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Vehicle software updates

With vehicle software updates, you can receive free enhancements, purchase new upgrades and get software refinements right from your driveway using over-the-air technology. Updates are downloaded and installed via Connected Access* or by connecting your vehicle to a Wi-Fi® network — no paid data plan necessary.  

About vehicle software updates

Using over-the-air technology, vehicle software updates are automatically downloaded to your vehicle. Follow the prompts on screen to install.

 

  • Make sure your vehicle has connectivity. Avoid parking in an underground garage or covered space.

  • You may be asked to accept the User Terms and Conditions and Privacy Statement for your vehicle to be eligible for vehicle software updates.

  • Update notifications will be sent to your vehicle, and you can also manually check for them using the center display.

  • There are two steps to getting the update: software download and installation.

 

Learn more about vehicle software updates.

Software download

Software downloads are initiated automatically and occur in the background.

 

  • You can continue to use your vehicle normally during a software download.

  • Downloads automatically pause and resume if you turn off your vehicle or lose connectivity (e.g., if you pull into a parking garage).

  • Download times will vary, depending on the size of an update and your wireless signal strength.

Installation
  • Once a download is complete, you’ll be prompted once it is ready to be installed. This may occur the next time you shift your vehicle into PARK, after a drive cycle. You can also choose to be reminded later, schedule or decline the installation.

    • If you decline an update, the update will cancel, and you may need to take your vehicle to a dealer if you want to perform the update later.
       
  • You’ll be asked to put your vehicle in PARK and turn off the engine/vehicle to initiate most updates.

  • While an update is being performed, you can’t drive your vehicle and the center display may remain active during the update. Park in a safe and secure location before beginning any update.

  • Generally, software installation takes about 20 minutes or less.

  • You don’t have to stay in your vehicle during an update.

  • If you leave your vehicle during an update, close your windows and lock your doors. Don’t leave your keys in the vehicle or lock occupants inside.

  • It’s normal for your center display to stay on during an update. You may also notice one or more system resets during an installation process.  

For your security, please don’t include personal info such as phone number, address or credit card details.

Q&As

Can I just get vehicle software updates from my dealer?

Yes. Vehicle software updates can be performed by your servicing dealer. As always, if you have any questions or concerns about a vehicle software update, contact your dealer for assistance. 

How can I check the progress of an update?

You can check the progress of a vehicle software download or installation in the Settings menu in your center display. Look for either of the following (steps may vary by vehicle):

 

  • Settings > System > Vehicle Software > Updates.

  • Settings > Software Information > System Update.

 

If the option is grayed out, the vehicle conditions might be incorrect for a software update to occur. You may need to drive the vehicle around to improve the battery condition, turn off your auto-stop feature if your vehicle has it or charge the battery. See the Frequently Asked Questions page on OnStar.com for other troubleshooting tips.

What do I do if I receive an “error” message during the download or installation?

Most vehicle software update situations will resolve on their own through natural use of your vehicle. For example, a message about a download or connection error may happen in situations where your vehicle has limited cellular connectivity. In that case, the situation will be resolved once your vehicle is moved into an area with better cellular connectivity. If your error does not automatically resolve after a few ignition cycles, you should contact your dealer for assistance.

How do I know if my vehicle supports vehicle software updates?

To confirm if your vehicle supports vehicle software updates, go to the “Settings” menu in your infotainment system and look for either of the following:

 

  • Under the “System” tab, go to the “Vehicle Software" section and look for “Updates”

  • Choose “Software Information,” and then look for “System Update”

 

If you see these options, your vehicle supports vehicle software updates. To be eligible for vehicle software updates for your vehicle, including automatic Super Cruise map updates (if equipped), you must have accepted the User Terms for Connected Vehicle Services and OnStar Privacy Statement for the vehicle.

 

Note: If you declined the User Terms for Connected Vehicle Services and OnStar Privacy Statement for the vehicle, the vehicle will not be eligible for vehicle software updates.

How long will a vehicle software update take?

The first step is to accept the download of the software. Download times will vary, depending on the size of the update and the wireless signal strength. You can continue to use your vehicle normally during the software download.

 

Once the software is downloaded, you can begin the installation process. Your vehicle will be immobilized (i.e., will not be usable/drivable) during this portion of the process. This cannot be overridden once the installation has begun.

 

Vehicle software update installation times will vary, depending on the component being updated and the contents of the update. The in-vehicle notice will provide the estimated completion time for the installation. Generally, the software installation is expected to take 20 minutes or less.

Can I use my vehicle while the software is being downloaded or installed?

During the software download, you can continue to use your vehicle normally. The download will automatically pause and resume if you turn your vehicle off or lose network connectivity during the download (e.g., if you pull into a parking garage).

 

During the installation, the vehicle will be disabled and cannot be driven for most updates:

 

  • Please park your vehicle in a safe and secure location

  • You will not need to remain in your vehicle during the installation

  • Features, such as door locks, windows and chimes, may not work during the installation

  • If you leave the vehicle, do not lock occupants inside.

 

You may notice one or more system resets during the installation process.

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To find out if your vehicle has this feature, contact your dealer or refer to your vehicle’s equipment list. Please check your Owner's Manual for more information about features.