Audi Connect is a paid subscription service that adds remote vehicle control, real-time traffic, and emergency services to your Audi through your smartphone and the myAudi app
The service bundles several features into monthly or annual plans. You can lock and unlock your car remotely, check fuel level and tire pressure, get live traffic updates, and access emergency roadside information — all from your phone. Some Audis come with a trial period included; after that expires, you pay to keep the service active. The cost and feature set vary depending on which Audi model you own and which subscription tier you choose.
Not every Audi comes with Audi Connect built in. The car needs compatible hardware — a built-in SIM card and the right software version — which is standard on most 2016 and newer models but worth confirming before you buy used. If your Audi has the hardware but the subscription has lapsed, you can reactivate it through the myAudi app or Audi's website.
Key Takeaways
- Audi Connect requires a paid subscription after any trial period ends; there is no free version once the trial expires.
- The service works through the myAudi app and requires your Audi to have built-in cellular connectivity, which most 2016 and newer models have.
- Remote features like locking, unlocking, and checking fuel level work only if your subscription is active and your phone has internet.
- Pricing is set by Audi and varies by region and subscription length; you can usually pause or cancel at any time without penalty.
What features come with each subscription tier
Audi offers different subscription packages, and the exact names and prices vary by country and model year. In the United States, the most common tiers are Standard and Premium, though some regions or newer models may have different options. Standard typically includes remote locking and unlocking, fuel level and tire pressure checks, and vehicle location. Premium adds real-time traffic, parking information, and online destination search.
Both tiers usually include emergency call functionality (similar to OnStar or BMW's SOS), which connects you to a live operator if you're in an accident or need roadside help. Some packages bundle navigation updates or charging station information if you own a plug-in hybrid or electric Audi. The exact feature list depends on your model year and region, so check the myAudi app or Audi's website for what's available to you.
Trial periods typically last one to three years depending on when you bought the car and which market you're in. Once the trial ends, you'll see a prompt in the app to choose a paid plan or lose access to connected features.
How much Audi Connect costs
Audi Connect pricing is not fixed across all regions or subscription lengths. Monthly plans typically cost between $10 and $20 per month in the United States, though this varies. Annual plans are usually discounted compared to paying month-to-month — you might pay $100 to $150 per year instead of $15 × 12 months. Some dealers or Audi promotions offer discounted first-year rates or bundled packages.
The price you see in the myAudi app is the one that applies to your specific car and region. Before you commit to a paid plan, the app will show you the exact cost and billing cycle. You can also contact an Audi dealer or check your owner's portal to confirm pricing before your trial ends.
If you cancel your subscription, you lose access to all connected features when ready. Reactivating later requires you to pay again from the date you restart, not from the date you cancelled.
How to manage your Audi Connect subscription
You control your subscription through the myAudi app, which is free to read on iOS and Android. Log in with your Audi credentials (the same username and password you use on Audi's website). Once logged in, go to the subscription or services section — the exact menu name varies by app version — and you'll see your current plan status, trial expiration date, and options to upgrade, downgrade, or cancel.
If you want to pause your subscription temporarily instead of cancelling, some regions allow this through the app or by contacting Audi customer service. Pausing usually costs nothing and lets you restart later without losing your account history. Cancellation is typically when ready, though some regions may require you to contact customer service directly to confirm.
You can also manage your subscription through Audi's owner portal on their website, though the mobile app is usually faster. If you have trouble accessing the app or your account, Audi customer service can help reset your login or update your payment method.
What happens if your subscription lapses
When your subscription expires or you cancel, the myAudi app stops working for remote features. You can still use the app to view your vehicle's basic information if you're logged in, but you won't be able to lock, unlock, or check real-time status. Navigation and traffic features within the car's infotainment system may also be limited, depending on your model.
The car itself continues to function normally — you can still drive it, use the built-in navigation (if it has offline maps), and access any features that don't require an active subscription. Only the connected services stop working. If you reactivate your subscription later, all features come back when ready once the payment processes.
Some Audis allow you to use certain features through the car's built-in systems even without an active subscription, such as Bluetooth calling or basic navigation. Check your owner's manual or ask your dealer which features require an active subscription on your specific model.
Audi Connect vs. other connected car services
Most luxury car brands offer similar services: BMW has ConnectedDrive, Mercedes has Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX), and Lexus has Lexus Link. All of them charge subscription fees after a trial period, and all offer remote locking, vehicle status checks, and emergency services. The main differences are in pricing, feature availability, and how well the app integrates with your phone's operating system.
Audi Connect's pricing is competitive with these services, though exact costs depend on your region and which tier you choose. The myAudi app is generally reliable and straightforward to use, though some users report occasional connection delays or app crashes — common issues across all connected car platforms. If you're comparing Audis to other luxury brands, factor in the subscription cost as an ongoing expense, not a one-time purchase.
If you own an Audi but don't want to pay for Audi Connect, you can still use your phone's built-in navigation, Bluetooth, and standard smartphone features. You'll just lose the remote control and real-time vehicle data that the subscription provides.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Audi Connect without paying after the trial ends?
No. Once your trial period expires, you must pay for a subscription to use connected features like remote locking and real-time traffic. The myAudi app will prompt you to choose a paid plan. You can continue to drive the car normally without the subscription, but remote and connected services will not work.
Does Audi Connect work if my phone doesn't have internet?
No. The app requires an active internet connection on your phone to communicate with your car. Your car also needs cellular coverage to receive commands. If either your phone or the car loses internet, remote features will not function until the connection is restored.
What if I buy a used Audi with an expired Audi Connect trial?
You can reactivate the subscription through the myAudi app or Audi's website by paying the current subscription rate. You do not get a new trial period. Contact Audi customer service if you have trouble accessing the subscription options in the app after purchasing a used car.
Can I pause my Audi Connect subscription instead of cancelling?
Some regions allow pausing through the myAudi app or by contacting Audi customer service. Pausing typically costs nothing and preserves your account, so you can restart later without losing your history. Cancellation is permanent and requires you to pay again if you want to reactivate.
Does Audi Connect drain my car's battery when parked?
Audi Connect uses a separate cellular module with its own power management, so it should not significantly drain your main battery when the car is parked. However, if your car sits unused for weeks, the cellular module may use a small amount of power. If you plan to leave your Audi parked for an extended period, you can cancel your subscription to avoid any potential battery drain.