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Amazon Alexa Now Arriving On New GM Vehicles

The Amazon Alexa digital assistant technology is now arriving on new GM vehicles, offering up a host of convenient voice recognition commands for new vehicle owners. GM vehicle brands offering the feature include Buick, Chevrolet, GMC, and Cadillac. The feature is built-in for many new GM vehicles, and requires the respective on-board internet connection package. The in-vehicle apps capability must be included as well.

Amazon Alexa offers voice recognition for numerous infotainment capabilities. These include voice commands for audio streaming services, such as SiriusXM, Spotify, Pandora, and Amazon Music. What’s more, owners can use Amazon Alexa to place an online order, or track an existing order, as well as add something to a shopping list without taking their eyes off the road. Further functions include placing phone calls, checking the weather, and finding nearby gas stations.

For those with the right set up at home, Amazon Alexa will also allow users to issue a variety of smart home commands, such as opening the garage door, turning on the lights, or adjusting the thermostat.

General Motors recently published a video documenting Amazon Alexa capabilities as equipped on the new Chevrolet Blazer. Stay tuned for that to post soon.

As we covered previously, Amazon Alexa will also be offered retroactively on 2018 model year and newer cars, trucks, and crossovers with compatible infotainment systems. For those owners interested in adding this feature to their vehicle infotainment system, we’ll cover how to get it in a future post.

GM Authority was the first to report the integration of Amazon Alexa with new GM vehicles back in May of 2019, at which time we learned that the new Buick Encore GX would offer the virtual assistance feature. The addition of Amazon Alexa on new GM Vehicles is the latest in a number of tie-ins between the automaker and Amazon, which previously included in-car delivery via Amazon Key.

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Jonathan is an automotive journalist based out of Southern California. He loves anything and everything on four wheels.

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Comments

  1. So if I have a Cadillac XT6 with a working wifi package, I should find this in my app store or is it an OTA update to the infotainment system?

    Reply
    1. Found it in the app store but when I open the app it gives me error CLI-101… Maybe it’s not fully baked

      Reply
      1. You need to make sure the other associated apps from the app store are installed/updated before you install the Alexa app. One is API manager, one I think is called vehicle framework, and GMVR maybe. My 2019 Terrain got the updates for those earlier in the week.

        Reply
        1. How do I get those installed? I don’t see them in the app store. Are they an OTA update or something?

          Reply
          1. I am having a similar issue. Hopefully you can figure it out. I called Onstar and there weren’t much help. I think Amazon is supposed to call me so I will see what they say. Does it need one of the Onstar plans or a data plan to work. I am currently on a trial.

            Reply
            1. Hi it worked for me after I sat in the car 10 minutes on hold with support…I think something necessary to download or update in the background happened because when someone answered, I opened the app and it just worked so try to keep the car on and connected to the internet for 10 mins before starting the app, see if that works.

              Reply
              1. Do you think Onstar had anything to do with the fix or do you think it was just the time being online that allowed a download of the update to occur?

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                1. I had called Onstar from my phone, not the vehicle and they thought I was talking about the alexa app on my phone, so transferred me around, definitely think they had nothing to do with it. The support number I called was the Connection Center Team. They can be reached at 877-558-8352. I got that number from twitter when I messaged Cadillac with the problem. Feel free to give them a call while hanging out in the car, maybe the few minute wait and chat will do the trick or they can actually help if it doesn’t.

                  Reply
                  1. I tried the Connection Center; the guy tried really hard but couldn’t get mepast the CLI-101 error.

                    Reply
      2. Anyone have luck with error? Still have the error after checking for 3 days….and did not see the options for the other apps as a download option in the 2020 blazer

        Reply
        1. Try deleting Alexa app (drag icon up to the top border of the screen and a trash can will appear) and reinstalling it from the app store. Someone on Twitter posted it working for him.

          Reply
          1. Have Uninstalled and reinstalled multiple times and still get the CLI-101.

            Reply
            1. If that didn’t work you probably have to call Onstar/blue button press and tell them of your issue. They may need to put you on a list to have the apps pushed to your car.

