GM infotainment systems have done away with built-in text-messaging functionality, replacing it instead with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
The built-in text messaging functionality was introduced on GM’s second-gen Chevrolet MyLink, GMC and Buick IntelliLink and Cadillac CUE systems. It was capable of reading incoming text messages via the car’s speakers and provided the ability to reply with several pre-composed responses.
“The Message app has been removed from the App shop. Users can access their messages via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.” – Stephanie Lang of General Motors Advanced Technology Communications told GM Authority in a statement.
GM’s built-in text messaging feature was released at a time when neither Android Auto nor Apple CarPlay was available. As such, it provided a nice stopgap before the automotive infotainment interfaces from Google and Apple came to fruition.
Though GM’s solution was useful, it could be clunky at times by improperly reading a message, or simply providing very limited preconfigured responses when replying to a text. In that regard, both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto offer superior functionally when it comes to handling text messages.
The GM Authority Take
Like other carmakers, GM appears to be realizing that investing large amounts of money into its own infotainment systems isn’t necessarily worth it. After all, car buyers are clamoring for Android and Apple services, which not only work well, but also update themselves at the same rate as the vehicle owner’s phone – which is much faster than the rate at which a vehicle’s infotainment system is updated (if one is so lucky).
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Comments
I may be in the super minority but I do not want Google, AppleCar play or whatever Amazon comes up with. Especially not google in my car! Just give me a simple car interface that gives me performances pages like some dodge products, good speakers, a good media interface so I can plug in my Walkman or Ipod, and even a CD player which I still use daily. If I need to use my phone i’ll look it at when I can.
What is a Walkman?
Its a product/brand made by Sony that precedes the ipod. I like it because the new ones are for people who appreciate high end audio. For instance it can store all audio formats besides MP3. So formats such as wav. flac. etc for those that care about lossless audio.
I though a Walkman involved the use of something called a Cassette Tape.
I saw one in a museum next to something called a CD.
Well, you paid for it even if you don’t use it. But this thread is for people that bought it and WANT it. GM has, in their own world deemed it better to remove the built-in message app.
I don’t want Apple Player Android auto either what GM had 2018 was fine with me I do not want to hook a cable up to my truck and my phone this is 2021 not 1921 why is GM always going backwards they did it in 2005 with the rear brakes on their Silverados went back to drum brakes give the people what they want I’m a die-hard Chevrolet man but when they do something like this it makes me wonder if I shouldn’t go to someplace else
Bubba 662-509-2835
The infotainment system in the 2021 Encore is awful.
All the negative comments here are 100% accurate.
We had a 2018 Encore. You got in the damn car and phone linked with the system. Easy.
What ever engineer came up with this ought to be tared and feathered.
Note to GM. This is the LAST GM product we ever buy or lease! My wife and I are EXTREMELY unhappy about this “update”!!
SAME. I owned 2 Encores, no issues. UPGRADED to the GX, nothing but crap on connectivity.
I have a 2018 Ram that has it’s own phone system (independent of android auto, etc) and it works great! No issues! No need for me to download another app! Also, my Ram has an independent navigation system, which I love! Nothing like having to a) pay for an additional data plan to use Google on my GMC, or b) have unreliable navigation in bad cell service areas, or c) buy a standalone gps unit! I will not be buying another GMC, this is my first and last!
a portable CD player with a Aux jack for Headphones.
What is a Portable CD Player?
Some of the technical reasons for this change haven’t been discussed yet. First off, iOS doesn’t support the Bluetooth Message Access Profile (MAP) properly so the car (using the GM message app) can only read text messages on iPhones, not send them. So not a great user experience unless you have an Android phone. To top it off, the GM app doesn’t support the iMessage protocol so those won’t show up either.
Secondly the new standard that will replace them, RCS doesn’t have support in Bluetooth for it so it would require Android Auto or CarPlay to read/send.
So AA and CP offer a WAY better user experience and most people have either an Android or iPhone.
This seems like a smart move by GM although they could certainly communicate it better!
Only partially true. It notified you of a text message which you could tell it to read to you. Then if you “long pushed” the talk button on steering wheel it connected to Siri, which you could tell to text back. I hate that it is gone! If Apple car play was available without having to use a cord I would be ok with it. There are several issues with car play that I won’t get into here.
Only partially true. It notified you of a text message which you could tell it to read to you. Then if you “long pushed” the talk button on steering wheel it connected to Siri, which you could tell to text back. I hate that it is gone! I mean, how hard would it be for it to notify you that you have a text? It worked great in my 2017. If Apple car play was available without having to use a cord I would be ok with it. There are several issues with car play that I won’t get into here.
My solution, for now, is to use Android Auto, but I bought a magnetic connector so I do not have to plug it in every time. Just get this thing handy and it clicks right in to place. Android Auto does a good job but it is still the principle of buying something with a feature built-in and then 3 months later, they don’t even notify you, they just take it away.
My first GM in 20 years and guess what, it is my last. Although I doubt that anyone from GM is monitoring this thread 😉
What is the brand of magnetic connector you used?
