Are you aware that your every move is being tracked by OnStar? That’s right, the popular vehicle tracking and safety system also collects data on your driving habits, location, and even your conversations. While this information can be useful for roadside assistance and other safety features, it can also be a major privacy concern. If you’re uncomfortable with the idea of OnStar tracking your every move, there are steps you can take to disable the tracking feature.
The first step is to contact OnStar customer service and request that they disable the tracking feature. You can do this by phone or online. Once you’ve made the request, OnStar will disable the tracking feature within 24 hours. However, it’s important to note that disabling the tracking feature will also disable some of the safety features that OnStar provides, such as roadside assistance and automatic crash notification. If you’re not comfortable with this, you may want to consider leaving the tracking feature enabled.
If you’re still concerned about your privacy, there are other steps you can take to protect yourself. For example, you can use a privacy screen protector on your phone to prevent OnStar from tracking your location. You can also use a VPN to encrypt your internet traffic and prevent OnStar from tracking your online activity. By taking these steps, you can help to protect your privacy and keep your personal information safe.
Disable OnStar Tracking through MyChevrolet App
To disable OnStar tracking via the MyChevrolet app, follow these steps:
Step 1: Launch the MyChevrolet App
Locate the MyChevrolet app on your mobile device and ensure you are logged in with your registered account associated with your Chevrolet vehicle. If you do not have the app, download it from the App Store or Google Play.
Step 2: Access Vehicle Settings
Once logged in, select your vehicle from the app’s dashboard. Then, tap on the “Settings” icon, typically located in the top-right corner of the screen.
Step 3: Navigate to OnStar Options
Within the “Settings” menu, scroll down and tap on the option that says “OnStar Services.” This will take you to a menu of OnStar-related settings.
Step 4: Disable Tracking
Locate the toggle switch or checkbox labeled “Location Tracking.” Toggle it to the “Off” position to disable OnStar tracking. This feature prevents OnStar from monitoring your vehicle’s location.
Step 5: Confirm Changes
To finalize the process, you may be prompted to confirm your choice. Tap on the “Confirm” or “Disable” button to complete the process and disable OnStar tracking.
By following these steps, you can effectively disable OnStar tracking through the MyChevrolet app. Note that it may take a few minutes for the changes to take effect, and you may need to restart your vehicle to ensure the tracking feature is fully disabled.
Deactivate Tracking via Customer Care
To disable OnStar tracking through customer care:
- Dial the OnStar Support Number: Call 1-888-466-7827 to connect with a customer care representative.
- State Your Request: Inform the representative that you wish to disable the tracking feature on your vehicle.
- Provide Vehicle Information: You will be asked to provide details about your vehicle, such as the VIN, make, and model, to verify your ownership.
- Confirm Disablement: Once your vehicle has been identified, the representative will initiate the process of disabling the tracking functionality.
- Receive Confirmation Email: You will receive an email confirmation from OnStar acknowledging the tracking feature has been disabled.
Additional Tips
- Be prepared to answer questions about your account and vehicle when calling customer care.
- Note that disabling tracking will not affect other essential OnStar services, such as accident assistance or remote diagnostics.
- If you have concerns about privacy or data collection, consider contacting OnStar directly to discuss your options.
Remove Tracking Device from Vehicle
To remove the OnStar tracking device from your vehicle, you will need to follow these steps:
- Locate the tracking device. It is typically located under the dashboard, behind the glove box, or in the trunk.
- Disconnect the power cord from the tracking device.
- Remove the tracking device from the vehicle.
Additional Information:
If you are unable to locate or remove the tracking device yourself, you can contact an auto mechanic or OnStar customer service for assistance. It is important to note that removing the tracking device may void your warranty or insurance policy.
Here is a table summarizing the steps involved in removing the OnStar tracking device:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Locate the tracking device. |
| 2 | Disconnect the power cord from the tracking device. |
| 3 | Remove the tracking device from the vehicle. |
Contact Local Service Center for Manual Removal
For those who prefer a hands-on approach, you can contact your local OnStar Service Center directly to request manual removal of your vehicle’s tracking device. This option requires a visit to the center, where a certified technician will physically disconnect and remove the device from your vehicle. The following steps will guide you through this process:
1. Locate Your Local Service Center
Visit the OnStar website or contact your dealership to find the nearest OnStar Service Center. Contact the center to schedule an appointment for manual removal.
2. Prepare Your Vehicle
Ensure that your vehicle is clean and in good working condition. Remove any personal belongings from the vehicle before bringing it to the service center.
3. Visit the Service Center
On the appointed day and time, bring your vehicle to the service center. Present the technician with your identification and proof of ownership for the vehicle.
4. Manual Removal Process
The technician will inspect your vehicle and confirm the location of the tracking device. Using specialized tools, the technician will carefully disconnect and remove the device from your vehicle. This process typically takes around 30-60 minutes to complete.
Here’s a table summarizing the key steps involved in manual removal:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Locate your local OnStar Service Center |
| 2 | Prepare your vehicle |
| 3 | Visit the service center |
| 4 | Manual removal process by the technician |
5. Verification and Confirmation
Once the device has been removed, the technician will verify that the tracking system has been disabled. You will receive a confirmation from the service center that the manual removal process has been successfully completed.
