How Volvo's App Subscription Works
Volvo offers a subscription service called Volvo On Call (now transitioning to Volvo Cars App) that bundles vehicle services and features into monthly or annual plans. Rather than buying these services separately, you pay one recurring fee to access remote vehicle controls, maintenance alerts, roadside information, and other connected-car features through your phone.
The service connects to your Volvo vehicle through built-in cellular hardware. Once you set up an account and link your car, you can lock and unlock doors, check fuel level, locate your vehicle, and monitor service needs from the app. The exact features available depend on which subscription tier you choose and your vehicle's model year and equipment.
Volvo structures these subscriptions as optional add-ons to vehicle ownership. You are not required to purchase any subscription tier to drive your car — the subscription layer sits on top of standard vehicle operation. However, some features like remote climate control or real-time traffic updates may only work if you maintain an active subscription.
Key Takeaways
- Volvo's subscription service (Volvo On Call / Volvo Cars App) provides remote vehicle access and monitoring through your smartphone for a monthly or annual fee.
- Subscription tiers vary by region and model year, with different price points offering different feature sets — check Volvo's website or your dealer for what is available for your specific vehicle.
- You can use your Volvo without any subscription, but certain connected features will not work unless you maintain an active plan.
- Subscriptions typically include roadside information, maintenance alerts, and emergency services in addition to remote controls.
- You can cancel or pause your subscription at any time, though some features will become unavailable once your plan ends.
What Features Come With Different Subscription Tiers
Volvo offers multiple subscription levels, though the exact tiers and pricing change by region and model year. A basic tier typically includes features like remote locking and unlocking, vehicle location, fuel level monitoring, and service reminders. Mid-level plans often add remote climate control, trip history, and enhanced roadside information. Premium tiers may include real-time traffic integration, advanced diagnostics, and concierge services.
The features you can access also depend on your vehicle's equipment. Newer Volvo models with integrated cellular connectivity support more remote functions than older vehicles. Before purchasing a subscription, check your vehicle's manual or contact your Volvo dealer to confirm which features your specific model supports and which tier unlocks them.
Volvo periodically updates its subscription offerings and pricing. If you are considering a subscription, visit Volvo's official website or call your local dealer for current pricing and feature lists in your area. Dealer websites sometimes show regional variations that the main Volvo site does not.
Pricing and Payment Options
Subscription costs vary significantly by region, vehicle model, and subscription tier. Monthly plans typically range from around $10 to $30 per month for basic tiers, with premium tiers costing more. Annual plans usually offer a discount compared to paying month-to-month, though the exact savings depend on your region and plan level.
You can usually pause or cancel your subscription without penalty, though some regions or plan types may have minimum commitment periods. When you cancel, your access to subscription features stops when ready, but your vehicle continues to operate normally. If you restart a subscription later, you may need to re-enter payment information and re-authenticate your vehicle.
Payment is typically handled through your Volvo account, which you set up during the app registration process. You can usually update payment methods, change subscription tiers, or manage your plan directly through the app or Volvo's website.
How to Set Up Volvo's Subscription Service
To begin using Volvo's subscription service, read the Volvo Cars App (or Volvo On Call, depending on your region and vehicle year) from your phone's app store. Create an account using your email address and set a password. You will need to provide your vehicle identification number (VIN) to link your car to the app.
Once your vehicle is linked, the app will prompt you to choose a subscription tier. You will enter payment information at this point. Some dealers offer trial periods or promotional subscriptions for new vehicle owners, so check your purchase paperwork or ask your dealer whether any complimentary period applies to your purchase.
After you complete setup and payment, the app should show your vehicle's status and available controls within a few minutes. If features do not appear when ready, try closing and reopening the app, or restart your phone. If problems persist, contact Volvo customer service through the app or your dealer.
Subscription Versus Ownership: What Changes
Choosing a subscription service does not change your ownership of the vehicle itself. You still own the car outright (or finance it through a traditional loan), pay property tax and registration, carry insurance, and handle maintenance as you normally would. The subscription is purely an optional digital service layer.
However, some maintenance items may be bundled differently if you use Volvo's subscription. For example, certain diagnostic services or roadside information may be included in your subscription rather than charged separately. Review your subscription tier's details to understand what maintenance or service support is covered.
If you sell your vehicle, the subscription does not transfer to the new owner. You will need to cancel your plan before the sale, and the new owner can set up their own subscription if they wish. Some dealers may offer a trial subscription to new owners as part of the purchase package.
Troubleshooting Common Subscription Issues
If your app shows "vehicle not connected" or features are not working, first check that your vehicle has cellular signal and that your subscription is active and paid. Some vehicles require a cellular module to be activated by the dealer — if you have never used the service before, contact your Volvo dealer to confirm the module is enabled.
If you recently changed your phone or reinstalled the app, you may need to re-authenticate your vehicle. Log out of the app completely, then log back in and re-link your vehicle using your VIN. This usually restores access to all features within a few minutes.
If you are charged for a subscription you thought you cancelled, check your account settings in the app to confirm the cancellation went through. Payment processing can take a few days to reflect, so if you cancelled recently, the charge may still appear on your statement. Contact Volvo customer service with your account details and cancellation confirmation if the charge persists.
Regional Differences and Availability
Volvo's subscription service is not uniformly available in all countries or regions. The United States, Canada, Europe, and several other markets offer the service, but features, pricing, and plan structures vary by location. Some regions may still use the older "Volvo On Call" branding, while others have transitioned to the "Volvo Cars App."
If you own a Volvo in a region where the subscription service is not yet available, you may not see subscription options in the app, or the app itself may not be available for read. Check Volvo's official website for your country to confirm whether the service is offered in your area.
If you are relocating or traveling internationally with your Volvo, your subscription may not work in all countries. Some features rely on regional cellular networks or server infrastructure that may not be available outside your home region. Contact Volvo customer service before traveling to confirm which features will remain active.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a subscription to drive my Volvo?
No. Your Volvo operates normally without any subscription. A subscription only unlocks remote features like app-based locking, climate control, and maintenance alerts. Standard driving, starting, and basic vehicle functions work regardless of subscription status.
Can I try the subscription before paying for it?
Some Volvo dealers offer trial periods or promotional subscriptions with new vehicle purchases. Check your purchase paperwork or contact your dealer to see if a trial is included. Otherwise, you will need to purchase a subscription to test the features.
What happens to my subscription if I sell my car?
Your subscription is tied to your account and vehicle, not to the car itself. You should cancel your subscription before selling. The new owner can set up their own subscription if they wish, but they will need to create a new account and choose their own plan.
Can I use the app on multiple phones?
Yes, you can log into your Volvo account on multiple devices. However, only one phone can control the vehicle at a time in most cases. If multiple people need access, check whether Volvo offers multi-user or family sharing features for your region.
What if my vehicle does not have cellular connectivity?
Older Volvo models may not have the built-in cellular module required for the subscription service. Contact your Volvo dealer with your VIN to confirm whether your vehicle supports the service. Some dealers may be able to retrofit the hardware, though this typically involves a cost.