How to Reactivate and Use ETC After Removal from Vehicle?
4 Answers
To reactivate and use the ETC after removal from the vehicle, follow these steps: Insert and remove the ETC card twice consecutively until the electronic tag screen displays "Bluetooth On." If the screen shows "Tag Invalid" when inserting/removing twice without the tag attached, this is normal and does not affect reactivation. Alternatively, press the button on top of the electronic tag to enable Bluetooth directly. Turn on your phone's Bluetooth and open the corresponding mobile app (usually a download QR code is provided on the electronic tag), then enter the device activation interface. Click "Connect Device" and wait patiently for the "Connection Successful" prompt. Once connected, upload a photo of the vehicle's front to complete activation. ETC Working Principle: Via dedicated short-range communication between the onboard electronic tag installed on the vehicle's windshield and the microwave antenna in the toll station's ETC lane, the system uses computer networking technology to process backend settlements with the bank. This allows vehicles to pass through highway or bridge toll stations without stopping while automatically paying the required fees.
I just removed the ETC device from my car, and reactivating it isn't too troublesome. First, check if the anti-tamper button at the bottom of the device has popped up - if it has, reactivation is mandatory. Then, reattach it to the original position on the windshield (clean the glass thoroughly for proper adhesion). Next, open the ETC Assistant app on your phone and select the 'Reactivate' option. Ensure your phone's Bluetooth is enabled, then press the small side button on the device to activate Bluetooth pairing. Follow the app's instructions to upload photos of your ID card and vehicle license. After successful activation, it's advisable to test it on a highway section to confirm the barrier arm functions. Pro tip: If DIY fails, visit a bank counter or highway service point where specialized activation equipment can complete the process in five minutes.
Last time when replacing the front windshield, the ETC was removed and I found there are two ways to reactivate it. If it's reinstalled in the original position, you can handle it with the official APP: open the app, select device activation, connect to the ETC device via Bluetooth, and submit the required ID photos as prompted. However, if the installation location is changed, you'll need to visit an offline service point with your ID card and vehicle license for staff assistance. The key point lies in the anti-tamper switch on the back of the device - that small white button will lock the device once popped up. When handling it yourself, make sure to leave space on the windshield for the solar panel reception area, as overly thick front window tinting may affect the signal. Don't rush the process, as Bluetooth connection may require several attempts.
There are three things to pay attention to when removing and reinstalling an ETC device. First, the installation position must be on the dotted black area of the front windshield or behind the rearview mirror to ensure the solar panel can charge. Second, clean the installation surface with alcohol to ensure the 3M adhesive sticks firmly. Third, activation can be done either self-service or manually: the most convenient way is to download the corresponding ETC app on your phone and activate it via Bluetooth, but the device's Bluetooth switch is usually on the side and requires a long press of 3 seconds until the indicator light flashes. If self-service fails, visit an ETC service center with all necessary documents, and it will take about 10 minutes to complete. Remember to test the pass-through efficiency before entering the highway to avoid being stopped at the toll booth.
