Troubleshooting Guide For Mercedes Me Remote Start Failure
When Mercedes me remote start fails, it is almost never a mechanical problem. The cause is usually one of four things: a communication issue between the app and the car, the app itself showing a black or blank screen, a loading or server error, or remote services that have expired after the complimentary trial. Start the car manually once and try again, check the settings on the infotainment screen, restart or reinstall the Mercedes Me App, check your phone's data connection, and renew the services if the trial has ended.
TL;DR
- Remote start needs a model year 2019 or newer Mercedes-Benz (plus select 2018 GLE and C-Class) paired with the app.
- Most remote access services are complimentary for 1 year; after the trial, most remote services stop working until you renew.
- Communication issue: start the car manually, switch it off, step out and try the remote start again.
- App black screen: close and reopen the app, restart the phone (hold the buttons for up to 10 seconds), or reinstall.
- Loading error: check mobile data or Wi-Fi and try again in a few minutes; the server may be busy or down.
- A renewal can take up to 48 hours to activate, depending on the coverage zone.
- If this is not your case, read the Mercedes me QR code pairing guide.
Table Of Content
- Why is my Mercedes Me remote start not working?
- How do you fix Mercedes Me remote start failure?
- Why should you be concerned about Mercedes Me remote start failure?
- Conclusion
1.Why Is My Mercedes Me Remote Start Not Working?
If your Mercedes Me App remote start isn't working, do not worry: this is not a serious mechanical problem.

Whenever your Mercedes Me connect remote start fails to function properly, it is usually because of one of the issues below;
- A communication issue
- A blank or black screen
- A loading error
- Expired remote services after the complimentary trial
| Symptom | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| App says the command could not be sent | Communication issue between app and car | Start the car manually, stop it, step out and retry; check infotainment settings |
| App opens to a black or blank screen | App crash on the phone | Close and reopen, restart the phone, reinstall the app |
| Endless loading or server error | Server down, busy, or weak data/Wi-Fi | Check the connection, retry after a few minutes |
| Remote start greyed out or gone | Complimentary trial (1 year) has ended | Renew in the Mercedes-Benz Store; allow up to 48 hours |
| Car not listed in the app | Car not paired | Pair with the QR code or VIN |
2.How Do You Fix Mercedes Me Remote Start Failure?
There are four ways to solve Mercedes Me remote start failure issues, one for each cause above.
Steps To Solving Communication Issues
- You should first try to start up the car manually and then stop it and exit again.
- Now, once outside, go ahead and try to remotely start your Mercedes vehicle again, and it should work for you this time.
- If this doesn't work, then you are going to want to go into the settings on the monitor of the infotainment system and make sure that the settings have not been erased.
- You should go ahead and enter them in again if they have been erased and then try to get the Mercedes Me "remote start" working again.

Steps To Solving Black/Blank Screen Issues
One of the most common issues with the Android operating system is the black/blank screen. When you first open an app, it will usually display a black screen for a few seconds before crashing, with or without an error notice. There are a few options for resolving this issue.
- The majority of the time, it's just a temporary loading issue. All you have to do is go to your phone's recent applications menu (typically the first left button). Then you close the app that is causing the problem. Restart the app now. It may function normally.
- In your Android phone, perform a hard reset. For up to 10 seconds, press and hold the "Home" and "Power" buttons at the same time. Then release the buttons and press and hold the "Power" button until the screen illuminates. You can now open the app and see if it works.
- If none of the previous methods work, you can wait until your phone's battery runs out and it shuts down on its own. After that, turn it on and click the power button to charge it. After that, it might work.
- Finally, if nothing else works, you might need to remove and reinstall the software. After you re-install and log into the app, Android normally restores all of your settings. You can try it to see if it helps.
- The re-install procedure does not function in some uncommon circumstances as well. If this is the case, you should try downloading older versions of the software.

Steps To Solving Loading/Server/Connection Error
There are a few circumstances that can lead to a load issue in a mobile app.
- The Mercedes Me App server may be down, which is generating the loading problem. Please try again after a few moments.
- Your mobile data or Wi-Fi connection isn't operating properly. Please double-check your internet connection.
- There are too many people using the app at the same moment. Please try again after a few moments.
Steps To Solving Expired Remote Services
According to the Mercedes-Benz app FAQ, most remote access services are complimentary for one year. At the end of the trial most remote services stop working, although your account stays open.
- Open the Mercedes-Benz app and check which services are still active.
- Renew Remote Engine Start and the other remote services in the Mercedes-Benz Store.
- The services activate once the car has an active connection, which can take up to 48 hours depending on the coverage zone.
- If you need help, call Mercedes-Benz on 1-800-367-6372 or visit your dealer.
3.Why Should You Be Concerned About Mercedes Me Remote Start Failure?
Every motorist desires the most up-to-date technologies. They can acquire it through the Mercedes Me App. You can control your automobile remotely from your smartphone and accomplish a variety of things.

When the Mercedes Me remote start fails, it is clear that you will not enjoy other services the app has to offer, hence the need to troubleshoot immediately. Here are a few examples of the goodies that come with the app:
- Your concierge service can help you make dinner reservations, get movie tickets, and more.
- Anywhere, at any moment, you can start your engine. Warm up your Mercedes-Benz before you start your journey on those chilly snowy mornings, together with pre-entry climate control. For other winter starting problems, see the cold weather guide.
- Check the information on your vehicles, such as the fuel level, tire pressure, battery charge, miles, and more.
- Get up-to-date accident warnings. While your car is parked and locked, you will be notified promptly if there are any external effects.
- Set up phone conferences, send emails, and check your calendar from your in-car office.
- From a distance, lock and unlock your Mercedes-Benz. You'll never have to be concerned about forgetting to lock your car again.
- Send directions to the car, then get in and drive away.
- You can easily find your car in a crowded parking lot.
- There's no need to call the dealership to schedule your servicing appointment.
- Make payments, alter your settings, and more with access to your Mercedes-Benz financial information.
4.Conclusion
Mercedes Me connect services are available on most model-year 2019 and newer vehicles, plus select 2018 GLE and 2018 C-Class models. When remote start fails, work through the four causes above in order: communication, app screen, connection, then expired services. For more of what the system can do, read the MBUX complete guide.
References:
- Mercedes Me remote start failure (MBWorld forum thread, no longer reachable)
- Why is my mercedes me connect remote start not working? (VehicleHistory, no longer reachable)
- Mercedes-Benz app FAQ (mbusa.com)