Will an Original Rivian Key Band Work with a Gen 2 R1 Vehicle?

[tps5352]

I know that this is an old issue that has been discussed in these Forums. However, confusion and misunderstandings about these devices clearly persist.

What We Think We Know

• Rivian Key Bands were first issued with Launch Vehicles in 2022-23.
• Key Bands can be successfully paired with other Gen 1 R1 vehicles.

What is (arguably) Less Clear

• Whether the original Key Bands can ever be paired to Gen 2 R1 vehicles?
• If so, which methods--e.g., using (a) just the latest in-vehicle firmware, (b) the Rivian App, (c) a call to Rivian Customer Service, or (d) an in-person visit to a Rivian Service Center--can or must be used to pair with a Gen 2 vehicle?
• Is name of original owner and VIN of original paired vehicle required to accomplish this?

And New Questions May Pop Up

• Will Key Bands work for R2 vehicles?
• Will Rivian ever sell Key Bands again?

Experienced drivers: Please be patient with those of us who are new to Rivian, do not have a working Key Band, and/or do not yet have a Rivian vehicle. Confusion is perhaps understandable due in part to:

1. The switch from Gen1 to Gen 2 vehicles (June 6, 2024).
2. The release of Gen 2 fobs, that currently do not work with Gen 1 vehicles (December 20, 2024).
3. The introduction of Digital Key technology (December 18, 2025).
4. At times contradictory statements by Rivian staff and owners.

Not all of these milestones and facts are directly pertinent. But taken together they inevitably add to misunderstandings,

Table. Just a Few* Examples of Inconsistent, Possibly Conflicting Online Information​

Yes	No	Yes and No
Google AI says "Yes"​	Google AI says "No"​	Reddit Discussion Thread​
Gen 2 R1 Owner #1​	Gen 2 R1 Owner #2​	Rivian Forums Discussion Thread​
		Rivian For-Sale Thread #1​
		Rivian For-Sale Thread #2​

_____
* I am sure that there are many more. (I will be glad to add pertinent references to the table if you point them out to me.)

And since Rivian Key Bands and Key Cards apparently use the same basic technology (a small chip embedded in the device that when properly paired can be sensed by the vehicle, allowing access), some questions perhaps also remain about Key Cards. For example, can Key Cards for Gen 2 vehicles also be re-paired and used for Gen 1 vehicles; and vice versa? (Some say, no. Some, yes. Sound familiar?)

By the way, I do not blame any sources for possible inconsistent or even erroneous conclusions. Due to all the variables and technological advancements, it is totally understandable. An owner, for example, may be completely correct in his understanding for his model-year; just not necessarily correct for all model-years.

For what it is worth, I spoke by phone (855-748-4265) to Rivian Tech Service yesterday (06/02/26). The staffer was very nice, but had to check with superior(s) about the issue of Key Bands. Among the various things said:

• Rivian is no longer selling or providing Gen 1 Key Fobs. (I did not know that. I assumed that is an owner, say, lost a Gen 1 fob, it could be replaced. Not so. Have to buy a used one or rely on other methods.)
• Rivian is thinking about/working on having Gen 2 Key Fobs work for Gen 1 R1 vehicles. I assume that would be through a software change?
• Rivian Key Bands were intended for Gen 1 Launch Edition vehicles. That said, if and when a customer gets a new (Gen 2) vehicle, they can call Rivian, supply the Key Band ID number (on the band), and see if it can be re-paired with their Gen 2 vehicle. No guarantees. We did not discuss other pairing methodologies (e.g., through in-vehicle software, the App, or in-person at a SC).

I welcome any other pertinent information about these interesting and, at times, perplexing issues.

• Official Rivian Key Band Activation Guide
• Rivian Digital Key Information Page

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[jcalabek]

You’ve inspired me to look into it. I have 2 wristbands from the launch edition days and figured they would not work.

I just called Rivian and they informed me that those keys are still associated with the previous vehicles and they can’t be removed due to security breach - it’s crazy to me that I still have two working keys for vehicle I sold over year ago and 1 month ago to Rivian.

If I knew where those vehicles are, I could walk up to them and drive away. Isn’t that the security breach rather than removing them?

I guess make sure remove your wristband keys before you sell or trade in.

 

[tps5352]

That doesn't seem right. Rivian should be able to rectify the situation. I wonder if the original owners would want them back (for $)?

 

[sipadan]

perhaps not where your question is intended, but if you're looking to have wristband access for your Gen2, you could also use an Apple Watch which can hold Apple Car Key to unlock/drive the car without your phone.

 

[NY_Rob]

I had and used the wristband, it was sort of a PITA to use because since it was a completely passive/unpowered device you had to touch it pretty much exactly on the spot on the outside door handle and or inside the door panel (which was completely unmarked) in order for it to work. I ended up putting a small pencil mark on the inside door panel where the spot on the wristband had to touch to activate the R1T because fishing around for that very small sensor spot on that large door panel was a big time waster.

 

[tps5352]

Hmm. Too bad. Instead of writing on the car )) maybe one of those little adhesive dots you used to be able to buy at stationary stores? (Do stationary stores still exist?) Maybe in tasteful Rivian yellow?

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