Looking to have Wi-Fi for business or travel purposes? You can establish in-car Wi-Fi with any of these approaches.
Important keys
- You can make use of your smartphone’s hotspot to conveniently and cost-effectively bring Wi-Fi to your car, enabling multiple devices to connect without the requirement of purchasing extra data.
- Alternatively, you might contemplate acquiring a dedicated mobile Wi-Fi hotspot device for consistent connectivity and the capacity to make phone calls without disrupting your internet connection.
- If you prefer a more permanent solution, you could explore vehicle Wi-Fi accessories such as an OBD-II device or the installation of a wireless modem and a 4G LTE router for dependable in-car Wi-Fi. It’s important to note that these alternatives may be pricier and less portable.
There’s no reason to be discouraged if your older vehicle lacks built-in Wi-Fi. Thanks to technological advancements, you have a greater array of in-car Wi-Fi choices than ever before.
Furthermore, these methods have evolved to become more budget-friendly and user-friendly. It’s a great opportunity to explore the various ways to establish Wi-Fi connectivity in your car.
1. Mobile Phone Hotspot
It’s challenging to envision a car owner without a smartphone these days. The most straightforward and cost-effective way to establish Wi-Fi connectivity in an older vehicle is by making use of your smartphone’s hotspot feature.
Transforming your smartphone into a hotspot enables you to link up tablets, MP3 players, and other Wi-Fi-enabled devices to this impromptu network. Essentially, this method makes your smartphone operate as both a modem and a router simultaneously.
The process of enabling the hotspot varies depending on your phone model; you can activate it through the phone’s settings or by employing a compatible app. For most phones, you’ll discover the hotspot option in the Quick Settings menu, which can be accessed by swiping down on your screen.
The chief advantage of this approach lies in its remarkable simplicity. You can switch it on with just a few taps, and it doesn’t entail any additional data purchases.
However, there are some downsides to using your smartphone as a hotspot. It can lead to rapid battery depletion, consume your data plan, and cause your phone to become warm when connected to multiple devices. Furthermore, it might not be the most suitable option when you’re traveling abroad. Additionally, the number of devices you can connect to your smartphone hotspot depends on your device’s capabilities and your data speed.
It’s important to be aware that certain car-specific services may not work when using a smartphone hotspot.
2. Portable Mobile Wi-Fi Hotspot
If you’re seeking a continuous Wi-Fi connection but anticipate receiving frequent calls from family or colleagues, it’s advisable to forego the idea of utilizing your smartphone hotspot. Using your cellular network for phone calls can disrupt your internet connection.
Instead, you can consider the option of acquiring a dedicated hotspot device, also referred to as mobile broadband. This device ensures uninterrupted internet connectivity within the coverage of your cellular network.
These devices essentially function similarly to cell phones, providing a wireless network to which you can connect your devices. However, don’t expect them to perform all the tasks that a smartphone can.
Mobile Wi-Fi hotspots support a variety of data plans, and you can even use them beyond your car, such as in a shopping mall or at the beach. They draw power from a USB connection and don’t rely on a battery. Thankfully, they are straightforward to set up and offer enhanced security. Additionally, connecting multiple devices won’t cause performance issues. The drawback of this option is that it necessitates a separate data plan and requires initial setup on a computer. Therefore, if you’re frequently on the move and require constant internet access, investing in one of the top portable mobile hotspots can be advantageous.
3. OBD-II Device
For those seeking a more permanent solution, vehicle Wi-Fi accessories like the Onboard Diagnostic port (OBD-II) represent a suitable choice. However, the OBD-II-based solution will mandate a 4G LTE SIM card and data plan from a mobile carrier. Some OBD-II Wi-Fi Internet solutions involve multiple components.
For instance, the Verizon Hum car Wi-Fi solution comprises an OBD Reader, the Hum Speaker, and a dedicated mobile app for operational control.
