Pete1w

Standard Member
Joined
Jul 31, 2025
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Location (town/city + country)
Sheffield
Driving
MG4
I'm unable to heat the car or defrost the windscreen via the app. The app tells me the car is out of range even though it's parked 10 yards away and I can unlock and lock it via the app. Or the car is in deep sleep mode even though I can unlock and lock it via the app. Any suggestions appreciated....
 
I'm unable to heat the car or defrost the windscreen via the app. The app tells me the car is out of range even though it's parked 10 yards away and I can unlock and lock it via the app. Or the car is in deep sleep mode even though I can unlock and lock it via the app. Any suggestions appreciated....
Mine did this this morning. I found that by unlocking and relocking via key fob from indoors it woke up and I could then use the app.
 
I find that sometimes the app is worried about you being the rightful owner (or whatever it is worried about) and needs you to unlock the car using the key fob. I’ve had two instances where I needed the app to work for me and the response was something along the lines of “I’m not doing anything until you use your key fob mate”
 
I find that sometimes the app is worried about you being the rightful owner (or whatever it is worried about) and needs you to unlock the car using the key fob. I’ve had two instances where I needed the app to work for me and the response was something along the lines of “I’m not doing anything until you use your key fob mate”
I'll try this rather than unlocking with the App.
 
I'm in Sheffield too and had no problems this morning. I use the keyfob occasionally to wake the car plus trying a status update a couple of times too just to badger the car.

Note that sometimes the Servers don't respond one day but do the next. It appears not to be a blanket effect with only some owners affected in an area.

Yesterday the app told me that it could not heat the car but I could see the lights on and see it defrosting the windscreen.
 
Still can't get this poxy car out of deep sleep mode. It's beginning to annoy me now. I've reinstalled the App and followed instructions from the glorious internet. I've contacted the dealer but no response as yet. There has to be a simple way to fix this....
 
I assume you have used the car before and after trying to get the other functions to work. So the only thing you can do now is to disconnect the 12V negative battery terminal for 10/20 minutes to reboot the software. After you reconnect the battery you need to carry a set up procedure, please the Wiki.
 
Tried this and still nothing. The only two functions that work via the App are lock and unlock. I'll give the dealership a call.
Further to my post above which may still be necessary. I seem to remember that the app can use either Bluetooth or the car's eSim to lock/unlock.

Try disabling Bluetooth on your phone and see if you can still lock/unlock. If what I remembered is correct and you are unable to lock/unlock then there is a major problem with the servers talking to the car.

I do not know what MG4 version you have so can't ask a simple question to learn if within your car the eSim is working ok. Is it?
 
Further to my post above which may still be necessary. I seem to remember that the app can use either Bluetooth or the car's eSim to lock/unlock.

Try disabling Bluetooth on your phone and see if you can still lock/unlock. If what I remembered is correct and you are unable to lock/unlock then there is a major problem with the servers talking to the car.

I do not know what MG4 version you have so can't ask a simple question to learn if within your car the eSim is working ok. Is it?
I have no idea what an esim is so can't comment if it is working or not... My next step was to disconnect the battery. I also understand that you have to fully rotate the steering wheel right and then left to clear any faults. Is this correct?
 
The wiki refers you to the appropriate thread:

Reset steering and windows after 12v disconnect. Never having had to do it, it would be good to get confirmation from forum members that this is correct before adding it to hints and tips. Thumbs up would do. Comments more than welcome.

One recommendation is to get the wheels in the straight ahead (centre) position ahead of the disconnection

After the car powers up, you'll likely need to reset the steering wheel (1) and reset all the windows (2).

(1) turn the wheel fully to the left, then fully to the right, then return to the centre
(2) fully lower the driver's window, fully raise the driver's window (may need to be done in increments). Repeat for the other 3 windows.

You may also need to reset any preferences you'd made (e.g. for the CUSTOM drive mode, HVAC settings, etc.)
You are likely to see warnings but these should disappear when you put the car into drive and drive a little way.

The iSmart app connects to the car via Bluetooth and via a mobile signal, the latter used when the car is out of Bluetooth range. The eSim is an 'electronic SIM card' that connects to a mobile provider, Vodafone I think, which routes through to the servers that handle your phone's iSmart commands. If the eSim is not connecting to the Servers then you will not be able to use the full functionality if the iSmart app.

In my Trophy the eSim provides connections for weather updates, SatNav traffic updates and mobile WiFi. I do not know know what it provides in the SE version except that it must link to the SOS system.

If you switch off Bluetooth on you phone can you lock/unlock the car using iSmart? Note the app will request that you allow it to switch on Bluetooth, deny that and see what happens.
 
Mine goes into deep sleep after about 24 hours of not being used. I can wake it up using the key fob, just unlock then relock (from inside the house). After that the app can see the car.

The choices for all remote connection cars (not just MG) seem to be keep the car online for longer but have the 12v drain faster or take the car offline and save the 12v.
 

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