It wasn’t too long ago when our cellphones looked like candy bars and the only applications they came with were demos of Brick Breaker. Throughout the constant advancement, one thing has remained pretty constant: charging came from a wired connector. Now, we’ve seen the introduction of new tech to wirelessly charge a mobile phone, and that same technology has made it into the 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban.
The wireless charging pad sits in the middle of the armrest on the full size SUVs, and fits nearly any size smartphone on the market today. It simply requires the driver to place the phone in the correct position and ensure the charging icon is reported on the phone’s screen, or on the infotainment system. Charging coils differ from phone to phone, so some may need to be flipped the opposite way.
While the feature is a great comfort to have in the Tahoe or Suburban, the technology is still fairly limited to only a few smartphones, with big ticket names like Apple not offering the ability on the most recent iteration of iPhone. If you own a few select high profile Android smartphones, though, you’re in luck because a handful of them come with the technology built right in. Adapter backplates are also sold for phones without the technology currently.
For more information and instructions on how the system works, we’ve provided the video from Chevrolet for you down below.
Comments
I just converted my Samsung S4 battery cover to a wireless charger in order to utilize the charger in our ’15 Yukon. I have to admit, it’s very convenient and not havng to worrying about charging ports becoming bent is a thing of the past.
I wonder if I can charge my toothbrush…
Hey what case did you use to make it all work? Qi?
Just ordered a 16 denali, and want to find a good case for my iPhone 5s so I can use this neat feature.
I bought a new backplate for my Samsung s5 to enable Qi wireless charging and the feature still doesn’t work. Is there a specific backplate that is compatible? Feeling disappointed!
Hi M. I did the same I purchased the Samsung S charger cover for my S5 and it still doesn’t work did you ever figure out how to make it charge?
its not the phone, its the poorly designed inductive charging circuit. its minimally powered and wont charge even phones that are listed that supposedly works.
GM is of NO help. they will just say that its working as designed. Well a poor design is NOT an excuse for it not working.
Hi. I just saw these two posts regarding the wireless charging system. I am an engineer with GM and am responding on behalf of the company.
A certified Galaxy S5 Qi backcover can be purchased at http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-Galaxy-Wireless-Charging-Battery/dp/B00ITI24EK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1431707714&sr=8-1&keywords=galaxy+s5+wireless+charging+case. I know this back cover works.
The feature is not available on all MY15 trucks as it was introduced last fall. Please confirm your vehicle is equipped with the feature. The charging mat will have a stamped label indicating to not place objects on the mat while charging.
Also, the vehicle charger does not operate if the vehicle is OFF. Make sure your vehicle is ON. Additional information can also be found at gmtotalconnect.com.
I can’t find where to buy one for the iPhone 6?! Can you help???
I got my QI charging case from Amazon, it fits my 6P
But does not work!
http://www.amazon.com/Wireless-Charging-Receiver-Efficiency-Lightning/dp/B010FGU0OY/ref=sr_1_1?srs=9853143011&ie=UTF8&qid=1436581389&sr=8-1
i found this for your on amazon, From the customer’s comments, it works perfect, because Qi Wireless Charging was integrated with your vehicle’s center console (2015 Tahoe/Suburban/Yukon).
Charging your phone has never been easier. Wirelesss Efficiency uses the wireless charging standard, Qi, to keep your phone going without the hassle of plugging it in in your Suburban.
It works by using inductive charging technology to allow your smartphone to charge without connecting a charger. No longer will you have to search for your charger and orient it the correct way just to plug in your phone. Add a new level of convenience to your car and keep your eyes on the road, instead of fumbling with a tangled mess of cords.
this doesn’t explain why it isnt working. It explains it in theory , not in practice
I just got a 2016 Yukon XL, which has the same type of wireless charging pad as Tahoe that is on the center console. I called the dealer and they referred me to this https://my.gmc.com/content/dam/gmownercenter/gmna/static/pageImages/learnAbout/articles/documents/GM_Wireless_Charging_Compatible_Device.pdf
I contacted Bezalel to get the case for my iPhone 6 and it has been working great. The case is called Latitude http://bezalel.co/pages/latitude-universal-charging-case
Hope this helps….:)
I just got a 2016 Yukon XL, which has the same type of wireless charging pad as Tahoe that is on the center console. I called the dealer and they referred me to this https://my.gmc.com/content/dam/gmownercenter/gmna/static/pageImages/learnAbout/articles/documents/GM_Wireless_Charging_Compatible_Device.pdf
I contacted Bezalel to get the case for my iPhone 6 and it works great. The case is called Latitude http://bezalel.co/pages/latitude-universal-charging-case
Hope this helps….
Can the Charging Mat be adapted to fit larger phones ? I wanted to purchase a Samsung S6 , but it wouldn’t rest level inside the rim of the Charging Surface .
