GM's Connected Services Let You Monitor and Control Your Car From Your Phone
GM Connected Services (often called OnStar or the GM mobile app, depending on your vehicle year and model) gives you remote access to certain vehicle functions through your smartphone. You can lock or unlock doors, start the engine, check fuel level and tire pressure, locate your car if it's stolen, and receive maintenance alerts — all without being inside the vehicle. The service connects your car to GM's servers through a cellular connection built into the vehicle.
Whether this service comes with your car depends on the model year and trim level. Some vehicles include a trial period (often three months to one year) at no cost. After that, you typically pay a monthly or annual subscription to keep using it. A few GM vehicles come with complimentary service for the life of the original owner, but this is not standard across the lineup.
The real value depends on how you drive and what you own. If you have a long commute, park in uncertain places, or want to check on a teenage driver's vehicle, the remote monitoring and control features save time and reduce stress. If you rarely leave your car unattended or already have a separate roadside information plan, the subscription cost may not be worth it to you.
Key Takeaways
- GM Connected Services lets you lock, unlock, start, and locate your vehicle from your phone, plus monitor fuel, tire pressure, and maintenance needs.
- Most newer GM vehicles include a trial period of three months to one year; after that, you pay a monthly or annual subscription fee that varies by feature tier.
- The service requires a cellular connection built into your vehicle and an active data plan, which may be separate from your phone's plan.
- Remote start, theft recovery, and maintenance alerts are the most commonly used features; door locks and fuel checks are secondary conveniences.
- You can cancel the subscription at any time, and the vehicle will continue to operate normally without the connected features.
What Features Come With Different Subscription Tiers
GM offers connected services in layers, and the exact names and prices vary by model year and region. The basic tier typically includes remote lock/unlock, vehicle location, and maintenance alerts. Mid-tier plans add remote engine start, climate control, and the ability to set speed or boundary alerts (useful if a teen driver leaves a designated area). The highest tier may include roadside information, emergency services integration, and concierge features.
You do not have to commit to the highest tier. Most owners choose the plan that covers remote start and location, then add or drop features based on actual use. GM's mobile app shows you exactly which features are active on your account, and you can change your subscription level through the app or by contacting GM customer service.
Pricing is not published uniformly across GM's website because it depends on your vehicle's model year, trim, and region. A 2024 Chevy Silverado may have different pricing than a 2024 Cadillac Escalade. The best way to find your exact price is to log into the GM mobile app with your vehicle's VIN, or call the OnStar customer service number in your owner's manual.
How the Service Works and What You Need to Use It
Your vehicle must have a built-in cellular modem — this is standard on most GM vehicles from 2015 onward, but older models may not have it. The modem connects to cellular networks (not Wi-Fi), so the service works anywhere you have cell signal. You do not need to pair your phone via Bluetooth; the connection is between the vehicle and GM's servers.
To use the service, you create a GM account, register your vehicle using the VIN, and read the GM mobile app (available on iOS and Android). Once you log in, the app shows your vehicle's status and lets you send commands. Some features, like remote start, may require you to verify your identity through a PIN or biometric authentication on your phone before the command goes through.
The cellular connection in your vehicle is separate from your personal phone plan. GM includes a data allowance with most subscriptions, but the amount and what it covers varies. If you use the service heavily (checking location multiple times daily, using remote start frequently), you should confirm with GM that your plan's data allowance is sufficient.
Trial Periods, Pricing, and When to Cancel
Most new GM vehicles come with a complimentary trial of connected services. The length varies: some offer three months, others offer one year. During the trial, you have full access to the features included in that tier. GM sends you a notice before the trial expires, usually with an offer to convert to a paid plan.
If you do not want to pay after the trial ends, you can straightforward let the subscription lapse. The vehicle will not be damaged, and you can reactivate the service later if you change your mind. There is no penalty for canceling, and you are not locked into a long-term contract.
