OnStar Guardian is a personal safety app developed by General Motors (GM).
GM introduced this app in 2019.
It has been a major part of GM’s efforts to improve customer safety and security since its launch.
This app is also available to those who do not own a GM.
You can share your location with OnStar Guardian, get emergency help, and detect crashes automatically with the app.
In this article, I have discussed how the OnStar Guardian app works.
What is the OnStar Guardian App
The OnStar Guardian App is a personal safety and security app developed by OnStar, a subsidiary of General Motors.
The app is designed to provide users with protection and peace of mind by connecting them with trained OnStar advisors in case of an emergency.
Anyone who doesn’t own a GM can use the app, too.
This app allows you to invite 7 friends and family members.
It sends safety alerts to your family and friends.
Everyone who uses the app receives safety features like the ability to see each other on a real-time map, share their location, receive real-time location updates, and check the battery life of their connected smartphone.
The OnStar Guardian App is available on iOS and Android platforms, and you can download it for free.
You must subscribe to the app to use all its features.
There are currently two subscription plans available: monthly and annually.
The monthly subscription fee is $15 per month, and the annual subscription fee is $150 per year.
What Does the OnStar Guardian App Do
The OnStar Guardian app provides emergency services, roadside assistance, your location, safety alerts, detects crushes, and acts as a virtual bodyguard.
1. Offers Emergency Services
The app allows you to stay in touch with trained OnStar advisors.
The advisors help you in emergencies, like a medical emergency, home invasion, or other urgent situations.
The advisors also provide information, like your location, to help first responders find you quickly.
2. Provides Roadside Assistance
When you experience car trouble, the app helps you request roadside assistance, like a jump start, tire change, or towing.
3. Shares Your Location
The app shares your location with your family and friends, so they can always see where you are.
This feature is particularly useful for parents who want to keep track of their children’s whereabouts.
4. Activates safety alerts
The app lets you set up safety alerts for your family and friends.
You also receive alerts when they need help.
5. Detects Crushes
When you are involved in a car accident, the app automatically detects the crash and connects you with an OnStar advisor, who sends help to your location.
6. Acts as a Virtual Bodyguard
OnStar allows you to set up a “virtual bodyguard” to help you feel safe walking alone or in an unfamiliar area.
The app alerts you when it detects potential safety threats and advises staying safe.
How Does the OnStar Guardian App Work
The OnStar Guardian system is a comprehensive personal safety service that uses technology and human support.
It provides emergency services, location sharing, and roadside assistance.
The system consists of three primary components:
- The mobile app
- The vehicle interface module
- The central monitoring center
The mobile app is installed on your smartphone and serves as the primary interface between you and the OnStar Guardian system.
The app uses GPS, the accelerometer, and other smartphone sensors to detect events like car crashes and provide location information.
The app also includes an emergency button.
When you press the button, the system connects you to an OnStar advisor, who assesses the situation and dispatches the needed emergency services or roadside assistance.
The vehicle interface module is installed in your vehicle.
It is a secondary interface between the vehicle and the OnStar Guardian system.
The module communicates with the OnStar Guardian app on your smartphone via Bluetooth and provides additional information about the vehicle’s status.
The central monitoring center is the hub of the OnStar Guardian system.
It is staffed by trained advisors available 24/7 to assist you in an emergency.
The center receives alerts from your smartphone and vehicle interface module and provides emergency services.
The center also assists with other issues, like locating a lost vehicle or giving directions.
Is the OnStar Guardian App Free
The OnStar Guardian app is not free.
But it offers a free trial period for new users.
After the trial period, users who want to keep using the service can sign up for a subscription.
The subscription fee is $15 per month.
Is OnStar Guardian the Same as OnStar?
The OnStar Guardian service is separate from OnStar, though the same company offers both.
OnStar is a telematics service built into GM vehicles that deliver services like emergency assistance, navigation, and remote vehicle access.
On the other hand, OnStar Guardian is a personal safety service not limited to GM vehicles and accessible to anyone with a smartphone.
OnStar is primarily designed for vehicles, while OnStar Guardian is designed to provide personal safety and security for users inside and outside their vehicles.
OnStar Guardian offers features like location sharing, automatic crash detection, and access to emergency services unavailable through OnStar.
The OnStar Guardian app requires a separate subscription and is not included with purchasing a GM vehicle, as OnStar is.
FAQs
How much does the OnStar Guardian app cost?
The OnStar Guardian app’s cost depends on the subscription plan.
There are currently 2 different subscription plans available:
- Monthly plan: This plan costs $15 monthly, and you can cancel the plan anytime.
- Annual plan: This plan costs $150 per year, which is $12.50 per month, and is billed annually.
Will OnStar Guardian unlock my car?
No, OnStar Guardian cannot remotely unlock your car.
OnStar Guardian offers safety and security services like location sharing, emergency assistance, and automatic crash detection.
It does not offer remote vehicle access or control.
If your vehicle is equipped with OnStar, use the OnStar RemoteLink app to lock and unlock your car remotely.
What does OnStar Guardian include?
OnStar Guardian includes:
- Emergency services
- Location sharing
- Crash Response
- Roadside assistance
- SOS button
Does OnStar Guardian include navigation?
No, OnStar Guardian does not include navigation.
OnStar Guardian is a personal safety and security app for emergency assistance, location sharing, crash response, and other safety-related features.
It does not include navigation or mapping functionality.
If you are looking for navigation services, use the OnStar service built into GM vehicles, which has navigation and mapping features.
Final Thoughts
The OnStar Guardian app is a powerful way to keep yourself and your family safe.
It gives families and individuals peace of mind.
Whether traveling alone or with loved ones, the app offers 24/7 access to emergency services, roadside assistance, and other safety features.
By leveraging the power of your smartphone, the OnStar Guardian app can keep you and your loved ones safe on the road.
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