Chevy MyLink is a touchscreen system that connects your smartphone to your vehicle's dashboard

Chevy MyLink is General Motors' in-vehicle infotainment system that lets you control phone calls, text messages, music, and navigation through an 8-inch (or larger, depending on model year) touchscreen mounted in your dashboard. It mirrors certain apps and functions from your smartphone — primarily through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto — so you can access them without taking your hands off the wheel or your eyes off the road.

The system comes standard on most Chevrolet models from 2013 onward, though the features and screen size vary by trim level and year. You don't pay extra to use MyLink itself; it's built into the vehicle. However, some features — like real-time traffic, certain navigation functions, or remote vehicle services — may require a separate subscription to OnStar or a connected services plan.

Key Takeaways

  • Chevy MyLink displays Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on your dashboard screen, letting you control phone functions without handling your device.
  • The system is included with your vehicle at no extra cost, but some advanced features like remote start or real-time traffic require an OnStar subscription.
  • MyLink works only when your phone is connected via USB cable or Bluetooth, and pairing takes a few minutes the first time.
  • Navigation, music streaming, and hands-free calling work through MyLink, but the quality and responsiveness depend on your phone's app and your vehicle's screen size.

How to connect your phone to Chevy MyLink

The first time you use MyLink, you'll pair your phone through the touchscreen settings. Go to Settings on your MyLink display, select Phone, and choose Add Phone. Your vehicle will become discoverable as a Bluetooth device. On your phone, go to Bluetooth settings, find your Chevy model (it will show the vehicle's name or VIN), and select it to pair.

Once paired, your phone will connect automatically when you get in the vehicle and turn on the ignition, as long as Bluetooth is enabled on your phone. For the best experience — especially with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto — you can also plug your phone into the USB port in your center console. A wired connection is more stable than Bluetooth alone and charges your phone while you drive.

If your phone doesn't connect automatically, check that Bluetooth is on, that your phone's location services are enabled, and that MyLink hasn't reached its limit of paired devices (most vehicles allow 5 to 10). If you're still having trouble, unpair the phone from both the vehicle and your phone's settings, then start the pairing process again.

What you can control through MyLink

Once connected, MyLink displays your phone's contacts, call history, and text messages on the dashboard screen. You can make and receive calls hands-free, and the system will read incoming texts aloud and let you reply using voice commands or preset messages. The audio from calls plays through your vehicle's speakers.

For music and podcasts, MyLink works with apps like Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and others that support Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. You can browse playlists, search for songs, and control playback without touching your phone. Navigation apps like Google Maps, Waze, and Apple Maps also display on the MyLink screen, showing turn-by-turn directions and real-time traffic (if your app subscription includes it).

Voice control is built in. Press and hold the voice button on your steering wheel, then say commands like "Call Mom," "Play Spotify," or "Navigate to the nearest gas station." The system responds to natural speech, though it works best in quiet conditions and may struggle with heavy accents or background noise.

OnStar and subscription features you may need to pay for

Chevy MyLink itself is free, but some connected services require a subscription to OnStar, which is General Motors' telematics platform. OnStar can remotely unlock your vehicle, start the engine, locate your car if it's stolen, and send real-time traffic and weather to your navigation system. It also provides emergency roadside information and automatic crash notification.

OnStar plans vary in length and price. A basic plan might cover emergency services and roadside information, while a premium plan adds remote vehicle control and real-time traffic. Some vehicles come with a trial period (often three months to one year) included; after that, you'll pay a monthly or annual fee if you want to keep the service. You can check your current OnStar status and subscription level through the MyLink screen or the OnStar mobile app.

If you don't want OnStar, you can still use MyLink for phone calls, texts, music, and navigation — those functions don't require a subscription. You'll just miss out on remote vehicle control and some advanced traffic features.

Screen size and model differences across Chevy vehicles

Not all Chevrolet vehicles have the same MyLink setup. Older models (2013–2015) typically have a 7-inch screen, while newer vehicles often come with 8-inch or larger displays. Some higher trims include a 10.2-inch screen with faster processors and more responsive touch controls. The larger the screen, the easier it is to read maps, see contact lists, and tap buttons while driving.

The year of your vehicle also affects which apps and features are available. Newer Chevy models support the latest versions of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, including wireless connectivity on some 2023 and later models. Older vehicles may require a USB cable for CarPlay or Android Auto and might not support the newest app features.

Check your vehicle's owner manual or the Chevy website to see which MyLink version you have. If you're shopping for a used Chevy, the model year and trim level will tell you what screen size and features to expect.

Common issues and how to fix them

If MyLink won't recognize your phone, the most common cause is that Bluetooth is off or the phone is too far away (move it closer to the center console). Another frequent issue is that your phone's operating system is outdated; make sure you're running the latest version of iOS or Android. Some phones also require you to grant MyLink permission to access contacts and messages — check your phone's app permissions and enable them for the MyLink or Bluetooth settings.

If the touchscreen is slow or unresponsive, try restarting the system by turning off the vehicle, waiting 30 seconds, and turning it back on. If that doesn't work, a factory reset of MyLink may help, though this will erase all paired phones and saved settings. You can do this through Settings > System > Reset, but check your owner manual first because the exact path varies by model year.

Voice commands sometimes fail if there's too much background noise or if the system doesn't recognize your accent or phrasing. Speak clearly and use straightforward commands like "Call" or "Navigate to" rather than complex sentences. If voice control consistently doesn't work, you may need to unpair and re-pair your phone, or contact a Chevy dealer to check whether a software update is available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Chevy MyLink without a smartphone?

No. MyLink requires a phone connected via Bluetooth or USB to function. The system itself doesn't have built-in navigation, music storage, or contact lists — it displays and controls what's on your phone. If you don't have a smartphone, you can still use your vehicle's basic AM/FM radio and climate controls, but you won't have access to MyLink features.

Does MyLink work with both iPhone and Android?

Yes. MyLink supports both Apple CarPlay (for iPhones) and Android Auto (for Android phones). The features and app compatibility are similar on both platforms, though some apps may be available on one system but not the other. Check your phone's app store to see which apps support CarPlay or Android Auto.

Can I use MyLink while the vehicle is parked?

You can use it while parked with the engine running or in accessory mode (key in the "On" position without starting the engine). Once you turn off the ignition completely, the MyLink screen will go dark. This is a safety feature to prevent battery drain.

What happens if my phone battery dies while I'm driving?

If your phone dies, MyLink will lose its connection and you'll lose access to navigation, music, and hands-free calling. If you have a wired USB connection, plug in a different phone or a portable charger to restore power. For future trips, keep your phone charged or use the USB port in your vehicle to charge while you drive.

Is Chevy MyLink the same as OnStar?

No. MyLink is the in-vehicle touchscreen system that connects your phone to your dashboard. OnStar is a separate subscription service that lets you remotely control your vehicle (lock doors, start the engine, locate the car) and access emergency services. You can use MyLink without OnStar, but some advanced features require an OnStar subscription.