OnStar can be disabled through your vehicle's infotainment system, by calling OnStar directly, or by having a dealer remove the hardware
OnStar is a subscription service that connects your vehicle to emergency response, navigation, and remote features. If you no longer want the service active, you have three main routes: disable it through your car's touchscreen or dashboard menu, call OnStar to cancel your subscription, or visit a General Motors dealership to have the hardware removed. The method you choose depends on whether you want to keep the hardware in place but stop paying for the service, or remove it entirely.
Disabling OnStar through your vehicle's menu is the fastest option and costs nothing. Calling OnStar to cancel your subscription stops the service but leaves the hardware in your car. Removing the hardware at a dealership is permanent but may involve a service fee.
Key Takeaways
- You can disable OnStar through your vehicle's infotainment system by navigating to Settings, then OnStar, then selecting the option to disable or turn off the service.
- Calling OnStar customer service at 1-888-466-7827 will cancel your subscription, though the hardware remains in your vehicle.
- A General Motors dealership can physically remove OnStar hardware, but this typically involves a service charge.
- Disabling OnStar through your vehicle's menu does not delete your account; you can reactivate it later if you change your mind.
- OnStar collects location data while active, so disabling the service stops that data collection.
Disabling OnStar through your vehicle's menu
Most General Motors vehicles allow you to turn off OnStar directly from the infotainment system without calling anyone. Start by pressing the OnStar button on your steering wheel or dashboard, or look for the OnStar icon on your touchscreen. Navigate to Settings, then find OnStar or Connected Services. Look for an option labeled Disable OnStar, Turn Off OnStar, or Deactivate Service. Select it and confirm when prompted.
The exact menu path varies by model year and infotainment system. Newer vehicles with larger touchscreens typically have the option more clearly labeled. Older vehicles may require you to scroll through several submenus. If you cannot find the option in Settings, check your vehicle's owner manual for the specific path for your model.
Disabling through the menu stops OnStar from running but does not cancel your subscription or delete your account. If you have an active paid plan, you will continue to be charged until you contact OnStar to cancel. This method is useful if you want to stop the service temporarily without losing your account information.
Canceling your OnStar subscription by phone
To fully stop OnStar charges, you need to contact OnStar customer service and cancel your subscription. Call 1-888-466-7827 and have your vehicle identification number (VIN) and account information ready. A representative will confirm your account, discuss your reason for canceling, and process the cancellation. The call usually takes five to ten minutes.
When you cancel by phone, OnStar will stop billing you when ready or at the end of your current billing cycle, depending on your plan. The hardware remains in your vehicle and continues to receive power from your car's electrical system, but it will not transmit data or provide any OnStar services. You can reactivate the service later by calling OnStar again or through your vehicle's menu.
Some OnStar plans include a trial period or promotional rate. If you are still within a trial, canceling may not trigger any charges. If you are mid-contract, OnStar may ask whether you want to downgrade to a lower-cost plan instead of canceling entirely. You are not required to accept a downgrade offer.
Removing OnStar hardware at a dealership
If you want OnStar hardware physically removed from your vehicle, visit a General Motors dealership and request the removal service. The technician will disconnect the OnStar module, which is typically located under the dashboard or behind the center console. Removal takes thirty minutes to an hour. Most dealerships charge a service fee for this work, though the amount varies by location and dealership.
Before scheduling removal, call your dealership's service department and ask for the cost. Some dealerships may waive the fee if you have an active service plan or if you are trading in the vehicle. Removal is permanent — the hardware cannot be reactivated once disconnected, though a new OnStar system can be installed if you purchase a different vehicle.
You should cancel your OnStar subscription before having the hardware removed. This prevents you from being charged after the service is no longer functional. If you forget to cancel first, call OnStar after the removal to stop the charges.
What happens to your data when you disable OnStar
OnStar collects location data, vehicle diagnostics, and crash information while the service is active. When you disable OnStar through your vehicle's menu or cancel your subscription, OnStar stops collecting new data. Data that was already collected and stored in OnStar's servers is subject to OnStar's privacy policy.
If you want to request deletion of data OnStar has already collected, you can contact OnStar's privacy team. OnStar allows you to request deletion of personal information under certain privacy laws, though the process and timeline vary by state. Call 1-888-466-7827 and ask to speak with someone about data deletion requests, or visit OnStar's privacy policy page on their website for state-specific instructions.
Reactivating OnStar after you disable it
If you disable OnStar through your vehicle's menu, you can turn it back on the same way: press the OnStar button, navigate to Settings, find OnStar, and select the option to enable or reactivate. Your account information and settings remain stored, so you can resume service without creating a new account.
If you canceled your subscription by phone, you can call OnStar again at 1-888-466-7827 to restart your plan. OnStar will ask which plan you want and process payment. Reactivation usually takes one business day. If you had the hardware physically removed, you cannot reactivate OnStar in that vehicle — you would need to have new hardware installed at a dealership.
Why you might want to disable OnStar
People disable OnStar for several reasons. Some want to reduce subscription costs, especially if they do not use the emergency or navigation features. Others have privacy concerns about location tracking and data collection. Some drivers disable it when selling or trading in their vehicle to may support the new owner starts with a clean account.
If you are concerned about OnStar's data practices, disabling the service stops active data collection. If you are keeping the hardware but want to prevent accidental reactivation, disabling through your menu is the simplest step. If cost is the main reason, canceling your subscription stops the charges while leaving the option to reactivate later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will disabling OnStar affect my vehicle's other features?
No. OnStar is a separate system from your vehicle's basic functions, infotainment, and safety features. Disabling OnStar does not affect your radio, navigation, climate control, or any other built-in systems. Your car will operate normally in every other way.
Can I disable OnStar if I still owe money on my vehicle loan?
Yes. OnStar is a separate service from your vehicle loan. Disabling or canceling OnStar does not affect your loan or your ability to drive the vehicle. However, check your loan agreement — some lenders require OnStar to remain active as a condition of the loan, though this is uncommon.
What if I cannot find the OnStar menu option in my vehicle?
Check your vehicle's owner manual for the exact menu path for your model year and infotainment system. If you still cannot locate it, call OnStar at 1-888-466-7827 and ask a representative to walk you through the steps for your specific vehicle. You can also visit a General Motors dealership and ask a technician to show you where the option is located.
Does disabling OnStar stop the hardware from using power?
Disabling OnStar through your menu stops the service from running and transmitting data, but the hardware still draws a small amount of power from your vehicle's electrical system. The power draw is minimal and will not noticeably affect your battery or fuel economy. If you want to eliminate the power draw entirely, you need to have the hardware physically removed at a dealership.
Can I disable OnStar without calling anyone?
Yes. You can disable OnStar entirely through your vehicle's infotainment menu without making a phone call. However, if you have an active paid subscription, you will continue to be charged until you call OnStar to cancel. To stop all charges without calling, you would need to have the hardware removed at a dealership.