Uconnect is Chrysler's built-in infotainment system that connects your vehicle to your smartphone and the internet
Uconnect is the touchscreen and voice-control system installed in Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram vehicles. It handles your music, navigation, phone calls, and vehicle settings all from one dashboard interface. When you buy or lease one of these vehicles, Uconnect comes built in — you do not purchase it separately or pay extra to set up the basic features.
The system pairs with your phone through Bluetooth or a USB cable, and some models also offer wireless smartphone integration. Depending on your vehicle's model year and trim level, Uconnect may include features like voice commands, navigation, climate control, and access to vehicle diagnostics. Newer vehicles often come with a trial period for premium services like real-time traffic or remote vehicle access through the Uconnect mobile app.
Understanding what Uconnect offers matters when you are shopping for a vehicle, because the quality and features of the infotainment system affect your daily driving experience. Different model years and trim levels have different versions of Uconnect, so knowing what to expect helps you decide whether a particular vehicle meets your needs.
Key Takeaways
- Uconnect is included with every Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram vehicle and does not cost extra to use the basic features like Bluetooth and voice control.
- The system connects to your smartphone through Bluetooth or USB and lets you make calls, play music, and navigate without touching your phone while driving.
- Premium services like remote start, vehicle tracking, and real-time traffic information may come with a trial period but usually require a paid subscription after that.
- Uconnect features vary by model year and trim level, so check what version your specific vehicle has before you buy.
- You can use Uconnect without a smartphone, but pairing your phone unlocks the most useful features like hands-free calling and navigation.
Basic Uconnect features that come standard with your vehicle
Every Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram with Uconnect includes a touchscreen display, voice commands, and Bluetooth connectivity. You can pair your phone to make and receive calls, stream music from apps like Spotify or Apple Music, and control basic vehicle functions like the climate system and seat heaters. These core features work without any subscription or additional cost.
The voice command system lets you control many functions by speaking — you can say "call Mom" or "play rock music" without taking your hands off the wheel. The system also displays your phone's contacts and call history on the screen. If your vehicle has navigation built in, you can enter addresses and get turn-by-turn directions without using your phone's GPS.
Older Uconnect systems (roughly 2012 to 2016) have smaller screens and fewer features than newer ones. Vehicles from 2017 onward generally have larger touchscreens, faster processors, and more intuitive menus. If you are buying a used vehicle, the model year matters more than the brand for how modern the Uconnect experience feels.
Premium Uconnect services and what they cost
Chrysler offers several paid services through Uconnect that go beyond the basic features. Uconnect Remote Services lets you start your vehicle, lock or unlock the doors, and check your fuel level from the Uconnect mobile app on your phone — useful if you are parked far from the entrance or want to warm up your car before you get in. Uconnect Navigation provides real-time traffic, weather, and points of interest, similar to Google Maps or Waze. Uconnect Destination Services lets you send addresses from your phone directly to your vehicle's navigation system.
New vehicles often come with a trial period for these services — typically three months to one year, depending on the model year and dealer. After the trial ends, you pay a monthly or annual subscription to keep using them. Prices vary, but remote services often cost around $10 to $15 per month or $100 to $150 per year. Navigation and destination services may be bundled together or sold separately.
You can use your vehicle without ever paying for premium services. The basic Uconnect features — Bluetooth, voice control, and built-in navigation (if your vehicle has it) — work indefinitely at no cost. Premium services are optional and designed for drivers who want extra convenience or safety features.
How to pair your smartphone with Uconnect
Pairing your phone to Uconnect takes a few minutes and only needs to happen once. Turn on your vehicle and go to the Bluetooth settings on your phone, then look for your vehicle's Uconnect system in the available devices list. Select it and confirm the pairing on both your phone and the Uconnect screen. Once paired, your phone will automatically connect to Uconnect whenever you get in the vehicle and turn it on.
If you have an iPhone, you can also set up Apple CarPlay, which mirrors your phone's screen on the Uconnect display. This lets you use navigation apps like Google Maps or Waze, send text messages through Siri, and control music apps more easily. Android users can set up Android Auto the same way. These features require a USB cable or wireless connection, depending on your vehicle's model year.
If Uconnect is not finding your phone, try restarting both devices, forgetting the old pairing and starting fresh, or checking that Bluetooth is turned on. Your vehicle's owner manual or the Chrysler website has troubleshooting steps for your specific model year.