              Reply
      3. same here …. i just gave up on it

        Reply
  2. Why is only in 2018 vehicles or newer/ I have 2017 Impala and it has internet if I wanted it and I already use my alexa app to start the car. The 2017 and 2018 impala are the same car.

    Reply
    1. Neither 2017 nor 2018 Impala have the necessary Infotainment system. The Impala has NGI.
      You need to have the INFO3 system. Easy Check – The NGI system has the clock and the temperature at the top of the screen and the INFO3 has them at the bottom of the screen.

      Time to trade up?

      Reply
  3. Amazon again demonstrates the proper approach to business and as the adage goes, the sky is the limit given Amazon’s work in Artificial Intelligence as one has to wonder whether General Motors autonomous vehicle of the future is an Amazon product.

    Reply
  4. More spyware for big tech to have more control over us. Not cool.

    Reply
    1. You’re right Dale there’s just too much risk in this world and that’s why I also spend my life in a bunker lined with lead writing about how big tech spyware is gonna control us.

      Reply
      1. I find copper is quite effective for bunker lining too. Does well to keep out the EMF Radiation and “the Man”.

        Reply
  5. Alexa will also be offered retroactively on 2018 model year …..I thought GM stated the upgrade would be downloaded in the first half of 2020…..hello…the first half is almost over, never got any download on my 2018 Enclave yet….what gives

    Reply
    1. You have NGI Infotainment system, not INFO3. I’m sorry but your car isn’t compatible.
      the 2020 Enclave has INFO3. Time to trade up?

      Reply
  6. My only complaint with my 2017 terrain is the voice recognition feature. I’d give it a C. If the Alexa Auto works as well as the Alexa in my house then this will be a big improvement over what GM is providing.

    Reply
    1. 2017 Terrain isn’t compatible- it has NGI Infotainment. 2018-up had INFO3 (as long as you have the Mid or High version of INFO3 with an App Store.

      Reply
  7. Shame have App Store on 2017 impala with nag and i use Alexa to start car ugh….

    Reply
  8. when GM made the announcement about downloading the app in September, they stated it would be available for 2018 GM cars and newer…..my 2018 Buick Enclave Avenir came with all the Tech options…..so if the Infotainment model isn’t the updated version….what 2018 cars had the updated version…..makes no sense to make the announcement, then never follow through or give a reason I paid for all the newest tech (at the time) and then GM updated other 2018 vehicles .

    Reply
  9. stupid. I already have an android phone with google integration via “assistant”. All of that stuff should be integrated through your phone, not some proprietary vehicle app system. Dont want onstar. dont want amazon alexa. just let me use my phone and thats it. Leave the car to just be a car.

    Reply
    1. Last I checked you aren’t forced to use it. It’s an app you can choose to install or not install, and it doesn’t disable anything previously available, including Google Assistant and Siri.

      Reply
  10. I’ve been using this for a few days in my 2020 Denali 1500 and it is great! I’m an Amazon HD music subscriber and it allows me to voice command ANY song, album, artist, genre with just the push of a button. Best of all is that it does not go through my phone so the integration is seamless. It also works great for opening the garage and disarming my home security system. The sound quality is unmatched if you have an Amazon HD music account.

    Reply
    1. that sounds amazing! But what if you don’t have amazon HD, etc. Does it make sense for GM to become a vessel to promote certain web services? Shouldn’t they just make the car, a car, and let you control it how you wish, i.e. android auto?

      Reply
      1. There are numerous streaming apps available as far as I can see aside from Amazon Prime Music- Pandora, Tunein, Siriusxm (not just the version built-in to the radio, also additional streaming stations on-demand) , Spotify (This links directly to the Spotify app and you can now voice-control it directly, not just select playlists from the screen wiich is a driver distraction) . There are a bunch of other streaming apps but I don’t know what they are.
        So far I have enjoyed saying “What’s new” for news and weather and I play Jeopardy on my way to the office and I played Song Quiz with my GF last night in the car and that was fun.
        One thing I have seen is that the Navigation points of interest aren’t as fleshed-out as Google Maps is. There are 3 gas stations on my way between home and the highway and 2 of them aren’t listed when I ask for Nearby Gas Stations.

        Reply
  11. You can choose other music services besides Amazon HD music on the Alexa app. I’ve tried most of them and Amazon clearly is the winner from a sound quality stand point.

