What Volvo's app subscription covers

Volvo's app subscription is a paid service that unlocks remote vehicle features through the Volvo Cars app on your smartphone. Instead of buying these features outright, you pay a monthly or annual fee to access them for as long as your subscription is active. The subscription model lets you try features before committing to permanent purchase, or straightforward use them for the time you own the car.

The specific features available depend on your vehicle model year and trim level. Common subscriptions include remote locking and unlocking, remote engine start, climate preconditioning (warming or cooling the car before you enter), vehicle status monitoring, and navigation services. Some vehicles also offer parking information features or advanced driver information system upgrades through subscription.

Volvo charges for these subscriptions separately from your vehicle purchase and any existing service plans. The cost and available features vary by model and region, so what's offered for a 2024 XC90 in California may differ from what's available for a 2023 XC60 in another state.

Key Takeaways

  • Volvo app subscriptions unlock remote features like locking, engine start, and climate control through your smartphone, separate from your vehicle purchase.
  • You pay monthly or annually for active subscriptions and can cancel at any time; the features stop working once your subscription ends.
  • Available features and pricing depend on your specific vehicle model, year, and region.
  • You set up subscriptions through the Volvo Cars app after linking your vehicle to your Volvo account.
  • Some subscriptions may be included free for a trial period when you purchase a new vehicle, but you must pay to continue after that period ends.

How to set up a Volvo app subscription

Start by downloading the Volvo Cars app on your smartphone (available on iOS and Android). Open the app and create or sign in to your Volvo account using your email address. You'll need to link your vehicle to this account—the app will guide you through this process, typically asking for your vehicle identification number (VIN) or allowing you to select your car from a list if you've already registered it with Volvo.

Once your vehicle is linked, navigate to the subscriptions or services section within the app. This section displays all available subscriptions for your specific vehicle. Select the subscription you want, review the pricing and what's included, and follow the prompts to add a payment method. Volvo will charge your card on the billing date you choose—usually monthly or annually, depending on the plan.

After you complete the purchase, the features set up when ready in the app. You can now use them to lock or unlock your car, start the engine remotely, or adjust climate settings, depending on which subscription you purchased. If you don't see a subscription option you expected, it may not be available for your vehicle model or region.

Pricing and billing for subscriptions

Volvo does not publish a single standard price for app subscriptions—costs vary by feature, vehicle model, region, and whether you choose monthly or annual billing. A monthly subscription typically costs less per month if you commit to annual billing, but Volvo's exact rates depend on your location and vehicle.

You can view the exact price for any subscription before you purchase it in the app. Volvo charges your payment method on the date you select each billing cycle. If a payment fails, the app will usually notify you and give you a chance to update your payment information before the subscription is suspended.

Most new Volvo vehicles include a trial period for certain subscriptions—often 30 to 90 days—at no cost. After the trial ends, you must pay to continue using those features. Check your welcome materials or the app to see which subscriptions are included in your trial period and when that period expires.

How to cancel or pause a subscription

Open the Volvo Cars app and go to your subscriptions section. Find the subscription you want to cancel and select the option to end it. Volvo will ask you to confirm the cancellation. Once confirmed, the subscription ends on your next billing date, and the features stop working after that date.

If you cancel mid-cycle, most subscriptions do not offer refunds for the remaining time. However, you can restart a subscription at any time by going back to the subscriptions section and purchasing it again. Some users pause subscriptions temporarily during seasons when they don't need certain features—for example, turning off climate preconditioning in winter—rather than canceling permanently.

If you're having trouble canceling through the app, contact Volvo customer service through the app's support section or visit Volvo's website for your region. They can help you cancel or troubleshoot billing issues.

What happens if your subscription expires

When a subscription ends—either because you canceled it or your payment failed—the associated features stop working when ready. You won't be able to lock or unlock your car remotely, start the engine, or use any other features included in that subscription. The car itself continues to operate normally; only the app-based remote features are disabled.

If you want to use those features again, you must purchase the subscription again through the app. Restarting a subscription is as straightforward as selecting it and adding a payment method, just as you did the first time. There's no waiting period or penalty for restarting—you can turn a subscription back on whenever you choose.

If a payment fails and your subscription lapses without your knowledge, check the app's notifications or your email for alerts from Volvo. Most companies give you a grace period to update your payment information before permanently canceling the subscription.

Subscription features available by vehicle model

Volvo offers different subscriptions depending on your vehicle's model and year. Newer models typically have more subscription options than older ones. Common subscriptions across most models include remote locking and unlocking, remote engine start, and vehicle status monitoring (which shows fuel level, door lock status, and other basic information).

Some models offer advanced subscriptions like parking information, advanced driver information system upgrades, or premium navigation services. Luxury trims and newer model years are more likely to have these options. The best way to see what's available for your specific vehicle is to open the Volvo Cars app, link your car, and browse the subscriptions section.

Volvo occasionally adds new subscriptions or retires old ones, so the options available may change over time. If you're shopping for a new Volvo and want to know about subscription options before purchase, ask the dealer what subscriptions are available for the specific model and year you're considering.

Troubleshooting common subscription issues

If a subscription feature isn't working, first check that your subscription is active and hasn't expired. Open the app and confirm the subscription shows as "active" in your subscriptions section. If it does, try closing and reopening the app, or restarting your phone. Sometimes a straightforward refresh resolves connection issues between your phone and the vehicle.

If the app shows your subscription as active but the feature still doesn't work, check that your vehicle has a strong cellular connection. Remote features require the car to be connected to Volvo's network. If your vehicle is in an area with poor signal, the feature may not respond. Move to an area with better coverage and try again.

If you've confirmed the subscription is active and your phone has signal but the feature still doesn't work, contact Volvo customer service. They can check whether there's a technical issue with your vehicle's connection or the subscription itself. Provide them with your VIN and the specific feature that isn't working.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I share my Volvo app subscription with family members?

Subscriptions are tied to your Volvo account, not to the vehicle itself. Family members can read the Volvo Cars app and link the same vehicle to their own accounts, but they would need to purchase their own subscriptions to use the remote features. Some households choose to have one person manage the subscription and share their phone to use the features.

What happens to my subscription if I sell my car?

Your subscription remains active until you cancel it or it expires. If you sell the vehicle, you should cancel any active subscriptions to avoid being charged after you no longer own the car. The new owner can set up their own Volvo account and purchase subscriptions for the vehicle if they want to use those features.

Do I need a Volvo subscription to use basic car functions?

No. Subscriptions only unlock remote app-based features. Your car starts, drives, locks, and unlocks normally without any subscription. You only need a subscription if you want to use your phone to control those features remotely.

Can I try a subscription before buying it?

Volvo includes trial periods for some subscriptions with new vehicle purchases, usually lasting 30 to 90 days. After the trial ends, you must pay to continue. For vehicles outside the trial period, you cannot preview a subscription before purchasing it, but you can cancel it after one month if you decide it's not useful for you.

What payment methods does Volvo accept for subscriptions?

Volvo accepts major credit and debit cards through the app. The exact payment methods available may vary by region. You can update your payment information in the app's account settings at any time.