My SEAT App

The remote climate control workflow is the app's most useful feature

Opening the My SEAT App and navigating to the climate control section reveals a redesigned interface optimised for hybrid and electric vehicles. The screen shows the current cabin temperature and allows you to set a departure time for automatic preconditioning. You can also start or stop the climate control remotely with a single tap. This is the feature that users consistently praise. The app sends a command to the car, and within seconds, the vehicle begins heating or cooling the interior. The process is straightforward and works reliably for most users.

The climate control feature does not exist in isolation. It is deeply connected to the battery status monitoring system. When you open the climate control screen, the app also displays the current battery charge level and estimated range. This information is crucial for electric vehicle owners. You need to know if you have enough range to precondition the cabin without draining the battery. The app provides this data in real time. You can see the exact percentage and the remaining kilometres. This allows you to make an informed decision about whether to precondition or conserve energy.

The interaction between these two features creates a practical workflow. You check the battery level. You see that it is sufficient for your planned trip. You then set a departure time or start preconditioning immediately. The car warms up while still plugged in. This preserves the battery for driving. The result is a comfortable cabin without range anxiety. However, the app does not allow you to create routines directly. You must set these in the car's infotainment system instead. This is a limitation that adds friction to the process. Users have to switch between the app and the car's interface. It would be more convenient if everything could be managed from the phone.

How the My SEAT App compares to the old SEAT Connect app

The My SEAT App replaced the older SEAT Connect app. This change was not well received by many users. The new app has the exact same features as the old one but with a different, arguably worse, user interface. The old Connect app took about 30 seconds to connect to the car. The My Seat app connects almost immediately. This is a significant improvement. However, the new app is missing some features that the Connect app had. For example, the Connect app had a much more intuitive consumption graph. The My Seat app's graph is described as "a mess" by one user. The new app also lacks the "my locations" feature to manage location favourites. Window heating controls are also missing compared to the Connect app.

The user interface differences are a major point of contention. The new app adds another menu tap to access the same content. This makes navigation less efficient. The old Connect app gave a much more intuitive view. The new app also has issues with saved satnav destinations. Sending destinations from the app to the vehicle sometimes fails. The satnav periodically forgets saved favourites. These are significant usability problems. They make the app frustrating to use.

Despite these issues, some users prefer the new app for its speed. The faster connection time is a tangible benefit. However, the overall consensus is that the new app is a downgrade. Many users wish they could go back to the old Connect app. The developer has acknowledged the feedback and is working on improvements. But the transition has been rocky. The app's negative reviews reflect this dissatisfaction.

What the changelog reveals about recent updates

The latest changelog includes several specific improvements. The climate control interface has been redesigned for hybrid and electric vehicles. The Notifications Center has new icons for read and unread messages. Remote Vehicle Status and Vehicle Health Report are now merged into a single screen. These changes show that the developer is listening to user feedback and making iterative improvements. The version history shows a pattern of regular updates. Version 2.16.0 updated the minimum supported Android version to 13. Version 2.18.0 included minor bug fixes and improvements. Version 2.19.1 improved widget reliability, added support for company cars, and introduced a redesigned interface with quick-action buttons.

However, not all updates have been positive. Some updates have removed features. The Honk and Flash feature, which helped users find their car in a car park, was removed. SEAT later reintroduced it, but users now need to renew their licence to use it. This has frustrated users who paid for the service. Some updates have also introduced new problems. Version 2.17 stopped working for some users, telling them to update. Version 2.18 also did not work for them, displaying an "App is under maintenance" message. This appears to be related to a Device Integrity Check that fails on certain operating systems.

The changelog for version 2.15.0 (the version in the Play Store listing) focuses on UI improvements. It does not address the many reported issues with slow performance, incorrect status display, or data synchronisation. Users continue to report these problems on forums and in reviews. The developer seems to be prioritising UI enhancements over stability fixes. This is a common pattern in app development. But for a connected car app, reliability is critical. Users need to trust that the information they see is accurate. The current state of the app undermines that trust.

Data privacy and the Device Integrity Check issue

The app's data safety section states that it may share data with third parties and collect location, personal info, and other data. Data is encrypted in transit, and users can request deletion. This is standard for a connected car app. However, the app has faced criticism for its privacy practices. Some users have reported constant privacy warnings when using the app. The app also requires a SIM card with a data option in the phone.【CITATION NEEDED】 This is a requirement for the app to communicate with the vehicle.

A more serious issue is the Device Integrity Check. The My SEAT App, like the VW equivalent, uses a Device Integrity Check. This check fails on certain operating systems, such as GrapheneOS. When the check fails, the app displays an "App is under maintenance" message and stops working. This has left some users unable to use the app at all. The check is likely intended to prevent tampering or ensure security. But it also excludes users who prefer alternative operating systems. The developer has not provided a solution for this issue. Users have contacted support, but a quick solution is unlikely.

The app also has issues with data synchronisation. Vehicle data sometimes fails to update. The State of Charge and remaining range may not match the actual values. Driving data may stop updating for days. The app may show the car as unlocked when it is locked, or lights as on when they are off. These are significant reliability problems. They make the app difficult to trust. Users have to physically check their car to confirm the app's information. This defeats the purpose of a remote monitoring app. The developer has acknowledged these issues and is working on fixes. But the problems persist.

The charging ecosystem and compatibility

The app is compatible with a range of SEAT models. These include the Ibiza, Arona, Tarraco, and Ateca produced from September 2020; the Leon produced from February 2020; and the Mii electric. The app is designed to work with both combustion and electric vehicles. For electric vehicles, the app provides charging-related features. You can check the battery charging progress and range. You can also start or stop charging remotely. The app also supports Plug & Charge and provides access to charging station maps. However, some users have reported that the app does not show the car's location on a map. Instead, it only shows the phone's location.【CITATION NEEDED】 This is a notable limitation for users who want to find their parked car.

For older vehicles, the app can be used with a DataPlug. This plugs into the car's OBD port and transmits information via Bluetooth. With the DataPlug, the app can provide features such as vehicle status, statistics, costs, interactive manual, maintenance, appointment requests, and roadside assistance. This extends the app's functionality to vehicles manufactured from 2008 onwards. The app also includes a "Parking & Pay" feature in some regions, allowing users to find and pay for parking directly through the app.

The app's charging ecosystem is comprehensive but not without flaws. The reliability of the data synchronisation and the accuracy of the status updates are critical for EV owners. The app's performance issues undermine its utility. Users cannot rely on the app for accurate charging information if the data is not updating correctly. The app's potential is significant, but its execution is currently falling short.