These days, having dependable internet access is necessary, which is why in-car internet or Wi-Fi is becoming so popular. Of course, some contemporary automobiles and older vehicles still lack Wi-Fi, but you can easily connect it to your vehicle with a portable hotspot, OBD2 plug, and other devices.
Many vehicles with in-car internet are likely to lose it when network providers shut down 3G services across the country, meaning you may need to find a different option.
While using the manufacturer's systems, such as OnStar, is the simplest way to receive internet in your car, you may also utilize the hotspot function on your smartphone or connect Wi-Fi yourself. Here's all you need to know about using the internet in your car.
Use the built-in Wi-Fi in your car
For starters, many current vehicles include Wi-Fi or internet connectivity, which is your best chance. Because these systems are already in place and built-in, you'll need to turn them on in order to use Wi-Fi in your vehicle.
Here are a few popular possibilities in the United States, depending on what kind of car you have. Calling the dealership or manufacturer is the simplest approach to get things started.
- T-Mobile SyncUP Drive
- OnStar (General Motors, Buick, Chevrolet, and Cadillac)
- FordPass
- Toyota Wi-Fi Connect
- UConnect (Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge)
Many newer cars have access to at least one of these, but because there are so many various models, years, and brands, determining your monthly charge can be difficult. On the plus side, many car manufacturers provide daily, weekly, or monthly passes, which are ideal for a family vacation or road trip.
In addition, many new automobile buyers receive a free trial period, which can last up to a year, so take advantage of it if it's offered. Once you discover how useful in-car internet can be for maintenance, security, and entertainment, you won't want to be without it.
Unfortunately, these features aren't available on all vehicles, and lower trim (basic model) automobiles may be missing out. As a result, even if you have a new car, you may not be able to use these services. If that's the case, there are a few more possibilities listed below.
Make a Wi-Fi hotspot with your phone
Because they have a smartphone, many consumers prefer not to pay for the car's built-in Wi-Fi. You already pay for internet access on your phone through Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, or another provider, and sharing your phone's connection is the simplest method to obtain Wi-Fi in your car.
Every smartphone has a "hotspot" capability that effectively transforms it into a Wi-Fi router, similar to how your home internet works. By enabling the hotspot feature in settings, you can share your phone's connectivity with your vehicle. Then, using your phone's shared network, connect your automobile to it.
This path has a few drawbacks. To begin with, not all cell phone plans include a hotspot feature, and you may need to pay an additional monthly price to get it. Using your phone as a hotspot will also consume data. Streaming music and using GPS in your car can deplete your monthly data allocation if you don't have an unlimited data plan.
It's also worth noting that using your phone as a hotspot may quickly deplete your battery. And while you can charge it by plugging it in, combining a hotspot with charging can cause your phone to overheat. Furthermore, some car-specific services (such as OnStar or diagnostics) are incompatible with a smartphone hotspot.
Use an OBD-II device or a phone hotspot
Get a mobile hotspot if you don't want to fiddle with your phone's settings to turn on the hotspot or if you prefer a dedicated internet plan for your automobile. These small devices are available from Verizon and most other carriers, and they're really useful. A hotspot connects to the internet in the same manner that a phone does, and it works in much the same way.
Hotspots are frequently USB-rechargeable and tiny enough to fit in a pocket, handbag, or glove box. That way, it's always ready to go in your automobile. Better better, you can take it out of the car and use it anyplace, such as the beach, without having to worry about draining your phone's battery.
Wi-Fi devices that plug into your vehicle's Onboard Diagnostic port (OBD-II) are also available from various cell carriers. That's the same connection port used when a car is smogged or diagnostic checks are performed at a maintenance shop.
For instance, AT&T's Spark can turn your automobile into an internet-connected smart vehicle with Wi-Fi, connection services, and advanced diagnostic capabilities. For as little as $10 a month, T-Mobile sells an OBD-II version of the SyncUP Drive, and Verizon offers the Hum X for car-connected services.
These devices connect to the ODB-II port and turn on immediately when the car starts, providing in-car Wi-Fi and other useful functions like as emergency crash response, roadside assistance, vehicle diagnostics, and more. Some of these have a limit on how many devices can connect at once, and they aren't as portable as a hotspot, so keep that in mind while making your decision.
From Your Car, Use Public Wi-Fi
While most people want Wi-Fi in their car for maps, navigation, entertainment, or advanced capabilities like emergency services, you might want to use your laptop or tablet to get some work done while driving. If that's the case, your car won't even need Wi-Fi.
Restaurants, grocery stores, libraries, schools, Starbucks, and other establishments frequently provide free public Wi-Fi. You're good to go if you park safely in the lot and look for free Wi-Fi.
Although this is not the same as having and using Wi-Fi in a car on a trip, it is worth noting. So, if you want to make a Zoom call or do some work from your car, there are plenty of public Wi-Fi alternatives. You shouldn't expect fast speeds or security, therefore you should probably use a VPN, but it's better than nothing if you're in a hurry.
When it comes to accessing Wi-Fi or internet connectivity in your automobile, it all comes down to your preferences and needs. Most manufacturers' built-in alternatives are excellent, but they can be costly when you also pay for internet at home and on your phone.
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