Amazing how Ford and other brands have messaging that actually works.
Nissan has great text messaging features. Guess I will go back to Nissan.
My old MyLink infotainment/Nav in my ’12 Cruze sucks. The plug in USB rarely works for audio, and the maps are now fairly outdated. The SD card to update that costs $180, and I don’t even know how current that update is. In its defense it was pretty good at the time, but it’s age is showing now. As is the case with most of these tech features, so no surprise there.
We have Apple Carplay in our other car and it is great. It reads text messages so she isn’t distracted looking at them while driving. The Maps are also based off your phone and you have the option of Apple Maps (Sucks) or Google Maps, which we love. The Map is always updated, at no cost and will even alert us of traffic disruptions. I will definitely go for Car Play whenever I get my next vehicle (waiting for the Colorado refresh).
No issues with the ’14 MyLink. USB audio works great. Never had an issue with it. Just too bad it doesn’t support lossless. The navigation get the job done here in D.C. There aren’t that many new roads here where i feel i need to upgrade with newer maps. My only issue with that is the traffic prediction. Waze is much better at that.
I use the text messaging function all the time. Too bad the newer systems are eliminating that feature, but i understand the reasoning.
I actually stopped using the MyLink Nav a long time ago. For whatever reason the route planning was not good. I would compare long routes between Google Maps and MyLink, and Mylink had some head scratching decision making. Not to mention the process for setting up a destination can be quite a chore. Typing in addresses is a chore, especially when there are multiple names for certain towns/cities.
On my version, I can input the address verbally all in one go. Usually, If I know beforehand, i’ll use the onstar app to push it to my car.
If Apple and Google (and GM) want us to use CarPlay and Android Auto, why did they make it so you have to plug in a cord to get it to show on the screen? Talk about stuff from the 1800’s….that was stupid from day 1.
Tech limitation with the software when it was introduced. Some newer systems do not have this limitation.
I literally just had a new system installed in my Equinox, and I HAVE to plug in my phone for AA to even acknowledge there is a device available.
My 2020 is still plug in. 🙁
CarPlay requires a plug because of Apples software. AA technically does not require a plug, but it’s still the recommended way since the AA app and the various apps it works with simultaneously would drain the battery pretty quickly. I use AA on my Note through bluetooth with no issues. But I still plug in most of the time to make sure I am not draining the battery too much.
Wrong. CarPlay does not require a physical connection.
It works wirelessly too. GM just needs to implement it into its systems… which it hasn’t yet.
Why not use the simlle KISS requirment. Your cell gets a text, it announces it over the radio. Then it give u a vocal command to reply. Yes…. then reply.. no terminate text session. You have many phone systems in offices that have that voice to text. I had a ’14 then a ’16 both Denali model. Both had massive let downs. U cannot indiction charge the phone and were charged for the option. The texting use was very poor. The ’14 map was / had many errors. It once routed me 4 times in various routes trying to get to the destination. On the ’16 I just use google maps. Was the map update correct… no! On a freeway it kind of showed us running thru the desert! And trying to reroute us to non existent off ramps! I’m looking at a 2020.. but not sure. See how many let downs.
Chuck
How things change as people used to buy songs on CDs and movies on DVDs; but now everything is in cloud storage which means if you download your favorite songs or movies then save them for listening or viewing.
So, let me get this straight.
First they give us wireless charging and then take away apps that worked wirelessly and make us use an app that needs to be plugged in to work. So to use my messaging (SMS) I need to plug my phone in, activate Android Auto (In my case) and then select the app from there.
Oh that is so much better then just having an app for it built in NOT!
Sooo… I have a wireless charger in my 2019 Chevy Blazer, but have to plug into my USB in order to use the AA in order to receive my text?! Would someone, seriously, please tell.me what kind of thought process seemed this to make sense? I am genuinely curious, because at face value, that makes absolutely no sense whatsoever. I am beyond disappointed with GM. I will not buy another GM vehicle.
So far out of touch in what features or options people really want in a new pick up truck it’s comical.
I have a 2019 Silverado and really loved the wireless capabilities, such as charging and receiving test messages, but now after an update I have to plug into the USB to get the text messages on the Infotainment system…..really going backwards. Whats next no more handsfree? No more jumping in the truck and placing the phone in the wireless charger and going, now have to plug in the phone to the USB and activate AA.
Giving me second thoughts on continuing to purchase GM products.
2019 Chevy Equinox. Can’t text unless you plug in! You have a wireless charging station. I DON’T WANT TO HAVE TO PLUG IN MY PHONE TO SEND A TEXT. Chevy went backwards with this. I will never buy another Chevy.
Put simple text messaging mack in without having to use Android Play.
I am with Anne. The ability to receive texts through my car was one of the features I needed due to me traveling daily for my job. Keeping your phone plugged in damages the phone battery and charging. I feel that we should have the option if we want. They told me that they removed it for safety purposes so we do not have to look at the screen. Well I am sorry but picking my phone up to read my messages are more of a concern. Yes the android auto is a good feature, however with me paying over 35k for my vehicle, I should be able to make that decision. If the manufactures are going to make my decisions for me, then they need to help me pay for the vehicle!! I am VERY upset at this. I Bought my car in December of 2018 and had this feature available and I used it daily. One day I go to leave for work and it is GONE.. Like I stated, I am very upset about this and will continue to past this on. They should have thought about the customers who fork billions of dollars a year into their line of vehicles. Asked their opinion.