I’ve noticed that my 2015 GMC 2500HD truck has the same place in the console cover as the Yukon for a charger. My Vehicle is post august 2014 but does not have the charging pad in it. Can I purchase the pad and necessary cables to install this? Can anyone at GM look into this. I asked customer service…have still gotten no answer. I’m sure by viewing the internet that it would be quite popular if priced reasonably as a service to the customer.
If you don’t hear anything back from GM there is a company that provides a kit that you can install yourself. Brandmotion makes and sells them. I purchased one for my early 2015 Silverado. Only problem I’ve had is apparently my phone is larger than they originally designed for. I have been in contact with their customer service and they are supposed to be rolling out an update with multiple coils to provide a better charging surface for larger phones.
Hey Liz, I have both a Samsung Galaxy Note 3 and Note 5. Both of which are supposed to have wireless charging built in. I also have a 2015 Suburban and 2016 Tahoe, both with wireless charging in the center console. I cannot get either phone to charge. What am I missing?
Mike, I have the Galaxy Note 5 also. I believe the phone is too wide for the charging pad. When I place my phone on top the indicator on the MyLink screen lights up. A few seconds later it disappears and doesn’t begin charging. My phone doesn’t fit completely inside the pad. It sits on the outer rubber edges on the left and right sides. This causes the phone to be slightly elevated off the pad. Bummer.
they are too big for the charging surface and the charging inductive circuit is poorly designed and MINIMALLY powered. A $12 home wireless charging stand will work fine but a $70,000.00 vehicle cant pull off a simple task.
Hmm i have a 2016 Tahoe LTZ and the charger will not charge my Samsung Galaxy S7 with a case on in that vehicle. The case is specifically designed to allow the phone to charge with the case on . The phone charges with that case on using my $11.95 wireless charger that i keep on my night stand, yet when i put the same unit on my center console wireless charger in my $73,000 2016 Tahoe LTZ it acts like it wants to charge but then disconnects . The dealership has informed me that it wont charge the phone with any protective case on the phone because the amount of power actually sent to the charging coil in the center console is very minimal. This explains why my $11.95 bedside wireless charger works fine with the phone WITH a case on, but $73,000.00 Tahoe cant complete the task.
GM in their infinite wisdom has also decided to down grade the performance of the ability of the heated seats and heated steering wheel in the Tahoes, Suburbans. They dont heat for crap. My 2007 and 2009 Tahoes would heat your hands and butt and back up nicely since they elemnts would heat to approx 118 degrees. After bringing my Tahoe into the dealership several times because of the inability of the heated seats and steering wheel to noticeably heat the dealership said it will only heat to 84 degrees, as designed. They said because they had to many burnouts on components running those systems in the past. REALLY ? NONE of my other tahoes had any burnout issues. I live in Minnesota and paid extra for the very much needed features yet now they work like crap! just like the wireless charging pad. Really? who has one of these nice new EXPENSIVE phones that DOESNT have a case on it to protect it. Its not the phones or cases fault, its the terrible ,poorly designed, cheap engineering that GM is putting out these days. Yet they jack the prices up every year for poor quality vehicles. I have been a faithful GM owner for over 35 years and believe me this is the last one i will own. I will also be sure to tell anyone looking to purchase one to stay away! This is my 4th Tahoe and my last. The dealerships are of no help and GM customer service is a joke. Its hard to say that after all these years of being a loyal GM owner. NEWER IS NOT BETTER!
Is there any way round boost the charging range? My galaxy s6 charges with no case on, but with otter commuter series, it doesn’t. On standard Samsung wireless charger, it works with the case on.
If you have further issues with your wireless charging or any other feature of your vehicle, you can contact the GM social media customer care team at [email protected]. They will be in the best possible position to assist you with any questions you might have.
Liz,
Why in the he!! would GM limit the size of phone by making the area the phone has to sit in so small. My Note 4 doesn’t sit flat so now my brand new trucks wireless charging will not work. I feel like GM was about 5 years behind the curve on this one. I just don’t understand why its so small.
dont bother. That group is a joke.
Driving a 15 Yukon SLT with wireless charging feature but of course my iphone6 is not compatible unless you buy a $100 case. Thanks to Apple not allowing this feature, not GM.
Once again Apple holds everyone hostage.
My 2015 Yukon Denali wireless charger overheats my Samsung S6 edge phone, i have three of them and they all get very hot to the touch after approx 20 minutes. Talked to the dealer and he said this is normal and that they are designed to heat the phone no more than 95 degrees, my home wireless chargers don’t heat the phones at all.
Very disappointed, concerned that this will damage my $700 phone..
there is nothing you can do. GMs infinite wisdom was to make the charging surface to small, only use one coil ( instead of three like most $12 and up chargers) and use the bare minimal inductive output to charge barely ,if at all, charging most phones.
