[sharp]

I thought I'd write a post explaining what in-vehicle Wi-Fi is and how it works.

What is in-vehicle Wi-Fi (HotSpot)?
All X7s (with the exception of some early 2022 builds) have integrated Wi-Fi. Passengers can connect their mobile devices to it to get access to the Internet.

How does it work?
Your vehicle creates a local Wi-Fi network and connects to a mobile carrier to transmit data.

What mobile carriers are supported?

• 2019-2021 model years use AT&T 4G

• 2022 model year uses T-Mobile 5G

• 2023 and newer models can use any carrier via e-sim. More on this is here https://www.bmwusa.com/content/dam/b...sonal_eSIM.pdf. Thanks to Phasers for the link.

You will need to purchase a data plan from one of the carriers.

How much does a data plan cost?
AT&T has multiple plans:

• $10/month unlimited plan. Speeds may be reduced when network is congested. Available to existing AT&T wireless customers only.

• $20/month unlimited plan. During network congestion speeds may only be reduced after you use more than 22GB of data. Available to existing AT&T wireless customers only. Customer service can reduce the plan cost to $15/month if you call and ask them nicely.

• $25/month unlimited plan. Available to non AT&T customers. I'm not sure how it handles network congestion though.

T-Mobile: TODO

I have an unlimited cell phone plan and it comes with a hotspot. Why would I use and pay for in-vehicle Wi-Fi?

1. It is more convenient. You set it up once and forget about it, whereas a mobile hotspot has to be enabled every time you want to use it.
2. External car antenna is much more powerful and will provide better signal.
3. In-car Wi-Fi will typically handle multiple connected devices better than a cell phone.

What speeds can I expect?
AT&T 4G gives me up to 80Mbit/sec. It doesn't sound very impressive, but it's plenty for normal web browsing and video streaming from multiple devices.
T-Mobile 5G: TODO

How to sign up for an AT&T plan (2019-2021 model year)?

1. Go to your BMW online profile page and find the car's phone number in the "Vehicle Phone Number" field.
2. Go to https://myvehicle.att.com to purchase a plan

How to sign up for a T-Mobile plan?
Go to https://www.bmwna.hotspotdrive.com/#/

I'm connected to in-vehicle Wi-Fi, but there is no connection to the Internet. How to fix it?
Try restarting iDrive by pushing and holding the volume knob for approximately 30 seconds.

Can I share Internet from my phone via in-vehicle Wi-Fi?
No, iDrive doesn't support this option AFAIK.

[Madsen203]

Helpful. Thank you!

[javacodeguy]

Technically the newer models can use AT&T, VZW, or T-Mobile through the personal e-sim.

[sharp]

Originally Posted by javacodeguy

Technically the newer models can use AT&T, VZW, or T-Mobile through the personal e-sim.

Oh, really? Can you provide more information on this so I can update my post?
Thanks!

[Phasers]

Originally Posted by sharp

Oh, really? Can you provide more information on this so I can update my post?
Thanks!

In the LCI (2023+ X7, 2024+ X5), they updated the WiFi hotspot to a 5G e-sim. This e-sim can be used with any carrier of your choice.

Edit: Further reading here https://www.bmwusa.com/content/dam/b...sonal_eSIM.pdf

[sharp]

Originally Posted by Phasers

In the LCI (2023+ X7, 2024+ X5), they updated the WiFi hotspot to a 5G e-sim. This e-sim can be used with any carrier of your choice.

Edit: Further reading here https://www.bmwusa.com/content/dam/b...sonal_eSIM.pdf

Thanks! I will update my post with this information.

[javacodeguy]

Awesome looks like the info was added. Yes, when I signed up I actually tried both AT&T and T-Mobile. I ended up sticking with T-Mobile bc AT&T reception was poor in my area and the extender didn't seem to help around my house. But I do remember VZW was also an option.

T-Mobile was a breeze to set up. AT&T was not, but I was hoping it'd have a better network.