Disable Drive Connect nag and remove/block (Amazon, Apple) apps?

[monikersupreme]

I'm getting steadily more irritated with the "Experience Drive Connect" nag on multimedia screen and it's half assed attempt to sign me up for Apple or Amazon's music subscription every time I attempt to switch from Android Auto to the radio on the fly...

I'm guessing not but, just in case - is there any way to disable and/or remove this bloatware from the display?

I'm amenable to solutions that involve replacing or upgrading the screen itself as long as it doesn't void my warranty on the rest of the vehicle or involve any equally invasive/annoying efforts to monetize my daily commute.

Any advice would be much appreciated!!

 

[Alpha Puppy]

Hmmm. curious, my LCFE dues not so this.

 

[PDPete]

I've asked similar question, and don't think it's possible...

My main annoyance was the fact that in order to switch from Android Auto to radio, you either have to go through several touch screen presses which can be distracting, but if you use the "mode" button on steering wheel, it will cycle through the Apple and Amazon music options with the nags about subscribing first... one suggestion/work-around that was recommended was to scroll up to the music display on the instrument panel (arrows on left-hand side of steering wheel) and click the "ok" button, which will allow to select either FM/AM or siriusxm without having to take eyes off raod for too long.

 

[EOD Guy]

Not sure on the Android but on the Apple based, it's done on my phone. Under Settings/Genral/CarPlay, I have the ability to "disappear" most of the apps and rearrange the apps as they appear on the infotainment screen in the LC.

 

[PDPete]

Not sure on the Android but on the Apple based, it's done on my phone. Under Settings/Genral/CarPlay, I have the ability to "disappear" most of the apps and rearrange the apps as they appear on the infotainment screen in the LC.

I'm pretty sure OP is talking about the Amazon and Apple Music "apps" built into the infotainment system, that nag you to subscribe to the in-car wifi and connect a subscription directly to the car, NOT the apps on his/her phone.

 

[Meteor1]

I'm getting steadily more irritated with the "Experience Toyota Drive Connect" nag on multimedia screen and it's half assed attempt to sign me up for Apple or Amazon's music subscription every time I attempt to switch from Android Auto to the radio on the fly...

I'm guessing not but just in case - is there any way to disable and/or remove this bloatware from the display?

I'm amenable to solutions that involve replacing or upgrading the screen itself as long as it doesn't void my warranty on the rest of the vehicle or involve any equally invasive/annoying efforts to monetize my daily commute.

Any advice would be much appreciated!!

I believe there a way to shut those off in the Toyota App on your phone. I don't have my phone handy but can check later.

 

[monikersupreme]

I'm pretty sure OP is talking about the Amazon and Apple Music "apps" built into the infotainment system, that nag you to subscribe to the in-car wifi and connect a subscription directly to the car, NOT the apps on his/her phone.

Correct - I'm referring to the Toyota apps (not those on my phone).

 

[monikersupreme]

I believe there a way to shut those off in the Toyota App on your phone. I don't have my phone handy but can check later.

If there is I'd love to know how - I didn't expect to have to deal with incessant adverts while driving.

 

[PDPete]

If there is I'd love to know how - I didn't expect to have to deal with incessant adverts while driving.

If there is, it's not available on mine, I've most certainly checked just about option I can find to try to disable those

 

[jnsplace]

This is interesting. I do not have this nagging, and I"m not subbed to Apple music myself. Maybe it's because I use carplay instead of the infotainment section?

 

[monikersupreme]

I've asked similar question, and don't think it's possible...

My main annoyance was the fact that in order to switch from Android Auto to radio, you either have to go through several touch screen presses which can be distracting, but if you use the "mode" button on steering wheel, it will cycle through the Apple and Amazon music options with the nags about subscribing first... one suggestion/work-around that was recommended was to scroll up to the music display on the instrument panel (arrows on left-hand side of steering wheel) and click the "ok" button, which will allow to select either FM/AM or siriusxm without having to take eyes off raod for too long.

This (using the "Mode" button from the steering wheel) is my experience as well - instead of allowing me to focus on driving it forces me to haggle with the screen just to turn on the radio.

