Updated
Updated · Boy Genius Report · Sep 15
4 Galaxy Watch Apps Enable Remote Car Control for Toyota, Ford, Tesla and Hyundai
Updated
Updated · Boy Genius Report · Sep 15

4 Galaxy Watch Apps Enable Remote Car Control for Toyota, Ford, Tesla and Hyundai

2 articles · Updated · Boy Genius Report · Sep 15

Summary

  • Four Galaxy Watch-compatible apps let drivers lock doors, start vehicles, trigger horn and lights, and check fuel, range or battery status from their wrist.
  • Toyota, Ford and Hyundai offer direct app support for compatible vehicles, while Tesla owners must rely on third-party app Tessie because Tesla lacks an official Wear OS watch app.
  • Access depends on hardware and software requirements: Toyota needs Remote Connect and Wear OS 8.0+, Ford requires a built-in modem and Android 10+, and Hyundai supports Bluelink-equipped cars on Wear OS 2.0+.
  • Costs vary sharply across brands: Ford's watch features are free, Toyota bundles Remote Connect into plans starting at $15 a month, and Tessie subscriptions run from $6.99 to $19.99 monthly after a trial.
  • Feature depth also differs by model and plan, with Hyundai adding alerts such as geo-fence and valet monitoring, while Toyota's watch app omits some phone-based functions like guest-driver tracking.

Insights

Why are major automakers hiding basic smartwatch car controls behind expensive monthly subscriptions?
Could using your Galaxy Watch to unlock your car secretly expose your vehicle to high-tech theft?
Why does the world's leading EV maker still refuse to build an official smartwatch app for its drivers?