The Wi-Fi device operates as long as there’s power supplied to the OBD-II port. Consequently, if you turn off the car engine, the Wi-Fi functionality ceases. Installing this device is uncomplicated, as it merely requires plugging it into the vehicle’s OBD-II port, the same connector used by technicians for computer diagnostics. In the United States, cars have featured this port since 1996. If you’re unsure of its location, check the left section of your steering column beneath the car dashboard. If it’s not there, you may find it concealed by a protective cover or behind a latch. Alternatively, you can consult a local auto technician for installation.
The advantages of this device include cellular data access for multiple devices, a local Wi-Fi network, real-time vehicle location tracking, historical car location data, and the retrieval of engine control unit (ECU) or power control module (PCM) information.
4. Set Up a 4G LTE-Equipped Wireless Modem and Router
By opting for a permanent installation of a wireless modem and router, you can provide your vehicle with the most dependable method for acquiring Wi-Fi. Unfortunately, this choice is also the most costly and the least convenient option for equipping your older car with Wi-Fi compared to the other methods.
This device can be easily installed and uninstalled, offering a stronger and more robust network than a dongle or mobile hotspot. It provides the added benefit of Ethernet ports and USB sockets.
The primary advantage of this installation is the ability to connect all your devices, including laptops, smartphones, tablets, and MP3 players, to its network. If you choose this route, you also have the option to repurpose an existing router (if you have one).
5. Car Wi-Fi Plans from Various Brands
Alternatively, you can explore specialized bundles and devices offered by various car security and network service providers for in-car Wi-Fi connectivity.
T-Mobile SyncUP DRIVE
This device not only enhances the intelligence of your vehicle but also transforms it into a Wi-Fi hotspot with support for 3G, 4G, and 4G LTE. It accommodates connections for up to five Wi-Fi-enabled devices. As of the current time, the new connection cost is $96, exclusive of the data plan.
This service is compatible with various car brands, so it’s advisable to verify compatibility before making a selection.
Toyota Wi-Fi Connect
Opting for the permanent installation of a wireless modem and router provides your vehicle with the most dependable means of accessing Wi-Fi. Regrettably, this option is also the costliest and least portable when compared to other methods for securing Wi-Fi connectivity in your older car.
This device can be easily affixed or removed, and it delivers a more robust and superior network compared to a dongle or mobile hotspot. Additionally, it features Ethernet ports and USB sockets for added versatility.
The most significant advantage of installing this device is the ability to connect all your gadgets, including laptops, smartphones, tablets, and MP3 players, to its network. If you choose to pursue this avenue, you also have the option to repurpose an existing router, should you have one available.
5. Vehicle Wi-Fi Packages from Different Manufacturers
There are also exclusive packages and devices available for in-car Wi-Fi. Numerous car security and network service providers offer these customized plans for your automobile.
T-Mobile SyncUP DRIVE
While enhancing the smart features of your vehicle, this device also converts your car into a Wi-Fi hotspot, offering support for 3G, 4G, and 4G LTE connections. It accommodates the connection of up to five Wi-Fi-enabled devices. At the time of writing, the initial connection fee stands at $96, exclusive of the data plan.
This service is compatible with various car brands; however, it’s advisable to verify compatibility before making a selection.
Toyota Wi-Fi Connect
This specific service is exclusively accessible to Toyota vehicle owners. Regardless of whether you’re an AT&T wireless customer, you can access this service at an initial cost of $25. It facilitates connectivity for up to five Wi-Fi-enabled devices within the car.
OnStar
In addition to offering vehicle safety services, OnStar enables your car to remain connected to the internet through Wi-Fi technology. This service is compatible with General Motors, Buick, Chevrolet, and Cadillac.
It provides connectivity plans ranging from $24.99 to $49.99, and you can also subscribe to various standalone plans to create a customized combination.
Accessing Wi-Fi for Free
Each of the aforementioned methods brings Wi-Fi to your older car, albeit at some cost. If you’re looking to access Wi-Fi in your car without incurring any charges, you can park your vehicle in an area with a freely available public hotspot.
Common locations for public Wi-Fi access include schools, public libraries, government offices, and restaurants. While such Wi-Fi may offer respectable download and upload speeds, it’s important to remember that it comes without a cost. Moreover, many home internet providers offer free Wi-Fi access through their public hotspots.