TomTom Basic - how to get live traffic?

TomTom Basic - how to get live traffic?

Author
Discussion

nobrakes

Original Poster:

3,301 posts

205 months

Saturday 6th July
quotequote all
I’ve bought a TomTom Basic, but I’m having a job getting live traffic data.

Should I connect it to my smartphone via Bluetooth or smartphone WiFi? I though I had it connected via Bluetooth, but there were so many motorway land and even closed off night sections of motorway that it’s useless.

I have the TomTomGo app, too, which captures live, but it’s on my phone and isn’t convenient- I prefer the Nav stick to my windscreen.

I’ve tried the Tomtom helpline, but they took 5 days to reply last time.

Any ideas? Thanks.

snuffy

10,468 posts

291 months

Saturday 6th July
quotequote all
The manual says it's connected via Bluetooth, with or without the MyDrive App. And then it receives live traffic data from your phone's data connection.

WiFi is used for map updates etc.

I assume you have read the manual?

xeny

4,670 posts

85 months

Saturday 6th July
quotequote all
You don't say which model you have, but looking at the manual for one picked at random (https://download.tomtom.com/open/manuals/TomTom_GO_NAVIGATOR_7/html/en-gb/index.htm#HowToConnectWithBluetooth.htm)

it definitely says Bluetooth. The product page also says "Activate live services like traffic by connecting to your smartphone via the TomTom MyDrive app."

so looks as if you also need the app installed on the phone?

megaphone

10,938 posts

258 months

Sunday 7th July
quotequote all
Mine connects via BT to my iPhone, but IIRC I have to have the iPhone 'hotspot' enabled as well. For all the services to work you'll need a tomtom mydrive account. I don't have or use the app on my phone.

Occasionally I have to re-do the BT connection as it gets 'confused' and won't connect automatically.

Some of the basic/cheapest devices don't come with all the services included. Mine came with lifetime world maps and lifetime traffic/speed cameras etc.

Edited by megaphone on Sunday 7th July 10:17


Edited by megaphone on Sunday 7th July 10:21

nobrakes

Original Poster:

3,301 posts

205 months

Sunday 7th July
quotequote all
megaphone said:
Mine connects via BT to my iPhone, but IIRC I have to have the iPhone 'hotspot' enabled as well. For all the services to work you'll need a tomtom mydrive account. I don't have or use the app on my phone.

Occasionally I have to re-do the BT connection as it gets 'confused' and won't connect automatically.

Some of the basic/cheapest devices don't come with all the services included. Mine came with lifetime world maps and lifetime traffic/speed cameras etc.

Edited by megaphone on Sunday 7th July 10:17


Edited by megaphone on Sunday 7th July 10:21
Thanks. I never had this problem a the last TomTom that beer needed pairing w my phone. so prob cheaped out too much. I was annoyed it didn’t pick up an M40 closure, but have it sorted now. Having my drive and TomtomGo as apps - it wasn’t clear whatever split was. But hopefully sorted now.

Plus I was getting conflicting closures when comparing with waze.

Anyway, it works ok with the Bluetooth so I need to mind to check its connected - 1st world problems.

goldieandblackie

249 posts

101 months

Tuesday 9th July
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Just use Waze!!

megaphone

10,938 posts

258 months

Tuesday 9th July
quotequote all
goldieandblackie said:
Just use Waze!!
Waze doesn't work on a TomTom.

x5tuu

12,141 posts

194 months

Tuesday 9th July
quotequote all
goldieandblackie said:
Just use Waze!!
Exactly (plus a windscreen mount apparently).

Return the antiquated TomTom for a refund. It’s totally unnecessary.