[Barryng]

Does Porsche have the capability to unlock a car remotely. BMW allows me to call an 800 number, or use an iPhone app, to unlock my car. I called Porsche and they told my new Boxster can be unlocked by their emergency road side assistance services but two dealer service departments told me that is wrong and there is no way to get the car unlocked without, at least, a key blade or fob. There does not appear to be an iPhone app to lock/unlock (ala BMW) although the Porsche "Car Connect App", for a yearly fee, supposedly can lock the car.

What is really the case?

 

[jimmuller]

Does Porsche have the capability to unlock a car remotely. BMW allows me to call an 800 number, or use an iPhone app, to unlock my car. I called Porsche and they told my new Boxster can be unlocked by their emergency road side assistance services but two dealer service departments told me that is wrong and there is no way to get the car unlocked without, at least, a key blade or fob. There does not appear to be an iPhone app to lock/unlock (ala BMW) although the Porsche "Car Connect App", for a yearly fee, supposedly can lock the car.

What is really the case?

Don't know. This evening when I get home (I rode my bicycle to work today) I'll see what Car Connect can do re security. I've been curious anyway. That won't answer what Porsche can do but it will say what C.C. can do from your smarffone.

 

[jimmuller]

I tried using the "Remote" section of Car Connect on my phone today. It has the appearance of being a remote control device but touching anywhere in the screen did nothing. What it did do was verify that the car was locked, but it would not unlock it. In the car there is a settings page for Car Connect but the only option is shows is Privacy. Presumably, to judge by the help message it shows, that setting turns off display of the properties normally shown on the instrument panel. There is no option to enable or disable remote control of things like windows or door locks.

 

[Barryng]

I ordered just a cut key blade (~$100). When I get it I am going to cut off the plastic top and leave just the metal blade so it can easily slip into my wallet. The key cannot start the car so there is nothing buried in the plastic to matter.

 

[3Roadster]

I don't think they can remotely unlock my car, but I don't have a SIM card or anything. I doubt the satellite radio antenna gives them entry.

 

[jimmuller]

FWIW, I did a trivial experiment. After I got in the car and before I closed the driver's door I called up Car Connect and clicked on the Remote feature. Whadayaknow, it showed the driver's door open. Of course it wouldn't do anything about.

This finding is not going to change the tilt of the earth's axis, not even a little bit.

 

[718]

I think you need to pay extra for the service which includes the remote control options such as unlock, flash lights or sound the horn.

(I could be wrong)

 

[JakiChan]

You should have gotten a year of the "Remote" service for free, but with that service yes you can unlock the car with the app.

 

[ArchiProf]

@JakiChan I have the Connect and Car Connect apps with Porsche Connect+ and cannot lock/unlock the car with the apps. I am subscribed to all three services: Remote, Safety, and Security. I do not have Entry/Drive if that matters.

Is there another app of which I am not aware or is there another place in the apps I have not yet found? On the page in the Car Connect app one would expect to be able to lock/unlock the car (My Car then Remote) there is only a command to fold the mirrors in (but not out).

 

[Bill H]

@ArchiProf

"I have the Connect and Car Connect apps with Porsche Connect+ and cannot lock/unlock the car with the apps."

I have the same as well as Entry/Drive. I can lock my 718 from Moscow (I live in FL) but can't unlock it while I'm in the house and the 718 (Ira) is in the garage. Look at the app ratings, they ain't too good.

Happy driving and don't spin out on an exit ramp!

ps: oops it's not connect + just connect.

 

[jimmuller]

I've never tried locking the car with the Car Connect app. Or maybe I have and don't remember. What I can say for sure is that it will not unlock the car. I'm happy that it doesn't. If it did a hacker could unlock the car.

 

[GregW]

I've never tried locking the car with the Car Connect app. Or maybe I have and don't remember. What I can say for sure is that it will not unlock the car. I'm happy that it doesn't. If it did a hacker could unlock the car.

Real thieves don't bother with hacking--they just smash a window.
Fortunately with the 718 they won't get the car, but you'll get the repair bill.