If you want car WiFi or in-car internet, you don’t need to buy a new vehicle with built-in connectivity. In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how we created a 4G car WiFi system that delivers strong, consistent internet wherever we go — for work or family travel — with minimal compromises.
Why Not Just Use a Phone Hotspot for Car WiFi?
Using your phone as a hotspot works, but it’s far from ideal. You have to keep enabling connections, it drains your battery fast, and performance can be inconsistent. We wanted something more stable, with faster speeds and better coverage — a true WiFi solution for the car.
Finding the Right Balance: Coverage vs. Practicality
All wireless systems involve compromise. The higher the antenna, the better the coverage — that’s why mobile masts sit on rooftops. But in a car, practicality matters too. We didn’t want something that looked like the lunar rover, so we aimed for a setup that offered strong signal reception without ruining the car’s look or function.
Our Car WiFi Setup: Huawei 4G Router + MIMO Antenna
We chose a Huawei 4G router that supports external antennas. Cars act like a Faraday cage, which blocks radio signals, so placing antennas strategically is key.
Mounting them outside would give the best performance, but it’s not practical for most vehicles. Instead, we used a MIMO antenna on the front windscreen — specifically in the small uncoated area near the rear-view mirror designed for signal transmission. This provided an excellent balance of signal strength and aesthetics.
Power and Configuration
We wired the router’s USB power to a circuit that activates with the ignition. The router charges while driving and can run on battery power when parked. It automatically powers down when no devices are connected, helping to preserve energy.
Choosing the Best Data SIM
After testing different plans, we found preloaded data SIMs the most flexible. Starting with a 1-month plan, we upgraded to a 3-month and then a 12-month SIM with 120 GB. This setup has been cost-effective, easy to manage, and perfect for long-term use.
The Results: Always-On Connectivity
The system now provides seamless WiFi access every time we drive. The kids can stream and game on long trips, and our phones use WiFi calling when mobile signal drops. Because our data SIM is on a different network, coverage black spots are almost gone. Even on routes where we used to lose connection completely, we now stay online.
Car WiFi Summary
By combining a 4G router, MIMO antenna, and the right data plan, you can create your own in-car WiFi system that performs as well as built-in solutions — without expensive upgrades or modifications.We wanted to find our own balance of compromise to get the best car WiFi possible whilst not looking like the lunar rover.
