Over-the-Air technology allows some software updates for certain vehicle components to be downloaded and installed over a wireless connection.
If your vehicle is equipped with this technology, it’s a convenient way to update your vehicle with some of the latest available software.

What You'll Learn

You’ll learn how Over-the-Air vehicle software updates work and what you need to do to download the software and complete the installation.
You’ll also learn your connectivity options and how to accept or decline an update.

How It Works

The basics
• Your vehicle requires Internet connectivity to download and install vehicle software updates.
This can be accessed through the vehicle’s built-in 4G LTE connection1, if equipped.
Or you may use a secure Wi-Fi® hotspot, such as a mobile device hotspot, home network or public network. Applicable data rates may apply.

• You must have accepted the connected vehicle User Terms and Conditions and Privacy Statement for your vehicle to be eligible for Over-the-Air vehicle software updates.
• Update notifications will be sent to your vehicle, and you can also manually check for them using the infotainment system2.
• There are two steps to getting the update: software download and installation.
• If you have any questions or concerns about a vehicle software update, you can press your blue OnStar®3 button to contact an Advisor or call 888.4.ONSTAR. You may also contact your dealer for assistance.

Software download

• 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 (4G LTE connection or external/brought-in network).
• You can check the progress of a vehicle software download in the “Settings” menu in your infotainment system. Look for either of the following (steps may vary by vehicle):
• Under the "System" tab, go to the "Vehicle Software" section and look for "Updates."
• Choose "Software Information" and then look for "System Update."

Software installation

• Once a download is complete, you’ll be prompted to install the update the next time you turn your vehicle on or shift it into PARK. You can also choose to be reminded later or decline the installation.
• If you choose to decline an update, the update will cancel and you may need to take your vehicle to a dealer if you wish to perform the update at a later time.
• You’ll be asked to put your vehicle in PARK and turn off the engine to initiate most updates.
• While an update is being performed, you can’t drive your vehicle and the infotainment system may remain active for the duration of the update. For this reason, park in a safe and secure location before initiating any update.
• Generally, software installation is expected to take 20 minutes or less.

• You’re not required 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 lock occupants inside.
• It is normal for your infotainment system to remain active during an update. You may also notice one or more system resets during an installation process.
• If you decide to remain in your vehicle, you can check the progress of a vehicle software installation in the “Settings” menu in your infotainment system.
Look for either of the following (steps may vary by vehicle):
• Under the "System" tab, go to the "Vehicle Software" section and look for "Updates."
• Choose "Software Information" and then look for "System Update."

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Vehicle software updates on eligible vehicles can be performed by your servicing dealer and are also available to independent service centers.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns about a vehicle software update, you may contact your dealer for assistance.
Most vehicle software update situations will resolve on their own through natural use of your vehicle.
For example, a message regarding a download or connection error may occur 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 sufficient cellular connectivity.
If your error does not automatically resolve after a few ignition cycles, you should contact your dealer for assistance.
In some cases, certain vehicle settings may be reset as part of the software update process.
Yes. To manually check for software updates, go to "Settings" in your infotainment system and look for either of the following (steps may vary by vehicle):
• Under the "System" tab, go to the "Vehicle Software" section and look for “Updates.”
• Choose "Software Information" and then look for “System Update.”

The status of several vehicle systems and factors are checked before starting installation.
If your vehicle does not meet the necessary conditions (for example, if your battery state of charge is too low or if low ambient temperatures present a risk to your vehicle battery), you may receive a message stating that vehicle conditions are not ideal and the system will try again at a later time.

You do not need a paid subscription or 4G LTE Wi-Fi® data plan in order to receive vehicle software updates.

However, downloading and installing vehicle software updates requires built-in 4G LTE connection hardware.
Communications such as physical letters, email and in-vehicle notifications may be sent to you as appropriate and required for the specific software update.