Block OnStar Tracking with RFID Signal Shielding
RFID signal shielding blocks radio frequency identification (RFID) signals, which can be used to track vehicles. OnStar uses RFID to track its vehicles, so you can disable OnStar tracking by using RFID signal shielding. There are several types of RFID signal shielding that you can use, including:
- RFID Signal Shielding Bags: These bags are designed to block RFID signals, so you can put your key fob in the bag to prevent OnStar from tracking your vehicle.
- RFID Signal Shielding Pouches: These pouches are similar to RFID signal shielding bags, but they are smaller and can be attached to your key fob.
- RFID Signal Blocking Paint: This paint can be applied to the inside of your windshield to block RFID signals.
- RFID Signal Blocking Stickers: These stickers can be attached to the inside of your windshield or to your key fob to block RFID signals.
- RFID Signal Blocking Faraday Cage: A Faraday cage is a metal enclosure that blocks electromagnetic fields. You can build a Faraday cage to block RFID signals from your vehicle.
The following table compares the different types of RFID signal shielding:
Type Pros Cons RFID Signal Shielding Bags Easy to use Not very durable RFID Signal Shielding Pouches More durable than bags More expensive RFID Signal Blocking Paint Permanent Can be difficult to apply RFID Signal Blocking Stickers Easy to apply Not very durable RFID Signal Blocking Faraday Cage Most effective Difficult to build Configure Vehicle Privacy Settings to Limit Tracking
Many modern vehicles are equipped with telematics systems like OnStar, which offer a range of features and services such as navigation, roadside assistance, and remote diagnostics. However, these systems also collect and transmit data about your driving habits, vehicle location, and other personal information. If you’re concerned about your privacy, you can disable OnStar tracking by following these steps:
1. Locate the Privacy Settings Menu
The location of the privacy settings menu varies depending on the make and model of your vehicle. Generally, you can find it in the vehicle’s infotainment system or by accessing the OnStar app on your smartphone.
2. Disable Personalization and Data Sharing
Within the privacy settings menu, look for options related to personalization and data sharing. Disable any features that collect or share information about your driving habits, location, or personal preferences.
3. Opt Out of Marketing and Advertising
Some telematics systems send you marketing and advertising materials. To opt out, find the settings related to marketing and advertising and disable them.
4. Disable Remote Diagnostics
Remote diagnostics allow the manufacturer to collect data about your vehicle’s performance and maintenance needs. While this can be helpful, it also involves collecting personal information. If you’re not comfortable with remote diagnostics, disable it in the privacy settings.
5. Limit Geofencing
Geofencing allows the telematics system to track your vehicle’s location within a specific area. While this can be useful for features like automatic door unlocking, it can also be used for tracking purposes. Disable geofencing or limit it to essential areas.
6. Disable Automatic Crash Response and Other Emergency Services
Automatic crash response and other emergency services are essential safety features, but they can also collect and transmit data about your location and driving behavior. If you’re not comfortable with these services, you can disable them in the privacy settings. However, it’s important to weigh the privacy risks against the potential benefits of these safety features.
Option Description Personalization Collects and shares data about driving habits, preferences, and vehicle usage. Data Sharing Sends data about vehicle performance, location, and diagnostics to the manufacturer or third parties. Marketing and Advertising Enables the sending of marketing materials and advertisements based on driving behavior and personal preferences. Remote Diagnostics Collects data about vehicle performance and maintenance needs for diagnostic purposes. Geofencing Tracks the vehicle’s location within a specific area. Automatic Crash Response Automatically triggers an emergency call and sends vehicle location data in the event of a crash. Inspect Vehicle for Hidden Tracking Units
Identifying hidden tracking units within your vehicle requires a thorough inspection of its interior, exterior, and undercarriage. Consider the following steps:
**1. Check Undercarriage:** Inspect the underside of your vehicle, paying attention to areas such as the wheel wells, under the body panels, and near the gas tank.
**2. Examine Vehicle Interior:** Scrutinize the glove compartment, trunk, and interior panels. Look for concealed devices that may be attached or magnetically secured.
**3. Conduct Exterior Inspection:** Check the exterior of your vehicle, including the roof, bumpers, and areas behind headlights and taillights, for any suspicious devices or markings.
**4. Look for Visible Antennas:** Examine your vehicle for any external antennas that may be associated with tracking units. These antennas typically resemble small, black squares or cylindrical devices.
**5. Inspect Dashboard and Switches:** Scrutinize the dashboard and center console for unfamiliar switches or buttons that may control hidden tracking units.
**6. Disable OBD Port:** The OBD (On-Board Diagnostics) port, typically located under the dashboard, can be compromised to connect external tracking devices. Consider disabling or securing the port using a port lock.
**7. Use Detection Equipment:** Employ radio frequency detectors or scanning devices to identify hidden tracking units that may be emitting signals. Conduct a comprehensive sweep of your vehicle, including the trunk and undercarriage, to detect any unauthorized devices.
