Porsche Connect w/o SIM?
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Joined: Mar 2011
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From: Calgary
Porsche Connect w/o SIM?
I recently purchased a new-to-me 2020 4S. The Connect services have lapsed.
My question: can I purchase and use the "Nav and Infotainment Pkg" without purchasing a SIM and data plan for the car itself (use either my house wifi or connected phone for data)?
Background:
My question: can I purchase and use the "Nav and Infotainment Pkg" without purchasing a SIM and data plan for the car itself (use either my house wifi or connected phone for data)?
Background:
- I have a Porsche ID and have my phone connected to it via the 8 digit code, etc.
- The "Apps" display on my PCM works when CarPlay is disabled, so some level of data integration seems to be possible.
- I'd like to update the car's Nav data that is now two years old and missing some key new roads in my area, so paying $200 CAD/yr is something I can justify.
- CarPlay is superior, yes, but I happen to like the PCM in my 2020 and would like to do this primarily to update the maps and display traffic information.
- A data SIM in Canada is like $20/mo, but from my experience with a 2019 Cayenne, it burns the alloted data quickly (esp w topography shown). In Canada, the providers are not obligated to warn you about usage until you are $50 over your base billing. Paying $200 CAD annually plus $70/mo is a non-starter for this penny-wise, pound foolish fellow, especially given my Merc GLE includes traffic and topo data in their plan (no SIM required).
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Originally Posted by Charcharius
I recently purchased a new-to-me 2020 4S. The Connect services have lapsed.
My question: can I purchase and use the "Nav and Infotainment Pkg" without purchasing a SIM and data plan for the car itself (use either my house wifi or connected phone for data)?
Background:
My question: can I purchase and use the "Nav and Infotainment Pkg" without purchasing a SIM and data plan for the car itself (use either my house wifi or connected phone for data)?
Background:
- I have a Porsche ID and have my phone connected to it via the 8 digit code, etc.
- The "Apps" display on my PCM works when CarPlay is disabled, so some level of data integration seems to be possible.
- I'd like to update the car's Nav data that is now two years old and missing some key new roads in my area, so paying $200 CAD/yr is something I can justify.
- CarPlay is superior, yes, but I happen to like the PCM in my 2020 and would like to do this primarily to update the maps and display traffic information.
- A data SIM in Canada is like $20/mo, but from my experience with a 2019 Cayenne, it burns the alloted data quickly (esp w topography shown). In Canada, the providers are not obligated to warn you about usage until you are $50 over your base billing. Paying $200 CAD annually plus $70/mo is a non-starter for this penny-wise, pound foolish fellow, especially given my Merc GLE includes traffic and topo data in their plan (no SIM required).
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 122
Likes: 25
From: Calgary
Thanks John, I’ll have to check to see if I have a free line as well. I do know that my first one is an e-sim, but I’m sure I could get a physical sim for a second line if available.
This does suggest that a car-specific sim is required, which is disappointing. Hopefully others can chime in too.
This does suggest that a car-specific sim is required, which is disappointing. Hopefully others can chime in too.
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Originally Posted by Charcharius
Thanks John, I’ll have to check to see if I have a free line as well. I do know that my first one is an e-sim, but I’m sure I could get a physical sim for a second line if available.
This does suggest that a car-specific sim is required, which is disappointing. Hopefully others can chime in too.
This does suggest that a car-specific sim is required, which is disappointing. Hopefully others can chime in too.
I got the sim on a T-Mobile store and pluck it in the car. The only thing to check before hand is that the frequencies and channels are compatible. For the most part nowadays they are.
Another option is tethering the car to your phone. I tried that but it was a bit annoying, at least in the past. Today with shortcuts you may be able to get it to work more seamlessly (start hotspot when connected to a certain BY, for example). I haven't tried that, but in theory should work. In theory.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Mar 2011
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From: Calgary
Another option is tethering the car to your phone. I tried that but it was a bit annoying, at least in the past. Today with shortcuts you may be able to get it to work more seamlessly (start hotspot when connected to a certain BY, for example). I haven't tried that, but in theory should work. In theory.
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The OP’s question had to do with a 2020 car, presumably PCM5. Not to hijack this thread, but I have not found a way to have PCM6 use my phone as a hotspot. I’d be interested to find out how from someone who has done it on a US car. As far as I can see, if you want to use Porsche Connect, with PCM6, then you need a subscription from Porsche Connect services.
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Originally Posted by Flash992
The OP’s question had to do with a 2020 car, presumably PCM5. Not to hijack this thread, but I have not found a way to have PCM6 use my phone as a hotspot. I’d be interested to find out how from someone who has done it on a US car. As far as I can see, if you want to use Porsche Connect, with PCM6, then you need a subscription from Porsche Connect services.
If there's a tray for a SIM card by the usb port, that should work.
I don't have my 992 anymore so I can't check any coding. Besides it was with PCM5
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I have a 2022 and it uses Verizon. I have not been able to locate the SIM card tray though. I wish I could put an ATT sim in instead.
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 122
Likes: 25
From: Calgary
The OP’s question had to do with a 2020 car, presumably PCM5. Not to hijack this thread, but I have not found a way to have PCM6 use my phone as a hotspot. I’d be interested to find out how from someone who has done it on a US car. As far as I can see, if you want to use Porsche Connect, with PCM6, then you need a subscription from Porsche Connect services.
And yes, PCM5 is what I have.
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Originally Posted by dixonk
I guess I am stuck with Verizon then?
I know the capabilities exist but the competence and willingness, not always.
Given there's nothing to lose, find out the IMEI and phone number in the original e-sim and give it a try with your preferred provider. I wouldn't bare a lot of hope, at least at this time.
Some info:
https://www.whistleout.com/CellPhones/Guides/esims
On the 992 (MY20) the sim tray used to be by the SD tray in the armrest bin. In the panamera and cayenne (21 and 20 respectively) in the glove box, also with the SD tray.
One could retrofit it, but the cost and hassle are unlikely to be worthy.