Does the phone have to lay completely flat to charge on the pad in my 2015 Denali? I have a Samsung Note 4 and it doesn’t fit flat in indented compartment on my console?
I gave purchased qi cover for my note4 and it doesn’t completely fit on the wireless pad in my yukon 15
. What shall I’d do ?
I just received this cover for my wife’s phone and it works great with our 2015 Chevrolet Suburban Z71 4×4 equipped with a Qi wireless charger.
Samsung Galaxy S5 Wireless Charging Case S View Flip Cover Folio – White
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ITI23LY?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00
When I put my iPhone 6 with wireless charging card attached it starts charging immediately then stops after 5 to 10 seconds! Tried 2 different cards and placed them directly on the charging surface. Shouldn’t be this hard!!
I have a Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge Plus, is there a center console made for the 2015 Tahoe with a bigger area cause my phone doesn’t fit in the small area where the Qi charger is? Modification or Aftermarket perhaps?
I’m also in the same predicament. Have a 2015 Tahoe Z71 with charging mat in center console, and a Samsung Galaxy Note 5. Partner has a Samsung Galaxy S5 Edge Plus. Both phones will NOT charge on it. (But will on a wireless-charging mat at home) Would hate to see this feature not being put to use!
I took the rubber mat out of the center console in my 2015 Yukon XL and the S6 edge plus (mine) and the note 5 (my brothers) fit right down in there nice and flat on the charging pad but still did not charge? not sure why this wont work i have an old note 4 with the Samsung charging back and that charges wirelessly just fine in my Yukon? I might try to wire in a charging pad that works for the s6 edge plus or note 5 and pull out the one that came with the truck.
I WOULD LIKE IF ABLE TO BUY THE CHARGE PAD AND INSTALL IF POSSIBLE ON 2015 3500 HIGHCOUNTRY
I would also be interested in purchasing a charging Pad for my 2015 GMC 2500 HD Denali. For the price of the truck, it should have been standard.
Any working solutions for wirelessly charging the Samsung Edge Plus?
Hello I was wondering what case I would get to do the wireless charging for iPhone
Anyone find any work arounds for the 6 edge plus? If I fiddle with it and move it around occasionally I will get it to work for just a couple of seconds then it turns back off.
Same here charging light comes on radio screen for 2 seconds then shuts off. I bought the BEZALEL Qi case from Amazon for Iphone 6 PLUS. Any suggestions?
The 6 plus won’t worked with GM charger according to Bezalel:
http://bezalel.co/blogs/bezalel-blog/85682054-how-to-use-the-latitude-iphone-6-6s-universal-wireless-charging-case-with-your-gm-vehicle-s-in-car-wireless-charger
I have S7 edge and have difficulties getting it to charge on my 2016 Yukon Denali. I have tried many charging mats and they all work great with my phone. It is so finiky and i have tried everything. Is this a problem with the mat in my vehicle or all GMC chargers?
I’ve the same problem, I occasionally will get the charge symbol on the nav display, but only for a few seconds, then gone. Have two new S7s and both will not charge with the Powermat in the 2015 Yukon Denali. Funny that GM shows a Samsung phone in their video clips for using the phone charger.
Ordered S7, not sure if it will work on Tahoe 2015
Try taking any case you have on your phone off before you place it on the console. I have a 2016 Silverado with wireless charging and it will only charge my new S7 if there is no case on it. The case I have is a very thin one as well. I’m not sure how to fix the issue so it looks like I’ll have to take my case off every time I want to wirelessly charge my phone.
I bought the Bezalel Qi for my IPhone 6 Plus and it still won’t charge. I’m assuming because it won’t fit flush in it. 2016 Cadillac has the bigger pad to accommodate such a large phone, you would think they would have installed the same pad in the 2016 Sierra.
I have Tahoe LTZ 2016
My mobile is Samsung Galaxy S6
But charging not working
I recently bought a 2016 Denali 2500 HD Diesel. I was very interested in the wireless feature in my new truck I had a Note 4 and knowing it would not work I bought a new S7 Edge nice phone and it fits perfect in my truck! I was very disappointed when it only connected intermittently and very rare at that! Note I have no case on my phone. I proceeded to take out the rubber mat no tools needed it comes right out that way the phone would be closer to the charge pad Erika! it worked great every time I set the pone down it started charging perfectly! If anyone from GM is reading this I think a solution could be a thinner rubber mat or at least an option to buy one?
I just bought a 2016 Chevy silverado 1500 and have the samsung edge plus and will not charge too big any solutions out there?????
I have a 2016 Yukon Denali, when I place my iphone 6 (without case) on the wireless charging station the green lighting bolt show up on the vechiles screen then 5 seconds later goes off and it doesn’t charge. Anyone have any was to fix this problem. Thanks.