Built-in Wi-Fi® Hotspot FAQ

Built-in Wi-Fi® Hotspot FAQ

What is the available Wi-Fi Hotspot?

The built-in Wi-Fi® Hotspot* (vehicle must be on or in the accessory position for Wi-Fi to function) turns your vehicle into a reliable mobile hub, with great signal quality and bandwidth. It provides a better in-vehicle experience than your smartphone and is powered by your vehicle, so you’re not reliant on a mobile device battery.

How do I connect to the Wi-Fi Hotspot?

Start a Wi-Fi network search on your device and select your vehicle hotspot when listed. Enter the password when prompted.

What is an “SSID” or “passphrase?”

The SSID is the name of the Wi-Fi Hotspot for the vehicle, and the passphrase is the password associated with the hotspot. The SSID will be used to identify which Wi-Fi Hotspot you connect to, and the passphrase will be entered to complete the connection.

How do I get my Wi-Fi Hotspot username and passphrase?

To get your hotspot name (SSID) and password, push the Voice Command button and say “Wi-Fi settings.”

Can I change the SSID and password for my Wi-Fi Hotspot?

You can change the name of your hotspot and password in the Wi-Fi Hotspot menu listing of your vehicle mobile app.* You can also visit your GM account.

Do I need a data plan to use the vehicle’s available WiFi Hotspot?

Yes, a data plan is required to use the vehicle’s Wi-Fi Hotspot. Data plans are provided by AT&T.

What is the Data Trial?

Members who purchase an eligible Wi-Fi equipped Chevrolet,® Buick® or GMC® vehicle can receive up to 3 months on us of unlimited data for the available in-vehicle Wi-Fi Hotspot.

 

Members who purchase an eligible Wi-Fi equipped Cadillac® vehicle up to 8 months on us of unlimited data.

How can I find out how much data I have remaining?

You can check how much data you have remaining with your myChevrolet,® myBuick,® myGMC® or myCadillac® Mobile App* or by visiting your GM account. Additionally, you can push the blue OnStar button and ask an Advisor.

Why do I need a vehicle data plan for the available Wi-Fi Hotspot if I have a personal hotspot available on my smartphone?

The built-in Wi-Fi Hotspot provides a better in-vehicle experience than your smartphone. Our stronger signal means you have a fast and reliable connection. It is powered by your vehicle, so you’re not reliant on a mobile device battery, and you can access your hotspot up to 50 feet (vehicle must be on or in the accessory position for Wi-Fi to function) from your vehicle. The built-in Wi-Fi Hotspot is easy to use because it’s automatically on after initial setup and ready to connect to your mobile devices.

What OnStar® plans offer Unlimited Data?

The Connected Vehicle Plan* and the Premium Plan* both offer unlimited data. Visit the pricing page for more information. Data plans are provided by AT&T.

What a la carte Unlimited Data plans are available through AT&T for qualifying current OnStar Members?

OnStar Members with a properly equipped vehicle can receive the following Unlimited Data Plans:

 

  • Unlimited Data for $25/mo*
  • 12 month prepaid data plan for $250*
  • 24 month prepaid data plan for $450*

Does my vehicle need to be running for the available Wi-Fi Hotspot to work?

The vehicle ignition needs to be in the “Run” or “Accessory” position for the Wi-Fi Hotspot to be active.

How many devices can be connected to the available Wi-Fi Hotspot?

Up to seven devices can be connected simultaneously to the Wi-Fi Hotspot.

What is the range for the available in-vehicle Wi-Fi Hotspot?

Connect your mobile devices to your Wi-Fi Hotspot and get a reliable connection up to 50 feet from your vehicle.

Why does my available Wi-Fi Hotspot internet connection sometimes run slow or show that no internet connection is available?

The coverage for the built-in Wi-Fi Hotspot depends on the wireless carrier network coverage. When you are in areas where coverage fluctuates, performance may be impacted. In a 2G-coverage area, the Wi-Fi Hotspot will not work. In a 3Gcoverage area, streaming data or video to your devices may result in the degradation of your service. View the coverage map.

 

Also, the vehicle ignition needs to be in the “Run” or “Accessory” position for the Wi-Fi Hotspot to be active.  

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