Rivian R1S Service Center Heriocs: Quick Fix and Great Service

Rivian Connect+ Requirement: Change in Policy or Glitch?

Rivian Mom · 2025-05-15T14:45:12+00:00

I've been using my phone's hotspot for months, and my Rivian connects to it automatically to run TuneIn and Spotify through the built-in apps on the main display. To be clear, this wasn’t Bluetooth streaming but actual phone data, and the apps worked perfectly without any issues. In Monday for the first time, I saw a Connect+ message pop up, even though the truck was linked to my phone’s data. I can still stream from my phone using Bluetooth, but the sound quality and user experience weren’t as good. This issue started between over-the-air software updates, though it might be tied to a specific date in the system. I tried a soft reset, but nothing changed. Has anyone heard if Rivian changed their policy on this? I remember Connect+ used to mention it provided "data" for streaming apps, suggesting you could use your own data instead. Now, it seems like you need Connect+ just to access the apps at all. I was surprised they allowed phone hotspots to work before, so this might be a deliberate change. I’m okay with paying for Connect+ if this isn’t just a temporary glitch. Any insights would be appreciated.

Rivian Mom

Active Wheeler

Wednesday at 3:42 PM

Last two weeks, I was on a work trip when I noticed my Rivian R1S’s passenger rear wheel was leaking fluid. I got worried, as I learned it shares lubricant with the motor, which could’ve led to bigger problems. Thankfully, I was near a service center in a city close to Florida.

I drove there right away, even without an appointment, on a Wednesday. I told them I needed my truck for a work errand over the weekend and had to head back home by the following Monday. They said they’d need to keep it and had no clean loaners, but offered me one that was just returned, still a bit messy. They couldn’t promise a quick fix but said they’d do their best to fit it in.

I was so grateful for the team at the service center. They were amazing! I took the loaner, handled my weekend work tasks, and got my truck back by Tuesday, just two days before I needed to leave. They replaced the disconnector, and the repair has been perfect, with no issues over the 1,000 miles I’ve driven since.

My friend was impressed they didn’t charge me extra or ask me to remove my custom sliders, even though they had to lift the truck. The service center really came through for me cause I'm sure I would have been stranded if not for them.

You must log in or register to reply here.