Technical prerequisites I
Only the optional MMI Navigation plus with MMI touch and Audi connect are compatible with the services that Audi connect supports. A SIM card with a data choice and an LTE pricing option is also necessary for LTE usage. A standard-format card must be used for the SIM (no Micro or Nano SIM cards).
Within the mobile communication service network’s service area, the services are only accessible through an active or new mobile communication service contract. The receipt of data packages through the Internet may be subject to additional fees depending on your mobile communication service contract, especially when operating abroad. The usage of a data flat rate is advised due to the enormous volume of data!
Telephony and Audi Connect services can be used simultaneously. The inserted SIM card with data option is used for this by the Audi connect services. A mobile phone can be connected in parallel using Bluetooth for telephony use to provide hands-free communication.
Which mobile communication service network is now in use, and how can I tell?
The icon adjacent to the network strength indicator in the MMI display’s bottom right corner can be used to identify the current network technology for the Audi connect data connection, which can be LTE, HSPA (4G), UMTS(3G), or GSM (2G) (receiving connection icon).
If there is a data connection, “Above the 2G/3G/4G/LTE indicator in the status line, arrows are displayed.
How may the connection establishment information window be activated or deactivated?
The connection establishment parameters determine how the information window is displayed. The following menu option allows for manual adjustment of the settings:
The following options for settings can then be chosen in the “Menu item for connections:
- “Upon inquiry: After the user confirms, the link is made. Thus, each service’s use needs to be verified on an individual basis. By doing this, it is made sure that services that require a lot of data, like WLAN hotspots or MMI Navigation plus with Google EarthTM photos, are not always approved. For each additional SIM card, a different configuration must be made for this particular setting.
- Without additional investigation, the data connection is established. Users that pay a flat fee for data are advised to utilize this setting.
- Never: This location does not support Audi Connect data services. The user is informed of the current setting when calling services that involve direct user engagement (Point of Interest search, Audi connect browser services, including Weather or News, destination input through myAudi, or Google MapsTM). If no data rate is available or no data services should be allowed, this option is advised.
By setting connection establishment to “Never,” a live data connection can be manually ended. The data module can also be disabled as an alternative. Connections are also terminated when the SIM card is removed.
Audi Connect’s use of mobile data can be disabled in the MMI Telephone menu. You can change this setting as follows:
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Does Audi Connect require a SIM card?
All you need is a data-only SIM card if all you want to do is use Audi Connect and not make calls or send messages.
However, a SIM that includes both data and calls is required if you want to use everything of Audi Connect, including the ability to make and receive phone calls and text messages.
Although it is always preferable to use an LTE (4G) SIM over a 3G one because it is faster, your Audi Connect won’t use a lot of data.
Your best option at the moment is AT&T since it is one of the few US carriers that supports the particular radios used by Audi Connect. The carrier offers a wide range of excellent options, from extremely affordable to premium data levels.
It’s usually better to have more data than you need than not enough, so make sure you have plenty to work with.
Because of this, the SIM cards we suggest are available in a variety of configurations in the table above.
8GB or 12GB of data should last you well over 612 months if you’re not using all of Audi Connect’s internet-connected functions.
You’ll have access to all of Audi Connect’s services, as well as Google Maps, Twitter, in-car WiFi, weather updates, parking information, fuel prices, traffic updates, and Audi Music Stream, with this.
Is a data plan required for Audi Connect?
The Audi Connect Online Infotainment Services need to be connected to an external data source (“Infotainment Services).
One of the following two options may be used:
Only the coverage provided by your mobile phone network will offer Infotainment Services, and using Connect Services may incur additional fees (charges and billing correspond to your personal mobile phone contract or SIM card contract). A mobile phone contract with an unlimited or heavy usage data plan is strongly advised due to the huge data volumes.
Access to some search, social networking, and other internet services offered by third parties is made possible through the infotainment services. Models have different features. Permanent accessibility cannot be ensured because it is the duty of the pertinent third party supplier. Google Inc. is the registered owner of the trademarks Google and the Google logo. The owners of any other trademarks are their respective properties.
