# Viper SmartStart

> Remote car starter, locator, and control system via smartphone app. (iPhone/iPad app by Directed.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/viper-smartstart/id333400981 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Directed](https://appshunter.io/developer/329155615)
- Category: Lifestyle, Utilities
- Price: Free
- Rating: 4.60/5 from 8,057 App Store ratings · 388 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 17+
- Requires: iOS 14.0 · 179 MB
- Languages: American English, Canadian French, Latin American Spanish
- Released: 2009-10-13
- Data updated: 2026-08-29
- Monetization: free with in-app purchases
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/viper-smartstart/id333400981/reviews.md

## What is Viper SmartStart?

Start, locate and control your car from virtually anywhere with your iPhone or Apple watch!

"Making the cloud-connected car a reality"
- Edmunds.com

"Without a doubt, one of the coolest apps I've ever seen"
- GIZMODO

With the release of its all-new 5th generation Viper SmartStart app, connecting with and controlling your vehicle is easier than ever – including real time status via the updated dashboards, and control via your Apple watch!

- Add a Viper SmartStart GPS module to the Viper remote start or security system in your car so you can start, lock and unlock your car from virtually anywhere. You can also locate your car, share its location with your friends or family, and get safety notifications if your Viper SmartStart-protected car is speeding or goes where it's not supposed to go.

- For the ultimate connected car experience, install a complete Viper SmartStart Digital System and you’ll also get engine runtime and real time status on your choice of app dashboard. Get notified if your vehicle sets a diagnostic code, or check your fuel, battery, or odometer right in the app! 

- All 4G LTE GPS modules come with a free 30-day GPS trial so you can check out the cool features right away, and there’s even an option for a year of free Basic service. Step up to Secure service to get 2-way control confirmations or add GPS or Small Fleet & Family for the ultimate in car control and monitoring along with extended warranty and theft protection.  

The sleek, modern dashboards of Viper SmartStart 5.3 mobile app give you fingertip control over the following features of your installed Viper remote start or security/remote start system:
- Lock/arm
- Unlock/disarm
- Remote car starter
- Trunk release
- Panic
- Aux channels

Follow these three simple steps to get Viper SmartStart:
1) Download the free Viper SmartStart app
2) Get a SmartStart system installed in your vehicle
3) Set up your account, and start using your SmartStart system

Viper SmartStart also includes Viper Motor Club, providing convenient 24/7 access to our nationwide roadside assistance network. Just press a button in the app to get connected for towing due to breakdown or accidents, or assistance with a dead battery or flat tire. Member roadside assistance is free with Secure or higher level service plans and pre-registration.  Even if you don’t sign up, you can use the guest program for the same great service at a fixed cost. 

Latest features:

- Real time status on your favorite dashboard! Check the remote start runtime or whether your doors are locked and more instantly just by opening the app! (digital systems only)

- Monitor the battery, odometer, and fuel level in the extended Status page (requires a digital system, some features may not be supported on all vehicles)

- Convenient widget for one-touch command execution without needing to open the app first

- Start, lock, unlock or locate your car using your Apple watch, or send other commands

- Receive alert notifications on your phone and Apple watch

- Four user-selectable dashboards and launch page settings – now you can customize the app for the way you use it

- Modern dashboard "swipe up to start" feature eliminates accidental remote start commands
 
- Map page integrates GPS and SmartPark features seamlessly – locate your vehicle, or track down where you parked

- Manage notifications: Each user can select how they want to receive alerts or other notifications. Choose from push alerts with custom sound effects, email, or SMS (SMS alerts may not be available outside North America)

## Key features

- Remote start, lock, and unlock
- Vehicle location tracking
- Real-time status updates
- Safety notifications (speeding, geofencing)
- Trunk release
- Apple Watch control
- Roadside assistance

## What do users think of Viper SmartStart?

Overall sentiment: neutral

**Pros**

- 🚀 Years of reliable use
- 🔒 Secure and dependable
- 👍 Convenient remote start and control
- 👍 Helpful in cold/hot weather
- 👍 Easy to use app

**Cons**

- 🐛 Connectivity issues and unreliable performance
- 🐛 Frequent disconnects and errors
- 🐛 Buggy app with crashes and glitches
- 🔋 Battery drain on phone
- 🤔 Lacking key features like temperature monitoring

**Commonly reported bugs**

- App crashing on map view
- Persistent login issues
- Vehicle status not updating correctly
- Geofencing not working as expected

**Most requested features**

- Siri/Shortcuts integration
- Customizable dashboard and widgets
- Automatic start/stop based on temperature
- Improved notification system

## Recent user reviews (10 of 388)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/viper-smartstart/id333400981/reviews.md

### 3/5 — Give Customers More Control Over Their Viper Security System

*2026-08-24, version 5.4.5*

I really like Viper overall, and the app is a great addition to the system. However, sometimes the app says I have “no service” even when I do, and I have to log out and back in. Hopefully Viper can fix this glitch.

I also have the Viper DS4WS talking module, and I really think Viper should give customers access to certain settings directly through the app. The DS4WS has options for how the alarm behaves when locking/unlocking, as well as shock and tilt sensitivity. These are settings that should be customer-controlled, especially since everyone lives in different environments and has different needs.

I’m not asking for access to advanced installer programming—just basic customer settings like shock and tilt sensitivity for both the digital shock sensor and DS4WS. If these options exist, customers should be able to adjust them without having to visit an installer every time.

