Tag: Onstar Guardian App

The OnStar Guardian app, which is intended for use in vehicles only, uses sensors in your smartphone to determine if the smartphone is in a moving vehicle before it begins scanning to detect a crash event. The OnStar Guardian app then alerts an OnStar Emergency-Certified Advisor, who will call your phone and contact First Responders. Automatic Crash Response is a service that is embedded into your vehicle, utilizing built-in sensors to detect a crash and alert an Emergency-Certified Advisor. The in-vehicle Automatic Crash Response is available in any properly-equipped GM vehicle, while the OnStar Guardian app extends this service to any vehicle you drive, ride in or share.

Mobile Crash Response services are intended for use in vehicles only and can connect to an Advisor automatically on Android devices only. Service availability, features and functionality may vary by device and software.

No. It is a standalone app that you can use while traveling in any vehicle. You can connect your smartphone to your vehicle’s speakers via Bluetooth,  but it is not required. Full Bluetooth feature functionality may vary depending on your device, model and software version.

The User Terms and Privacy Statement is available to view from the following places:

• Within the Settings tab of the OnStar Guardian app
• OnStar Guardian app page on App Store and Google Play
• onstar.com

Apple devices: There are no known limitations at this time.

Android devices: The Guardian app may not operate properly if the following modes are detected and enabled:

• Power save
• Background restrictions
• Google Play settings error
• Location settings error 
• Wi-Fi scanning disabled
• Battery optimization

This list is not exhaustive and other app or smartphone permissions or settings may impact app performance. Additionally, some Android-based smartphones may not be supported, including Google Pixel devices.

See the OnStar Guardian app User Terms for limitations. Device permissions are required for the app to operate properly.

Why does the OnStar Guardian app need access to my Microphone, Motion and Fitness, Location and Notifications for Apple users and Location Services, Microphone, and Call Management for Android users?

The app provides a smartphone-based Mobile Crash Response service when a crash is detected. In order for an OnStar Emergency-Certified Advisor to properly assist, you will need to allow certain app and device permissions, including allowing access to the following features:

• Location: These permissions must always be enabled because your smartphone’s location is used to determine when you begin driving and when a crash is detected. Location permissions allow an OnStar Advisor to identify your smartphone’s location and contact First Responders for help, even if you can’t ask for it.
• Microphone: Once a crash is detected and the app successfully calls an OnStar Advisor, the Microphone permissions allow you to speak to the Advisor, who can contact First Responders to get the help you need. The app is not using the microphone for any other purpose and is not “listening” at all times.
• Motion and Fitness/Physical Activity: These permissions allow the Guardian app to utilize your smartphone’s sensors to help detect a crash.
• Notifications: These permissions allow you to receive important app alerts and updates (Apple only).
• Call Management: These permissions allow you to answer an incoming call without the connected OnStar Guardian app call ending (Android only).
• Background App Refresh: This will ensure that the app will run in the background to detect a drive and crash event.

No. The Guardian app needs a cellular connection in order to connect with OnStar.

Should you encounter an emergency requiring law enforcement, EMS, fire or other emergency services, always call 911 first.

No. The OnStar Guardian app is in addition to and an extension of your current OnStar services and can be shared with up to seven of your loved ones.

You may cancel at any time by pushing your blue OnStar button or by calling 1.888.466.7827. Deleting the app from your smartphone alone will not cancel your service.

Call the GM Connection Center at 1.877.558.8352 if you have questions or need to report an issue with the Guardian app.