Do you have to pay for OnStar to use the Chevrolet app?
The Chevrolet app does not automatically require an OnStar subscription for basic use. You can access core vehicle information for free, but many remote actions and real-time controls typically require an active OnStar or Connected Services plan, often after a trial period.
In practice, free access covers data and owner resources, while active remote capabilities—like starting the engine or unlocking doors from the app—generally depend on a paid subscription once any complimentary trial ends. Availability can vary by model year, region, and the vehicle’s individual subscription status, so check your account and vehicle settings for specifics.
Free features in the Chevrolet app without OnStar
What you can access without a paid subscription
These items are typically available without a paid OnStar plan, letting you manage and review your vehicle information from the app.
- View basic vehicle status (fuel level or battery level for EVs), oil life, tire pressures, and other maintenance indicators
- See upcoming maintenance reminders and access dealer locations
- Review service history and find owner resources such as manuals
- Manage your Chevrolet account settings and push notifications
- Schedule service appointments or contact a dealer through the app
These free features provide a convenient owner’s portal without needing a paid subscription. For actions that affect the vehicle physically, a paid plan or trial may be required.
Remote features that usually require a paid OnStar subscription
Trials, pricing, and what to expect
The following remote actions are commonly gated behind an active OnStar or Connected Services plan, and may be available only after a trial period ends.
- Remote engine start or stop
- Locking or unlocking doors remotely
- Triggering the horn or lights remotely
- Real-time vehicle location within the app
- Advanced remote diagnostics and other live data
If your vehicle was new or recently serviced, you may have a trial period for these features. After the trial ends, you’ll need to subscribe to continue using remote capabilities. Always verify the current status in your Chevrolet account under Connected Services for your model and region.
How to verify what’s included for your vehicle
To avoid surprises, check the app and your vehicle’s documentation to confirm which features are free and which require a subscription. The exact terms can vary by model year, market, and the specific OnStar/Connected Services plan tied to your vehicle.
Summary
In short, you can use the Chevrolet app for free to access many non-operational vehicle details and owner resources. For remote actions like starting the engine, unlocking doors, or live location tracking, you typically need an active OnStar/Connected Services subscription after any initial trial period. Always review your vehicle’s subscription status in the app and consult your dealer if you’re unsure which features are included with your model.
Is the Chevrolet OnStar free?
No, OnStar is not entirely free with a Chevy, but new 2025 and newer models get 8 years of OnStar Basics for free, which includes core safety and connectivity features like Automatic Crash Response and remote commands. Older models may come with a free trial for a limited time, but most OnStar packages and services require a paid subscription after any trial period ends.
What's included for free with new 2025 and newer Chevys
- OnStar Basics: For 8 years with the vehicle purchase.
- Key features: Automatic Crash Response, built-in voice assistance, real-time traffic and navigation, and mobile app commands.
What's not included (and requires a paid subscription)
- Advanced features: Higher-tier packages, such as those including more extensive roadside assistance, in-vehicle Wi-Fi hotspots, and more advanced navigation, are paid subscriptions.
- Older vehicles: A limited-time trial of OnStar is often included with older vehicles, after which a paid plan is required.
Does the myCadillac app work without OnStar?
Yes, you need an OnStar account or a Cadillac Owner Center account to use the MyCadillac mobile app, but the required features differ based on usage. You can download the app for free, but features like remote start, lock/unlock, and in-vehicle Wi-Fi require an active OnStar subscription. Basic functions such as viewing vehicle status and scheduling maintenance can be used with an account even without a paid OnStar plan.
What you need to get started
- Download the app: Find the MyCadillac app in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
- Create or sign in to an account: You'll need to create a Cadillac Owner Center account or use your existing OnStar credentials to sign in.
- Register your vehicle: If your vehicle isn't already registered, you can add it to your account through the app or at my.cadillac.com.
What requires a subscription
- Remote commands (remote start, lock/unlock)
- In-vehicle Wi-Fi Hotspot
- Connected services like Roadside Assistance
- Detailed vehicle status updates like fuel level and tire pressure
What does not require a subscription
- Basic functions and features, like checking vehicle status and accessing the owner's manual
- Scheduling maintenance appointments through the app
- Using the app to add your vehicle to your account if it's connected to an OnStar account but has no active plan
Do you have to pay to use myChevrolet app?
The myChevrolet app download is free, but many of the most useful features like remote start, lock/unlock, and navigation require a paid OnStar or Remote Access Plan subscription. While you can use basic functions like viewing your vehicle's status and scheduling maintenance with the free version or an expired trial, remote and connected services will become unavailable without an active subscription.
What's free
- Downloading the app from the Apple App Store or Google Play.
- Accessing basic functions like viewing vehicle information (e.g., fuel/charge level, tire pressure).
- Scheduling service appointments.
- Accessing the owner's manual.
What costs money (requires a paid subscription)
- Remote start, lock, and unlock.
- Navigation with live traffic data.
- Other connected services that require a remote access plan.
- When a free trial ends, you must subscribe to continue using these features.
Is the myChevrolet app connected to OnStar?
myChevrolet mobile app
Enjoy vehicle control at your fingertips with the myChevrolet app* connected by OnStar®. Start your vehicle, set your ideal cabin temperature and more — all from your phone. You can also easily find your vehicle and get walking directions to its location.
