Audi Connect Care is Audi's subscription service for remote vehicle monitoring and emergency response

Audi Connect Care bundles several connected-car features into a single monthly or annual subscription. The service sends vehicle data to Audi's servers, monitors your car's systems in real time, and connects you to emergency services if you're in a crash. You pay a monthly fee (the amount varies by model year and region) to keep these features active after your trial period ends.

The service is separate from your vehicle's basic connectivity — things like navigation and infotainment work without it. Audi Connect Care specifically handles the monitoring, alerts, and emergency dispatch side of the system. If you don't subscribe after the trial, those features stop working, though your car's other functions remain unchanged.

Key Takeaways

  • Audi Connect Care monitors your vehicle's health, sends alerts about maintenance needs, and automatically contacts emergency services if airbags deploy.
  • The service requires an active subscription after your trial period; without it, remote monitoring and emergency response features turn off.
  • You access the service through the myAudi app on your phone, where you can see vehicle status, lock or unlock doors remotely, and manage settings.
  • The cost and exact features included depend on your Audi model year and the subscription tier you choose.
  • Audi Connect Care works only if your vehicle has an active cellular connection and your subscription is current.

What features come with Audi Connect Care

The core features include emergency call (eCall), which automatically contacts emergency services and sends your vehicle's location if the airbags deploy. You can also manually trigger an emergency call through the system. The service monitors your vehicle's battery, fluid levels, tire pressure, and service intervals, then sends you notifications through the myAudi app when attention is needed.

Remote vehicle control lets you lock or unlock doors, flash the lights, or sound the horn from your phone. You can also check your fuel level, battery status, and odometer reading remotely. Some models include remote climate control, allowing you to start the air conditioning or heating before you get in the car.

Audi Connect Care also provides stolen vehicle tracking if your car is reported missing to police. The system can help locate your vehicle and share real-time location data with law enforcement. Roadside information is included in some tiers, connecting you to a service provider if you break down.

How to set up and manage your subscription

New Audi vehicles typically come with a trial period of Audi Connect Care included — usually three months to one year, depending on the model and region. You set up the service through the myAudi app or through your vehicle's infotainment screen. You'll need to create an Audi account and link your vehicle using the vehicle identification number (VIN).

Before your trial ends, you'll receive notifications reminding you to choose a subscription plan. You can select monthly or annual billing through the myAudi app. If you don't subscribe, the monitoring and emergency response features will stop working on the date your trial expires, though you'll still be able to use your vehicle normally.

You can pause or cancel your subscription at any time through the app. If you cancel and later want to reactivate, you can do so without losing your account history or settings.

What Audi Connect Care costs

Subscription pricing varies by Audi model year, region, and the specific tier you choose. Some newer models offer multiple subscription levels — for example, a basic tier with emergency calling and vehicle monitoring, and a premium tier that adds remote control and roadside information. Monthly subscriptions typically cost less per month than annual plans when you divide the annual cost by 12, but annual plans require paying the full amount upfront.

Audi occasionally offers promotional pricing for new vehicle owners or discounts for bundling multiple services. Check your dealer's current offers or the myAudi app to see what pricing is available for your vehicle.

How the emergency response system works

If your vehicle's airbags deploy, Audi Connect Care automatically initiates an emergency call to a response center. The system sends your vehicle's location, direction of travel, and vehicle information to the operator. You can speak to the operator through your car's speakers and microphone, or they can listen to what's happening in the cabin.

The response center can contact emergency services on your behalf and provide them with your exact location. This is particularly useful if you're unable to call 911 yourself or if you're in an unfamiliar area. The entire process happens automatically — you don't have to do anything after the crash occurs.

You can also manually trigger an emergency call by pressing a button on your steering wheel or through the myAudi app if you feel unsafe or need when ready help. The response center will connect you to emergency services in your area.

Comparing Audi Connect Care to other manufacturer services

Most major automakers offer similar connected-car packages: BMW has BMW Connected Drive, Mercedes has Mercedes me, Tesla has its built-in service, and Lexus has Lexus Connected Services. The core features are similar across all of them — emergency calling, remote monitoring, and vehicle control — but the pricing, app experience, and exact feature set differ.

Audi Connect Care's main advantage is integration with Audi's infotainment system and the myAudi app, which many owners find straightforward to use. The emergency response is handled by a third-party provider, not Audi directly, which is standard across the industry. If you're comparing vehicles, check whether the subscription cost is included in the purchase price or added later, and whether the trial period is long enough for you to decide if the service is worth the ongoing cost.

What happens if you don't subscribe or your subscription lapses

If your trial period ends and you don't subscribe, or if your subscription lapses because a payment fails, the monitoring and emergency response features stop working when ready. Your vehicle will no longer send alerts about maintenance needs, and emergency calling will not function. You can still use your car normally — the engine, transmission, and all other systems work as before.

The myAudi app will still show basic vehicle information like fuel level and odometer reading if your vehicle has a cellular connection, but remote locking, unlocking, and climate control will not work. If you want to reactivate the service later, you can subscribe again through the app at any time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need Audi Connect Care to use my car's navigation and infotainment?

No. Navigation, music streaming, and infotainment work without Audi Connect Care. The subscription only controls the monitoring, emergency response, and remote vehicle control features. Your car's basic functions are not affected if you don't subscribe.

Can I use Audi Connect Care if I don't have a cellular plan for my car?

No. Audi Connect Care requires an active cellular connection to send data to Audi's servers and receive alerts. Your vehicle must have an active SIM card or eSIM with a data plan. Some vehicles include cellular service for a set period; check your purchase paperwork to see what's included.

What happens to my emergency call if I'm in an area with no cell signal?

Audi Connect Care cannot function without a cellular connection. If you're in an area with no signal, the automatic emergency call will not go through. In a true emergency, you should call 911 directly if you're able to do so.

Can I transfer my Audi Connect Care subscription if I sell my car?

No. Audi Connect Care subscriptions are tied to the vehicle, not the owner. If you sell your car, the new owner can create their own Audi account and start a new subscription. Your subscription ends when you transfer the title.

Does Audi Connect Care track my location all the time?

The system knows your vehicle's location when it sends alerts or when you check the app, but it does not continuously track your location in real time. Location data is sent to Audi's servers only when the system needs to send you information or when you manually request it through the app.