If your vehicle was manufactured from about 2016 onward, it might have a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot. Around that time, automakers started embedding Wi-Fi hotspots in their vehicles and offering trial subscriptions after purchase, similar to how they do with SiriusXM. Manufacturers like Chevrolet were among the first to heavily promote “4G LTE connectivity,” especially across its Silverado lineup, where new owners could connect up to seven devices.
Today, most automakers bundle Wi-Fi under a broader set of features, often called “connected” or “remote” services. These feature sets may be offered for a trial period after the vehicle purchase, and then billed monthly or yearly once the trial expires (if you decide to keep them).
An in-vehicle Wi-Fi hotspot allows passengers to stream content or play games across multiple devices, which is nice for traveling with kids. You can also turn your vehicle into a mobile office for conference calls and meetings, handy if you travel for work. Most Wi-Fi hotspots will have some range outside the vehicle as well, so you could sit on a truck’s tailgate or in the cargo area of an SUV with the rear hatch up.
If you are curious if your vehicle has a Wi-Fi hotspot, here is how to access it.
Look for the SSID
If your vehicle has a Wi-Fi hotspot, you can access it through the infotainment touchscreen on the dashboard. While every car is different, the general process should look something like this:
- Find the settings or setup menu, usually represented by text, an icon, or both. In some vehicles, the icon might look like a small cogwheel.
- Scroll through or swipe until you find something that says either “Wi-Fi” or “Hotspot,” or even “Connectivity.” From there, you should be able to access a separate settings menu.
- In that settings menu, you can usually see the network name (SSID) and password. While every vehicle is different, there should be a menu option to enable the hotspot and change the network name and your password, if so desired.
If you cannot locate it using those few steps, your vehicle may not have a Wi-Fi hotspot, or it might be hidden in another sub-menu. If the latter is the case, refer to your owner’s manual for step-by-step instructions.
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Part of a larger system
Connected and remote services are commonplace today
Most likely, your Wi-Fi hotspot will be accessible through your vehicle’s proprietary connectivity system.
For example, if you have a Hyundai, everything is encompassed within Blue Link. If you have a Ford, everything lives under FordPass or the Ford App; if you have a Subaru, it’s referred to as Starlink or MySubaru; and if you have a Toyota, depending on the year, it might be under Entune, the Toyota App, or Toyota Connected Services.
While the proprietary names differ from manufacturer to manufacturer, or may have been updated or modified since you purchased your vehicle, the functionality across the board is similar.
In essence, these types of connected or remote services turn your smartphone into a digital key. Through your vehicle’s companion app on your phone, you will have features such as remote start, door locking/unlocking, a vehicle locator, parental controls for younger drivers, maintenance reports, and charging status (if you have an EV). And it’s through these larger connected systems, like a Blue Link or Toyota Connected Services, that you can access your vehicle’s Wi-Fi hotspot.
Wi-Fi hotspots are subscription-based
Costs can vary after the trial period
The important thing to note is that your car’s Wi-Fi hotspot is not free to use. Even with brand-new vehicles, the trial period does expire at some point. If your vehicle is a few years old and has a Wi-Fi hotspot, you will need to enroll in a new subscription plan, which can most likely be done through the companion app.
Monthly or yearly costs vary by automaker, though the average in 2026 is about $20 to $25 per month for unlimited data, although that might be lower or higher depending on the subscription package. In other words, automakers may bundle the Wi-Fi hotspot with other features.
For example, the Ford Connectivity Package includes the hotspot, Google map integration, and the ability to stream HBO Max, Prime Video, and Peacock from the center display when parked. Likewise, General Motors has its OnStar One tier, which includes the hotspot, plus gaming and an internet browser.
Always best to consider your needs and budget
If your vehicle has a Wi-Fi hotspot, but it’s not currently active, it might be worth getting the subscription if you believe you will use it enough to justify the cost. Likewise, if your subscription is active, and you use Wi-Fi and the other connected services regularly, it might be worth renewing when the time comes. Try to think about your current or perceived future usage and go from there.
