What is VIPER SMARTSTART?
VIPER SMARTSTART is the only vehicle security and remote start system that works with your smartphone. VIPER SMARTSTART is brought to you by VIPER, the leader in vehicle security and remote start systems. With SMARTSTART, you can use your smartphone to pre-warm your car’s cabin in the winter, pre-cool it in the summer, lock and unlock your doors, arm and disarm your vehicle’s security system, open your trunk, and even find your car in a parking lot, all using your smartphone.
Why do I need VIPER SMARTSTART?
VIPER SMARTSTART is a clever solution that combines the functionality of your vehicle’s key fob with your cell phone. Now you can control your vehicle’s locks, security system, remote start system, and trunk release with your cell phone. Anyone who’s used a remote car starter before knows that range is critically important to maximizing the value of your remote starter – and range doesn’t get any better than with a VIPER SMARTSTART. If your phone has sufficient signal and your vehicle also has sufficient signal……YOU’RE ALL SET!
Why do I need to remote start my car?
Let’s face it; your vehicle can be pretty uncomfortable in extreme weather. In fact, getting into a frozen or overheated car can be downright painful. With remote start, you can start your car from the comfort of your home to make sure it is the right temperature before you get inside. The SMARTSTART remote start system provides virtually unlimited range so you can rest assured your remote start system is activated no matter how far away you are from your vehicle.
How do I get VIPER SMARTSTART?
If you already have a compatible VIPER system in your vehicle, just add a VIPER SMARTSTART Pro module. For those that may not have an existing remote starter in their vehicle, we recommend installing a VIPER SMARTSTART Pro module with a VIPER digital security/remote start system such as DS4.
What do I need to get VIPER SMARTSTART?
- A complete VIPER SMARTSTART system, or, if you already have a compatible remote start system, you need the add-on VIPER SMARTSTART module.
- A compatible smart phone (not included with the VIPER SMARTSTART system).
- VIPER SMARTSTART application for your smartphone
What are the benefits of upgrading my current VIPER SMARTSTART module to one of the new VIPER SMARTSTART Pro 4G LTE modules?
VIPER SMARTSTART Pro modules use 4G LTE technology with superior nationwide coverage, much faster response, and additional features when combined with a VIPER digital security or remote start system. Upgrading now ensures future compatibility with new features and eliminates the risk of coverage problems. With these new modules you can expect to use them for many years without needing to upgrade again.
If I currently have an older VIPER SMARTSTART module in my car, do I have to upgrade to a new VIPER SMARTSTART Pro 4G VSM550 module?
Yes, if you wish to continue to access your installed system with unlimited range via the VIPER SMARTSTART app. Earlier models are no longer able to connect due to carrier cell network shutdowns (2G, 3G etc.).
Does upgrading my SMARTSTART hardware require an upgrade of the VIPER SMARTSTART app?
We always recommend using the current version of the VIPER SMARTSTART app for the best experience and access to the latest features.
What will it cost to upgrade a new VIPER SMARTSTART Pro 4G module?
For current upgrade packages and offers, please select the “Special Offer” link next to your existing older SMARTSTART module on the mySMARTSTART web site, or via the app (click Menu/Account/Manage Account).
Will I need to switch my cellular carrier in order to upgrade my SMARTSTART module?
No. You can continue to use your existing cellular service.
My cellular service already uses a 4G LTE network. Why do I have to upgrade my SMARTSTART module to get better performance?
Your existing SMARTSTART module used an older, appropriate cellular connectivity based on when it was manufactured and the requirements for vehicle telematics hardware and features at that time. Since then, most of those older networks have been shut down by the carriers or access to them has been removed for other reasons. In order to keep your vehicle connected with VIPER SMARTSTART, the installed module needs to be 4G LTE currently, as is the case with VIPER SMARTSTART Pro.
I live in Montreal, Canada. Will the new hardware work in my area?
Absolutely. VIPER SMARTSTART Pro 4G LTE modules connect seamlessly across North America: in the US, Canada, and Mexico.
