Kia Connect Application Description

Kia Connect is an application designed specifically for customers who have subscribed to Kia Motors' advanced connected car service. This application allows users to manage their Kia vehicles via their smartphones, providing a range of convenient features.

Key Features

Vehicle Control

The Kia Connect app offers a suite of vehicle control features, including remote start and air conditioning adjustments. Users can also lock and unlock doors, activate emergency lights, and sound the horn remotely. These features enhance convenience and security, allowing users to perform actions like adjusting the interior temperature before entering the vehicle.

Remote Start and Temperature Control
When initiating a remote start, the app optimizes the vehicle’s interior temperature using adjustable ignition maintenance times. However, this feature is limited to 96 hours (or 168 hours for certain models) after the vehicle's last startup. Additionally, for Kia Connect 1.0 customers, the service is only available within 48 hours if regular navigation software updates were not performed after the fourth quarter of 2015.

Door Locking/Unlocking
Users can lock or unlock doors remotely. If the door remains unlocked for more than 30 seconds after a remote unlock command, it will automatically lock again. It is important to ensure the vehicle is in a secure location before performing remote operations to avoid theft risks.

Emergency Lights and Horn Sounding

Users can trigger emergency lights or honk the horn to locate their parked vehicle. This feature lasts for 27 seconds but can be stopped early by repeating the door operation with the remote key.

Parking Location Check

The app helps users find their vehicle’s parking location by searching and displaying the actual location on a map. However, location accuracy may vary depending on whether the vehicle or user is indoors, and there is a 3 km radius restriction for privacy protection.

Navigation and Destination Transfer

Users can plan routes and send destination information to the vehicle’s navigation system based on the Play Maps integration. While the actual route may differ from the suggested one, the app provides detailed route guidance and estimated travel times.

Kia Connect Center

For any inquiries about service activation, changes, or termination, users can contact the Kia Connect customer center via phone. The center also offers theft tracking services and handles customer complaints efficiently.

Additional Features

The app includes a "My Account" section for managing account details and a push notification system to keep users informed. Users can also view control histories and received notifications in a dedicated message box.

Permissions and Purposes

The Kia Connect app requires certain permissions for optimal functionality:

• Notification: Required to inform users about remote control outcomes.
• Telephone: Required to confirm customer identifiers and connect to customer service.
• Location: Optional for checking parking locations and user locations during route guidance.
• Storage Space: Required to download and decompress videos and other content.
• Calendar: Optional for linking calendar destinations.
• Camera: Optional for setting profile photos and using AR guidance functions.
• Files and Media: Optional for setting profile photos and operating digital photo frames.
• Nearby Device: Optional for searching nearby vehicles enabled with digital keys.

Smart Watch Support (Wear OS)

The Kia Connect app supports Wear OS devices, making it easier to manage vehicle remote controls and status checks. To link with the mobile app, the Wear OS device must run version 3.0 or higher.

By leveraging these features, Kia Connect enhances the driving experience, ensuring users have a seamless and secure connection with their vehicles.