Home Using your vehicle How Vehicle Pickup Works (and How to Use Your Digital Key)

How Vehicle Pickup Works (and How to Use Your Digital Key)

Last updated on Jul 14, 2025

Picking up your Swift Ride vehicle is a streamlined process designed to get you on the road quickly. This guide covers everything from arrival at the pickup location to unlocking your car with the Geotab digital key system.

Before Pickup Day

2 Hours Before

  • ✅ Receive pickup reminder email

  • ✅ Confirm pickup location and time

  • ✅ Ensure all documents are verified

  • ✅ Download Swift Ride App (if not already installed)

  • ✅ Confirm payment method is active

1 Hour Before

  • ✅ Digital key activated

  • ✅ Test app login credentials

  • ✅ Review pickup instructions

  • ✅ Plan your route to pickup location

  • ✅ Prepare required items (see below)

What to Bring

  • 📱 Smartphone with Swift Ride App

  • 📷 Camera/phone for vehicle inspection

Pickup Locations

Types of Pickup Spots

Swift Ride uses various pickup locations:

  • Partner Lots: Dedicated Swift Ride sections

  • Public Garages: Designated areas

  • Street Locations: Marked spots

  • Hub Locations: Swift Ride facilities

Finding Your Vehicle

  1. Check pickup email for:

    • Exact address

    • Parking spot number

    • Vehicle description

    • Photo of location

  2. Use GPS navigation to address

  3. Look for Swift Ride signage

  4. Match license plate to your booking

The Digital Key System

Understanding the Swift Ride App

The Swift Ride app is a telematics system that allows:

  • Keyless vehicle entry

  • Remote lock/unlock

  • Engine immobilization

  • Location tracking (for recovery)

  • Diagnostic monitoring

Setting Up Your Digital Key

Step 1: Download the App

  • iOS: Search "Swift Ride llc" in App Store

  • Android: Find in Google Play Store

  • Install and open application

  • Allow necessary permissions

Step 2: Account Access

  1. Same login details as for booking

  2. Log in to the Swift Ride app

Step 3: Vehicle Connection

  1. Ensure Bluetooth is enabled

  2. Stand within 3 feet of vehicle

  3. Open app and tap "Connect"

  4. Wait for connection confirmation

Vehicle Pickup Process

Step 1: Arrive at Location

  1. Arrive during pickup window

  2. Locate your specific vehicle

  3. Verify license plate matches

  4. Ensure area is safe and well-lit

Step 2: Exterior Inspection

Before unlocking, document:

  • All sides of vehicle

  • Existing scratches/dents

  • Tire condition

  • Windshield integrity

  • Light functionality

Pro Tip: Take photos/video with timestamp

Step 3: Unlock Vehicle

Using Geotab Digital Key

  1. Open Swift Ride app

  2. Ensure Bluetooth is on

  3. Select your vehicle

  4. Tap "Unlock" button

  5. Wait for confirmation

  6. Hear doors unlock

If Digital Key Fails

  1. Stay calm - this happens occasionally

  2. Try these steps:

    • Force close and reopen app

    • Toggle Bluetooth off/on

    • Move closer to vehicle

    • Restart phone

  3. If still failing, contact support

Step 4: Interior Inspection

Once inside, check:

  • Cleanliness level

  • Seat adjustments work

  • All controls function

  • No warning lights on dash

  • Fuel/charge level

  • Any personal items left behind

Step 5: Start Your Rental

  1. Adjust seat and mirrors

  2. Pair phone via Bluetooth

  3. Set up navigation

  4. Review vehicle features

  5. Take initial odometer photo

  6. Begin your journey!

Using Your Digital Key Daily

Basic Functions

Unlocking

  1. Approach vehicle (within 3ft)

  2. Open Geotab app

  3. Tap "Unlock"

  4. Wait for confirmation

  5. Pull door handle

Locking

  1. Exit vehicle completely

  2. Close all doors

  3. Open app

  4. Tap "Lock"

  5. Verify doors locked

Finding Your Vehicle

  1. Open app

  2. Tap "Locate"

  3. See map with car location

  4. Get directions if needed

Advanced Features

Remote Start (if available)

  1. Ensure vehicle is locked

  2. Tap "Remote Start"

  3. Vehicle runs for 10 minutes

  4. Ideal for climate control

Panic Button

  1. In emergency situations

  2. Hold "Panic" for 3 seconds

  3. Lights flash, horn sounds

  4. Tap again to stop

Digital Key Best Practices

Do's

  • ✅ Keep phone charged

  • ✅ Update app regularly

  • ✅ Test key periodically

  • ✅ Keep backup power bank

  • ✅ Know support number

Don'ts

  • ❌ Share login credentials

  • ❌ Leave app logged in on others' phones

  • ❌ Disable location services

  • ❌ Ignore app updates

  • ❌ Modify phone settings drastically

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Connection Problems

"No vehicles found"

  • Refresh vehicle list

  • Check internet connection

  • Verify you're logged in

  • Contact support for re-sync

"Bluetooth connection failed"

  • Ensure Bluetooth is on

  • Check app permissions

  • Remove other Bluetooth devices

  • Reset phone's network settings

Key Not Responding

Vehicle won't unlock

  1. Check phone battery level

  2. Verify you're at correct vehicle

  3. Ensure you're within range

  4. Try manual refresh in app

  5. Use emergency unlock procedure

App crashes frequently

  • Update to latest version

  • Clear app cache

  • Reinstall if necessary

  • Check phone compatibility

Emergency Situations

Locked Out Completely

  1. Don't panic

  2. Call 24/7 support immediately

  3. Provide:

    • Booking reference

    • Current location

    • Vehicle license plate

  4. Follow support instructions

  5. Emergency unlock available

Phone Dies/Lost

  1. Borrow phone if possible

  2. Download the Swift Ride app

  3. Call support for temporary access

  4. Log in with credentials

  5. Consider backup solutions

After Pickup

First Day Tips

  • Drive familiar routes initially

  • Test all vehicle features

  • Note any issues immediately

  • Save important numbers

  • Set up preferred settings

Regular Maintenance

  • Check digital key weekly

  • Update app when prompted

  • Report any key issues early

  • Keep emergency contact saved

Vehicle Return Process

When returning your vehicle:

  1. Clean out personal items

  2. Return to designated spot

  3. Take final photos

  4. Lock using digital key

  5. Confirm return in app

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How far away can I unlock the car? A: Typically 30-50 feet with clear line of sight.

Q: Can multiple people have digital keys? A: Only the primary renter has access unless authorized.

Q: What if I'm in an area with no cell service? A: Bluetooth works without internet once key is activated.

Q: How secure is the digital key? A: Very secure with encryption and multi-factor authentication.

Q: Can I use a tablet instead of phone? A: Yes, if it has Bluetooth capability and cellular data.

Pro Tips for Smooth Pickup

Time Savers

  • Complete setup night before

  • Screenshot important info

  • Pre-download offline maps

  • Charge phone to 100%

  • Arrive 10 minutes early

Be Prepared

  • Have backup unlocking plan

  • Know exact pickup spot

  • Bring phone charger

  • Take detailed photos

  • Read vehicle manual basics

Need Help?

Support During Pickup

  • 24/7 Hotline: 6784040782

  • Live Chat: In app or website

  • Video Support: For visual assistance

  • On-site Help: At some locations

Information to Provide

  • Booking confirmation number

  • Vehicle license plate

  • Current location

  • Nature of issue

  • Steps already tried