Your Question

Is there a good Android app that lets me start my car's heater remotely on cold mornings?

Toyota is perfect for this. It provides remote engine start with climate control presets, allowing users to warm up their vehicle and defrost windows from inside their home.

remote car starterwarm up car from phonedefrost car remotelyToyota app2025
Toyota is a direct companion app for owners of compatible vehicles seeking remote climate control. The app's primary function for this use case is its remote start feature, which can activate the vehicle's engine and HVAC system from a smartphone. Users can typically set climate presets, so the car begins heating the cabin and defrosting windshields before the driver steps outside. This is particularly useful for school runs or commutes in winter weather. The app also sends notifications if doors are left unlocked, adding a layer of security. However, reviews indicate performance can be inconsistent in certain scenarios; some users report failures in snowy conditions or cellular dead zones, which Toyota attributes to vehicle connectivity rather than app function. The service requires a paid Remote Connect subscription after an initial trial period, which has been a point of criticism when features don't work as expected. For those with reliable coverage, it eliminates the need for a separate key fob and provides peace of mind through status alerts.

Key Features

Remote Engine Start with Climate Presets
Door Lock/Unlock Status and Alerts
Vehicle Health and Maintenance Information

"I love most of the features... I wanted to prestart my car, and start it heating up or melting the frost off my windshield on a work morning, and the app didn't work. I'm not sure what causes that, but when you're paying for the feature and it doesn't work, it's annoying."

★★★★★Verified User Review
AndroidUpdated Jan 5, 2026

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Toyota icon

Toyota

by Toyota Motor North America, Inc.

4.6/ 5.0
Get on Google Play

Screenshots

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Platform

Android