Will VIPER VIPER SMARTSTART Pro work if I’m too far away from my vehicle?
With VIPER SMARTSTART, there is no such thing as "too far away." VIPER SMARTSTART works over a cellular network or over Wi-Fi, giving you virtually unlimited range anywhere in the U.S. As long as your vehicle is in range of a cellular signal and your phone has a cellular or Wi-Fi signal, SMARTSTART will work.
Why do I need to pay for a service plan?
Your VIPER SMARTSTART is an “always-on” connected device that communicates over a cellular network. Just like a cell phone, your SMARTSTART requires a service plan from a cellular provider to communicate over the network.
Can I control my vehicle from more than one phone?
Yes. Users can be added by downloading the app on another smartphone and entering the Username and Password for the account. Once the app is installed on the new smartphone, you can access all cars already set up on the account. You can also add users with their own logins (email addresses) and assign vehicles specifically to them, via the mySMARTSTART web site
Can I use VIPER SMARTSTART with more than one vehicle?
Yes. Multiple vehicles can be installed to your account. A separate VIPER system will have to be installed in each vehicle, but after that you can control any of your vehicles with any smartphone you’ve authorized.
Is VIPER SMARTSTART available outside the U.S.?
Currently, VIPER SMARTSTART Pro is available in North America (USA, Canada, Mexico) as well as many countries worldwide. For use outside North America, a specific 4G LTE module is required (DSM550i). Please consult with the VIPER or DIRECTED distributor in your country for details on products, pricing, and service plan options.
Can I install VIPER SMARTSTART myself?
VIPER SMARTSTART is available only through authorized retailers that offer professional installation. Professional installation is required.
What is remote start?
Remote start means being able to start your vehicle from a distance using a remote control, or in the case of VIPER SMARTSTART, your smartphone. This allows you to have the vehicle warmed up in cold weather or cooled down in hot weather, before you get in to drive it. This may seem like a luxury but in extreme climates it is virtually a necessity as well as a safety factor.
Is my car secure after I remote start it?
Yes. Our systems keep the vehicle locked securely while it is remote started, and it still requires a key to actually drive the car. If anyone gets in the car and tries to drive it without the key, the car just shuts off.
What if I don’t have a smartphone?
DIRECTED is continuously improving VIPER SMARTSTART. That means we are already working on compatibility with other smart phones. Please refer to www.VIPER.com for the current list of compatible smart phones. We also have lots of other products that don’t require an smartphone to start your car. See VIPER.com for more information about VIPER remote start and security systems.
I did not receive an activation email. What happened?
Some internet service providers will mark our email as SPAM or JUNK. Please check these folders if you do not receive your email within a few minutes. If the activation email is not there, it is possible that the installer did not complete the activation process or the wrong email address was entered. Please bring the vehicle back to the original installer to have the process completed or the email address corrected.
I understand the VIPER SMARTSTART Pro GPS Module can be installed as a stand-alone system: how does that work?
Even if the VSM550 is not plugged into a compatible system that can lock or unlock your vehicle or remote start it, it will still provide numerous GPS features. We recommend however that you integrate it with one of our many compatible systems to enable the complete VIPER SMARTSTART feature set. Please visit www.mySMARTSTART.com/plans/ for a list of features covered by the service plan selection you choose
Will I have to buy service right away in order to use my new VIPER SMARTSTART Pro system?
No. We provide a 72 hour (3 day) grace period following the installation of your SMARTSTART system which provides you with free access to GPS and car control features (*specific vehicle features may be determined by the type of system your SMARTSTART Pro module is connected with).
At any time in those first 3 days, you just visit mySMARTSTART where you can opt into a free 30 day GPS trial, also at no cost. Just opt into the trial, and select the plan you want to convert to at the end of the trial. You will not be charged until a few days prior to the end of the 30 day trial plan, and you can change your selected “Next” plan or cancel that plan selection at any time prior to your card being charged.