# Viper SmartStart — user reviews > 388 indexed App Store user reviews of Viper SmartStart by Directed, rated 4.60/5 from 8,057 ratings. - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/viper-smartstart/id333400981/reviews - App overview in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/viper-smartstart/id333400981.md - Rating breakdown: 5★ 6,179 · 4★ 1,298 · 3★ 228 · 2★ 69 · 1★ 283 ## 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 ## Newest reviews (10 of 388) ### 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. ### 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 ### 2/5 — Widget stopped working *2026-01-19, version 5.4.5* Was great when I was able to use Siri to remote start my car in the morning or use the widget to do also but it’s less convenient ### 3/5 — Wish it worked…. *2025-12-21, version 5.4.5* Whenever I use the app to lock or unlock my vehicle it chirps but doesn’t lock or unlock at all. It’s very frustrating. But when I use the auto start it works great. It would be great if I could get the lock and unlock to work again on the app ### 1/5 — Failed engine starter *2025-12-19, version 5.4.5* Lock and unlock works well but unable to start the engine multiple times and I’m so awful ### 4/5 — Starting from phone *2025-12-14, version 5.4.5* I agree with “works great most of the time”. Reason being it doesn’t always start remotely. Most of the time, but not 100%. All in all, good product. ### 5/5 — Viper GPS *2025-12-10, version 5.4.5* Love it!! My new toy:) now I can ditch the old skool remote lol ### 5/5 — Best ever *2025-12-06, version 5.4.5* Very useful application. It even tells you when a door is not shut. I can lock unlock and start my car from anywhere!! ### 5/5 — Excellent App and Alarm System *2025-11-26, version 5.4.5* I’ve had the alarm system and App for 4.5 yrs. It’s awesome. Real time updates and tracking, no lag time. I can start truck from anywhere. If you have a 7.3, make sure the set the alarm system based oil pressure though. Will definitely buy for another vehicle. ## Most critical reviews (10 lowest-rated) ### 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 ### 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 ### 1/5 — Hiccups on hiccups. *2026-02-04, version 5.4.5* I had viper for 6 years now, but since last month the service often don’t work and their support is conveniently is “working” 9am -5pm. When the weather outside is negatives everyday, you should be a shamed of your self. People counting on your service to be reliable. The car is outside on the same spot and yet this is a 3rd time this month it’s not responding. Get your act together!! ### 1/5 — Not recommended *2026-01-12, version 5.4.5* The app works when it wants to. I paid over $300 for the subscription to have bad connection within the app. I try to locate my vehicle in the app but I constantly get a no cellular connection error message. I went back to the provider and had a module changed 3 different times and still have the same error. If you’re looking for accuracy on the status of your vehicle please consider another brand. ### 1/5 — App doesn’t work anymore *2026-01-09, version 5.4.5* I can’t even log in. All it does it keeps loading. Before that the app would not remote start my car lock it or open trunk. This is unacceptable for the amount I paid for this device. Now it’s saying the account is an installer account not a user account. This is a waste of money. App keeps crashing and they won’t fix it. ### 1/5 — Works 40% of The Time *2025-12-29, version 5.4.5* Had this for a few years and it is unreliable as the vehicle sits in front of my house 20 to 30 feet away in the same exact place, some days it works most days it doesn’t ,this behaviour also occurs at work as I park in the same stall all the time , it works less than half the time ,poor product. It’s too bad because in theory it’s great. ## Most praised reviews (10 highest-rated) ### 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. ### 5/5 — Great alarm system *2026-02-19, version 5.4.5* Works anywhere. And remote start is great too. I have the older model. Subscription is $300 every 3 years. ### 5/5 — awesome information *2026-02-19, version 5.4.5* app has settings that are very useful, was having a parasitical battery drain. app allowed remote checking and warning that ### 5/5 — Great Product *2026-02-01, version 5.4.5* Bought it 3 years ago and had absolutely zero issues with the product or the app. I absolutely recommend this product and app ### 5/5 — Viper !!!!!!!! *2026-01-31, version 5.4.5* I have had the SmartStart in my vehicle ever since its debut. Would never be without it. I’ve also been installing viper products for 30 years now more lately on the side due to a Care change but nonetheless, I suggest the SmartStart everyone that I’ve installed. People said they would never go without it. ### 5/5 — 2 années sans soucis! *2026-01-21, version 5.4.5* J'adore l'appli, sans cassage de tête, simple et pas trop dispendieuse... a essayer sans hésiter! ### 5/5 — Reliable *2026-01-21, version 5.4.5* I have been using this product for years now and I love it it’s very reliable and soo nice to climb into a nice warm vehicle in the winter and I even use it on those really hot days in the summer to cool the vehicle down ! ### 5/5 — Until now best I’ve ever had *2026-01-07, version 5.4.5* Work great with my needs!!! I wish my van was more recent for be able to use the button of the automatic start. Great product!! ### 5/5 — Amazing *2025-12-13, version 5.4.5* Is just perfect! ### 5/5 — Viper SmartStart *2025-12-13, version 5.4.5* This is an amazing and wonderful Technology that Works Exceptionally Well…. Extremely Satisfied! --- *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 2026-08-31.*