WIFI

The same is true of charging a phone with the USB socket. I have had to leave the key in the truck the couple times I needed to use it as a $30k phone charger.

 

Lol the att website it directs you too even states it's the Harman Spark.
Not factory.

https://car.harman.com/solutions/smart-auto/harman-spark

 

Again worthless for me, the wife just has to deal! lol, really thou, the rates are good and it has great range and speed. Main use for me is streaming video when Glamping. Just don't see the point of a hotspot you can't keep active with the vehicle off.

 

You could roast weenies and roast weenies in the Friday thread at the same time! Genius..

 

Nah man, it's definitely "Wiffy"

 

Yeah I see that now, My bust. I just pulled a quick search and didn't read it fully. Again, my bad. The actual info is here,
https://www.toyota.com/connected-services/wificonnect/

 

from the link it looks like it’s usable when the vehicle is off...

 

Well if his keys where sitting on the tailgate maybe. But are they in the ignition or his pocket? The wifi supposedly has a 50ft range.

 

So when you turn off your computer, modem and router at home, do you still have WIFI ?? I think not.....same applies here, turn the truck off, WIFI dies.....a pretty basic concept

 

That guy is researching his next skottle purchase for sure..

How is this different/better than a cell booster?

 

Really? That's about the stupist thing I've heard. Except for power outages, my wifi has been on for years. If I don't want my wifi on I turn it off. I would like the same option with any wifi service.

 

It’s not unreasonable to expect certain things to stay on when the key is not in the ignition. For example, some of the lights stay on (admittedly only temporarily). Also my MacBook still charges my phone after sleeping as long as I plug it in before putting the MacBook to sleep. I think Toyota (perhaps wisely) chose to disable these things to prevent a accidental dead battery and people stealing your power.

 

I also have the WiFi option, though I don't have a use for it. Friend with WiFi on his Subaru also has to have it on to work.

 

Is it Friday?

 

What the hell are you needing a hotspot for that your phone can’t do? Xbox? I’m confused.

On a more serious note, the fact that laptops, etc don’t already have cellular capability is BS. Marketing ploy to sell extra devices...

 

Yes & Yes, sent them a email, waiting for a response. Also was playing with the safety connect, that's how I found the wifi option and I don't have remote connect. I get why they power it off, but again it worthless TOO ME if I can't set it to stay on. I'm sure there are a lot of things that stay "ON" when the vehicle is off. GPS anyone? That's why I asked if there was a way to fix it to stay on.

 

Nothing except the vehicle has more range, faster speed and is cheaper for unlimited data. $25 vs $70. Never know your options til you check them out.

 

I will keep looking for a work around, if I find one I will post it.

 

It's basically a wifi hotspot that's powered by your OBD2 connection. If you want something that works when the truck is off, you need a wireless wifi hotspot.

There's probably a reason the spark is cheaper. They know people can only use it while you're driving, which is likely minimal usage.

 

Well if this is becoming more common don't worry OP. Someone will find a work around. Probably a separate battery source with a switch that connects the wifi and tricks the device to think the truck is on.