Bluelink is Hyundai's connected car service, not a car subscription

Bluelink is a subscription service from Hyundai that connects your vehicle to your phone and a 24/7 call center. It is not a car subscription service where you pay monthly to drive a Hyundai — it is an add-on service you buy for a Hyundai you own or lease. The service lets you lock and unlock your car remotely, start the engine from your phone, check fuel level and tire pressure, and get roadside information.

Bluelink comes standard on most new Hyundais for the first year at no cost. After that first year, you pay a monthly or annual fee to keep the service active. The cost and what features you get depend on which Bluelink plan you choose and which model year your Hyundai is.

If you arrived here looking for a service where you pay monthly to rent a car instead of owning one, that is a different product. Car subscription services like Volvo Cars Subscription or BMW's subscription program work differently — you pay a flat monthly fee and get a car to drive, insurance, and maintenance included. Bluelink is only the digital connection between you and your existing Hyundai.

Key Takeaways

  • Bluelink is a connected car service you add to a Hyundai you own or lease, not a service that lets you rent a car monthly.
  • New Hyundais include Bluelink free for the first year; after that you pay a monthly subscription fee that varies by plan and model year.
  • Basic features include remote lock/unlock, engine start, and fuel and tire monitoring through your phone.
  • Bluelink requires a compatible Hyundai model and an active cellular connection in your vehicle.

What Bluelink features cost and what they do

Hyundai offers Bluelink in two main tiers: a basic plan and a premium plan. The basic plan typically includes remote lock and unlock, remote engine start, fuel level and tire pressure monitoring, and emergency roadside information. The premium plan adds features like stolen vehicle recovery, remote climate control, and real-time traffic and navigation.

Pricing varies by model year and region. A basic plan might cost between $100 and $200 per year, while a premium plan could run $200 to $400 per year. Some Hyundai dealers bundle Bluelink into a package with other services, so the exact price you see may depend on where you buy it and what year your vehicle is. Contact your Hyundai dealer or visit the Bluelink website to see current pricing for your specific car.

The service requires a cellular connection built into your Hyundai. Older model years may not support all Bluelink features, and some features may not work in areas with poor cellular coverage. You will also need to read the Bluelink mobile app on your phone to use most features.

How to set up Bluelink on your Hyundai

If your Hyundai is new, Bluelink is already active for the first year. You set it up by downloading the Bluelink app, creating an account, and linking your vehicle to that account using your vehicle identification number (VIN) and other information from your registration.

Once your account is set up, you can use the app to lock and unlock your car, start the engine, check fuel and tire status, and request roadside help. The app also shows your vehicle's location on a map and lets you set up alerts — for example, a notification if your car leaves a certain area.

If your Bluelink subscription expires and you want to renew it, you can do so through the app or by contacting Hyundai customer service. You can also pause your subscription if you do not plan to use the service for a period of time.

Bluelink versus other connected car services

Other automakers offer similar services. General Motors has OnStar, Ford has FordPass, and Toyota has Toyota Connected Services. Each service works roughly the same way — remote locking and unlocking, engine start, roadside information, and emergency calling — but the features, pricing, and app experience differ.

OnStar, for example, includes emergency calling and roadside information free for the first year on many GM vehicles, then charges a subscription fee. FordPass includes some features free and charges for others. Toyota's service structure is similar to Bluelink's, with a free first year and paid plans after that.

If you are comparing connected car services, look at which features matter to you most — remote start, stolen vehicle tracking, climate control, or navigation — and check the pricing for your specific vehicle model and year. Pricing and feature availability can vary significantly between brands and even between model years of the same brand.

What happens if you do not renew Bluelink

If your Bluelink subscription expires and you do not renew it, the service straightforward stops working. You will no longer be able to use the app to lock, unlock, or start your car remotely. You can still drive your Hyundai normally — the subscription only affects the connected features, not the vehicle itself.

You can renew Bluelink at any time by paying the subscription fee through the app or by contacting Hyundai. There is no penalty for letting your subscription lapse, and you can restart it whenever you want. Some owners choose to use Bluelink only during winter months when remote start is most useful, then pause it during other seasons.

Bluelink and your vehicle's warranty

Bluelink is separate from your Hyundai's factory warranty. Subscribing to Bluelink does not affect your warranty coverage, and letting your subscription expire does not affect it either. The warranty covers the vehicle's mechanical and electrical systems, not the connected services.

If you have a problem with Bluelink itself — for example, the app will not connect to your car — contact Hyundai customer service or your dealer. They can troubleshoot the issue and may be able to resolve it without charging you. If the problem is with the cellular module in your vehicle, that repair might be covered under warranty depending on your vehicle's age and mileage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to keep Bluelink after the first year?

No. Bluelink is optional. After the free first year, you can choose to pay for a subscription or let it expire. Your Hyundai will work normally without it — you just will not have remote features through the app.

Can I use Bluelink on a used Hyundai I bought?

Yes, if the used Hyundai is compatible with Bluelink. You will need to create a Bluelink account and link your vehicle using your VIN. If the previous owner had an active subscription, you will need to set up your own account. Contact Hyundai or your dealer to confirm your specific model supports Bluelink.

What if my phone does not have cellular service — can I still use Bluelink?

You need cellular service on your phone to use the Bluelink app. Your car also needs a cellular connection built in. If either one lacks service, the app will not work. Bluelink does not work over Wi-Fi only.

Is Bluelink the same as a car subscription service?

No. Bluelink is a connected car service you add to a Hyundai you own or lease. A car subscription service is a rental program where you pay monthly to drive a car. They are completely different products.

Can I transfer my Bluelink subscription if I sell my Hyundai?

No. Bluelink is tied to your vehicle's VIN. If you sell your car, the new owner can set up their own Bluelink account. Your subscription ends with your ownership of the vehicle.