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Vehicle software updates
OnStar Connected Services Being Displayed on the Buick Infotainment System

Better never stops with vehicle software updates

Learn how your vehicle keeps improving

Now your vehicle can keep up with the ever-changing world around you. With vehicle software updates, eligible vehicle owners can receive free enhancements, purchase innovative new upgrades and get bug fixes right from your driveway using over-the-air (OTA) technology. Your vehicle’s connectivity will do all the work — no paid data necessary.

Frequently asked questions

What are vehicle software updates?

Vehicle software update technology allows specific software updates for certain vehicle components to be downloaded and installed over a wireless connection. This technology provides a convenient way to update your vehicle with the latest available software. This functionality is available on select model year 2017 and newer vehicles.

How do vehicle software updates work?

Downloading and installing vehicle software updates can be done via the vehicle’s available built-in data connection or a Wi-Fi® connection.* A paid data plan is not required. To be eligible for vehicle software updates for your vehicle, you must have accepted the connected vehicle User Terms for Connected Vehicle Services and OnStar® Privacy Statement for the vehicle.

 

Important: During vehicle software update installation, the vehicle is disabled and cannot be driven. There is no option to cancel or override the installation once started. Therefore, customers are presented with the option to “Download/Install” or wait for a more convenient time using the “Remind Me Later” or “Schedule” (if available) options; or they can exit the vehicle (the update will be offered on next ignition cycle for up to 30 times). If they select “Download/Install,” the customer will be asked for acceptance twice — both the estimated time for installation and a statement that the vehicle will be immobilized for the time of installation — on the vehicle’s touch-screen.

 

Here’s how the vehicle software updates work:

 

  • Notices of updates can be sent to your vehicle or you can manually check for updates via the center screen
  • When an update is made available for your vehicle, you will receive an in-vehicle notice upon your next ignition cycle or the next time your vehicle is placed into PARK

 

There are two steps to the process: software download and software installation. The specific steps required to download or install may vary by vehicle:

 

  • Download/Install: You can choose from the below options for the download and installation processes:
    • Download: You can continue to use your vehicle normally. After the download is complete, you will be prompted to accept installation upon placing the vehicle in PARK or on your next ignition cycle
    • Install: Choose “Install Now” or wait for a more convenient time using the “Remind Me Later” option. Once installation has begun, the vehicle will be disabled and cannot be driven. You may turn the vehicle off and exit the vehicle.
  • Remind Me Later: This selection gives you the option of being prompted about the update at a later time
  • Dismiss/Next Time: If you choose this option, you will be prompted about the update after your next ignition cycle. The number of times you can dismiss an update notice may vary
  • Schedule (2021 vehicles and newer): If you choose this option, you will select the time that you’d like the update to install
  • Decline/Delete: If you choose this option, you will not be reminded again and the update will not occur. Instead, you can take your vehicle to your dealer to perform the update at a later time

 

Here is how the process works, depending on your selection:

 

1. Download:

 

  • You can continue to use your vehicle normally during the software download. The download will automatically pause and resume if you turn off your vehicle or lose connectivity during the download (e.g., if you pull into a parking garage)
  • Once the software download is complete, you will be prompted to accept the installation of the downloaded software update upon your next ignition cycle or the next time your vehicle is placed into PARK

 

2. Installation:

 

  • For most updates, the vehicle will be disabled and cannot be driven during the installation
    • 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 can choose to "Install Now," wait for a more convenient time using the "Remind Me Later" option, "Schedule" (if available), or simply exit the vehicle (note the update will be offered on next ignition cycle for up to 30 times)
  • In certain circumstances, as part of the normal process, you may notice that your radio display stays on for up to five minutes after you turn off your ignition and open your driver’s door
  • You may notice one or more system resets during the installation process

 

You will receive success and error messages as needed from the system during and after the download and installation processes.

 

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

 

Vehicle software updates can only occur if vehicle conditions are adequate, especially the requirement for sufficient battery.

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 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, you must have accepted the connected vehicle User Terms for Connected Vehicle Services and OnStar Privacy Statement for the vehicle.

 

Note: If you declined the connected vehicle 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 (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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