What a Hard Reset Does and When You Need One

A hard reset on your Rivian clears temporary data from the vehicle's infotainment system and reboots the main computer, similar to restarting a smartphone. This fixes freezing screens, unresponsive touchscreens, Bluetooth connection failures, and software glitches that a straightforward power cycle does not resolve. A hard reset does not erase your saved settings, driver profiles, or vehicle data — it only clears the cache and restarts the system.

You should attempt a hard reset before contacting Rivian service for software issues. Most owners find it resolves common problems within minutes. The process takes about five minutes total, including the restart time.

Key Takeaways

  • A hard reset reboots your Rivian's infotainment system and clears temporary data without erasing your saved profiles or settings.
  • The most common method is holding the power button on the steering wheel for 10 to 15 seconds until the screen goes black.
  • After the screen goes black, wait 30 to 60 seconds for the system to fully restart before using the vehicle again.
  • If the touchscreen remains unresponsive, try the secondary method: pressing the two scroll wheels on the steering wheel simultaneously for 10 seconds.

Hard Reset Using the Steering Wheel Power Button

This is the primary method and works on all Rivian models. Locate the power button on the left side of your steering wheel — it is the round button you normally press to turn the vehicle on and off. Make sure the vehicle is in Park and you are parked safely.

Press and hold the power button for 10 to 15 seconds without releasing. You will see the main screen dim and then go completely black. Do not release the button early; hold it for the full duration. The vehicle may make a sound or show a brief loading screen during this process.

Once the screen is black, release the button and wait 30 to 60 seconds. The system is rebooting during this time. You will see the Rivian logo appear, followed by the normal startup sequence. Do not press any buttons or attempt to drive during this restart period.

Hard Reset Using the Steering Wheel Scroll Wheels

If the touchscreen is completely unresponsive and the power button method does not work, try this secondary approach. On your steering wheel, locate the two scroll wheels — one on each side below the power button. These are the small wheels you use to adjust volume or navigate menus.

Press both scroll wheels inward simultaneously and hold them for 10 seconds. You should feel them click as you press. Keep holding even if nothing appears to happen on the screen. After 10 seconds, release both wheels and wait for the system to restart, which takes 30 to 60 seconds.

This method is particularly useful when the main screen is frozen or completely black and unresponsive to touch. It forces a system reboot even when the display is not functioning normally.

What to Do If the Hard Reset Does Not Work

If the screen remains frozen or unresponsive after waiting the full restart time, try the power button method a second time. Sometimes the first attempt does not fully complete, and a second attempt succeeds. Wait at least two minutes between attempts.

If a second hard reset does not resolve the issue, the problem may be a deeper software fault or a hardware issue that requires professional service. Contact Rivian through the mobile app or call their service line to schedule a diagnostic appointment. When you contact them, mention that you have already performed a hard reset — this tells the technician the issue is not a straightforward software glitch.

In the meantime, your vehicle remains safe to drive. A frozen infotainment screen does not affect the vehicle's core driving systems, braking, or steering. You straightforward will not have access to navigation, climate controls, or entertainment through the touchscreen until the issue is resolved.

Preventing Common Issues That Require a Hard Reset

Keep your vehicle's software current by checking for updates through the main menu. Rivian releases updates over-the-air, and installing them promptly often prevents the glitches that lead to hard resets. You can also check for updates through the Rivian mobile app under vehicle settings.

Disconnect and reconnect Bluetooth devices regularly rather than leaving them permanently paired. This prevents the connection conflicts that cause Bluetooth failures. If you use multiple phones or devices with your Rivian, unpair devices you no longer use.

Avoid using the touchscreen while the vehicle is performing a software update. If an update is in progress, wait for it to complete before interacting with the system. Interrupting an update can cause the glitches that require a hard reset.

Difference Between a Hard Reset and a Factory Reset

A hard reset and a factory reset are not the same thing. A hard reset reboots the system and clears temporary data, but keeps all your saved settings, driver profiles, and preferences. A factory reset erases everything and returns the vehicle to its original state, as if it just left the factory.

You should never perform a factory reset unless Rivian service specifically instructs you to do so. A factory reset is a last-resort troubleshooting step that requires you to reconfigure all your settings afterward. A hard reset solves most software problems without this inconvenience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a hard reset erase my saved driver profiles or navigation history?

No. A hard reset only clears temporary data and reboots the system. Your driver profiles, saved addresses, music playlists, and all personal settings remain unchanged. Your vehicle data and charging history are also unaffected.

How long does a hard reset take?

The entire process takes about five minutes. Holding the power button takes 10 to 15 seconds, waiting for the restart takes 30 to 60 seconds, and the full startup sequence takes another two to three minutes. You can use the vehicle normally once the Rivian logo disappears and the home screen appears.

Can I drive the vehicle while it is restarting?

You should not drive during the restart. Wait until the system has fully booted and the home screen is responsive before putting the vehicle in Drive. The restart typically takes less than two minutes, so the wait is brief.

What if the hard reset makes things worse?

A hard reset cannot make the software worse — it only reboots the system. If the issue persists after a hard reset, the problem existed before the reset and is not caused by it. Contact Rivian service to investigate further.

Do I need to be parked to perform a hard reset?

Yes, always park safely before attempting a hard reset. The vehicle should be in Park with the parking brake engaged. Do not attempt a hard reset while driving or at a stoplight.