How to Cancel OnStar: A Step-by-Step Guide That Actually Works

You’re driving along and that blue OnStar button catches your eye. The one connected to a service you’re paying for but barely use. If you’re nodding your head right now, you might be ready to cancel your OnStar subscription.

Getting out of your OnStar commitment isn’t complicated, but it does require knowing the right approach. I’ve gathered all the essential methods and insider tips to make the cancellation process as painless as possible.

Why People Cancel OnStar Subscriptions

OnStar offers several safety and connectivity features, but many vehicle owners find themselves reconsidering the service for good reasons:

• Monthly costs add up quickly (up to $50/month for Premium plans)
• Your vehicle warranty period that included free OnStar has ended
• You’ve found alternative services that cost less
• You simply don’t use the features enough to justify the expense

Whatever your reason, you can save up to $600 annually by canceling a premium subscription you don’t need.

The Most Reliable Way to Cancel OnStar: Phone Call

Despite what you might hope, there’s no simple “cancel” button on the OnStar website for most users. The most direct and effective approach is:

1. Call OnStar customer service: 1.888.4ONSTAR (1.888.466.7827)
2. Have your account information ready
3. Tell the representative you want to cancel your subscription
4. Stay firm when they offer retention deals (unless you’re interested)
5. Request a confirmation email of your cancellation

The call typically takes 5-10 minutes, with one user reporting: “I called and canceled. Not a problem, took 3 minutes.” However, be prepared for retention offers—representatives are trained to keep you as a customer.

Using Your In-Vehicle OnStar Button to Cancel

This hands-on approach works well for many customers:

1. Press the blue OnStar button in your vehicle
2. Wait to be connected to a live advisor
3. Tell them directly that you wish to cancel your subscription
4. Follow their instructions to complete the cancellation

This method gets positive reviews from users: “I just pushed the OnStar button inside the car and I spoke to someone and it was very easy to cancel, they didn’t try to keep me I was shocked kinda lol.”

Online Cancellation (Limited Availability)

Online cancellation is restricted based on where you live:

For California and Vermont residents only:

1. Visit the OnStar website and log in to your account
2. Go to “My Plans”
3. Follow the cancellation prompts

For residents of other states, OnStar’s website often explicitly states: “You cannot cancel your service online.” This limitation frustrates many customers, but it’s their current policy.

What Happens to Your Service After Cancellation

Understanding the consequences of cancellation helps you make an informed decision:

• Your cancellation becomes effective at the end of your current billing period
• All OnStar services stop working completely, including emergency services
• Your vehicle will no longer connect with OnStar, even in emergencies
• You’ll lose access to any OnStar-connected mobile apps and features

One user shares their experience: “Once disconnected, I can’t use the EV features in the app anymore, but I didn’t find them useful anyway.”

OnStar Plans and Costs: What You’re Actually Saving

To understand what you’re giving up (and saving), here’s a breakdown of OnStar’s current plans:

By canceling a Premium plan, you’re saving nearly $600 a year—money that could go toward other essential expenses or services that better fit your needs.

Dealing with Retention Offers

When you call to cancel, the representative will likely offer you incentives to stay. These typically include:

• Discounted monthly rates (sometimes up to 50% off)
• Free months of service
• Downgrades to lower-cost plans with core features
• Special limited-time promotions

If you’re canceling purely for budget reasons, these offers might be worth considering. However, if you don’t use the service, politely decline and proceed with cancellation.

Tips for a Smooth Cancellation Experience

Based on user experiences, here are some strategies to make your cancellation process easier:

• Call during non-peak hours (early morning or late evening)
• Have a clear reason for cancellation ready
• Be polite but firm about your decision
• Write down the name of the representative you speak with
• Request a confirmation email or cancellation number
• Check your next bank statement to confirm cancellation

One user advises: “Just be clear that you want to cancel. They tried to keep me with discounts, but when I said I’d made up my mind, they processed it quickly.”

Alternatives to Consider After Canceling OnStar

After cancellation, you might want replacement options for some OnStar features:

• For Roadside Assistance: AAA membership or insurance-provided roadside services
• For Emergency Response: Most modern phones can automatically detect crashes and call 911
• For Vehicle Tracking: Aftermarket GPS trackers with lower subscription fees
• For Remote Access: Many manufacturers offer free basic remote services through their own apps

These alternatives often provide similar functionality at a lower cost or even for free.

Requesting Refunds After Cancellation

If you’re eligible, you might receive a partial refund after canceling:

• Request a refund within 30 days of cancellation
• You may receive a prorated refund for unused service time
• For refund inquiries, contact customer support at 1.888.466.7827

Note that refund policies can change, so ask the representative specifically about refund eligibility during your cancellation call.

How to Reactivate OnStar If You Change Your Mind

If you experience cancellation regret, reactivation is straightforward:

1. Log in to the Owner Center on OnStar’s website
2. Select “My Plans” and choose the plan to reactivate
3. Alternatively, push your blue OnStar button or call 1.888.4ONSTAR

Many users report that OnStar frequently offers special “comeback” pricing to returning customers, so you might get a better rate than before.

Real Customer Experiences with OnStar Cancellation

Customer experiences vary widely when canceling OnStar:

“I called them and said I wanted to cancel. They tried to retain me with a $10 month plan, but I declined. The process took less than 5 minutes.”

Another customer shares: “What a nightmare! They canceled my EV Connected plan too, even though it wasn’t supposed to be. Took multiple calls and escalation over a week to get them back!”

The key takeaway from these experiences is to be prepared for potential complications, but know that most cancellations are straightforward.

What to Do If OnStar Makes Cancellation Difficult

If you encounter resistance when trying to cancel:

• Ask to speak with a supervisor
• Document all conversations (date, time, representative name)
• State clearly that you want your cancellation request noted in their system
• Follow up with an email to create a paper trail
• Check with your credit card company about stopping payments as a last resort

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, consumers have rights regarding subscription services for vehicle features, though these vary by state.

How to Cancel OnStar When Selling or Trading Your Vehicle

If you’re selling your car or trading it in:

1. Cancel OnStar before completing the sale
2. Inform the OnStar representative about the vehicle transfer
3. Remove your personal information from the vehicle’s system
4. Confirm with OnStar that your account has been properly closed

This ensures you won’t continue being billed after the vehicle is no longer yours.

Monitoring Your Account After Cancellation

After canceling, take these steps to verify the cancellation was processed:

1. Check your email for the confirmation OnStar promised to send
2. Monitor your credit card or bank account for unexpected charges
3. Log into your OnStar account (if possible) to confirm inactive status
4. Test the OnStar button in your vehicle to verify service discontinuation

Being vigilant after cancellation prevents unexpected renewal charges.

The Future of OnStar and Connected Car Services

As connected car technology evolves, services like OnStar continue to change their offerings and policies. Many manufacturers now include similar features as standard equipment or through their own branded apps.

For current GM vehicle owners, it’s worth periodically reassessing whether OnStar’s value proposition aligns with your needs and budget. The landscape of vehicle connectivity is rapidly evolving, with more options becoming available at competitive prices.

Ultimately, the decision to keep or cancel OnStar should align with how you actually use your vehicle and which features truly enhance your driving experience.