How to Watch TV in Your Car | In-Vehicle Streaming That Actually Works

The way to watch TV depends on your vehicle’s platform. Two mainstream systems handle in-car video today: GM’s OnStar Passenger Entertainment for eligible Chevrolet, GMC, and Cadillac models, and Google built-in for vehicles with Google apps and services built into the infotainment system. Both lock video to specific conditions and require setup while parked.

GM Vehicles: OnStar Passenger Entertainment

OnStar Passenger Entertainment brings streaming video to eligible Chevrolet, GMC, and Cadillac vehicles equipped with front or rear-seat media screens. OnStar’s documentation says you need an eligible vehicle with an active One or Connect Plus plan, then access everything through the Entertainment Hub on the center display. Supported streaming services are listed directly on OnStar’s page:

• Disney+
• Hulu
• YouTube and YouTube Kids
• Tubi
• AMC+
• ViX
• TuneIn

To set it up, confirm your vehicle qualifies and your plan is active, then open the Entertainment Hub. Log in to the streaming app, then use vehicle controls to play, pause, mute, lock content, and manage rear-seat screen options. In vehicles with rear-seat entertainment, the Rear Media App on the center display controls rear screens. In some models you can also use the center display while in Park. OnStar’s in-vehicle apps page lists eligible brands, required plans, and full setup sequence.

Google Built-In: Streaming Apps on the Car Display

Google’s official help page covers this for music, news, and audiobooks, but the same mechanism applies to the video apps available in select cars with Google built-in.

That means the app you want on your phone may not be on your car’s display yet.

Which System Is Right For Your Car?

The choice comes down to your vehicle. If you drive a recent Chevrolet, GMC, or Cadillac with rear-seat screens, OnStar Passenger Entertainment is more complete—it has a published list of streaming partners and explicit passenger-focused controls. If you have a car with Google built-in, you get whatever apps the Play Store offers for your specific make and model. One important distinction: Google built-in is not the same as Android Auto on a connected phone; it’s integrated into the vehicle’s infotainment system, not a phone projection. If your car just mirrors your phone via Android Auto, the app-download-and-play behavior doesn’t apply.

Safety And Legal Restrictions On In-Car Video

Both platforms treat video as a passenger activity. GM explicitly frames Passenger Entertainment as in-vehicle passenger entertainment, and Google’s download-while-parked restriction keeps the driver away from setup. The logic mirrors road-safety law: in many jurisdictions, a screen visible to the driver may only show navigation, camera views, or vehicle status. Video content is not allowed where the driver can see it. That’s why feature sets skew toward rear-seat screens and parked playback. If you want to watch TV on a road trip with passengers, either platform works.

For passengers without a rear-seat system, a phone or tablet mount is the practical alternative. If you’re outfitting a car for family trips, our tested roundup of the best TV for car setups compares top portable options based on screen size, mounting stability, and power requirements. Before buying anything or paying for a plan, check whether your vehicle supports the platform (OnStar requires eligible models; Google requires Google apps built in) and whether the streaming service you want is available on that platform. Service lists are fixed—OnStar publishes partners, and Google rolls out availability by car. An active subscription or OnStar One/Connect Plus plan is also required on GM vehicles.