Hi! I understand you’re not seeing the remote start icon in your myBuick app on your Samsung phone. Let’s work through this so you can get it sorted out.

First, just to clarify a few things:
1. Which model and year is your Buick? Some older models might not support remote start through the app.
2. Are you logged into your myBuick app and connected to your vehicle successfully otherwise (e.g., seeing your vehicle’s status info)?
3. Have you noticed any other functionality missing or has it only been the remote start icon?

Meanwhile, here’s a checklist of common fixes that often resolve this issue:

1. Force-close and restart the app: Sometimes the app needs a fresh start to load all features properly.
2. Sign out and sign back in: This refreshes your connection to the vehicle and the OnStar service.
3. Check your internet connection: Make sure you have a stable mobile data or Wi-Fi connection as the app relies on this to communicate with your car.
4. Update the app: Go to Google Play Store and confirm you have the latest version of myBuick installed.
5. Check your vehicle’s OnStar subscription: Remote start requires an active plan that supports remote commands. If that expired or changed, the function might disappear.
6. Vehicle conditions: Ensure your vehicle is in a condition to allow remote start (e.g., doors locked, hood closed, brake engaged if required).

If you’ve tried these already, a deeper step would be to do a power cycle on your vehicle — turning the vehicle completely off and back on — to refresh its connection with OnStar services.

If after all these steps the icon is still missing, it might be an account or system issue that OnStar can assist with. You can reach out to [email protected] for support, or I can help you with more steps.

Does this match what you’ve tried so far? Let me know, and we can go from there!

2022 Buick Avenir. Is the Samsung phone the problem?

Thanks for the extra info! Your 2022 Buick Avenir should definitely be compatible with the myBuick app on Samsung phones, so it’s unlikely the phone itself is the problem. However, some compatibility issues can happen due to app or phone settings, or account details.

Here’s what I recommend next:

1. Confirm myBuick App version: Make sure you have the latest version of the myBuick app installed from the Google Play Store. Updates can fix bugs and improve compatibility.

2. Clear the app cache and data on your Samsung phone: This can resolve glitches that hide features like the remote start icon. You can do this by going to Settings > Apps > myBuick > Storage > Clear Cache and Clear Data. After that, restart the app and sign in again.

3. Check phone software updates: Ensure your Samsung phone’s Android OS is up to date, as outdated software can cause app compatibility problems.

4. Verify OnStar subscription and vehicle settings: Double-check that your OnStar subscription includes remote start capability and that all vehicle prerequisites for remote start are met (like doors locked, etc.).

5. Reinstall the app: If the above don't help, uninstall the myBuick app, restart your phone, then reinstall and sign back in.

6. Test on another device if possible: If you can, try logging into the myBuick app on a different phone to see if the remote start icon appears there. This can help isolate if the issue is device-specific.

If after trying these steps the remote start icon still doesn’t show up on your Samsung phone, there might be a deeper system or account issue. At that point, contacting [email protected] for detailed account and service checks would be the best route.

Here is a helpful link with official troubleshooting steps for the myBuick app that matches what I suggested: Troubleshooting myBuick App

Does this help narrow it down? If you want, I can guide you through clearing the app data or any other step in detail. How would you like to proceed?

does Onstar have to be paid for for the remote start to work?

Great question! Yes, to use the remote start feature through the myBuick app, you do need an active OnStar subscription that includes remote commands. The vehicle must be equipped with the necessary hardware, and the OnStar Connected Services Plan must be active for remote start to work from your mobile device. This applies even if you have trial periods—once those expire, a subscription is required to keep using remote start and similar features1 2 3.

If you’re unsure about your current subscription status, I recommend checking your OnStar account or contacting OnStar directly to confirm. Would you like help with how to check your subscription or any other details?

Alternatives to OnStar for remote start in Buick

Thanks for your question about alternatives to OnStar for remote start via the myBuick app.

Currently, the myBuick app’s remote start function relies heavily on OnStar’s connected services. That means an active OnStar subscription that supports remote commands is generally required to use remote start through the app. There aren't alternative remote start services integrated into the myBuick app itself aside from OnStar’s system.

If you are looking for alternative ways to remote start your Buick without an OnStar subscription, your main options would be:

1. Using the vehicle’s key fob — Most 2022 Buick models, including the Avenir, have a remote start button right on the physical key fob. This doesn’t require any subscription and works directly with the vehicle.

2. Aftermarket remote start systems — If remote start through your phone without a subscription is important, you could have an aftermarket remote start system professionally installed. These systems often come with their own app and work independently of OnStar. However, this involves additional cost and installation.

3. Third-party vehicle management apps — Some third-party apps and services offer remote start features, but their compatibility with Buick and integration with the vehicle’s security systems may be limited or require additional hardware.

But to be clear, for the official myBuick app's remote start feature, OnStar’s subscription is the built-in solution, as the app communicates through OnStar's connected services for vehicle commands1 2 .

If avoiding subscription fees is your priority, the key fob remote start is the simplest alternative for your Buick.

Would you like guidance on using your key fob remote start, or if you want, I can provide info on reputable aftermarket systems? Let me know!

What are the costs associated with OnStar alternatives for Buick?

Thanks for your question about the costs associated with OnStar alternatives for your Buick. Here's a breakdown to help you understand what to expect:

1. OnStar Subscription Costs:
The official OnStar subscription plans that include remote start typically start around $15 to $25 per month. For example, the OnStar "Remote Access" plan is often priced at about $15/month, while more comprehensive plans can go up to $25 or more monthly depending on the features included29.

2. Free OnStar Services with Newer Vehicles:
Some newer GM vehicles, including certain Buicks, come with free OnStar Basic service for a limited time or even several years (e.g., 8 years free for some 2025 models). This plan may cover basic security and vehicle status features but might not include remote start commands without an upgrade6.

3. Aftermarket Remote Start Systems:
If you want to avoid OnStar subscription fees, aftermarket remote start systems are an option. Costs for these systems generally range from $200 up to $500 or more, including professional installation. They come with their own remotes and sometimes smartphone apps, but compatibility and features vary widely. This is a one-time cost, but installation and any maintenance may add to expenses.

4. Other Alternatives:
There aren't widely recognized third-party subscription services that replace OnStar’s official connected services for remote starting directly through the myBuick app. Some enthusiasts discuss using devices or apps with additional hardware, but those are more complex and less seamless.

5. Mandatory OnStar Fees on Some New Models:
Note that some GM vehicles sold recently may require a bundled OnStar subscription as part of the purchase or leasing terms, sometimes bundled with Wi-Fi or security services, which can effectively add around $1,500 over a few years8.

In summary, official OnStar subscriptions relevant to remote start generally cost $15-$25 per month unless you qualify for free basic plans. Aftermarket systems incur upfront costs but no monthly fees. There are no simple "free" app-based alternatives that fully replace OnStar for Buick remote start.

If you want, I can help you explore specific aftermarket systems or assist with OnStar plan details to find the best fit for your needs. How would you like to proceed?