This is so stupid !!! I agree with the other people who have posted ! I had a 2018 traverse and it read my texts to me. I traded it in a week ago, due to many many problems with it, and the 2020 traverse doesn’t read them !! What is the point of having the wireless charging if I have to plug my phone in ! GM YOU NEED TO LET YOUR CUSTOMERS DECIDE WHAT FUNCTIONS WE WANT !!! Very disappointed
I’m sooooooooo disappointed by this. I just bought a 2020 Sierra 2500HD, in large part because I was really impressed by the tech package. I’ve been driving Fords for the last 20 years, mostly because they had the tech edge. It never once occurred to me that GM might take this feature away – what a terrible decision. Like many others have said, what’s the point of taking up all that real estate with the wireless charging pad if I have to plug my phone in to know when a text message has come through?! I don’t even necessarily need to hear it or reply to it, but I won’t get a notification at all with my Samsung Galaxy Note 9 if Bluetooth is connected, so Android Auto is my only option if I don’t want to accidentally blow off text messages every time I’ve been in the car. Really wish I’d known about this before I signed for the $70,000 loan… Shame on you GM.
I also agree Just bought a 2020 Equinox and I dont want to have to plug my phone in every single time I get in and out of my car. I charge my phone 1 time a day and thats it! What was wrong with the feature that showed that you received a text message on your screen?? that is a hell of a lot better then having to plug your phone in and seeing the message on your screen and fiddling with it. I also dont wanna have to download another app in order to just read my texts in the car, seems silly!! I hope that there is a solution to this in the near future. GM fix this issue!!!!
Cant receive text messages unless plugged in….WOW!! brand new 2019 loaded GMC and I cant get a text, not does it allow my phone to alert me when I receive one. Truck is up for Sale
Funny thing is, my system did a reset the other day and voila, messaging was back … then it was gone again. So it is there but disabled by GM. Sad but true.
Was in our 2019 Chevy Equinox at time of purchase and there was an update to the car and after that the texting icon disappeared. I would like a refund for GM taking it back. Even though its software it was there when I paid for the vehicle, what gives them the right to remove it without asking me first.
Have you agree with the majority. Very inconvenient not having the text reading feature. Wouldn’t be so bad if Android and apple app connected through bluetooth, but seems a big convenience is lost. Perhaps some safety as many will be fishing out cables and plugging in phones rather than paying attention to the road.
YES! How is having to LOOK AT YOUR PHONE TO SEE A TEXT WHILE DRIVING in 2021 not a safety issue?
Like most here who are upset with GM about taking away the Messaging App, I am also very disappointed. I have read through other blogs/posts and found one person who had luck by e-mailing GM directly and requesting the App be made available for a short time to download to his infotainment system. He left his phone number and provided his VIN in the e-mail and he did get a call from GM., and he also had the Messaging App installed. I e-mailed tonight and hope for a response from GM soon. The e-mail address used was [email protected]. If they get flooded with e-mails from folks like us then MAYBE they will reconsider their harsh decision to take it away with no warning. Good luck everyone.
My 2016 Chevy Malibu LT would read text messages to me and I could quickly touch a button to choose a reply from a limited list, I could also edit those responses to better suit my style of texting. So after much internal debate, I decided to trade it in (even though I loved it), as I’m getting older and needed something a little taller to get in and out of. I splurged and purchased a 2019 GMC Terrain Denali (my first Denali purchase!) and expected to have the same tech package I had in my 2016 if not better. So the first time I received a text in my new vehicle I searched high and low for the button to allow my Terrain to read it to me as my Malibu did. No such luck! I am an insurance agent and DO NOT look at texts when I’m driving as I know all too well the dangers of that. Imagine my surprise that my top of the line Denali did not have an option to read my texts to me! I have the wireless charging slot (which never worked in my Malibu), but apparently I have to plug in my phone to have Android Auto read it to me? I also charge my phone overnight only (as someone else said) and I don’t want to have to plug it in and have wires running across my center console just to read my text messages! On a side note, the salesman programmed the user as my husband even though we both repeatedly said it was my vehicle and I would be the one driving it every day. I have changed the user name so many times I can type it with my eyes closed, but it always reverts back to my husband’s name when I start it. Grr!
I have to say I am very disappointed in the tech package in my Terrain, and I paid over $40,000 for my vehicle. Come on GMC, consider safety for your drivers and bring that function back!! Do you really want us to be looking at our phones any time a notification comes in? I also discovered the other day that while GMC added Pandora to the list of apps, it will only work as a stand alone and only if you have the Wi-Fi enabled! My Malibu would pull from my phone wirelessly and play Pandora when I selected it as the source on my car. My Terrain will not, I have to choose my phone from the list of devices and play Pandora on my phone for it to work. I have not tried Android Auto as I do not want to plug in my phone and partially charge it (damaging the battery) any time I want to do something via the Infotainment system.
