I incredulously stand in front of the driver door, waiting for it to deem me worthy of entry.

Fishing your phone out of your pocket is the Rivian equivalent of knocking three times & saying “Joe sent me” to the guy on the other side of the peephole.

So frickin true!

 

[SwampNut]

UWB only works with gen 2, and gen 1 is just Bluetooth. Both do work through clothing, but the issue appears to be with the sleep state of the phone. I’ve noticed that if I have a delay, tapping the phone while in my pocket makes it work. I think that wakes it as if you were going to use it. The issue is rare for me though so I’m not sure.

 

[XLR8R]

Yep, my PaaK rarely works as expected, even opening the app is not sufficient. Also get the behavior where it won't start. A Bluetooth reset fixes it every time, and that's what I do every time I want to use the truck. Key fob works fine, but wife uses it.

(Edit, sometimes the truck unlocks as it detects the PaaK, but when I get in it doesn't find the key and won't start, until I toggle Bluetooth)

Pixel 6a and 7a

It may be spurious info, but a Google search came up with lots of threads and videos detailing Pixel Bluetooth issues. It seems reasonable to say iOS works best, Android less so, and Pixel phones may be the worst of the lot. That said, considering that my Pixel does not have these issues with my Tesla S, I am hopeful that Rivian can make some tweaks to improve the experience.

 

[jime_r1t]

I really wish the PaaK implemented the same BT LE protocol as the Fob. It would be nice to unlock the truck with PaaK instead of going through the App's network connection to the truck.

 

[HaveBlue]

Make sure the Rivian app has unrestricted battery and background access. Looks like the app is being put to sleep. Android sometimes revokes permissions after some time. Also make sure you haven't denied notification, BT and location access as that helps keep the BT process running.

 

[godfodder0901]

I really wish the PaaK implemented the same BT LE protocol as the Fob. It would be nice to unlock the truck with PaaK instead of going through the App's network connection to the truck.

It does. That's why you get this message:

If not in Bluetooth range, it will default to a network connection.

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