Subscription costs typically range from roughly $10 to $30 per month for standard plans, though some premium tiers or bundled services cost more. Annual plans usually offer a small discount compared to paying month-to-month. Roadside information add-ons, if available separately, cost extra. Because pricing changes and varies by region, check your specific quote in the GM app or through customer service before committing.
Remote Start, Theft Recovery, and Maintenance Alerts
Remote engine start is one of the most popular features. You can start your car from inside your house on a cold morning, giving it time to warm up before you go out. The engine runs for a set time (usually 10 to 15 minutes) and then shuts off automatically. This feature requires that your car is locked and that you have the key fob or a valid PIN to authorize the start.
If your vehicle is stolen, the location feature lets you track it in real time through the app and share that information with police. Some GM vehicles also allow you to remotely disable the engine through the service, though this feature is less common and may require police involvement. Theft recovery is most useful if you catch the theft quickly; after a few hours, a stolen vehicle is often moved to a location where tracking becomes less practical.
Maintenance alerts notify you when your vehicle is due for an oil change, tire rotation, or other scheduled service. The app shows the recommended service interval and can help you schedule an appointment at a GM dealership. These alerts are based on your vehicle's mileage and driving patterns, so they are more accurate than calendar-based reminders.
Comparing GM Connected Services to Competitors
Other automakers offer similar services: Ford has FordPass, Toyota has Toyota Connected Services, and Hyundai has Bluelink. The core features are nearly identical across brands — remote lock/unlock, engine start, location tracking, and maintenance alerts. The main differences are in pricing, app design, and how seamlessly the service integrates with other features in your vehicle.
If you are comparing vehicles and connected services are important to you, check the trial period length and the post-trial subscription cost for each brand. A vehicle with a one-year free trial saves you money upfront compared to one with a three-month trial, even if the monthly cost is the same. Also consider whether the app is intuitive to use; if you will not use the features because the app is confusing, the service has no value.
One practical difference: some brands bundle roadside information with their connected service, while others charge separately. If you already have roadside coverage through your insurance or a membership like AAA, you may not need to pay extra for it through the vehicle's service.
Troubleshooting Common Issues With Connected Services
If the app shows your vehicle as offline, the most common cause is a weak cellular signal in your area or at your vehicle's location. Move the vehicle to a location with stronger signal and wait a few minutes for the connection to restore. If the problem persists, restart the app or restart your phone.
If a remote command (like lock or start) fails, first check that your subscription is active and that the feature is included in your plan. Some features are disabled if the vehicle is already running or if the doors are already unlocked. If the command still fails, log out of the app, clear the app cache, and log back in. If that does not work, contact GM customer service; there may be a temporary issue with the servers or your account.
If you forget your GM account password, use the "Forgot Password" link on the login screen to reset it via email. If you cannot access the email address associated with your account, you will need to contact customer service to verify your identity and regain access.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does GM Connected Services work if my vehicle is parked far away or in another state?
Yes, as long as your vehicle has cellular signal. Remote commands and location tracking work anywhere in the continental United States and Canada. If your vehicle is parked in a basement or underground garage with no signal, the service cannot reach it until it moves to an area with coverage.
Can I use GM Connected Services on a used vehicle I just bought?
Yes, but you will need to register the vehicle to your GM account using the VIN. If the previous owner had an active subscription, you will need to contact GM customer service to transfer the account or start a new one. Used vehicles may have a remaining trial period, or you may need to start a paid subscription when ready.
What happens to my connected services if I do not pay the subscription?
The remote features stop working, but your vehicle operates normally. You can reactivate the subscription at any time by logging into the app or contacting customer service. There is no penalty or waiting period to restart service.
Is my location data private, and who can see where my car is?
Only you and anyone you explicitly share access with can see your vehicle's location through the app. GM does not share location data with third parties without your consent. Review your account settings in the app to see who has access and adjust permissions as needed.
Can I use remote start if my car is in the shop or at a dealership?
Remote start is disabled if the vehicle is in a service facility or if the dealership has locked you out of the system. This is a safety feature to prevent accidental starts while the vehicle is being worked on. Once the service is complete, the feature will be re-enabled automatically.