Rivian's newest infotainment software improves responsiveness and fixes common lag issues
Rivian released an over-the-air update to its infotainment system that reduces touchscreen lag, speeds up app loading, and improves voice command recognition. The update addresses complaints from R1T and R1S owners about delayed responses when adjusting climate controls, accessing navigation, or switching between apps. The software runs on the same hardware already in your vehicle — no physical replacement needed.
The update installs wirelessly while your vehicle is parked and connected to WiFi. Installation typically takes 15 to 30 minutes, and your vehicle will be unavailable during that time. Rivian pushes the update to vehicles in phases, so you may not see it when ready even if it has been released.
Key Takeaways
- The update reduces touchscreen response time and speeds up navigation and climate control menus across R1T and R1S models.
- Installation happens over WiFi while parked and requires 15 to 30 minutes; you cannot drive the vehicle during the update.
- Rivian rolls out updates in phases by region and vehicle age, so your vehicle may not receive it for several weeks after the initial release.
- You can check for available updates in the vehicle's Settings menu under Software or System, or through the Rivian mobile app.
- The update does not change the physical touchscreen or add new features — it optimizes how the existing system responds to your input.
What the update actually fixes in daily use
The most noticeable change is faster response when you tap the climate control panel. Before the update, tapping the temperature up or down button could take one to two seconds to register. After the update, the response is nearly instantaneous. The same improvement applies to switching between map views in navigation and opening the media player.
Voice commands also respond faster. Saying "navigate to" or "call" now processes more quickly, and the system is less likely to mishear commands in a noisy cabin. App switching — moving from navigation to music to vehicle settings — no longer causes the screen to freeze or show a loading spinner.
These changes do not add new features. You still access the same menus, still see the same information, and still control the same functions. The update makes existing functions work without delay.
How to check if the update is ready for your vehicle
Open the Settings menu on your vehicle's touchscreen and look for Software, System, or System Updates — the exact label varies by model year. Tap it and select Check for Updates. The system will connect to Rivian's servers and tell you whether an update is available. If one is ready, you will see the version number and file size.
You can also check through the Rivian mobile app. Open the app, go to Vehicle Settings, and look for Software Update or System Update. The app shows the same information as the in-vehicle menu and lets you schedule the update to begin at a specific time.
If no update appears, your vehicle is either already on the latest version or has not yet been selected for the rollout. Rivian typically releases updates to vehicles in waves based on region, model year, and current software version. Checking again in a few days usually shows the update if it is coming to your vehicle.
Installation steps and what to expect during the update
Before you start, make sure your vehicle is parked in a location with a strong WiFi signal. The update will not begin if the connection is weak or drops during installation. Plug in your vehicle if possible — while the update does not drain the battery significantly, a full charge removes any risk of interruption.
Go to Settings, select Software Update or System Update, and tap Install or Begin Update. The system will ask you to confirm. Once you confirm, the touchscreen will go dark or show a progress bar. Do not turn off the vehicle, open the doors, or disconnect from WiFi during this time. The update typically takes 15 to 30 minutes, though it can occasionally take longer.
When the update finishes, the vehicle will restart and the touchscreen will come back to life. You may see a brief setup screen asking you to confirm your preferences — this is normal. After that, the vehicle is ready to drive. There is no restart required after you leave the vehicle; the update is complete as soon as the touchscreen responds.
Why Rivian rolled out this update and what it means for future software
Rivian's infotainment system runs on a Linux-based platform that processes touchscreen input, manages navigation, handles voice commands, and controls climate and media functions all through one central processor. Early versions of this software prioritized features over speed, which led to the lag owners reported. This update reallocates how the processor handles routine tasks, freeing up resources for faster response.
The update does not change the underlying architecture or add new hardware. It is a software optimization — the same processor now does the same job more efficiently. This is why the improvement is noticeable but not transformative; you are not getting a faster chip, just better use of the one you have.
Rivian has indicated that future updates will continue to focus on responsiveness and reliability rather than adding new features. This suggests the company is prioritizing the stability of the core experience over rapid feature expansion, which typically means fewer bugs and fewer reasons for owners to need support.
Comparing this update to previous Rivian software releases
Rivian's first major infotainment update, released in early 2023, added new map layers and improved voice command vocabulary. That update was larger and took longer to install. This update is smaller and focused on performance rather than new capability.
Earlier updates sometimes introduced new bugs or changed the behavior of existing features in ways owners found frustrating. This update appears to be purely a refinement — it removes problems without adding new ones. Owner feedback on forums and social media has been positive, with most reporting noticeably faster response and no new issues.
The shift toward performance-focused updates suggests Rivian is listening to owner complaints about lag and prioritizing fixes over feature creep. This is a common pattern in automotive software: early releases add features quickly, then later releases focus on making those features work smoothly.
Troubleshooting if the update fails or does not appear
If the update begins but fails partway through, the vehicle will usually revert to the previous software version automatically. If it does not, restart the vehicle by turning it off completely, waiting 30 seconds, and turning it back on. Then try the update again.
If the update never appears in your Settings menu, check that your vehicle is connected to WiFi and that the connection is stable. Move the vehicle closer to your router if possible. If you are using a mobile hotspot, switch to a home or office network — mobile hotspots sometimes drop the connection during large downloads.
If you have checked multiple times over several days and the update still does not appear, contact Rivian support through the mobile app or your owner account. They can confirm whether your vehicle is may be able to access for the update and, if it is, manually push it to your vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will this update erase my saved navigation routes or vehicle settings?
No. The update only changes how the software runs, not what data it stores. Your saved locations, climate preferences, seat positions, and all other personalized settings remain unchanged after the update completes.
Can I drive the vehicle while the update is installing?
No. The update disables the infotainment system and some vehicle functions during installation. The vehicle will not start or allow driving until the update finishes. Plan for 15 to 30 minutes of downtime.
Does this update work on all R1T and R1S model years?
The update is designed for R1T and R1S vehicles, but Rivian may limit it to certain model years or production dates. Check your vehicle's Settings menu to see if the update is available for your specific vehicle. If it does not appear after several days, your vehicle may not be may be able to access yet.
What happens if my WiFi disconnects during the update?
The update will pause and may fail. If this happens, the vehicle will usually revert to the previous software version. Restart the vehicle and try again with a stronger WiFi connection. Avoid using mobile hotspots for this update if possible.
Does this update add new features like wireless CarPlay or Android Auto?
No. This update improves the speed and responsiveness of existing features only. It does not add new capabilities or change what functions are available in your vehicle.