What OnStar is and why you might need a subscription

OnStar is a vehicle safety and connectivity service built into most General Motors vehicles. It connects your car to a network of advisors and emergency responders through a combination of cellular service and satellite technology. When you buy a new GM vehicle, you typically get a trial period of OnStar service included at no cost — usually three months to one year, depending on the model year and trim level.

After that trial ends, you choose whether to pay for a subscription to keep the service active. Without an active subscription, the emergency call button in your vehicle still works (it connects to 911), but features like remote door unlock, vehicle diagnostics, navigation information, and automatic crash response stop functioning.

OnStar is optional — you are not required to subscribe. However, if you want to use the remote features or have a dedicated advisor answer your emergency call instead of routing to 911, you need an active plan.

Key Takeaways

  • OnStar subscriptions are optional add-ons that set up features like remote unlocking, vehicle diagnostics, and turn-by-turn navigation in your GM vehicle.
  • New vehicles come with a free trial period that typically lasts three months to one year; after that, you pay a monthly or annual fee to continue service.
  • The emergency call button always works and connects to 911 even without a paid subscription, but other OnStar features require an active plan.
  • OnStar offers multiple subscription tiers at different price points, and you can pause, downgrade, or cancel your subscription at any time.
  • You manage your OnStar account through the OnStar mobile app, your vehicle's infotainment screen, or by calling OnStar directly.

OnStar subscription tiers and what each one includes

OnStar offers several subscription levels, and the features available depend on which tier you choose. The most basic paid plan typically includes emergency services, roadside information, vehicle diagnostics, and the ability to lock or unlock your doors remotely. Mid-tier plans add features like remote engine start, navigation information, and stolen vehicle information. The highest tier includes all of these plus additional services like WiFi hotspot capability (on compatible vehicles) and enhanced concierge services.

Pricing varies by subscription level and whether you pay monthly or annually. Monthly plans cost less per month if you commit to a full year upfront, but you can also pay month-to-month if you prefer flexibility. The exact cost depends on your vehicle model, model year, and which features your car supports — not all vehicles have every feature available.

You can view your current plan, see what features are included, and compare upgrade options through the OnStar mobile app or by logging into your account on the OnStar website. You can also call OnStar directly at the number on your vehicle's OnStar button to speak with an advisor about your options.

How to start, pause, or cancel your OnStar subscription

When your trial period is ending, OnStar sends you a notice — usually by email, text, or through the mobile app — letting you know your free service will expire on a specific date. At that point, you can choose to start a paid subscription, let it expire, or pause it temporarily.

To start a subscription, open the OnStar mobile app, go to your account settings, and select the plan you want. You can also call OnStar directly or manage your subscription through your vehicle's infotainment screen if your model supports it. You will need a valid payment method (credit card or debit card) on file.

If you want to pause your subscription temporarily without canceling it entirely, you can do that through the app or by calling OnStar. This is useful if you are selling your vehicle, taking a long break from driving, or want to reduce costs for a few months. When you pause, your subscription features turn off, but your account remains active and you can restart service whenever you want.

To cancel your subscription permanently, go to your account settings in the OnStar app, select "Cancel Subscription," and follow the prompts. You can also call OnStar to cancel over the phone. Cancellation takes effect on your next billing date, not when ready, so you will have service through the end of your current billing cycle.

What happens when your trial ends and you do not subscribe

If your free trial expires and you do not start a paid subscription, OnStar features turn off automatically on your expiration date. The emergency call button in your vehicle will still work and will connect directly to 911, but you will not have access to remote features like door unlock, vehicle diagnostics, or turn-by-turn navigation through OnStar.

You can still use your vehicle's built-in navigation system (if it has one) and make phone calls through Bluetooth, but the OnStar-specific services are no longer available. If you change your mind later and want to reactivate service, you can subscribe at any time through the app or by calling OnStar — there is no penalty for letting your subscription lapse.

Managing your OnStar account and billing

Once you have an active subscription, you manage everything through the OnStar mobile app, which is free to read on iOS and Android. The app shows your current plan, billing date, payment method, and allows you to change your plan, update your payment information, or pause your subscription.

Your billing date is set when you start your subscription and remains the same each month or year, depending on your plan. OnStar charges your payment method automatically on that date. If your payment method fails or expires, OnStar will attempt to contact you to update it before your service is interrupted.

You can change your plan at any time through the app. If you upgrade to a higher tier, you may be charged a prorated amount for the remainder of your current billing cycle. If you downgrade, the change typically takes effect on your next billing date. You can also view your billing history and read invoices through the app.

OnStar on used vehicles and vehicle transfers

If you buy a used GM vehicle that still has an active OnStar subscription, that subscription is tied to the previous owner's account. When you take ownership, you need to contact OnStar to transfer the account to your name or start a new subscription under your account. OnStar can help you do this over the phone or through the app.

If the previous owner's trial period has not expired yet, you may be able to use the remaining trial time before you need to decide whether to subscribe. If the trial has already ended and the previous owner did not subscribe, you start with no active service and can choose to subscribe whenever you want.

Some used vehicle purchases include a complimentary subscription period as part of the dealer's offer. Check your purchase paperwork or ask the dealer whether any OnStar service is included with your purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use OnStar features without paying for a subscription?

The emergency call button works without a subscription and connects to 911. However, remote features like door unlock, vehicle diagnostics, navigation information, and stolen vehicle tracking require an active paid subscription. The free trial period that comes with new vehicles lets you use all features temporarily, but once it expires, you must subscribe to access them.

What if I do not want OnStar at all?

OnStar is optional. You do not have to subscribe when your trial ends. Your vehicle will continue to work normally, and the emergency button will still connect to 911. You straightforward will not have access to the remote features or OnStar advisors. You can subscribe later if you change your mind.

Can I transfer my OnStar subscription to a different vehicle?

OnStar subscriptions are tied to a specific vehicle's OnStar unit. If you buy a new vehicle, you cannot transfer your existing subscription to it. However, you can cancel your current subscription and start a new one on your new vehicle. Contact OnStar to discuss your options when you switch vehicles.

What if I forget to cancel before my trial ends?

If your trial expires and you do not cancel or subscribe, OnStar features straightforward turn off on your expiration date. You are not automatically charged. You can reactivate service at any time by subscribing through the app or calling OnStar — there is no penalty for waiting.

Does OnStar work if I do not have cellular service in my area?

OnStar uses both cellular and satellite technology. In areas with no cellular coverage, OnStar can still connect through satellite, though some features may be limited. If you are in an area with no cellular or satellite coverage, OnStar features may not work. Check OnStar's coverage map on their website to see if your area is covered.