    Reply
  12. Does anyone know if you need to have a data plan from Onstar or subscribe to an Onstar service in order to use Amazon Alexa?

    Reply
    1. You definitely need an internet connection in any case. Have you connected a phone as a hotspot for the radio to see if the app is even available to you in the app store? If you can download all of the required apps then you probably would be able to install Alexa but I don’t know about quality of the service if you’re in a hotspot. Worth a shot I guess. So far it’s been flawless for my Terrain on a data plan. Let us know if/how it works for you.

      Reply
      1. I have the trial data plan that comes with the vehicle when you buy it. I was just wondering if it work with a phone hotspot.

        Reply
        1. I don’t see why it wouldn’t. It might be laggy but it would work, just like the other connected apps work if tethered. I’m sorry I don’t have a definite answer.

          Reply
  13. Have Uninstalled and reinstalled multiple times and still get the CLI-101.

    Reply
  14. I tried installing the Alexa app today, GMC Canyon 2019 Denali, and I get the error message as well. disappointed to say the least. I also have a data plan as well as Sirius radio. hopefully GM is watching these comments or is aleast aware of this issue.

    Reply
  15. I just got off a brief call with Onstar regarding the CLI-101 error in the my 2020 Traverse. I asked to be sent to Connections team after a brief description of my issue. It sounds like they are going to push an update to the vehicle. I took everything from the comments from this article and did perform the API Manager update (under My Apps). I also removed and reinstalled Alexa, but that did not fix the issue. They said “I’m on the list” for an update and it will be delivered within 24 hours. They had me remove the Alexa App and shutdown the vehicle and open the driver door. To avoid any confusion, tell them you are calling regarding the Infotainment 3 System, not the app on your phone. They said there is a file that will pull down the next time the app is installed. I will see tomorrow evening if it worked.

    Reply
  16. Quick update. Uninstalled Amazon Alexa App, waited 24 hours, reinstalled and there was no change. I still receive the CLI-101 error. I called in and the Connections team/group said they are escalating it to senior support.

    Reply
  17. Getting the same CLI-101 error – called OnStar support on Tuesday and they said it was being escalated and someone would be in contact within 48 hours – haven’t heard anything yet

    Reply
    1. I’m in the same situation. I called in on Tuesday and called back yesterday afternoon after not hearing anything. After being transferred 4 times, I ended up back with the same “connections team” and was told that the escalated ticket has a standard response time of 3-5 days and hasn’t even been reviewed. Disappointed in GM on this, not so much that it does not work, but in the fact they have no answer. Just tell us version 1.xx will fix it and it will be out in 2 weeks and I won’t spend any more time on it. Clearly it wasn’t ready to be released and sad that every 2020 GM vehicle is supposed to have this functionality.

      Reply
      1. I received an email and call from OnStar regarding my ticket and after uninstalling and reinstalling the Alexa app it immediately worked. There is some profile setting that needs adjusted by Onstar. One small piece of advice, once you can access the app you will need to have your phone/tablet on you to register the device with Amazon. You go to an address at Amazon, login, and then enter a code provided in the vehicle. Within 15 seconds you are ready to go. One recommendation, favor Alexa over the GM voice assistant. I tried numerous navigation addresses that the GM voice assistant had trouble translating – Alexa was perfect on all of them. You can easily switch it back if you don’t have the same experience. This is a great addition to the vehicle.

        Reply
  18. I am having the same CLI-101 issue on my 2020 Silverado. Worked with tech support but no luck so far.

    Reply
  19. Onstar finally called me back on Thursday and told me to try again – wouldn’t work with the guest profile – but I created a user profile and it worked there finally

    Reply
    1. Mattc0406 please elaborate on your creating a user profile comment.

      Reply
  20. Mattc0406 please elaborate on your creating a user profile comment. I have a 2020 GMC Denali truck. I have the same error CLI-101 with Alexa app. I called Onstar. At first they told me they don’t support the apps in the entertainment system. What? Next, I got transferred to someone else at Onstar that told me I have to pay an extra “app fee” on top of the Wifi monthly fee I already pay. Does that sound crazy or what? Not to mention there are big “FREE” letters right next to the Alexa App. 45 minutes into the call, they rescinded that “App Fee” comment. All you need is the WiFi service. They put me on hold and spoke with the support team and now they are telling me I have to call Amazon go this this to app to work. Does this sound right to you?

