About myChevrolet
As a Chevy owner, I was curious if the official myChevrolet app would be a gimmick or genuinely useful. After using it daily for a few months to manage my Silverado, I can say it’s become one of those apps I actually open regularly. It’s not perfect, but it adds a layer of convenience to vehicle ownership that I didn’t know I needed until I had it. GM has packed a lot of functionality into this free tool, and most of it works exactly as advertised.
Features & Highlights
The remote start is the star of the show, especially during winter. From my office window, I can fire up my truck five minutes before I leave, so the cab is toasty and the steering wheel isn’t an ice block. The door lock/unlock feature has saved me more than once when I’ve second-guessed whether I locked it after walking away. I also rely heavily on the vehicle health reports. Getting a notification that my oil life is at 15% is a great nudge to schedule service, and seeing the tire pressure readings after a cold snap is reassuring.
The location features are surprisingly practical. I use the “Find My Car” map not for theft, but for when I park in a massive lot at the stadium or airport. Setting a speed alert for when my teenager borrows the truck gives me a little peace of mind. Booking a service appointment directly through the app is seamless—it pulls my VIN and mileage, so I don’t have to repeat myself to the service advisor.
User Experience
The first setup was straightforward: download, create an account, and input my VIN. The app’s layout is clean, but it can feel a bit cluttered with all the options. I remember the first time I used remote start from my kitchen; hearing the engine roar to life through the window felt like magic. However, the experience isn’t always flawless. There’s a noticeable lag sometimes—I’ll hit “lock,” wait 10 seconds, and then get a “command failed” message, only for a “command successful” notification to pop up a minute later. When it works, it’s fantastic. When it doesn’t, it’s a bit frustrating, usually tied to a weak cell signal on either my phone or the vehicle’s OnStar module.
Pricing
The app itself is completely free to download and use for basic remote commands and vehicle information. This is a huge plus. The catch is that some of the best features, like the remote start/lock/unlock and location services, require an active OnStar service plan on your vehicle. My truck came with a trial period, and I’ve chosen to keep a basic plan for the remote features because I use them so often. For me, the monthly fee is worth the convenience, but it’s important to know the app’s core functionality is tied to a paid subscription after the initial trial.
Updates & Support
GM updates the app fairly regularly, every few months, with bug fixes and occasional new features. I haven’t had any major issues requiring support, but the app does have a help section and links to contact OnStar. Since it’s tied to a major automaker, there’s a sense that it will be maintained long-term, which isn’t always the case with smaller utility apps.
Security & Privacy
I downloaded it directly from the official Apple App Store. Using the app requires trusting GM and OnStar with significant data: my vehicle’s real-time location, driving patterns, and diagnostic information. The privacy policy is extensive, as you’d expect. While I’m comfortable with it for the features I gain, it’s a valid consideration. There are no ads in the app, which is a relief. The tracking is solely for the features I opt into, like the geo-fence or speed alerts.
