What SiriusXM satellite radio is and how you get it

SiriusXM is a satellite radio service that broadcasts music, talk, sports, and news through satellites rather than over-the-air radio towers. You listen through a receiver device in your car, at home, or on a portable unit, and you pay a monthly subscription fee to access the service. Unlike regular AM/FM radio, SiriusXM does not play commercials on most channels — you choose from over 300 channels depending on your subscription tier.

To use SiriusXM, you need three things: a receiver (which may come built into your car or purchased separately), an active subscription, and a clear view of the southern sky for the satellite signal to reach your device. The service works nationwide and in Canada, so you can listen the same way whether you are in your driveway or driving across the country.

Key Takeaways

  • SiriusXM offers three main subscription tiers — Essential, Plus, and Premier — each with different numbers of channels and features, ranging from about $6 to $15 per month depending on promotional offers.
  • Most new cars come with a trial subscription (usually three to twelve months) included, after which you pay to continue or the service stops.
  • You can pause your subscription for up to three months per year without losing your account, which is useful if you do not drive during certain seasons.
  • Receivers built into cars are tied to that vehicle's VIN, so if you sell the car or trade it in, the subscription does not transfer to a new vehicle automatically.
  • You can listen on your phone through the SiriusXM app on any subscription tier, not just in your car.

The three subscription tiers and what channels come with each

SiriusXM offers three main subscription levels. Essential is the lowest tier and includes access to most music and entertainment channels but excludes some premium talk and sports channels. Plus adds channels like CNBC, Fox News, and some sports programming. Premier is the highest tier and includes every channel SiriusXM offers, including all sports, news, and specialty channels.

Pricing varies based on promotional offers, but Essential typically starts around $6 to $8 per month, Plus around $10 to $12 per month, and Premier around $14 to $16 per month when you sign up for an annual commitment. Month-to-month plans cost more. If you have a trial subscription through a new car, the trial usually covers the Plus or Premier tier for the trial period, then you choose which tier to pay for afterward.

You can upgrade or downgrade between tiers at any time. If you downgrade, you lose access to the channels in the higher tier when ready, but you do not get a refund for the current billing period. If you upgrade, you pay the difference prorated to your next billing date.

How to set up a new SiriusXM subscription

If your car came with a trial subscription, you will see a message on your receiver when the trial is about to end, usually 30 days before expiration. You can go to the SiriusXM website, call 1-855-727-4869, or use the SiriusXM app to start a paid subscription. You will need your receiver's radio ID number (displayed on the receiver itself or in the car's settings menu) and a payment method.

If you are buying a receiver for a home or portable unit, you purchase the device first, then register it on the SiriusXM website with your email and payment information. The service activates within a few minutes, and you can start listening right away. If you are adding a second receiver to an existing account (for example, a home unit when you already have a car subscription), you can add it through your account settings without starting a separate subscription.

New subscriptions often come with promotional rates for the first few months or the first year. These promotions are typically available only to new customers or customers who have not had an active subscription in the past 30 days. If you cancel and want to resubscribe, you may be offered a different promotional rate than a brand-new customer.

What happens when your trial subscription ends

When a trial subscription ends, your receiver stops working until you pay for a subscription. You will see a message on your receiver screen telling you the trial has ended and prompting you to subscribe. If you do not subscribe within a certain window (usually 30 days), the receiver may require a factory reset before it can be used again.

You do not lose your account information or listening history if your trial ends. If you resubscribe later, your account and preferences are still there. However, if you want to keep listening without interruption, you should start a paid subscription before the trial ends.

Pausing and canceling your subscription

SiriusXM allows you to pause your subscription for up to three months per calendar year. During a pause, you do not pay, but your account remains active and your preferences are saved. When you resume, you pick up where you left off. This is useful if you do not drive during winter, travel for work, or straightforward want a break without losing your account.

To pause, log into your account on the SiriusXM website or call customer service. You choose the pause start date and end date, and the billing stops when ready. When the pause ends, billing resumes automatically unless you cancel instead.

To cancel, you can do so through your online account, through the app, or by calling 1-855-727-4869. Cancellation takes effect at the end of your current billing period, so you keep access until that date. If you cancel mid-month, you do not get a refund for the unused portion of that month. Some customer service representatives may offer you a discounted rate to stay subscribed — this is negotiable, but you are not required to accept.

How to listen on your phone and other devices

Every SiriusXM subscription tier includes access to the SiriusXM app, which lets you listen on your smartphone, tablet, or computer. You log in with the same email and password you use for your online account. The app works over Wi-Fi or cellular data, so you can listen at home, at work, or anywhere you have an internet connection.

If you have a car with a built-in SiriusXM receiver, you can also listen through the car's infotainment system by connecting your phone via Bluetooth or USB, depending on the car's setup. Some newer cars allow you to stream SiriusXM directly through the car's system without needing a separate receiver.

You can listen on multiple devices at the same time with one subscription. For example, you can have the app open on your phone and someone else in your household can listen on a home receiver or through their own phone app simultaneously.

What to do if your receiver is not working or you are having trouble

If your SiriusXM receiver is not picking up a signal, first check that you have a clear view of the southern sky — the satellite signal needs an unobstructed path. If you are in a garage, tunnel, or under heavy tree cover, move the receiver or antenna to a location with a better view. For car receivers, make sure the antenna is properly installed and not damaged.

If you see an error code on your receiver, write down the code and call SiriusXM customer service at 1-855-727-4869. They can look up the code and walk you through troubleshooting steps. Common issues include a subscription that has lapsed (in which case you need to renew), a receiver that needs to be re-registered to your account, or a signal issue that requires moving the antenna.

If you are having trouble with the app, try logging out and logging back in, or uninstalling and reinstalling the app. Make sure your phone has the latest version of the app and that your internet connection is working. If the problem persists, contact SiriusXM support through the app or by phone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer my SiriusXM subscription to a new car?

If your old car has a built-in receiver, the subscription is tied to that vehicle's VIN and does not transfer. You will need to start a new subscription in your new car. However, you can pause the old subscription for up to three months, and if you resubscribe within 30 days of canceling, you may be offered a promotional rate. If you have a portable or home receiver, you can move it to any location and keep the same subscription.

Do I have to pay for SiriusXM if my car came with a trial?

No. When your trial ends, the service stops and you can choose not to subscribe. However, if you want to keep listening, you will need to pay for a subscription. Some dealerships offer discounted rates to new car buyers, so ask your dealer what they can offer before your trial ends.

What is the cheapest way to get SiriusXM?

Promotional rates for new customers are usually the cheapest option, often $6 to $8 per month for the first few months or year. Existing customers can sometimes negotiate a lower rate by calling customer service and mentioning they are considering canceling. Annual prepayment is usually cheaper per month than paying month-to-month.

Can I listen to SiriusXM without a car receiver?

Yes. You can listen through the SiriusXM app on your phone, tablet, or computer with any subscription tier. You can also buy a portable SiriusXM receiver or a home receiver and set up a subscription for that device. These do not require a car.

What happens to my account if I do not pay my bill?

If your payment fails, SiriusXM will attempt to charge your payment method again. If it continues to fail, your subscription will be suspended after a grace period (usually a few days). You can reactivate by updating your payment method and paying any past-due amount. If your account remains inactive for an extended period, it may be closed, but you can reopen it by subscribing again.