    Reply
  21. Yes you do. Once you download the Alexa app and are all set up, a notification will pop up right after you’re set up to inform/remind you that you must have the On Star Data plan in order for Alexa to work.

    Reply
  22. I too got the same error. After reading all the comments I started to play around with my users settings and I realized something interesting. When I first installed and set up Alexa it was done as a guest user. And it work well for some time and then it stop responding once I created my personal profile, but I took me time to figure that out. I created my personal user profile to go with my key set, and then realized that Alexa would only work with my guest user but not my personal. I tried installing and uninstalling Alexa on both my personal and guest and tried all sorts of permutations in regards to order, but it didn’t make a difference. So I now have my personal user profile which won’t connect with Alexa, but once I get in the car I manually change the user by clicking on the user option in the screen and I switch to guest and Alexa is all good to go. It’s kind of lame it had to be this way for me but I found a way to make it work, hopefully GMC soon comes out with an update to fix this bug, but meanwhile hope this helps.

    Reply
  23. I was also able to install it on a Guest profile and use it fine. Ince I switch back to my profile, it has the error.

    Reply
  24. Only works on guest account for me. My profile gets a CLI-101 error…..needs a bug fix asap GM as you should have caught this simple error.

    Reply
  25. Turn on Bluetooth on phone
    Turn on chevy engine and chevy Bluetooth
    Connect phone to chevy car
    Download alexa app in chevy
    Make sure you have mychevtolet app installed on phone
    Leave app alone in car
    On your phone goto Amazon alexa app
    Find skills on phone alexa app
    In skills search for mychevrolet
    Click enable
    Enter code from screen in car amazon.com/us/code
    It will prompt you for amaxon username pwd
    It will prompt you for mychevrolet user pad
    Once confirmed you might have to renter code if if if you need to goto settings on car radio security privacy and enable smazon slexa

    Reply
  26. To fix cl1-101
    Turn on Bluetooth on phone
    Turn on chevy engine and chevy Bluetooth
    Connect phone to chevy car
    Download alexa app in chevy
    Make sure you have mychevtolet app installed on phone
    Leave app alone in car
    On your phone goto Amazon alexa app
    Find skills on phone alexa app
    In skills search for mychevrolet
    Click enable
    Enter code from screen in car amazon.com/us/code
    It will prompt you for amaxon username pwd
    It will prompt you for mychevrolet user pad
    Once confirmed you might have to renter code if if if you need to goto settings on car radio security privacy and enable smazon slexa

    Reply
    1. Mychevrolet skill has no connection to the Alexa built-in app. They are 2 separate things. Mychevrolet skill is connected to your OnStar account and it’s used for lock, unlock & start (telematics functions) while Alexa built-in app (infotainment functions) links to Amazon account- not OnStar account. Thanks for the time to write it up though.

      Reply
  27. Is Alexa available on all 2020 Infotainment 3 systems? I have the system without satellite and do not see it.

    Reply
  28. No- only the medium and high radios, which are the versions with the app shop.

    Reply
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    Reply
  30. So simply deleting and redoing my logged in “Profile” wasn’t enough to fix my issue with this error.

    In the Infotainment, there’s a Guest Profile, and then you can log into you own Profile that links with the GM Apps, for remote control by app…

    Well… no matter what I did, I could not get the Alexa app to run for months… until today…

    I logged out and removed all the profiles in my vehicle except the Guest Profile, and then in the Guest Profile, I went to the App, and installed Alexa in that Profile, and when I ran the app, IT WORKED! So I set it up in that Profile completely.

    THEN, I re-added my gm Profile again, and installed the Alexa app I’m that Profile, and ran the app… it started to work, but then Error CLI 101. So I pushed the home button, changed active Profile to Guest without removing my personal profile, and ran the Alexa app, worked fine. Went back into my profile, ran the app, and it WORKED! Went right back into setup like it did in the Guest Profile, and then it ran fine once linked, seems to be up and running now without any issues!

    Reply

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