Other than providing or receiving services in line with these terms, you may not use the Connect Services.
Additionally, some services demand the myAudi app be installed on a compatible smartphone or tablet (always check latest phone and software compatibility).
On some devices, a 36-month membership is either included as standard equipment or is an extra bundle (please refer to your model pricelist). The subscription becomes active as soon as the car is registered. If you would need further information on using the Connect Services after your subscription has ended, contact your nearby Audi Centre (including the latest subscription fees). Charges will be levied after renewal. The infotainment services listed are accurate as of the time of writing, but we are unable to promise that all of them will be available for the duration of your subscription.
Will my personal SIM card work with Audi Connect?
All new cars using Audi’s second-generation modular infotainment architecture, including the A4 and Q7, now come standard with the Audi connect SIM. Drivers may access a variety of Audi connect online services right away, even outside of Ireland, with the data flat fee that goes with with it thanks to a factory-installed SIM card.
The Audi connect SIM is a permanently installed SIM card, also known as a “embedded SIM” or “eSIM,” that customers in Europe will receive in conjunction with the optional Audi connect equipment package. It is the first outcome of a partnership between Audi and Dublin-based tech company Cubic Telecom, a leading provider of seamless worldwide connectivity solutions. As a result, the vehicle becomes a mobile communications hub.
Through an LTE/UMTS module with a download speed of 100Mbps, Audi Connect services are added to the vehicle. These services include navigation with Google Earth and Google Street View, travel, traffic, and parking information. Additionally, drivers can access the calendar on their smartphone as well as their Twitter and email accounts. For these services, the new SIM card comes with an unlimited data volume. The Audi connect SIM automatically connects to the provider for each individual country in the majority of European nations, doing away with costly, location-specific roaming fees and annoying roaming confirmations.
Independent of the integrated Audi connect services, customers have the choice to purchase extra data packages for the Wi-Fi hotspot. This feature, which is part of the optional navigation systems, gives all passengers access to the internet at competitive prices with up to eight mobile devices. While choosing a European data plan, the data transmission also operates automatically and in accordance with fixed costs when crossing an international border.
You can access the Cubic Telecom online store through your myAudi account and, following a one-time registration, buy the Wi-Fi hotspot data plan. Once the necessary access has been given, purchasing data packages quickly and easily using the vehicle’s MMI system is simple. Additionally, you can set up Wi-Fi internet connection using your own SIM card and your own cellular operator. In this scenario, the customer’s SIM card will also be charged for the data volume utilized by the Audi connect services, and the Audi connect SIM will be momentarily disconnected.
When the automobile is purchased with a new SIM card installed, access to Audi connect services is granted, and MMI Navigation Plus is also free for three years. After that, an Audi service partner can extend it for a cost.
All new cars with the second-generation modular infotainment architecture utilize the Audi connect SIM. These include the Q7, the A2, the Q3, and the new A5. There will be other model series. At the moment, this new deal does not apply to the Audi TT, R8, A6, or A7.
What is the purpose of the SIM card in myAudi?
Audi is now adding Audi connect SIM to its new cars that utilize the second-generation modular infotainment platform. The benefit of a factory-installed SIM card is that customers may use the extensive list of Audi connect services right away, even outside of Germany, with the data flat fee that comes with it for up to three years.
Customers in Europe who choose to purchase the optional Audi connect equipment package will also receive an embedded SIM, also known as an eSIM, which is the permanent Audi connect SIM card. As a result, the vehicle becomes a mobile communication hub. With a download speed of up to 100 MBit/s, the SIM card uses an LTE/UMTS module to deliver Audi connect services on board. Services include travel, traffic, and parking information, as well as navigation with Google Earth and Google Street View. Drivers can also access the calendar on their smartphone as well as their Twitter and email accounts. For using these services, the new SIM card comes with an unlimited data volume. Another benefit is that, in the majority of European nations, the Audi connect SIM automatically contacts the appropriate service provider when necessary. The customer no longer has to deal with exorbitant, regionally specialized roaming fees or onerous roaming confirmations.
