What Volvo On Call subscription is
Volvo On Call is a connected-car service that lets you monitor and control certain functions of your Volvo vehicle through a mobile app or web portal. The subscription gives you remote access to features like locking and unlocking doors, checking fuel level and battery status, locating your car on a map, and receiving maintenance alerts. You pay a monthly or annual fee to keep these services active.
The service connects to your vehicle through built-in hardware and cellular technology. When you subscribe, Volvo sends you login credentials for the app, and you can then use it from anywhere with an internet connection. The subscription is separate from your vehicle purchase or lease — you choose whether to add it when you buy the car, or you can start it later.
Key Takeaways
- Volvo On Call lets you remotely lock and unlock your car, check its location, monitor fuel and battery levels, and receive maintenance notifications through a smartphone app.
- The service requires a monthly or annual subscription fee, which varies depending on your vehicle model year and which features you want included.
- Your Volvo must have the necessary hardware built in — older models or certain trim levels may not support the service.
- You will need a compatible smartphone and an active internet connection to use the app, and Volvo's servers must be able to communicate with your vehicle.
- If your subscription lapses, the remote features stop working, but your vehicle itself continues to operate normally.
What features come with the subscription
The exact features depend on which subscription tier you choose and your vehicle's model year. Most subscriptions include remote locking and unlocking, the ability to locate your car on a map, fuel level monitoring, and battery status for electric or hybrid models. You also typically receive push notifications about maintenance needs, service reminders, and vehicle health alerts.
Some subscriptions add features like remote engine start (on certain models), climate control adjustments, and the ability to set geofence alerts — notifications when your car enters or leaves a specific area. A few Volvo models include emergency information features where you can contact roadside support directly through the app. The exact menu of features changes by model year and subscription level, so you should check Volvo's website or contact a dealer to see what applies to your specific vehicle.
How much the subscription costs
Volvo On Call subscription pricing varies by vehicle model, model year, and which tier of service you choose. There is no single price across all Volvos. Some dealers offer a trial period — often three to six months — included with a new vehicle purchase or lease, after which the subscription converts to a paid plan if you want to keep it.
You can usually choose between monthly and annual payment options. Annual plans often cost less per month than paying month-to-month, but you pay the full year upfront. If you cancel before the year ends, refund policies vary by dealer and region. Contact your Volvo dealer or log into your Volvo On Call account to see the current pricing for your vehicle and location.
How to set up and manage your subscription
If you purchase or lease a new Volvo with On Call included, the dealer typically sets up your account during the handover process. They will give you login credentials and walk you through downloading the app. If you want to add the service to an existing Volvo that has the hardware, you can contact your dealer or visit Volvo's website to start a subscription.
Once you have an account, you manage it through the Volvo On Call app or the web portal. You can update your payment method, change your subscription tier, add or remove features, and view your account status. If you want to cancel, you can usually do so through the app or by contacting Volvo customer service. Some subscriptions require notice before cancellation takes effect, so check your plan's terms.
What happens if your subscription lapses
If you stop paying or your subscription expires, the remote features stop working when ready. You will no longer be able to lock or unlock your car remotely, see its location on the app, or receive maintenance alerts through the service. However, your vehicle itself continues to operate normally — the car will start, drive, and function exactly as it did before you had the subscription.
If you want to reactivate the service later, you can restart your subscription through the app or by contacting your dealer. There is usually no penalty for letting a subscription lapse and restarting it, though you may lose access to any data or history stored in your account during the inactive period.
Compatibility and technical requirements
Not all Volvos support On Call, and support depends on the model year and trim level. Newer Volvos — generally 2015 and later — are more likely to have the necessary built-in hardware, but you should verify with your dealer or check your vehicle's documentation. Some older models or base trim levels may lack the cellular modem required for the service.
To use the app, you need a smartphone running a recent version of iOS or Android, an active data plan or Wi-Fi connection, and a Volvo On Call account. Volvo's servers must be able to reach your vehicle through its cellular connection, so the service may not work in areas with poor cellular coverage. If you have questions about whether your specific Volvo is compatible, your dealer can confirm this before you purchase a subscription.
Privacy and data security
When you use Volvo On Call, Volvo collects data about your vehicle's location, status, and usage patterns. This data is stored on Volvo's servers and used to provide the service and send you alerts. Volvo's privacy policy explains what data is collected, how it is used, and who it may be shared with. You should review this policy before subscribing to understand what information you are sharing.
The app and web portal use encryption to protect your login credentials and the commands you send to your vehicle. However, like any online service, there is always some risk of unauthorized access. If you suspect your account has been compromised, change your password when ready and contact Volvo customer service. You can also disable remote features temporarily through your account settings if you are concerned about security.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Volvo On Call if I lease instead of buy?
Yes. Many Volvo leases include a trial period of Volvo On Call, and you can continue the subscription for a fee during your lease term. When you return the leased vehicle, your subscription ends. Check your lease agreement or contact your dealer to see what is included with your specific lease.
What if my phone is lost or stolen?
You can log into your Volvo On Call account from another device and change your password to lock out the old phone. You can also contact Volvo customer service to disable remote access temporarily while you sort out your phone situation. This prevents someone else from using the app to control your vehicle.
Does Volvo On Call work outside the United States?
Volvo On Call is available in many countries, but coverage and features vary by region. If you travel internationally with your vehicle, check Volvo's website or contact customer service to confirm whether the service will work in your destination. Cellular coverage and data roaming charges may affect the service in some areas.
Can I share my Volvo On Call account with family members?
Most Volvo On Call accounts allow you to add additional users or family members through the app or account settings. Each person can then use their own login to access the same vehicle's features. Check your account settings or contact Volvo customer service to see how many additional users you can add and whether there are any restrictions.
What if the app stops working or I cannot connect to my car?
First, check that your phone has an active internet connection and that your subscription is current. Restart the app and your phone. If the problem continues, check Volvo's website or social media to see if there is a known service outage. If not, contact Volvo customer service — they can troubleshoot the connection between your phone and your vehicle and may need to reset your account or check your vehicle's cellular modem.