Very very disappointed, and it makes me regret trading in my beloved Malibu. Instead of gaining features with a newer model, I lost them, and they were features I used EVERY. SINGLE. DAY.
100% in agreement with my fellow GM victims. Trade my 2016 text reading Verano for 2019 Equinox. To my surprise, guess what it doesn’t read text messages. Very disappointed why the change and why waren’t consumers informed. I guess this was General Motors way of telling us go to their competitors for your next purchase. We hear you and will remember.
No messaging app. No more of my money.
2019 Sierra Loaded
I cannot believe that other makers have this figured out and a new 2019 Blazer does not. My 2014 Chrysler had a better system (navigation included). I am horribly disappointed in my 2019 Blazer’s interface.
I will not buy another Chevy if this is not fixed with some update. I used my vehicle for work and not getting messages until i stop is not an option, having to plug it in and having the app open is useless in my view and is a bit antiquated.
Like others commenting….wtf? Now I have to plug my phone in EVERY TIME I get in vehicle. What nonsense.
I was able to get my messages app added back on my 2019 Colorado ZR2 by emailing GM and complaining about it. [email protected] As of now, I’m not planning to buy another GM product, because the MyLink system in general just plain sucks. Very buggy. Nav stopped working this morning complaining the SD card was removed. The UConnect system in my 2018 Durango was flawless. Looks like Fiat/Chrysler is getting my money next time around.
Just brought a 2019 colorado and was told it had bluetooth phone and text built in so I wouldn’t need to keep taking my phone out leaving it in my truck. They were wrong honest mistake on salesman part but I am screwed. Should have keep my old truck.
My wife said next year when she goes to replace her car it won’t be a GM product because she is not digging her phone out of purse everytime she gets in the car.
Shame because for years all we owned was GM vehicles.
Had I known that texting was no longer going to be wireless would have never brought the truck. Should have kept my 2009.
Wife was planning on trading her Equinox for a newer model Chevy in the near future. However when she saw that she would have to remove phone from purse and plug it in every time decided to look at other options.
Can’t believe you went backwards and advertise wireless charging.
Had I known that texting was no longer going to be wireless would have never brought the truck. Should have kept my 2009.
Wife was planning on trading her Equinox for a newer model Chevy in the near future. However when she saw that she would have to remove phone from purse and plug it in every time decided to look at other options.
Can’t believe you went backwards and advertise wireless charging.
What is GM doing about this??
Seriously?? NOTHING??
I had a 2014 Chevy Equinox that would read my texts. My new 2019 Equinox doesn’t .Why would I want to carry my phone cord with me, so I can get my texts? If the phone isn’t hooked up to AA, the notification sound on my phone gets muted by the car, so I never know I have any texts. My radio had an update and ever since then, whenever I get in the car I get an SD card error. What’s up with that? The other thing I’m disappointed with GM is with the decision to give you 1 month to use the My Chevrolet app for free. After that they want to charge you $14.99 s month to use it. I’m not paying that much a month to lock & unlock my car, or remote start it. It was a great app. I had that for FREE on my previous car for 5 years. Why do they have to be so greedy? They ought to give some incentives for us to continue to be loyal GM customers.
I just bought a 2020 Chevy Equinox and was looking forward to having text messages read to me instead of me waiting until I was stopped to read the message – but no that isn’t the case at all. After reading through the comments here I have to plug my phone into the USB port to be able to have my text messages read?? This seems very backwards to me when the reason for a new car is for all the amenities that are offered and for things to be made easier for the consumer such as text messaging. Hooking my phone up to the USB port is not making things easier and seamless. Get it together Chevy or you will soon be losing lots of customers over this! If other car companies can manage to have text messages read to drivers then so can you!!
Chevrolet/GM, these are all logical and valid points. What will you do (if anything) to make and keep your customers satisfied with your products? By the way, they are the reason your company is still in business. Perhaps you should not ignore their significant disagreements with your practices concerning this simple messaging app.
So we have a 2018 Traverse. Voice command to start a text was working. Now it’s not. We can get texts to come up on screen and hear them, but can’t reply or can’t create a text. What changed? Is there any fix for this one. To note. We were getting this feature without our phones being plugged into the vehicle.
As I agree with many other complaints submitted, I too am very disappointed with the way GM has managed the previous on screen text ( now “text- less”) features and the fact they have taken away the Chevrolet Remote Access Plan. Only a year ago this was a free feature when I purchased my 2019 Equinox in February, and suddenly one day I noticed it was gone. No notice, nothing. Only an advisement that it would now be 14.99 a month. How can one buy a new vehicle which included the remote access, then be taken away? That’s terrible GM. After 35 years as a GM customer, this will be my last unless something is rectified.
And let’s not forget about the 2018 GMC Terrain that I had bought brand new which presented with many issues which were deemed unfixable. Even the dealership referred to it as a lemon. As a result, I had to repurchase a new vehicle ( my 2019 Equinox) with little help from GM. Toyota is calling my name.