For the Wi-Fi hotspot, customers can also purchase extra data packages that are not part of the integrated Audi connect services. This belongs to the extra navigational systems. All passengers are able to use up to eight mobile devices to browse the internet at affordable rates. While a consumer chooses a European data package, data transmission automatically occurs in accordance when crossing an international border and, consequently, when switching internet providers at set pricing.
Through their myAudi account, customers can access our partner Cubic Telecom’s online store. They can purchase the data bundle for the Wi-Fi hotspot from this store after registering just once. Data packages can be quickly and easily ordered through the MMI system in the car if the necessary access is granted at the online store. Additionally, customers can keep using their own SIM card in the automobile and set up Wi-Fi internet connection through their own cellular operator. In this scenario, the customer’s SIM card will also be charged for the data volume utilized by the Audi connect services, and the Audi connect SIM will be momentarily disconnected.
When a car is purchased, a new SIM card is provided, and when combined with MMI Navigation Plus, access to Audi connect services is free for three years (depending on the model). Use of MMI Navigation is free for three months, and for a price, it is available for three years. After that, consumers can request an extension of access from their Audi service provider for a charge.
All new cars with the second generation of the modular infotainment platform utilize the Audi connect SIM. Currently, these include the Audi A3, A4, new A5, Q2, and Q7. There will be other model series. At the moment, this new deal does not apply to the Audi TT, R8, A6, or A7.
The deal is the first outcome of a partnership between Audi and Cubic Telecom, a premier provider of seamless global connection solutions.
Can I use the data on my phone to utilize Audi Connect?
Your smartphone needs to be compatible with the Bluetooth remote SIM Access Profile (Bluetooth rSAP).
The MMI system linko and the mobile phone’s Bluetooth functionality and discoverability option must be turned on.
The Bluetooth device to which you want to connect your phone must not already be actively connected to another Bluetooth device. A mobile phone cannot be connected to the MMI.
From the list of Bluetooth devices displayed, choose and confirm the selected cell phone. Alternately, use the Bluetooth device search feature on your phone to look for the MMI system.
To establish a connection on your mobile device, enter the PIN. Verify the PIN on both the phone and the MMI if it is already displayed there. About 30 seconds are given for you to enter the PIN.
Please take note of any further system inquiries on your phone, such as whether the device should connect automatically going forward. You might also need to download the directory separately on some mobile devices.
Select and affirm Yes to give the MMI permission to connect automatically in the future.
You will be presented a brief notification with information on the profiles used to make the connection after the connection has been made successfully. Through the MENU > Settings > left control button > MMI settings > Connection managerlinko, you can modify the profiles. It’s possible to complete this afterwards.
When the mobile phone has been connected successfully linko, the signal strength symbol -10, connection type symbol -11, and Bluetooth symbol -16 will appear in the status line of the infotainment display.
Verify the system’s inquiry about whether a connection to the Internet has to be established with Yes, connect whenever necessary.
- When you use your own SIM card, the eSIM card linko connection is broken. Your SIM card will be used for all data connections for all Audi connect infotainment services. You can be charged for this service depending on your network provider, especially if you use the system while traveling. Therefore, we strongly advise using an unlimited data plan. Get in touch with your service provider for further details.
- You will require a SIM card with a data option in order to utilize the Audi connect infotainment services via the remote SIM Access Profile. The SIM card also has to have an LTE data option in order to use LTE*.
- Only vehicles equipped with the Audi phone box can connect a mobile phone via the remote SIM Access Profile.
- Devices connected through Bluetooth only need to link once. Any devices that have already been linked to the MMI system are connected immediately when they are within range and the ignition is on, depending on the cell phone you are using. The MMI system allows you to bond many mobile devices, although only one connection is active at once.
- Your mobile network service provider sends you the SIM card together with the PUK and SIM PIN. The SIM card will be disabled if the SIM PIN code is entered incorrectly three times2) in a row. To reactivate the SIM card, a PUK (personal unblocking key) must be entered.
- When you get out of the car, the Bluetooth connection between the system and the phone automatically ends.