What the My Chevrolet App Does and Why You Might Use It
The My Chevrolet app (sometimes called MyChevrolet) is a mobile process made by General Motors that connects to your Chevrolet vehicle if it has the necessary built-in technology. The app lets you check your car's status, lock or unlock doors remotely, start the engine from your phone, and see fuel level and maintenance reminders — all without being near the vehicle.
The app is free to read, but it only works if your Chevrolet has OnStar or GM's connected vehicle system built in. Newer vehicles (typically 2015 and later, depending on the model) are more likely to have this technology. If your car does not have the hardware, the app will not connect to it, and you will only see informational features.
The main reason people set up a My Chevrolet account is convenience: you can check whether you locked your car without walking to the driveway, or warm up the engine on a cold morning before you leave the house. Some people also use it to monitor a teenage driver's vehicle or to keep track of a car they are considering selling.
Key Takeaways
- The My Chevrolet app works only with Chevrolet vehicles that have OnStar or GM's connected vehicle system, which is standard on most 2015 and newer models.
- You create a My Chevrolet account using your email address and a password, then link it to your vehicle using the vehicle identification number (VIN) and other ownership details.
- Remote features like locking, unlocking, and engine start require an active OnStar subscription; viewing fuel level and maintenance alerts may work without it, depending on your vehicle year.
- If the app will not connect to your vehicle, the most common causes are an outdated app version, an inactive OnStar subscription, or a vehicle that does not have the connected system.
How to Create Your My Chevrolet Account
Start by downloading the My Chevrolet app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store on your smartphone. Open the app and select "Create Account" or "Sign Up." You will need a valid email address and a password you have not used elsewhere.
After you create your login, the app will ask you to add your vehicle. You will need your vehicle identification number (VIN), which you can find on your registration paperwork, insurance card, or on the driver's side of the windshield. The app will also ask for your vehicle's PIN code (a security code set up through OnStar) or other ownership verification. If you do not have the PIN, you can call OnStar at 1-888-4-ONSTAR (1-888-466-7827) and they will help you retrieve it or set one up.
Once your vehicle is linked, you should see a dashboard showing your car's current status. If nothing appears, or if you see an error message, your vehicle may not have the connected system, or your OnStar subscription may be inactive.
What Remote Features Require and What They Cost
The My Chevrolet app offers two types of features: viewing features and control features. Viewing features — like checking fuel level, battery voltage, tire pressure, and maintenance reminders — may work without a paid subscription on newer vehicles, though this varies by model year and when your vehicle was manufactured.
Control features — locking and unlocking doors, starting the engine remotely, honking the horn, or flashing the lights — require an active OnStar subscription. OnStar is a paid service that starts at around $14.99 per month for basic remote services, though pricing and plan names change periodically. Some new Chevrolet vehicles come with a trial period of OnStar included; after the trial ends, you choose whether to pay for a subscription or let it lapse.
If you want to use remote features but do not have an active OnStar subscription, you can contact OnStar directly at 1-888-4-ONSTAR or visit OnStar.com to purchase a plan. OnStar will set up the service on your vehicle, and the app should then show the remote controls within a few minutes to a few hours.
Troubleshooting When the App Will Not Connect to Your Vehicle
If you have created your account and added your vehicle but the app shows an error or no vehicle data, start by checking three things: your app version, your OnStar status, and your vehicle's compatibility.
First, open your phone's app store and check whether an update is available for My Chevrolet. An outdated app version is one of the most common reasons the connection fails. Install any available update and try again.
Second, confirm that your OnStar subscription is active. You can do this by calling OnStar at 1-888-4-ONSTAR or by logging into your OnStar account at OnStar.com. If your subscription has lapsed or expired, the app may show your vehicle but will not display real-time data or allow remote controls.
Third, check whether your vehicle actually has the connected system. Vehicles without OnStar hardware cannot connect to the app at all. If you are unsure, check your vehicle's manual or call a Chevrolet dealership with your VIN; they can tell you whether your specific car has the system.
Managing Your Account and Linked Vehicles
Once your account is set up, you can add multiple vehicles to the same My Chevrolet account if you own more than one Chevrolet with the connected system. To add another vehicle, open the app, go to Settings or Account, and select "Add Vehicle." You will go through the same process: entering the VIN and ownership verification.
You can also remove a vehicle from your account if you sell the car or no longer want to monitor it. Go to Settings, find the vehicle you want to remove, and select "Delete" or "Remove." This does not affect the vehicle itself — it only removes it from your app.
If you forget your My Chevrolet password, select "Forgot Password" on the login screen, enter your email address, and follow the reset link sent to your inbox. If you no longer have access to the email address you used to create the account, contact OnStar at 1-888-4-ONSTAR and they can help you regain access.
Privacy and Security Considerations
When you use the My Chevrolet app, you are sharing your vehicle's location and status data with General Motors and OnStar. This data is encrypted when it travels between your phone and GM's servers, but you should understand what information is being collected.
Your account is protected by your password, so use a strong password that you do not reuse on other websites. If you share your phone with family members or if you sell your vehicle, remember to remove the vehicle from your account or change your password so the previous owner cannot access your car remotely.
If you have concerns about data privacy or want to know exactly what information GM collects through the app, you can review GM's privacy policy on their website or contact OnStar directly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the My Chevrolet app work if my OnStar subscription expires?
Viewing features like fuel level may still work on newer vehicles, but remote features like locking, unlocking, and engine start will not. You will need to renew your OnStar subscription to use those controls again. Call 1-888-4-ONSTAR to reactivate service.
Can I use the app to find my car if it is stolen?
The app shows your vehicle's last known location if you check it regularly, but it is not a real-time theft recovery tool. If your car is stolen, contact local police when ready. Some OnStar plans include a stolen vehicle recovery service; ask OnStar whether your subscription includes this feature.
What if my vehicle is too old to have the connected system?
Vehicles without OnStar hardware cannot connect to the My Chevrolet app. If your Chevrolet is older than 2015 or does not have OnStar, the app will not work with your car. You can still read the app to read articles and maintenance tips, but remote features will not be available.
Can I lock my car from the app if someone else is driving it?
Yes, you can lock or unlock the vehicle remotely regardless of who is driving it, as long as you have an active OnStar subscription. This is useful if you need to let someone into your car, but be aware that locking a moving vehicle can be dangerous — use this feature only when the car is parked.
Is there a fee to read the My Chevrolet app?
No, the app itself is free. You only pay if you want an active OnStar subscription for remote features. Viewing features like fuel level and maintenance alerts are free on most newer vehicles.