Can Audi Have Remote Start?

How Audi Remote Start Works

Audi’s factory remote start operates exclusively through the myAudi smartphone app rather than a traditional key fob button^[3]. This app-based approach allows drivers to start their vehicle, adjust climate settings, and monitor vehicle status from virtually anywhere with cellular connectivity^[3].

The system leverages Audi’s connected car technology, ensuring seamless communication between the app and the vehicle^[3]. When activated, all electrical systems—including air conditioning and radio—revert to the last settings used during your previous drive^[4].

Historically, Audi and VW vehicles were not sold with remote start because of regulatory limitations in Germany, where it is illegal to have a car running unattended^[2]. This legal background influenced Audi’s approach to remote start features, making app-based control the primary option for US buyers^[5].

Requirements for Using myAudi Remote Start

Before initiating remote start through the myAudi app, your vehicle must meet specific conditions^[4]:

Vehicle in park with the emergency brake engaged
Ignition turned off
All windows closed
All doors locked
Fuel tank not triggering the low fuel warning light
Never use remote start inside a garage or with passengers inside the vehicle

Once these conditions are met, select the remote start icon in your myAudi app and enter your PIN code or use Face ID to authenticate^[3]. A confirmation notification appears when your vehicle has successfully started^[3].

Remote start will only work two times consecutively, and each session runs for 10 minutes before the vehicle automatically shuts off if you do not enter and begin driving^[4].

Audi Models with Remote Start

Factory Remote Start (2024+)

All Audi vehicles sold in the US and Canada from model year 2024 onward include remote start as a standard feature through Audi connect CARE^[1]. This applies across the entire lineup:

Sedans: A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, A8, S3, S4, S5, S6, S7, S8
SUVs: Q3, Q5, Q7, Q8, SQ5, SQ7, SQ8
Electric models: Q4 e-tron, Q8 e-tron, e-tron GT, Q6 e-tron, SQ6 e-tron
Performance: RS3, RS5, RS6, RS7

Older Models (Pre-2024)

For 2023 and earlier Audi models, remote start is not available as a factory feature in most cases^[6]. Some higher-end trims offered remote start through Audi Connect services on smartphones, but availability varied by model and trim level^[5]. If you’re shopping for a used Audi, you may want to explore what the Audi Advanced Key offers for keyless convenience.

Aftermarket Remote Start Options

For Audi owners without factory remote start, several aftermarket solutions provide this functionality with enhanced features.

Plug-and-Play Kits

Aftermarket remote start kits for Audi models from 2006 to 2023 offer a seamless installation experience^[7]. These kits use vehicle-specific t-harnesses with OEM-style connectors that minimize wire-to-wire connections^[2]. Key features include:

OEM fob integration: Start the engine by pressing the lock button three times
15-minute runtime: Longer than the factory 10-minute limit
No key required: Advanced immobilizer bypass eliminates the need to forfeit a spare key
2-mile range: Significantly better than factory systems

Professional installation is recommended to ensure compatibility and proper functioning^[5]. Understanding what to do when your Audi key battery dies can also help you troubleshoot related issues.

Compustar Systems

Compustar offers remote starters compatible with a wide range of Audi models, including A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, A8, Q3, Q5, Q7, Q8, RS models, S models, and TT^[2]. These systems address a key limitation of factory remote start—range.

VW and Audi key fobs have limited remote range, as low as 20 feet, which defeats the purpose of warming up your car from inside your home^[2]. Compustar remotes offer up to 1-mile range with two-way confirmation that chirps when your car successfully starts^[2].

Cost Comparison: Factory vs Aftermarket

Feature	myAudi App	Compustar + DroneMobile	myVW App
Monthly Price	$15/month	$5.99/month	$9.99/month
Yearly Price	$150/year	$59.88/year	$109.99/year
Free Trial	10 years (new vehicles)	None	Varies

While the myAudi app costs more monthly, new Audi buyers receive 10 years of Audi connect CARE at no additional charge^[1]. Used car buyers face the full subscription cost, making aftermarket options like DroneMobile more economical for long-term use^[2].

If you’re evaluating whether to add remote start or considering other Audi technology features, check out our guide on whether Audi charges for Apple CarPlay.

Key Takeaways

All 2024+ Audi models in the US include remote start via myAudi app, free for 10 years
Factory remote start only works through the smartphone app, not the key fob
Older Audis (2006–2023) can add remote start via aftermarket plug-and-play kits
Factory remote start has limited 10-minute runtime; aftermarket offers 15+ minutes
Aftermarket solutions like Compustar provide 1-mile+ range vs factory’s 20-foot limitation

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Audi remote start work with the key fob?

No, factory Audi remote start does not use the key fob^[5]. The feature is exclusively controlled through the myAudi smartphone app. Aftermarket kits can enable key fob remote start by pressing the lock button multiple times^[7].

How long does Audi remote start run?

Factory remote start through the myAudi app runs for 10 minutes per activation and can only be used twice consecutively before requiring the driver to enter the vehicle^[4]. Aftermarket systems typically offer 15-minute runtimes^[5].

Can I add remote start to my older Audi?

Yes, aftermarket remote start kits are available for Audi models from 2006 to 2023^[7]. These plug-and-play systems can be installed by dealerships or independent shops without voiding your warranty^[8]. Owners of models like the 2017 Audi A4 or 2018 Audi A3 commonly add these aftermarket solutions.

Is Audi remote start free?

For new Audi vehicles purchased from model year 2024 onward, remote start is included free for 10 years as part of Audi connect CARE^[1]. After the trial period or for used vehicle buyers, the service costs $15/month or $150/year^[2].

Can I use remote start if my Audi has low fuel?

No, the remote start function will not activate if your low fuel warning light is illuminated^[3]. This safety feature prevents the vehicle from running out of fuel while unattended.

References

Audi USA. (2025). Audi connect Safety & App Features. https://www.audiusa.com/en/inside-audi/innovation/audi-connect/audi-connect-all-features/
Compustar. (2024). Can You Add Remote Start to an Audi or VW Vehicle? https://www.compustar.com/blog/can-you-add-remote-start-to-an-audi-or-vw-vehicle/
Audi Virginia Beach. (2024). Which Audis Have Remote Start? https://www.audivirginiabeach.com/en/blog/which-audis-have-remote-start/
Audi of America. (2023). Audi Tech Tutorial: Remote Start via myAudi App. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bETzgCUr-og
Audi Tampa. (2024). Does the Audi A5 Have Remote Start? https://www.auditampa.com/does-the-audi-a5-have-remote-start.htm
Reddit r/Audi. (2024). Is Audi going to support remote start via app for older year models? https://www.reddit.com/r/Audi/comments/1fw4o7d/
Stereo West Autotoys. (2025). 2-Way Audi Remote Start with Keyless Entry. https://stereowestautotoys.com/
Mobile Audio Experts. (2020). Audi Remote Starter. https://mobileaudioexperts.com/audi-remote-starter/

Chien Nguyen Van

I am a senior automotive analyst at Autvex. Expert vehicle evaluations, in-depth reviews, and objective analysis helping readers make informed automotive decisions with years of industry experience.