Key Fob / Phone Trick -- to lock and unlock vehicle with the fob, even though the phone is in the car)

[Singletracker]

This thread is about a useful key fob/phone feature. If you don’t use the fob this may be of no interest to you. This is not a “Do You Use the Fob” poll. I discovered a key fob/phone feature that some may find useful. Or, maybe I’m just the last one to figure this out

Anyway, I use my key fob all the time and often do not take my iPhone with me. As I have a cellular watch, I often have no need for the phone, much of the time. About the only thing I need the phone for, in the car, is to listen to Apple Music and podcasts. So, every time I do take my phone with me, I have to dig it out of my pocket when I get in the car, then stuff it back in my pocket when I exit. It’s annoying, especially if I’m going to multiple places around town. I always assumed I had to take the phone out of the car. I was wrong.

So, here’s what I discovered. I don’t have to take my phone with me every time I leave the car, IF I have the fob on me. The car will still lock and unlock with the fob, even though the phone is in the car. Here’s the trick.

1- If the Rivian app on the phone is active and the phone is in the car, the car will NOT lock automatically when you walk away, as the phone is still connected via Bluetooth to the car. However, you can leave your phone in the car and manually lock the car using the fob. The car stays locked and will still unlock automatically when you approach it with the fob.

2 - If you close out the Rivian app on the phone, the Bluetooth “Rivian Phone Key” connection between the phone and car is disabled. The car no longer sees the phone sitting in the car. This means, if you have the fob on you, the car will lock automatically when you leave and unlock automatically when you approach. I usually have the Rivian app closed out most of the time, unless I need it. Keeping it closed may reduce vampire drain, but I can’t guarantee that.

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[Erik+]

Can you do the reverse and leave the FOB in the car, lock the vehicle and leave and have it stay locked, and then return and unlock with either the phone key or perhaps the band or the key card? Also, apologies for replying to an older topic, but there are not any other replies here.

 

[jfoonly]

Can you do the reverse and leave the FOB in the car, lock the vehicle and leave and have it stay locked, and then return and unlock with either the phone key or perhaps the band or the key card? Also, apologies for replying to an older topic, but there are not any other replies here.

Yes, I do this when fishing and don't want to chance soaking the fob. Leave fob in console, which locks, lock with card on drivers door, walk away. It's always still locked upon return (minutes to hours), and Gary records my re-approach on motion cam.

 

[cbrcanuck]

Another option - I have proximity active on the fob, but not on the phone. Always take the fob with me, phone stays in the truck often. Locks/unlocks with proximity or fob buttons just fine.

 

[ttphhi]

Yes, I do this when fishing and don't want to chance soaking the fob. Leave fob in console, which locks, lock with card on drivers door, walk away. It's always still locked upon return (minutes to hours), and Gary records my re-approach on motion cam.

The console locks? So if someone were to get into the vehicle (say by breaking the door window) they cannot get into the console without “breaking“ into it? That’s helpful. I was about to note on this thread that leaving either the FOB or your phone in the truck, even if locked, might be risky if someone were to somehow get in.

 

[NY_Rob]

Yes, I do this when fishing and don't want to chance soaking the fob. Leave fob in console, which locks, lock with card on drivers door, walk away. It's always still locked upon return (minutes to hours), and Gary records my re-approach on motion cam.

I do the same when boating, I leave the fob in the center console and lock the vehicle with the wristband.

 

[NY_Rob]

The console locks? So if someone were to get into the vehicle (say by breaking the door window) they cannot get into the console without “breaking“ into it?

Correct... leave the fob in the console, lock vehicle with key card or wristband and the center console locks up with the vehicle.

 

[ttphhi]

Correct... leave the fob in the console, lock vehicle with key card or wristband and the center console locks up with the vehicle.

This is great info. Mahalo!

 

[shandel]

1- If the Rivian app on the phone is active and the phone is in the car, the car will NOT lock automatically when you walk away, as the phone is still connected via Bluetooth to the car. However, you can leave your phone in the car and manually lock the car using the fob. The car stays locked and will still unlock automatically when you approach it with the fob.

2 - If you close out the Rivian app on the phone, the Bluetooth “Rivian Phone Key” connection between the phone and car is disabled. The car no longer sees the phone sitting in the car. This means, if you have the fob on you, the car will lock automatically when you leave and unlock automatically when you approach. I usually have the Rivian app closed out most of the time, unless I need it. Keeping it closed may reduce vampire drain, but I can’t guarantee that.

I use Option 1 all the time and it works great. Option 2 seems a little suspect as on iPhone at least apps can open themselves back up even after you force close them. For example, if a remote server-based notification is sent to the phone, the app will open up. And then it could theoretically trigger the bluetooth proximity to open the car. This is an untested theory, but worth being aware of the possibility. I always lock it manually with the key fob just to be sure.

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