How to Use the GMC Remote Start App

With an OnStar or Access Plan subscription, you can use your smartphone as a keyfob through the myGMC mobile app. Here’s how it works.
Written by Tiffany Leung
Reviewed by Jessa Claeys
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You can start your car remotely through the myGMC mobile app by tapping and holding the power button until the command is sent. To turn off your vehicle, simply tap and hold the same button or let the timer run out. 
Imagine this—you just bought a new
GMC Sierra 1500
, and you’re excited about all the new tech. Or, maybe you just want to make sure your truck is nice and toasty by the time you’re ready to head out on a cold winter’s day.
The myGMC app is key to starting your vehicle remotely (and more!)—as long as you have an active OnStar or Remote Access plan. Trusted
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How to start your GMC remotely through the myGMC mobile app

Using myGMC to remote start your vehicles is easy. First, you’ll need to download the app—iPhone users can get it from the App Store and Android users can find it on Google Play. 
If it’s your first time using the app, sign up using the email you gave your dealership. If you already have an account, sign in with your credentials.
Once you’re in the myGMC app, you will need to add your vehicle to the app’s garage. Then, you can use the power button in the middle of the screen to start your engine. 
Simply tap and hold it until the screen indicates the command is sent and a 20-minute timer appears on the button. This indicates that your car has started successfully and will stay on until the timer runs out. 

How to turn your GMC off remotely 

Once you’ve used the myGMC app to start your GMC engine, the vehicle will run for 20 minutes before turning off again—unless you get to the car and start driving before time runs out. 
However, if you decide to turn off the engine before the timer runs out, the process is just as simple. Tap and hold the same power button and the vehicle should power down.

Other myGMC mobile app features

The remote connection from the myGMC app to your vehicle isn’t just for starting your car! Other features in the app will come in handy when you’re away from your car. 
This includes: 
  • Lock/unlock doors and trunk: This allows you to lock and unlock all the doors and the trunk. 
  • Vehicle status: Track the status of your vehicle including the fuel level, average fuel economy, oil life, tire pressure, and odometer readings. 
  • Parked location: Those with an active Remote Access plan can locate their vehicle via the app. You can also set a timer if you paid for a parking meter and take notes on where you parked.
  • Finding your car: Honk the horn remotely or activate the headlights to easily locate your car when you forget where you parked. 
  • Hotspot settings: If you have an in-vehicle Wi-Fi hotspot and active hotspot LTE plan, you can manage your hotspot settings from the app. 
  • Vehicle service: Pick your preferred GMC dealer or a nearby GMC service center, and schedule a certified service appointment right from the app. 
  • Roadside assistance: Available for up to five years/100,000 miles from the date of purchase or for owners with an active OnStar Safety and Security plan. Tapping the roadside assistance button would request a tow, tire change, jumpstart, or more.
  • Electric cars: Battery charge monitoring and charging locators make it easy to keep your EV’s battery juiced up. 
These GMC remote app features can be used via your smartphone or smartwatch as long as they are up to date and compatible. 
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Is GMC’s remote start app free? 

Yes, the remote start app is free with the basic plan included for five years or the OnStar Connected Access plan for 10 years from the date of purchase—depending on the year the GMC vehicle was purchased. However, these plans are only available to the original purchaser and not transferable between owners. 
Otherwise, GMC owners will need an active Connected Services subscription to use the remote features. There are four plans to choose from:
  • Remote Access: $14.99/month
  • Connected: $24.99/month
  • Essentials: $39.99/month
  • Premium: $49.99/month
Thankfully, if you don’t want to pay extra for the subscription, you can continue to use your physical keyfob to remote start your car.

Which GMC vehicles have remote start? 

The myGMC mobile app is only compatible with vehicles that are already equipped with remote start. This feature is available as an option on most 2010 and newer GMC models. However, it is not standard on all models or all trim levels
Here’s a guide to which GMCs can remote start. 
Model
Available on (model years)
2022 trim levels with standard remote start
2010 and newer
SLT, Denali, AT4
2015 and newer
Elevation, Denali, AT4
2011 and newer
SLE, Elevation, SLT, AT4, Denali, AT4X, Denali Ultimate
2011 and newer
SLT, AT4, Denali
2010 and newer
All trim levels
2010 and newer
All trim levels
Key Takeaway If you have a 2010 or newer GMC, it is likely to have the option for remote start via the app. Be sure to check with your dealership to verify if your specific vehicle has this feature. 

How to save on GMC insurance costs

Using remote start through the myGMC mobile app is the easiest way to fire up your car before you head out for the day. But did you know you can also use an app to easily find the perfect
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