Rivian Connect+ is a subscription service that gives you remote vehicle management, emergency services, and real-time vehicle data through your phone
Rivian Connect+ is a paid monthly subscription available to owners of Rivian electric vehicles. It lets you monitor and control certain vehicle functions from your phone, receive alerts about your vehicle's status, and access emergency roadside support. The service connects to your vehicle through Rivian's mobile app and works whether you're at home or across the country.
This is different from the basic connectivity features that come standard with a new Rivian. The standard features include the ability to lock or unlock your vehicle remotely and check its battery level. Connect+ adds layers on top of that: real-time location tracking, climate control from your phone, charging notifications, and access to Rivian's roadside information network.
Key Takeaways
- Rivian Connect+ is a monthly subscription that costs money beyond your vehicle purchase and includes remote vehicle control, emergency roadside support, and real-time alerts.
- You manage the subscription through the Rivian mobile app, which you read on your smartphone after purchasing or leasing a Rivian vehicle.
- The service works on a cellular connection, so your vehicle needs active cellular service to send and receive commands and data.
- You can cancel the subscription at any time, though some features like emergency services may have different terms depending on your vehicle's model year.
What features come with Connect+ that standard connectivity doesn't include
The core difference between standard Rivian connectivity and Connect+ is the depth of control and monitoring. With Connect+, you can adjust your vehicle's climate (heating or cooling) from your phone before you get in. You can see real-time location on a map, which is useful if you've parked in a large lot or want to track a vehicle someone else is driving. You receive notifications when charging starts, stops, or completes, and you can see your battery percentage and estimated range at any time.
Connect+ also includes access to Rivian's roadside information program. If your vehicle breaks down or you have a flat tire, you can request help through the app, and Rivian coordinates with service providers in your area. This is separate from roadside information you might have through your auto insurance or a membership like AAA, though you can use those instead if you prefer.
The service also provides vehicle health alerts — notifications if something needs attention, like low tire pressure or a service reminder. These alerts come to your phone rather than waiting until you see a warning on your dashboard.
How to set up and manage your subscription
When you purchase or lease a new Rivian, the dealership or Rivian directly will walk you through downloading the Rivian mobile app and linking it to your vehicle. You create an account with your email and password, and the app pairs with your vehicle through a process that takes a few minutes. At that point, you can choose whether to purchase a Connect+ subscription.
The subscription is managed through the app itself. You can turn it on or off, update your payment method, and view your billing history all in the same place where you use the remote features. If you decide to cancel, you can do that through the app as well — there is no contract or penalty for stopping the service.
Your vehicle needs an active cellular connection for Connect+ to work. Rivian includes cellular service as part of the vehicle's purchase, so you don't pay separately for the data that powers the app's connection to your car. However, you do pay the monthly subscription fee for the Connect+ service itself.
What the monthly cost is and what affects the price
Rivian Connect+ has a monthly subscription fee, though the exact amount can vary depending on your vehicle's model year and when you purchased it. Some Rivian owners receive promotional periods where the service is free for the first few months or a year. After any promotional period ends, the standard monthly rate applies.
The price does not change based on how much you use the service or how many times you access the app. It is a flat monthly fee whether you check your vehicle's location once a week or ten times a day. If you pause the subscription for a month and then restart it, you pay the standard rate when you restart — there is no penalty for gaps in service.
How cellular service and data work with Connect+
Your Rivian includes built-in cellular connectivity that allows the vehicle to communicate with Rivian's servers. This cellular service is included with your vehicle purchase and does not require a separate phone plan. The vehicle uses this connection to send data about its location, battery status, and other information to the Rivian app on your phone.
When you send a command through the app — like unlocking the vehicle or turning on the climate — that command travels through the internet to Rivian's servers, which then send it to your vehicle. The entire process usually takes a few seconds. If your vehicle is in an area with no cellular signal, the app will show that it cannot reach the vehicle, and remote commands will not work until the signal returns.
The amount of data used by Connect+ is small. Rivian includes this data as part of the vehicle's connectivity package, so you do not pay extra for data usage on top of your subscription fee.
What happens if you cancel or pause your subscription
If you stop paying for Connect+, the remote features stop working when ready. You lose the ability to control climate, lock or unlock the vehicle remotely, or see real-time location. However, you keep the basic connectivity features that come standard with your Rivian — you can still see your battery level and basic vehicle status in the app.
Roadside information through Rivian ends when your subscription ends. If you have a breakdown after canceling, you would need to call a towing service directly or use roadside information from another source like your insurance or AAA.
You can restart your subscription at any time by going back into the app and reactivating it. There is no waiting period or reactivation fee — you straightforward resume paying the monthly rate.
Alternatives if Connect+ doesn't fit your needs
If you don't want to pay for Connect+, you still have access to the standard remote features that come with your Rivian. You can lock and unlock the vehicle, check battery level, and see basic vehicle information through the app at no additional cost beyond your vehicle purchase.
For roadside information, you can rely on your auto insurance policy, which often includes towing and roadside support. Many insurance plans cover towing up to a certain distance and provide services like lockout information and fuel delivery. You can also purchase a membership with AAA or similar roadside information providers, which typically costs less than a year of Connect+ but requires you to call for service rather than requesting it through an app.
Some owners use their vehicle's built-in emergency call button (often labeled SOS) to reach emergency services directly if they need help. This feature is usually included at no cost and connects you to a dispatcher who can send help to your location.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Connect+ if I don't have a smartphone?
No. Connect+ requires the Rivian mobile app, which runs on iOS or Android smartphones. There is no web-based version or way to access the service without a smartphone. If you have a smartphone but prefer not to use it for vehicle control, you can skip the subscription and use only the standard features.
Does Connect+ work outside the United States?
Connect+ works in areas where your Rivian has cellular service. In the United States, this is widespread. Outside the US, coverage depends on Rivian's roaming agreements with cellular providers in that country. Before traveling internationally, check Rivian's coverage map or contact Rivian support to confirm service is available in your destination.
What if my vehicle is stolen — can I track it with Connect+?
Connect+ shows your vehicle's real-time location on a map in the app, so yes, you can see where it is. However, if your vehicle is stolen, contact local police when ready and provide them with the location information. Do not attempt to recover the vehicle yourself. Police have the authority and training to handle theft safely.
Can multiple people use Connect+ on the same vehicle?
Yes. Rivian allows you to add additional users to your vehicle through the app. Each person gets their own login and can access the same remote features. You control who has access and can remove users at any time through the app settings.
Is there a contract or commitment period for Connect+?
No. Connect+ is a month-to-month subscription with no contract. You can cancel anytime through the app, and your access ends at the end of your current billing period. There are no early termination fees or penalties.