Ridiculous 2019 Terrain cant show texts without plugging phone in. Create software to fix this!
Wow, was wondering why my 2020 Silverado was not reading my text messages like my 2017 Silverado. Googled it and found this thread. Not happy I have to plug phone in and use Android auto to read texts. Seems some will just not plug in and be unsafe. Does GM care about this? Anyone have updates????
I totally agree and wonder if this issue is being resolved. My salesmen didn’t even know this was a thing. This may have persuaded me in keeping my previous vehicle. Where you at GM????
I emailed [email protected] and actually gotta phone call. I think if everyone emails and complains about this then something might be done.
The rep knew of the issue and thought eventually something would be done.
I just want a messaging app so that when I have a brain fart and run out the door without my phone I can ask my wife to drop it off. And yes, I’m often where there is no one else around.
I’m pretty ticked about this. I ended up here after looking around for troubleshooting advice. I thought my phone was to blame. It used to do text message alerts just fine, and now it doesn’t. I only occasionally use Android Auto and don’t want to have to rely on it for this simple industry standard bluetooth functionality.
THIS IS A BONEHEADED MOVE BY GM. At least give us the option to turn it back on if it is valuable to us.
-n
Just bought a 2020 Buick Enclave Avenir. Was shocked to see the text message was omitted. I think it is a step backwards. Hopefully in the near future something get done to restore it .
Question is, is GM actually doing anything about it????
I’m so disappointed. Had a jeep Cherokee yesterday had it and now I don’t with a newer vehicle.
I so hope so.
I’m really upset about this too. Android auto mutes my notifications so I don’t even know I received a text. Nothing is worse than getting to the high school to pick up a kid just to find out when I got to the parking lot that she sent me a message that she is staying longer for practice and won’t need to be picked up for another hour!
Just bought a Cadillac XT6. It’s completely unacceptable that I can’t get text messages over Bluetooth. I have to use Apple Car Play connected via a cable. If this doesn’t change my wife isn’t buying her Escalade.
I just picked up a 2019 acadia slt . Can I get text messages on the vehicle with having to plug in my iphone?
I just picked up a 2019 acadia slt . Can I get text messages on the vehicle without having to plug in my iphone?
I recently purchased a 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 SLT. I was very surprised to see that the messaging app is gone & then learn that it was on purpose. I had a 2017 Sierra Denali Ultimate and used the messaging app quite a bit and I had a Jeep Grand Cherokee for the past year, so I know other manufacturers are including messaging. I came back to GMC and really like the new truck, but not having the messaging app is a big problem for me. I’m on the road for work and that feature was wonderful. I understand that I can plug-in and use Apple CarPlay’s messaging, but I wanted and got a wireless charger in the truck so that I didn’t need to plug a cable into my phone.
No, you can’t… sorry to say. GM has walked away from this feature and has no interest in bringing it back. I’ve reached out to them about this and they essentially are saying tough. You must plug your phone in and use Car Play or Android Auto. In my opinion, this is unacceptable but it’s the only option.
So sad. I’m so disappointed
What a let down GM……. this will for certain take custumers like me and move them to other manufacturers….. I’m a Gm truck nut and dropping a feature That not only help save lives but make our lives easier does not seem right. Considering that majority of the States in the US have a hands free laws and General Motors is now dropping hands free from cellphone use of text messaging does not make sense?
I just traded in my 2017 Tahoe in for a 2020 Trail Boss. I am shocked that the texting feature is gone. Android auto is cumbersome and inconsistent. I have to look at the screen to play a text. This is a monumental leap backwards and a safety risk. This needs to be corrected.
Turned in a 2017 Silverado LT lease and signed on a 2020 Silverado RST Z71 crew. The ability to read texts out loud was awesome. I only assumed that a newer more equipped same brand truck would include this same feature… I can get over losing a oil change from GM but this is a deal breaker……
I have to agree with the majority of the comments here. I prefer the built in text feature of the previous systems and it’s a function I didn’t think they would remove.
I know many people enjoy Android Auto and Apple Car play but I am not one of them. I’ve had very mixed results in the attempts to use Android Auto in the past to the point it wants to take full functionality from the built in system.
I would very much like to have the old SMS reader back even if it cannot send responses. At least I could hear the messages coming in and decide if it is anything I need to call someone for or pull over and respond to. I can’t see a reason for not including both options aside from cost and given the few dollars per car it would cost by the time you include development and support, it seems a minor cost overall in comparison to the safety it offers.
Yes I so agree. Hate Android Auto and Carplay
I’m disappointed with my 2020 XT5, no text messages alerts or playback. What? Are they kidding!….That was one of my favorite features on my previous Jeep and Ford models. Both systems worked great!
GM needs to get with it and allow Android Auto and Apple Play to work wireless. What’s the point of bluetooth if I have to plug my phone into the system. Sounds like a step backwards and lame to me!
Get with the program GM!
