Available Built-in WiFi® Hotspot 

Available Built-in WiFi® Hotspot 

A Boy and a Girl in Backseat of Car Smiling and Watching tablets

What is the available built-in Wi-Fi® Hotspot?

The available  Wi-Fi® Hotspot* (vehicle must be on or in the accessory position for Wi-Fi to function) turns your vehicle into a reliable mobile hub, with great signal quality and bandwidth. It features a built-in Wi-Fi® Hotspot that provides a reliable in-vehicle experience. A data plan is required. 

How do I connect to the Wi-Fi® Hotspot?

Start a Wi-Fi® network search on your device and select your vehicle hotspot when listed. Enter the password when prompted. 

What is an “SSID” or “passphrase?”

The SSID is the name of the Wi-Fi® Hotspot for the vehicle, and the passphrase is the password associated with the hotspot. The SSID will be used to identify which Wi-Fi® Hotspot you connect to, and the passphrase will be entered to complete the connection. 

How do I get my Wi-Fi® Hotspot username and passphrase?

To get your hotspot name (SSID) and password, push the voice command button and say “Wi-Fi settings.” 

Can I change the SSID and password for my Wi-Fi® Hotspot?

You can change the name of your hotspot and password in the Wi-Fi® Hotspot menu listing of your vehicle’s mobile app.* You can also visit your vehicle Owner Center and select Manage WiFi® Hotspot in the Quick Help section. 

Do I need a data plan to use the vehicle’s available built-in WiFi® Hotspot?

Yes, a data plan is required to use the vehicle’s Wi-Fi® Hotspot. Data plans are provided by a select third-party telecommunication provider according to their terms and conditions. 

What is the data trial?

Members receive 1 month or 3 GB of data (whichever comes first) with the purchase of a properly equipped Chevrolet, Buick, GMC or Cadillac vehicle. 

How can I find out how much data I have remaining?

You can check how much data you have remaining using your myChevrolet®, myBuick®, myGMC® or myCadillac® Mobile App. You can also visit your vehicle Owner Centre and select Manage Wi-Fi Hotspot in the Quick Help section. Additionally, with certain service plans, you can push the blue OnStar button and ask an Advisor. 

Why do I need a vehicle data plan for the available WiFi® Hotspot if I have a personal hotspot available on my smartphone?

The built-in Wi-Fi® Hotspot provides a great in-vehicle experience. The strong signal means you have a fast and reliable connection. It is powered by your vehicle, so you’re not reliant on a mobile device battery, and you can access your hotspot up to 15 metres from your vehicle (vehicle must be on or in the accessory position for Wi-Fi to function). 

What types of data plans are available?

OnStar One* and Connect Plus* both offer data as part of their features. Plan availability dependent on vehicle.

Does my vehicle need to be running for the available Wi-Fi® Hotspot to work?

Yes, the vehicle ignition needs to be in the “Run” or “Accessory” position for the Wi-Fi® Hotspot to be active. 

How many devices can be connected to the available Wi-Fi® Hotspot?

Up to eighteen devices can be connected simultaneously to the Wi-Fi® Hotspot. 

What is the range for the available in-vehicle Wi-Fi® Hotspot?

The Wi-Fi® Hotspot has a range of up to 15 metres from your vehicle. 

Why does my available Wi-Fi® Hotspot internet connection sometimes run slow or show that no internet connection is available?

The coverage for the built-in Wi-Fi® Hotspot depends on the wireless carrier network coverage. When you are in areas where coverage fluctuates, performance may be impacted. In a 2G-coverage area, the Wi-Fi® Hotspot will not work. In a 3G-coverage area, streaming data or video to your devices may result in the degradation of your service. View the coverage map.  

 

Also, the vehicle ignition needs to be in the “Run” or “Accessory” position for the Wi-Fi® Hotspot to be active. 

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