How to activate remote start on Chevy app?
You can start your Chevy remotely using the Chevrolet app if your vehicle supports remote start and you have an active OnStar Remote Access plan linked to your GM account. The app lets you start the engine, pre-condition the climate, and stop the engine from your phone.
What you need
To enable remote start via the Chevy app, gather the essential prerequisites and confirm your vehicle’s compatibility. These factors determine whether you can use the feature at all and how smoothly it will work.
- A compatible Chevrolet model with remote start capability and OnStar service.
- An active OnStar Remote Access plan (subscription may be required for remote start features).
- A GM account with your vehicle linked in the Chevrolet app.
- The Chevrolet app installed on a supported smartphone (iOS or Android) with a working data connection.
With these in place, you can proceed to use the app to start your vehicle remotely, provided the vehicle is in a safe, compliant state for remote operation.
Step-by-step guide
Open the Chevy app and initiate the remote start sequence from the vehicle’s control panel in the app. The process is designed to be straightforward, but some models or regions may have slight variations.
- Open the Chevrolet app and sign in with your GM account.
- Tap the vehicle you want to control from the app home screen.
- Tap Remote Start (or Remote) and select Start/Remote Start.
- If prompted, enter your OnStar PIN or confirm using your preferred authentication method.
- Review the start window (usually up to 10–15 minutes, depending on the model) and confirm the action.
- Wait for a confirmation notification that the vehicle has started. The climate control may turn on automatically based on prior settings.
- To stop the vehicle remotely, tap Stop/Remote Stop in the app or wait for the session to end.
Note: Steps can vary slightly by model year and app version. If you don’t see Remote Start, verify your plan status, vehicle compatibility, and app permissions, then try again after updating the app.
PIN and authentication
For security, you may need to enter a 4-digit OnStar PIN or authenticate through a secondary method. If you don’t have a PIN, you can typically create or link one in your OnStar account or through the Chevrolet app prompts. This PIN helps prevent unauthorized remote access to your vehicle.
Always ensure your PIN is kept secure and do not share it publicly. If you forget your PIN, contact OnStar support or use the app’s account settings to reset it.
Tips and safety considerations
To optimize reliability and reduce risk, follow these recommendations before using remote start the first time or after updates.
- Ensure the vehicle is in a safe, open area with cellular coverage; remote start may not initiate in poor signal zones.
- Avoid using remote start in enclosed spaces (garages, tunnels) to prevent carbon monoxide buildup and fire hazards.
- Confirm the vehicle is in Park with doors closed before starting remotely; the engine will shut off if a door is opened or the vehicle is moved.
- If the battery or 12V power system is critically low, remote start may be blocked to protect electrical components.
- Keep the Chevrolet app and OnStar service up to date to ensure compatibility with your vehicle and the latest security features.
Following these guidelines helps ensure remote start works reliably and safely across different conditions.
Troubleshooting
If remote start isn’t working as expected, use these checks to identify common issues and solutions.
- Verify your OnStar Remote Access plan is active and correctly linked to the vehicle in the Chevrolet app.
- Double-check that the vehicle is registered to your GM account and that you’re signed in to the correct profile on the app.
- Ensure the vehicle is in Park, with doors closed and the engine not already running.
- Confirm a valid PIN is entered or that you’ve completed the required authentication step.
- Check your mobile device’s data connection and the app’s latest version; update if needed.
- Restart the app or log out and back in to refresh the connection to OnStar and the vehicle.
If problems persist, contact OnStar support or your dealership for assistance with vehicle compatibility, account status, or software updates.
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