I am very disappointed they took away the texting feature with the Chevy Blazer RS. That’s one that f the reasons I bought my Chevy Blazer but didn’t find
Out they took this away until I tried to use it. I know you can do it though Apple car play but I don’t want to have to keep my phone plugged in to be able to use it. Please please please bring back this option to the Blazer💕
Folks,
GM doesn’t care at all about their customers. Its all about money and providing cheap junk.
They got the Government bail out money a few years ago and now thumb their nose at the consumer.
Run around when I contacted them.
Buyer beware- consider a different company for your next vehicle GM doesn’t respect you, your loyalty to there product and all their vehicles have built-in obsolescence-cheap parts.
Never will I buy another GM product again.
For you other folk, keep calling GM about your dissatisfaction maybe it will get to the top but I doubt anyone there cares.
I totally Agree Steve! I have a 2010 MKZ that I bought and it configured itself once I linked Bluetooth to my Samsung phone. Easy peeze! Phone calls were answered a text window would popup and ask me if I wanted to listen to the text and if I wanted to respond. The 2017 Volt I just purchased flat out doesn’t work! Hours of my time wasted trying to figure out how to make this POS recognize my phone and import the contacts. Bluetooth link was easy enough but that is where the cooperation ended. GM is about a decade behind Ford and it sounds like the rest of the industry when it comes to the tech side of cars. It’s no wonder GM’s stock is headed down the toilet while Tesla’s is headed to Mars!
By eliminating this feature and forcing people use Android or Apple auto gm is reducing the usefulness of on star thus loosing revenue. Congrats gm
My wife has a 2018 Equinox and it has the built in messaging. I have a 2019 Blazer and it does not. Why have a built in nfc charger and the make me plug in the phone for android auto. We’re looking at Fords now to see if they still have it. These will be our last GM vehicles.
Had to turn in my 2017 leased acadia … got a new 2020 purchase most of the radio issues with the old one are better however taking away the text messaging unless plugged in is just plan stupid. Please add it back in as an update. Listen to your customers! As others stated huge step back
I have been fighting the texting thing shortly after purchasing my 2019 Silverado LTZ. I configured the texting options with my salesperson (Braden at CenturyLink rocked). After that I have been a number being pushed through Century’s service. How can GM sell something, charge me for it and then take it away? The texting app worked great everything i wanted. Android Auto is horrific and I do not want a cable plugged in to my phone while im driving. You get different responses from everyone. I paid for the app and I want it back. I sure hope GM fixes this. I love my truck other than their infotainment.
I just picked up my 2020 Equinox 5 days ago. I finally had time to sit in my car and learn about its new features. I am very disappointed that after spending a large chunk of time trying to figure out how to receive a text message that I can’t unless I use android auto. I am very annoyed that it will not just pop up and read it to me. I like everything else but not that.
I know right doesn’t make sense to take a feature away. Don’t want to or need to plug in everytime! Wasted a bunch of time trying to get it to work to find out it doesn’t anymore.
I couldn’t believe they got rid of bluetooth texting, thats ridiculous, my 2018 silverado had it. Just traded it in and was frustrated that it wasn’t working. Tried the android auto which worked on last truck. The android auto app isn’t even working right! Horrible reviews for Android auto app as well. Come on, this is ridiculous, bring back the simple Bluetooth text messages. I want simple!
Exactly!!!
If I would have known that feature was being cancelled I would have bought a Ford, very disappointed
UPDATE: 10/29/2020 – I am Case# SR:9-6320289909 in the ExecReferral at GM.
I had requested a call back from a supervisor when I was notified that “GM does not support the specific app” (SMS Text Messaging) and I received a call from Kenneth Brooks, Supervisor/Team Lead, Exec Resolution Team, Michigan. Initially, I complimented the talents of the individual I had made the request to, “Jada” and then unfortunately, Mr Brooks could only repeat the “sorry, but not going to help” song. He eventually offered $100. in service coupons as a compensation for having, as I put it, “stolen a product I had paid for.” I declined his offer, asked for the next person up the chain and was refused any further opportunity. VERY POOR in my opinion. …..and I had been considering my next vehicle being a Tahoe. Rethinking that completely.
To make matters even worse about having to plug in for the text messaging to “work” you have to hit the screen for it to play. It doesn’t allow you to use the steering wheel function …. why would you take away something that makes it easier than having to reach over to hit the screen! I would think you can do an update to make your customers happy!
All these comments are very true. The inconvenience and hassle of plugging in the phone, the fact that it disconnects often causing the driver to interact with the phone and select the feature on the infotainment center to attempt to get it working again is distracting. It seems like with all the other auto manufacturers that have it figured out, we wouldn’t be dealing with this. I have neighbor’s and friends ask about liking the truck… I’m very honest about how annoying this is and watched two neighbor’s choose a Ford and Dodge over it. Get the word out and hit them where it hurts!