Unfortunately, many installers don’t want to spend time making small adjustments unless you’re paying for another service. I’ve personally experienced this. I once took my car to a Viper-authorized shop after Viper Support referred me there, and they ended up messing up my entire system. I had to spend almost $300 at another dealer to get everything working again. Since then, I’ve learned to work on my own system, installed my own digital shock sensor and DS4WS, and understand the settings.

I even had a break-in where someone broke my rear window and got inside the vehicle, but the alarm didn’t trigger because the shock sensitivity was too low. That’s why customer access to these settings is important.

I understand Viper needs to protect the system, but there should be a middle ground: keep advanced programming restricted to installers while allowing customers to control basic settings through their Viper account. The DS4WS should also be able to pair with the customer’s Viper app account for these adjustments.

It’s like buying a TV but having to pay an installer every time you want to change the volume. 😂

Viper, I really like your products, but please give customers reasonable control over the settings that directly affect how our own security system works.

### 1/5 — Weak sauce 🫙

*2026-07-23, version 5.4.5*

Such disappointment for an established brand. I shouldn’t see a random “Air Id” meaningless code for what set my alarm off. Tell me what exactly triggered it.

I shouldn’t have to update to see where my vehicle is on the map. It should automatically load when I open the app.

Show me if my car is locked/unlocked. Very basic feature that is missing. Tesla sucks as a brand, but at least their phone app security features are legit. Take note, Viper.

### 1/5 — App not working

*2026-06-09, version 5.4.5*

I have trouble with this app i been paying it every month for the past 2 years and sometimes it says” your vehicle is not responding. Please ensure your vehicle cellular coverage is good.” I been wasting money on this app just for it dont work time to go for COMPUSTAR …..

### 1/5 — no subscription warning

*2026-05-05, version 5.4.5*

subscription expires and cuts access on the day of. zero developer foresight

### 1/5 — Trash- Never Works

*2026-04-21, version 5.4.5*

I live in northern Canada where a command start is essential. Pay this much for an app and it’s work a couple times the last 6 months

### 4/5 — Great But

*2026-04-20, version 5.4.5*

Would be great if you guys could add an audio notification when it's time to reset instead of just visual. App is fantastic, however, sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. Not sure why??

### 4/5 — SmartStart Review and 2 issues

*2026-04-16, version 5.4.5*

The app is pretty good, but I can’t give it 5 stars. The navigation is unique but once you get used to it, it's pretty cool.

I have the Viper SmartStart app version 5.4.5 (updated 6 months ago per App Store - as of Apr 16, 2026 - really?!) on an iPhone 16 Pro running 
iOS 26.3.1 (23D8133).

I’d like to report these two issues in my review. I know I should submit them to Dev, but see below please. 

1.) I can’t submit my question in the SmartStart app under “Report Issue” feature. it gets stuck on the “Preview Email” button screen. I can’t get past that screen. 

2.) Per-vehicle notification settings in Viper SmartStart app: 

I have 3 vehicles in the SmartStart app. Why am I still getting app notifications for a vehicle for which I turned off notifications for this vehicle in the app? 

I respectfully recommend that you please push an update of this app to fix these 2 issues. 

Thank You

### 1/5 — Shortcut

*2026-03-19, version 5.4.5*

Can you add shortcut options to control it with Siri?

### 1/5 — Real Time Status Not Working

*2026-03-17, version 5.4.5*

The app stopped updating real time status, how can I get it fixed

### 5/5 — Great app

*2026-02-22, version 5.4.5*

Works great even lets you know when battery power is diminishing. I use for my classic automobile.

## Frequently asked questions about Viper SmartStart

### What does the Viper SmartStart app do?

The Viper SmartStart app allows you to remotely control and monitor your car from your smartphone or Apple Watch. You can start the engine, lock and unlock doors, release the trunk, and locate your vehicle from virtually anywhere.

### What are the key features of Viper SmartStart?

Key features include remote start, lock/unlock, vehicle location, real-time status updates (engine runtime, door lock status, fuel level, battery, odometer), safety notifications for speeding or unauthorized movement, and control via Apple Watch. It also offers roadside assistance through Viper Motor Club.

### Is Viper SmartStart free to use?

The Viper SmartStart app itself is free to download. However, to use its remote control and tracking features, you need to have a Viper SmartStart system installed in your vehicle and subscribe to a service plan. A free 30-day GPS trial is often included with new GPS modules.

### What vehicles are compatible with Viper SmartStart?

The app is designed to work with Viper remote start or security/remote start systems installed in your car. Compatibility with specific vehicle models for advanced features like fuel or battery monitoring may vary and is dependent on the installed digital system and vehicle support.

### How can I use Viper SmartStart for roadside assistance?

Viper SmartStart includes Viper Motor Club, offering 24/7 access to roadside assistance. You can request towing, battery jump-starts, or flat tire assistance directly through the app. This service is free for Secure service plan members and higher, with a guest program available for non-members at a fixed cost.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 5.4.5 — 2025-09-25

bug fixes and enhancements

### 5.4.4 — 2025-05-01

bug fixes and enhancements

### 5.4.3 — 2024-12-13

- Bug fixes

### 5.4.2 — 2024-12-05

Please note we've restored widget functionality, it will now open the app and execute the command from the app. 
This is temporary while we work with Apple to restore independent widget functionality,

### 5.4.1 — 2022-12-20

Minor enhancements and bugs fixes

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## More apps by Directed

- [Directed SmartStart](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/directed-smartstart/id393395612)
- [Directechs Mobile](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/directechs-mobile/id914047548)
- [Directlink](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/directlink/id1171929346)

All apps by Directed: https://appshunter.io/developer/329155615

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-29.*