WiFi Hotspot have to manually turn on everytime now

So i've had my 2022 SR5 Premium since November and initially the wifi hotspot would stay on automatically when you restarted the vehicle. unless you manually turned it off prior...

now i have to manually turn on the wifi hotspot each time (im usually reminded by my kids that wifi isnt on)... for me it doesnt really matter , but my kids keep reminding my.

I am assuming that an update or something came in and hosed up the settings...

Anyone else experience this?

 

Mine too....

 

Same here! I was going to post the same question a few days ago. It’s annoying

 

yeah if this was "normal" then fine... but when i bought the 4Runner back a couple months ago it would automatically turn back on everytime.. now i have to manually go in and turn it on.. (usually when my kids remind me because they brought a tablet or something).. also different rant is that its locked to AT&T... (ive got T-mobile)... wish i could switch providers, but it actually saved my sanity once when we didnt have a t=mobile signal but AT&T was strong... kids managed to keep watching their shows etc.. .modern problems i guess...

 

Just curious what is the advantage of paying for ATT wifi on 4R vs having my Tmobile unlimited?

Not sure if there is any limitation using as wifi hot spot? I've been using my mobile as a hot spot for my laptop to join meetings while I go to pick my kiddo when Mrs not able to pick.

 

Yep mine does that as well. I thought it might be an ATT thing, but not sure. Does anyone know if Verizon works any better than ATT in you 4runner ? Asking due to the ATT sales folks who are trying to sell me an HBO package with my WiFi now that my trail is ending... Plus the signal is really weak from ATT.

 

Couple things were happening to mine
Overheating because I had it on the dash. It was fine in winter but now now in 85F weather. Keep it on the seat or near the shifter where it’s cooler
Second there is auto shut off when battery inside the hotspot runs down. I have a super simple dual battery system with an always on USB outlet
Both those things might resolve your problem

 

think you are locked in with ATT for the built in hotspot on the 4runner... i talked to t-mobile (my provider) and they told me as much based on many many previous inquiries by other folks for toyota vehicles in the past.. hopefully im wrong and we can register the hotspots with another provider...

 

I have the same issue and another related question about using the WiFi. My goal is to work on the road and use the in-car WiFi. My question is, can I run the wifi without leaving the car on, which eventually kills the battery? Could I run an auxiliary battery that powers this function or possibly trickle charges the main battery to prevent issues with the battery? Any recommendations on the best plan?

 

This doesn't address your problem directly, but I use my phone as a WiFi hot spot and recharge as necessary when the car is on, or in a pinch, power it from my jump charger or other battery pack.

 

Yes, that is an option. My goal was to use the built-in wifi as I found that the signal was much stronger and the speed better. Idoling for a few hours seems like a less-than-optimal option for the engine and of course, all the other issues related. This may be idiotic as it is not my domain, but could I trickle charge the main battery with either a second battery or even solar, so I could have the ignition on (engine off) and not eat the battery? If this is doable, any recommendations on set up options?

 

I don't think you could do that without some wiring tricks. Most of the circuits that are active in Accessory Mode will turn off after about 20 minutes to prolong battery life. Others who have done dual-battery mods can address this better than I can.

 

I just signed up to the ATT Hotspot trial yesterday for a long road trip starting tomorrow with the kids in our 21 Venture. I am on Verizon and the coverage isn't great in West Texas and NM where we're headed. I am hopeful that it'll work well to allow the kids to stream and game on the 20-hour roundtrip. We also work remotely and figured for the $20/month for unlimited data (after the trial ends) it might be worth it to have the ATT option available when we're out working and need to upload data for our job.

All this said, having to enable the remote hotspot each time will be a pain in the butt.... Not happy about that.

 

Yes, it is annoying having to turn it on each time. I was impressed with the speeds I was getting while out in relatively remote locations. Now if I can crack the code on how to run it without killing the battery so I can work using it versus my phone that would be great.

 

If you figure that out, can you let us know here?

 

100%

 

I, too, am annoyed by this.

What I don't get is that it's not consistent. Sometimes I when I get in it's still on, even on the next day. Sometimes it's not. There has to be some rhyme or reason to it but I haven't figured it out, yet.

 

Since I don't have unlimited data anymore I use WiFi hot stop. For me I have to turn it on every morning and sometimes need couple of attempts to get it running. Worst thing happened to me was it completely stopped working. I had to;

1) go to dealership -> high level check -> Contact Toyota Connected Services
2) call Toyota Connected Services -> troubleshoot over the phone -> contact ATT In car wifi customer service
3) call ATT In car wifi customer service -> troubleshoot over the phone -> go back to Toyota dealership
4) book an appointment, expecting to pay $199. (That's F*n same price I paid to get wifi for an year...!!!)

But then I thought I would disconnect the battery for 30 minutes + and see what happens. IT WORKED and saved me $199.

The video sharing my experience will post next month. But nothing exiting in that video. Long story short, disconnect the battery for 30 minutes + and it worked for me. If this stupid tech annoys me again and again I might stop this in car wifi thing.

 

Just as a note: I'm on day three of it just remaining on. Which I like and don't expect to continue. No idea why.