FAQ

If you have an emergency and have not been connected to an OnStar Emergency-Certified Advisor, you should always call 911 directly. If you are unsure how to proceed, you can connect to OnStar using the red Emergency button in the OnStar Guardian app.

The Guardian app is designed to use your smartphone’s sensors to detect a crash and alert an OnStar Emergency-Certified Advisor. The Advisor will call your phone and contact First Responders and provide them with your location. For Android users, the app can automatically connect to an Advisor even if you can’t reach your phone.

No. The OnStar Guardian app is a new app that gives you access to critical OnStar safety services through your smartphone in any vehicle and virtually anywhere you or your loved ones go.

Once you’re logged into the Guardian app, it will remain active and functional until you log out, even if you close the app or when it’s running in the background.

If you don’t see notifications during your drive, you must enable notifications for the Guardian app in the system preferences on your device once the vehicle is parked.

If this action doesn’t resolve your concerns, please contact OnStar Technical Support at 1.877.558.8352. Please note that several device and app permissions are necessary for the Guardian app to properly function.

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.

If you uninstalled or deleted the app, you can simply download the app again on the App Store or Google Play and sign in with your myChevrolet, myBuick, myGMC or myCadillac mobile app or Owner Center login.

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.