I just bought a 2020 XT5 Cadillac and I can’t even believe that it doesn’t have text notification or text message reply. ARE YOU KIDDING ME? I would have never bought this car. Feel like I was played.. dealership acted like they knew nothing about it. I spend 2 hours with dealer and they directed me to Auto Play for android where you have to plug in your phone and use and APP. Talk about a step back for a luxury vehicle. SO MAD :0(
I traded in a 2019 jeep for a 2020 buick enclave loaded TO the max or at least I thought. Minus text. Sad to say my jeep had it 😢
I had it in my 2012 Camaro, and my 2015 Cadillac SRX, but I don’t have it my 2019 Chevy Blazer RS. My wife still has it in her 2018 Chevy Equinox. To say say I’m furious is an understatement. I’ll be trading my 2019 Blazer for a Ford in 2021. GM put wireless charging in my car, but then expects me to connect my phone with a cable to Android Auto or the iPhone app. Unbelievable! They must be getting quite a bit of money to railroad into using Android auto or the iPhone app. I have always bought Chevy or Fords my entire life. From now on I guess it’s just Fords. Are you listening GM. Is the money you’re getting to push us to use those two worthless apps worth losing lifetime customers. As far as I’m concerned the GM brand has taken a big it. I bet the new Ford Bronco will have text capability with the Sync system.
I’m not sure about others on this matter, but it really adds to my displeasure that I have to always see the icon for text message app on my screen, yet GM stole the app that it should be linked to! Is there an attorney who wants to take up a class action suit on this????? Give be back what I paid for, that’s all I ask
Thats even worse.. to have had it on a vehicle you bought and have it taken away. I was just taken for stupid when I bought the car. I just can’t even believe it. I really can’t.
I’m in for a class action suit! Even when owners know it’s not lawful to interact with a phone when driving, out of habit to get things working and frustration when it doesn’t, they WILL mess with things when it fails to work properly! Not to mention the inconvenience of time to get everything working, just to have it fail when driving down the road.
Please put out a update for the 2020 buick enclave for text messages. I check updates daily. Was told when I bought it there would be a infotainment update soon. But no almost 3 months later nothing. Hate android auto
Been waiting since February. Good luck!
We are all in agreement – the Infotainment system is clumsy. The system in our 2018 Silverado is BEAUTIFUL. yes, you need to plug the phone in, but it reads text messages, allows me to verbalize a response to texts, lets me do Google searches — all while listening to music, podcasts, etc.
The 2020 Equinox. Sigh. Talk about FRUSTRATION. It let’s me know (sometimes) when a message comes in, but WILL NOT READ THE MESSAGE. Google verbalized requests (“Hey Google, read by text messages) will not work. Bixby? Please. Don’t bring Bixby into this mess.
SOMEONE, PLEASE HOLD MY HAND TO TEACH ME A WORK AROUND. I commute up to 10 hours a day and rely on remaining connected. Looking down at my phone while navigating the USB cable….not smart.
The comments on here are all way too valid. One would almost think that General Motors decision makers obviously don’t drive their own vehicles. This was one feature I was looking forward to most as I was driving my last vehicle for 15 years and didn’t have texting available in my old truck… I did get spoiled in my wife’s van and daughters car. I left work the other night and was sitting in my truck fumbling with my cord and phone as everyone knows it’s not a seamless process and trying to get it up and running. I’m glad I got the door locks, as three guys walked up and tried opening my doors. None the less, I threw it in gear and took off. Had GM not stripped this feature from their customers, this would not have happened. Not to mention all the times Android Auto just decided to stop working (and no, it’s not my cord). Then I find myself working to fix the connection and not paying attention to my primary job… Which is to be safe on the road. Unfortunately, it’s going to take people getting hurt, or worse to see their class. My daughter and wife will be in the market for a new vehicle in the near future. I’m definitely going to persuade them and others to choose another make unless GM gets it together. God knows we pay enough for their vehicles… I couldn’t cost that much to fix this issue. I encourage everyone to get the word out… Hurting their pocket books will be the only way they will listen!
I bought my 2020 Silverado back in February. Found my way to this forum like everyone else. I get notified when others post. Always hoped GM would do something, but alas, nothing yet.
GM, do you care about losing loyal customers over this!?!?!?!
We are currently looking to dump our 2020 Acadia Denali for a car that you can get a text without connecting a cable. Maybe an Explorer or Durango. Maybe a Telluride too.
GM I don’t like using a cable to get Text messages, you should have at least offer the old app from the 2018 where you could download it, in 2005 GM did away with the rear disc brakes on Silverado people didn’t like that either they started buying other manufacturer products you would have thought they would have learned there lesson by now, people want more options not less options, when will GM kearn?
Well, I got smart and traded the 2020 Chevy Trax for a 2021 Mazda CX-30.
No more crap android auto or apple play and No umbilical USB cord for my cell phone.
Never again will I have a GM product- crap vehicles.
Mazda is 100 % better.
I agree apple and android are nice features but need to cable up for full functionality. Dont have time for that. It shouldn’t be a chore to get in your truck. You come up with keyless so u don’t have to go in pocket. What makes you think I want to hook up phone…and why not sensor wipers
The new infotainment 3 system is not as great as the Chevrolet mylink was. With Chevrolet mylink it had the built-in text to message without using a usb-c now with the new infotainment 3 system you need to connect with the usb-c cord and its been nothing but problems. As soon as connect, it mutes the media sound with no volume granted Bluetooth works fine but you can’t voice to text or pull up Google maps unless your connected. 2021 models now can go totally wireless with the infotainment 3 system but again isn’t that the reason for this infotainment system so we ALL can get over the air updates to keep up with the changes?
