General Motors Opens its Subscription-based OnStar Guardian App to the Public

author: Eric Walz   

General Motors announced on Monday that its opening its OnStar Guardian app to the public. Previously, OnStar Guardian was only available to GM vehicle owners that are subscribers to the company's OnStar remote vehicle assist service.

OnStar Guardian is a recurring subscription service that provides OnStar's key safety and security services via a mobile app. Now anyone in the U.S. and Canada can download the OnStar Guardian mobile app. The app works with both Apple and Android devices.

With OnStar Guardian, customers can access OnStar safety and security services on their mobile device and get help when they need it from an OnStar Advisor 24 hours a day. 

GM was one of the first automakers to offer connected service when it launched OnStar in select vehicles in 1997. Drivers with OnStar in their vehicles can summon help on demand, including if they run out of gas or experience a flat tire. 

The expansion of OnStar Guardian, which first launched in June 2020, is part of GM's commitment to focus on opportunities beyond vehicle sales, such as offering digital subscriptions services from a connected vehicle's infotainment system.

OnStar Guardian offers 24/7 Mobile Crash Response, which uses smartphone sensors to detect crashes and alert an emergency-certified OnStar advisor. The trained responders can either call the cell phone to check up on the person or contact first responders and provide them with the location of the vehicle. 

OnStar Guardian also will launch new features this month in Location Status, including the ability to save and share favorite locations on the app's embedded map and receive notifications for destination departures and arrivals of family members or friends. Customers can share these connected features with up to seven additional people in the "My Family" section within the Guardian app.

"We are excited to deliver the power and promise of OnStar's key safety features to more people in more places with the expanded launch of OnStar Guardian," said Santiago Chamorro, GM vice president of Global Connected Services. "Over the past year, we've heard incredible stories that illustrate how OnStar Guardian has helped our members. As pandemic-related restrictions relax and people begin to travel again, we understand it is important that everyone feels protected and connected. That is why we are expanding this subscription offering based on our expansive insights."

OnStar Guardian is currently available to OnStar members who are enrolled in a Safety & Security plan. 

For those without a GM vehicle, a standalone subscription plan is available to anyone in the U.S. and Canada beginning today. The app can be downloaded via the Apple App Store and Google Play.

During the month of June, OnStar will donate $1 to the Alzheimer's Association for every download of the OnStar Guardian app. This donation will help the organization accelerate its Alzheimer's research and mission.

Eric Walz

Originally hailing from New Jersey, Eric is a automotive & technology reporter covering the high-tech industry here in Silicon Valley. He has over 15 years of automotive experience and a bachelors degree in computer science. These skills, combined with technical writing and news reporting, allows him to fully understand and identify new and innovative technologies in the auto industry and beyond. He has worked at Uber on self-driving cars and as a technical writer, helping people to understand and work with technology.