Uconnect versions and what changed over the years
Chrysler has released several generations of Uconnect, and the differences matter if you are buying a used vehicle. The earliest versions (2008 to 2011) had small screens and limited smartphone integration. Uconnect 3 (roughly 2013 to 2016) added larger touchscreens and better voice recognition. Uconnect 4 (2017 to 2020) introduced faster processors, wireless smartphone integration, and a more modern interface. Uconnect 5 (2021 onward) added larger displays, improved graphics, and better integration with newer phones.
If you are shopping for a used vehicle, a 2017 or newer model will give you a significantly better Uconnect experience than a 2015 or older one. The jump from Uconnect 3 to Uconnect 4 is noticeable — the screen is faster, the menus are clearer, and pairing your phone is easier. Uconnect 5 is the newest version and offers the most features, but Uconnect 4 is still solid and widely available in used vehicles.
You can check which version your vehicle has by looking at the owner manual or the Chrysler website using your vehicle identification number (VIN). Dealers can also tell you the Uconnect version when you are shopping.
Troubleshooting common Uconnect problems
If your phone will not pair with Uconnect, start by forgetting the old pairing on both devices and trying again. Make sure Bluetooth is turned on and your phone is not already connected to another vehicle or device. Restart both your phone and your vehicle. If the problem persists, check the Chrysler support website or call a dealer — sometimes a software update fixes pairing issues.
If Uconnect is slow or freezing, try restarting the system by turning off your vehicle and waiting a few minutes before turning it back on. Clearing the cache or performing a factory reset can also help, though this erases your saved settings and phone pairings. Your owner manual has instructions for a factory reset, or a dealer can do it for you.
If you are not receiving calls or texts through Uconnect, check that your phone's permissions allow Uconnect to access your contacts and messages. On iPhones, go to Settings > Privacy and make sure Uconnect has permission. On Android, go to Settings > Apps and check the same thing. Sometimes unpairing your phone and pairing it again fixes permission issues.
Uconnect mobile app and remote vehicle access
The Uconnect mobile app lets you control some vehicle functions from your phone when you are away from the car. With a paid subscription to Uconnect Remote Services, you can start the engine, lock or unlock the doors, check fuel level and tire pressure, and locate your vehicle on a map. This is useful if you parked in a large lot and cannot remember where, or if you want to warm up your car on a cold morning before you leave the house.
The app also shows you vehicle maintenance reminders and diagnostic alerts, so you know when your oil is due or if a warning light has come on. Some versions let you set speed alerts or geofence notifications, which send you a message if your vehicle leaves a certain area — useful if a teenager is driving your car.
The mobile app is free to read, but most remote features require a paid subscription. Check your vehicle's paperwork to see if you have a trial period included. If the trial has expired and you do not want to pay for the service, you can still use the basic Uconnect features in your vehicle without the app.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay for Uconnect when I buy a vehicle?
No. The basic Uconnect system — Bluetooth, voice control, and built-in navigation — comes with your vehicle at no extra cost. Premium services like remote start and real-time traffic require a paid subscription, but you can use your vehicle without them.
Can I use Uconnect without a smartphone?
Yes. You can use the touchscreen to control the radio, climate, and other vehicle settings without pairing a phone. However, pairing your phone unlocks features like hands-free calling and navigation that make Uconnect much more useful while driving.
What is the difference between Uconnect and Apple CarPlay or Android Auto?
Uconnect is your vehicle's built-in system. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are smartphone features that mirror your phone's screen on the Uconnect display, letting you use apps like Google Maps or Waze. You can use Uconnect without CarPlay or Android Auto, but many drivers prefer the smartphone apps for navigation.
If I buy a used vehicle, will the previous owner's Uconnect settings still be there?
Possibly. Dealers usually perform a factory reset before selling a used vehicle, which clears all saved settings and phone pairings. If they did not, you can do a factory reset yourself using the Uconnect menu. Your owner manual has instructions.
Can I update Uconnect software myself?
Some updates happen automatically when you connect to WiFi or pair your phone, but major updates usually require a visit to a dealer. Check your owner manual or the Chrysler website to see if your vehicle supports over-the-air updates. Dealers can also perform updates for you.