Inspection Area Possible Hiding Spots Undercarriage Wheel wells, under body panels, near gas tank Vehicle Interior Glove compartment, trunk, interior panels Exterior Roof, bumpers, behind headlights/taillights Dashboard/Switches Unfamiliar buttons or switches OBD Port Hidden tracking devices connected to port Utilize Third-Party Device Blockers
Third-party device blockers are specialized tools designed to intercept and block tracking signals emitted by OnStar devices. These blockers can be installed on your vehicle’s OBD-II port and operate seamlessly to prevent OnStar from collecting and transmitting location, diagnostic, and other data without your explicit consent.
To use a third-party device blocker, simply connect it to the OBD-II port of your vehicle. The device will automatically activate and create a secure firewall around your vehicle’s telematics system, effectively blocking all incoming and outgoing communications with OnStar servers. This method provides a highly effective and permanent solution to disable OnStar tracking without altering the vehicle’s factory settings or compromising its performance.
Here are some popular third-party device blockers available in the market:
Blocker Name Features Trapster Smartscreen Real-time traffic alerts, crash avoidance, and OnStar tracking blocking Escort Live GPS Radar App Radar and laser detection, smart driving alerts, and OnStar tracking blocking Cobra Road Scout Mobile App Real-time traffic updates, speed camera alerts, and OnStar tracking blocking Disable Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Connectivity to Prevent Tracking
OnStar relies heavily on Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity to track your vehicle’s location and other data. Disabling these connections can effectively block OnStar’s tracking capabilities.
Here’s how to disable Bluetooth and Wi-Fi on your vehicle:
Bluetooth
- Locate the Bluetooth settings in your vehicle’s infotainment system.
- Turn off the Bluetooth feature or toggle the switch to “off.”
- Confirm that Bluetooth is disabled by checking the Bluetooth icon or status indicator.
- Navigate to the Wi-Fi settings in your vehicle’s infotainment system.
- Disable the Wi-Fi connection by turning off the Wi-Fi feature or toggling the switch to “off.”
- Verify that Wi-Fi is disabled by checking the Wi-Fi icon or status indicator.
- Location tracking
- Diagnostic data collection
- Personalization data collection
- Log in to your OnStar account.
- Click on the “Settings” tab.
- Under the “Privacy” section, click on the “Tracking” link.
- Uncheck the box next to “Enable Tracking”.
- Click on the “Save Changes” button.
- Open the OnStar app.
- Tap on the “Settings” icon.
- Tap on the “Privacy” section.
- Toggle the “Tracking” switch to the “Off” position.
Wi-Fi
By disabling Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, you can prevent OnStar from tracking your vehicle’s location, speed, and other data. This method is a simple and effective way to protect your privacy and limit the amount of data OnStar collects about you.
Reset Vehicle Privacy Settings to Default
To reset your vehicle’s privacy settings to default, follow these steps:
1. Start your vehicle and put it in park.
2. On the touch screen, select the “Settings” icon.
3. Scroll down and select “Privacy.”
4. Select “Reset to Defaults.”
5. A pop-up window will appear, asking you to confirm your selection. Select “Yes.”
6. Your vehicle’s privacy settings will now be reset to default.Additional Information
Resetting your vehicle’s privacy settings to default will disable all OnStar tracking and data collection features. This includes:
Once you have reset your privacy settings, you can still choose to enable specific tracking and data collection features by following these steps:
1. Start your vehicle and put it in park.
2. On the touch screen, select the “Settings” icon.
3. Scroll down and select “Privacy.”
4. Select the feature you want to enable.
5. A pop-up window will appear, asking you to confirm your selection. Select “Yes.”The following table provides a summary of the privacy settings that can be reset to default:
Setting Description Location tracking Tracks the location of your vehicle. This data is used to provide navigation and other services. Diagnostic data collection Collects data about your vehicle’s performance. This data is used to diagnose problems and improve the vehicle’s performance. Personalization data collection Collects data about your driving habits and preferences. This data is used to personalize the vehicle’s features and services. How To Disable Onstar Tracking
OnStar is a subscription-based service that provides various features to vehicle owners, including navigation, roadside assistance, and stolen vehicle tracking. However, OnStar also collects data about your driving habits, which can be used to track your location and movement. If you are concerned about your privacy, you can disable OnStar tracking by following these steps:
Once you have disabled OnStar tracking, the service will no longer collect data about your driving habits. However, it is important to note that OnStar may still collect other data, such as your vehicle’s location and diagnostic information, for the purpose of providing services such as navigation and roadside assistance.
People Also Ask About How To Disable OnStar Tracking
How do I disable OnStar tracking on my phone?
If you have the OnStar app installed on your phone, you can disable tracking by following these steps:
Can I disable OnStar tracking without deactivating my account?
Yes, you can disable OnStar tracking without deactivating your account. Follow the steps in the “How To Disable Onstar Tracking” section above.
Can I disable OnStar tracking on a leased car?
If you have a leased car, you may not be able to disable OnStar tracking. This is because OnStar tracking may be required by your lease agreement. You should contact your leasing company to find out if you are able to disable OnStar tracking.