I am fine if the texting app does not get updated as GM has discontinued supporting updates. I purchased my 2019 Silverado and the texting app was installed. The salesperson helped set it up. An update was pushed weeks after my purchase and the app was removed. This is not ok. It is one thing to not have it to begin with but to take it away is not acceptable. How can this be reinstalled? Taking away something that was purchased should not be GM’s model of service.
The infotainment system in the 2021 Encore is awful.
All the negative comments here are 100% accurate.
We had a 2018 Encore. You got in the damn car and phone linked with the system. Easy.
What ever engineer came up with this ought to be tared and feathered.
Not to GM. This is the LAST GM product we ever buy or lease! My wife and I are EXTREMELY unhappy about this “update”!!
The voice to text is being use though your android phone or iPhone but a lot of us that use android phones that are newer especially the s21 series which need to be connected to a usb-c cable are having the most problems. Cannot connect with the usb-c cable because with my s21 ultra it mutes all media sound and no one seems to have an answer.
I definitely know the feeling!!
2021 Ram limited had the read/ listen to text messages with out using Android or apply application
I just bought the 2021 chevy blazer rs and am very disappointed that it does not read text messages through the vehicle. Hate android auto as it doesn’t notify nor read the texts either, well not in a convenient way. I have has Nissans for the past 13 years and decided to give chevy a try again and I will not buy a chevy again. It is ridiculous that they cannot provide the updated items that people want for as much as you pat for their vehicles. I regret getting rid of my 2019 Nissan Murano!! Such a disappointment that I downgraded vehicles.
2020 Buick Encore GX….yup. I had 2 Buicks prior and connectivity was terrific! But now? Cords. Restarting my car, my phone… it’s terrible.
GM told me it was a 3rd party app that allowed us to have texts read aloud and they were no longer compatible. Which to me means GM didn’t care enough to pay for it.
GM, please fix this issue. Give us a messenger app on the vehicle or something. AA is not a good option.
How about a class action lawsuit for altering my vehicle with out my permission. I own the vehicle not gm. I will decide what is best for me and my vehicle. Never buying gm again. They have gone backwards. I do not want to plug into AA. They also want location services turned on for AA to work. I don’t want that either. I liked getting in bluetooth connection for calls and texting no wires. I refuse to plug into my vehicle and as such will never buy another gm again. You altered my vehicle without my permission.
I have purchased only GM vehicles since 1970. I expressed my disatisfaction with GM removing the text/ bluetooth function on their current vehicles to GM management and met with nothing but “who gives a damn what you want as a long time customer?”.
I also will never ever buy another GM vehicle! Whats more? They could care less. Buying American becames more and more difficult.
how about we all start gathering names for a class action suit. They altered our vehicles without our permission.
I just bought a 2019 GMC Sierra and wasn’t aware of this feature tAken away I was reading you can email gm and that they will put back on does anybody know if this is true and if so does anybody know the email address
Not that I’m aware of. I even had someone from GM call me after I started griping, and they basically said “sorry you are unhappy.”
Ditto. After 3 hours on phone with on star. They wouldn’t even let me buy the app for my truck. I have to hard wire to Android Auto for message to appear on info center. Stinks.
I called & spoke to someone who said it couldn’t be enabled and basically “sucks to be you” Should have kept my 2016 Chevy Malibu, my Terrain is a Denali so it never occurred to me that it wasn’t an option. I’ll never buy another GM vehicle, they pretty much told me to stick it up my ass so no more of my hard earned money will go in their pockets!
I agree with the original post on this thread, I don’t like to use the Android Auto app and like the built in GPS Directions. I like to have a call going, listen to XM radio without my screen being taken over.
Is it possible to delete text messages from the Infotainment system and if so how? I have a 2021 Chevy Colorado. Thank you
I search this issue out every now and again and since there are conflicting reports on no more Android Auto or Car Play being integrated on the infotainment screen what are the chances of GM putting the SMS Text app back as an option for anyone who wants it?
I have Android Auto, wireless, and it sucks, constant drops for WiFi interference, do not want to plug my phone in all the time and PAID for built in Nav so I didn’t have to use phone constantly.
If my wifes 2015 Toyota and now her 2021 Kia could both have the option appear on screen then simply select Read or Close there is no reason for GM to not have it.
The non-sense about safety is a joke also as reaching for a phone is way worse then touching the screen.
GM needs to bring this built in option/App for Text Messages back.
Nothing fancy simple notification, buttons for Read/Listen, Play again, Close.
On the next screen where it plays just simple Close or Reply with only a few options to pick that when clicked on it sends and closes the window.
I have tried various emails to reach out to GM and can’t find anyone to scream about this to.
If enough folks flooded them with the request they’d have to consider it at some point.