mickbrown

I’m experiencing the same issue. Had it in 2 days ago for its 5k checkup and spent over an hour with the Technology Specialist and with Lexus corporate help on the phone, and was not able to get it working. Hopefully, they’ll inform me shortly re the fix. Very frustrating!

lilfool

Glad to know I’m not the only one. I figured maybe it’s the app itself and wait until they release an update. Thanks for the heads up as I was about to call Lexus myself as well.

kalel2127

I'm curious to know if anyone with an iPhone has moved to use Bluetooth over Carplay in order to have access to Alexa, and why? I used Alexa for a couple of days and don't think it's more convenient to use than Carplay. This is coming from someone that has multiple Echo units in their home.

nsaldanh

It appears to have limited utility (at least for me). I tried Lexus+Alexa yesterday to get directions. It kept complaining that it did not know where I was. Location services is turned on for the Lexus Enform 2.0 and Lexus+Alexa. If I use Carplay then I can use Tidal, Waze, Google maps, Apple maps, etc. So for now Carplay wins out.

I primarily use Alexa as voice control for all my home devices. Its unlikely that I will need to control my devices when I'm in the car.

markp1798

I also have the exact same symptoms as lilfool described. The other Enform apps connect and work but the Lexus +Alexa app will never connect via the bluetooth. I called my dealer today and the Technology expert there advised the app is not yet released by Apple to connect in the way the app is designed. He could not give an ETA on when that would happen. I asked him why I see the instructions for pairing this in a dozen different Lexus related websites and none warn that this actually will not work. He had no answer for that. I will wait some time and give it a try in about a month to see if starts to work. I also tried this with two different iPhones and both show the exact same waiting to connect message on the iPhone. I have the 2019 ES 350,

bc6152

Well I don't know about others with Android, but I'm here to tell you that the Alexa works sometimes and not others. I have the app on my phone and try to use it in the car and get
"cannot connect to Alexa at this time". I've actually given up trying to use it as I think it's worthless anyway... I have Google assistant on my Android phone that works flawlessly...
I think that Lexus puts these features into their cars when they aren't fully operational to keep up with competitors.

Drivelex

I also have a 2019 ES 350 and have tried for 2 weeks to set it up yo no avail. Thought it was just me, that’s for the posts.

Drivelex

Hi, I successfully got Alexa to work in my 2019 ES350 F Sport! Went to the dealer who was unable to help, he suggested I go to the link below. It instructs how to do an update, that was the problem. You basically download the update to your computer, then put it on a USB and then load the USB in the car. After it loads the update, you go to Updates and finish it. Then it instructs you to park the car and turn the engine off, that finishes the updates. This of course works but you do have to download the apps to your phone. AppSuite 2.0 and Lexus-Alexa. Hope this helps!

https://lexus2.custhelp.com/app/answ...BPRnJnJTIxJTIx

bc6152

This brings up the question why Lexus just doesn't send the update to your vehicle if it's needed and works ??? And the dealer service knows nothing? What the hell is going on?
This whole deal is pure BS...

Drivelex

Yea, it’s frustrating, especially for a brand like Lexus. The technical information flow is weak. It seems to combat this dealerships have tech specialists. Unfortunately, the one I saw today wasn’t much help.

lilfool

according to the website there are two updates avaliable to download. one that says extension for maps and the other one is operating system. do you download both? or one at a time? Im only asking because my system is telling me I'm up to date and not sure if i was only suppose to download one at a time or not.

Drivelex

Hi, I downloaded both, didn’t have any trouble.

rsmitchell

Drivelex, I followed your instructions, though I only downloaded the operating system update. My new 2019 ES350 now does Lexus + Alexa via my iPhone 8 Plus!

Many thanks

Drivelex

So glad it worked. I’m still exploring all its uses. If I discover anything new, I’ll post it here. Good luck.

markp1798

Thanks Drivelex. I had tried that once before and the car did not recognize the update files. I believe that was because my thumb drive was using the ExFat file system. The Lexus media system needs the thumb drive to be formatted with FAT32. Once I did that I was able to download both updates and apply them. Lexus +Alexa now works. The instruction videos provided on the Lexus download page should make it clear what file system the thumb drive must be using. I also finally noticed text in the update description that stated it would add the Alexa capabilities. I don't recall seeing that when I tried this a month ago.