 

[katekebo]

Using the screen and MODE button on the steering wheel is cumbersome and annoying. But I found that using voice commands is relatively straightforward. For example, when in Android Auto screen, just saying "Hey Toyota, play FM radio" will will switch audio directly to the radio without having to "scroll" through multiple screens or built-in apps. Or saying "Hey Toyota, display settings screens" will switch from Android Auto screen to the native setting menu screen in one step. Saying "Hey Google, play XYZ on Spotify" also does the trick. While you can't control everything with the voice commands, it's at least better than having to poke multiple icons on different screens.

 

[monikersupreme]

Using the screen and MODE button on the steering wheel is cumbersome and annoying. But I found that using voice commands is relatively straightforward. For example, when in Android Auto screen, just saying "Hey Toyota, play FM radio" will will switch audio directly to the radio without having to "scroll" through multiple screens or built-in apps. Or saying "Hey Toyota, display settings screens" will switch from Android Auto screen to the native setting menu screen in one step. Saying "Hey Google, play XYZ on Spotify" also does the trick. While you can't control everything with the voice commands, it's at least better than having to poke multiple icons on different screens.

Thanks I'll give this a shot.

 

[monikersupreme]

Hmmm. curious, my LCFE dues not so this

Did you sign up for Toyota Drive Connect (or perhaps agree to the trial)?

If you are willing to pay for it I'm guessing the nag will go away.

 

[EOD Guy]

Sorry I misunderstood. I turned off the WiFi and no longer got the adverts.

 

[Meteor1]

If there is I'd love to know how - I didn't expect to have to deal with incessant adverts while driving.

In the Toyota App, under accounts, @ Linked Accounts. Make sure Apple and Amazon music are not linked. Not sure if this is the fix, but I'm not getting those notifications.

 

[monikersupreme]

In the Toyota App, under accounts, @ Linked Accounts. Make sure Apple and Amazon music are not linked. Not sure if this is the fix, but I'm not getting those notifications.

They show up but are not linked - do you have "block explicit content" activated?

 

[PDPete]

They show up but are not linked - do you have "block explicit content" activated?

I have a feeling a number of folks responding don’t understand the specific issue you’re trying to solve…having said that, I’m pretty sure I do, as I have the same gripe…I touched on it in another comment, but my best solution I’ve found so far for changing the source when I’m in Android Auto mode is by using the “multi-informational display” (pg 98 of the manual), instead of tapping all over the touchscreen or using the “mode” button and having to deal with the nagging about subscriptions.

Since I usually have that display on either the trip odometer or the I-force max meters, it’s usually one click up, press “ok”, then choose either FM radio or SiriusXM to quickly switch. (EDIT: Only problem with this method is that the screen remains on Android Auto, even though the FM radio is now playing, so I still have to click back to the vehicle infotainment screen)

It’s a change from what I’m used to, but then again my first vehicle only had a busted tape deck and a manually tuned radio that wouldn’t change stations when the temp dropped below 30F, and I’ve definitely adapted to a variety of car radios since then.

 

[Meteor1]

They show up but are not linked - do you have "block explicit content" activated?

I do not, but neither of them are linked so there is no content to block.

 

[Kayrolla]

Hey there...
I've been scouring the intenet to see if this stupid "Drive Connect" thing can actually be disabled, there are complaints on multiple sites (here, Reddit, Tundras.com, Rav4World, Prius Chat, Toyota Nation...all the Toyota owners sites). I myself am looking at buying a new 2026 Toyota, but only if this malware/ad can be fully disabled. I don't want to drop 60K on a car then hate it three years later when the "free" subscription ends and the popups begin.

I spoke with the dealership I'm buying from...first they denied this exists. Then they looked into it as I walked out, I got answers from them as two printouts. So yes, they know this is an issue. If anybody is willing to try these steps A) it would be great for all the other Toyota owners out there with the same complaint, and B) I would really like to know before I either buy or walk away from my purchase.

I will say up front, this is not risk-free. The ability to use the app, gone. The ability to remote start with the app, gone. As I've been told, normal keyfob remote starting, not affected. My thanks (and the thanks of many Toyota owners if this works) in advance to any who can verify this does or does not get rid of their Drive Connect spam.

Images of their printouts attached...