General Motors has released a helpful instructional video showing Chevy owners how to use the Google Built-In feature in their vehicle.
GM began integrating Google Voice Assistant, Google Navigation and the Google app ecosystem into certain vehicles starting last year. Google Voice Assistant enables hands-free calling and texting, as well as other voice-activated actions such as changing the audio track, adjusting the climate control and more. Google Navigation, meanwhile, operates similarly to the Google Maps app, providing up-to-date route info and gas and EV charge station location data, among more.
The first step in taking advantage of features like Google Voice Assistant and Google Navigation in a Chevy vehicle will be to sign up for a Google account, for customers that do not already have one. The customer will then be prompted to sign in to Google when they attempt to access in-vehicle Google apps, like Google Navigation for example, by inputting their email or phone number and password. They will now be able to access the Google apps from the infotainment home screen by clicking the app’s square icon.
To enable Google Voice Assistant, all the user has to do is press the voice activation button on their multi-function steering wheel and say “Hey Google,” followed by a command. An example of a commonly used Google Voice Assistant command could be “Hey Google, navigate home,” which would prompt the system to begin navigating toward the user’s home address, so long as they’ve already set their address in the navigation app.
The in-vehicle Google product ecosystem also includes the Google Play store, allowing users to add new apps to their vehicle’s infotainment system. These connected features require a GM OnStar Connected Services plan, which start at $24.99 per month.
Check out the how-to video embedded below for more information on how to use the Google Built-In features in current Chevy vehicles.
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Comments
I’m not sure this is an improvement for in-vehicle systems. Volvo started using Google last year in the all electric XC40, C40 and now the XC60. Thanks, but no thanks. I’ve experienced Volvo’s Sensus system along with the Google system. I’ll take the old one. So if GM’s is anything like the Volvo one, I’ll pass.
This is different from Volvo’s implementation.
ma7mgte: Let’s hope so. With the Volvo system, you don’t have Apple Carplay (yet). They keep saying it’s coming, but nothing yet. Quite frankly, I really dislike the system and with no Apple CarPlay, it would be a no deal for me.
I had the opportunity to drive a volvo with the new android automotive os and was a tad bit disappointed in the layout. However, I really appreciated having Google maps at one point, when I forgot my phone.
The good thing about the system is that it offers over the air updates, so carplay and maybe android auto it self will be implemented eventually. The center console is likely to receive newer layouts(similar to phones) in future updates, keeping the car feeling fresh (volvo has shown a concept on the layout that will be introduced in its next gen vehicles). The digital speedometer can likely receive new layouts as well, not just the full map and reduced screen options.
The biggest plus being the app store. Sure, currently it’s quite underwhelming, but volvo was an early adopter. With GM now releasing, Nissan, Renault quite soon, Ford, Honda, etc confirming AAutomtive support should lead to app developers gaining interest on the platform.
I personally want waze on the digital cluster, Netflix for watching movies while charging(electric vehicles). Maybe apps that cater to people who want performance information.
WonderingBlueCow: That’s all fine and dandy, but what about I-phone users? Talk about a kick in the b***s.
Personally I’m not a huge Google fan. It’s ok, but not my first go-to. However, I am not a fan of Android based phones. I used to have only Android until my first I-phone and there’s just zero way I’m going back. So this Google based system in Volvo (and now others) seems like they are attempting to shove it and Android down my throat. No thanks. Just imagine the uproar from Android users if the cars they wanted only came with Apple/I-phone based operating systems.
That’s good! Give google more access to your life and have to pay for on star to noot
I have a 2023 Chevrolet Silverado, an Android phone and Google. My phone works fine with my truck’s system. However for inbound text messages, when I hit play, it says to hit the Notification Center and turn on sharing. How do I get to the Notification Center?
In our VW ID.4 we can bypass VW’s proposal and use pretty much this Google interface. Must say, I prefer it much more… I can use Google Maps, Spotify etc. straight from my phone.
Now if I could only get some encouraging news about my Silverado 1500 after over 9 months of wait and my order stuck for over 70 days now at code 3000…
X: What phone are you using? Does VW’s Google system allow you to use Apple CarPlay?
Can t tell much about Apple Carplay as I do not own that phone. But VW’s specs say it is supported. I have a TCL 20 pro. If Google is just as nicely integrated on the Silverado as it is on rhe ID.4 then it will be awesommme.
@DamB, my new GM 22 infotainment isn’t working right, one if their suggestions was: it seems to work better with Apple Play. So I spend $32,000 on a new SUV and should change my phone? Umm…no. If GM wants to buy me a new phone, well..
How about GM figure out their issue??? I can get it to eork for 1-5 min then screen goes blank (I think it’s a loose connection or bad wiring).
I have a 2022 Elevation, waited 6 months for it, and the infotainment system is junk. It requires data to run everything but AM/FM/Sirius-XM. You either need OnStar data or an active smart phone.
Whether you have data or not, you CANNOT use a USB thumb drive with music on it and use voice control. You can scroll through the USB/thumb drive music while parked but scrolling is locked when moving. Google/Android is crap.
Well if you don’t want to pay for a monthly plan you don’t have to. As long as you have a smart phone Google and Google maps apps are free for your phone. What I do is use Waze, which I think is better, and it comes up on my screen wirelessly. Every time I start the truck Waze starts automatically and runs in the background. In the Waze settings there are three choices so unless I’m going to a location I set it just for alerts and it works perfectly. In that setting it only announces cops, accidents and road hazards. This way you can use both apps and it’s free. Good luck.
Brand new 2023 Tahoe can not log into google. Every time I try it says “ Couldn’t sign in. There is a problem communicating with Google servers. Try again later”. Totally unacceptable for an $80k plus car.
Just got my 2023 Silverado 2 months ago. Ordered it and it took 3 months. I loaded it out. This vehicle listed at $67,500 and it doesn’t have a navigation to use unless I pay a monthly fee. Chevrolet did me in. My last Silverado was a 2021. It had navigation. So did my 2015 and 2019. Never dreamed that Chevrolet and Google would come up with the idea to charge for navigation. No where when I was building my truck, did I see the that navigation was going to cost a ridiculous fee. Chevrolet, yes, you did me in. Drove Chevrolet for last 50 years, but Ford may get my business now.
I totally agree, all my other vehicles since 2012 had Navigation without having to pay for a service, my clock won’t even stay set correctly, it appears I must need some plan for that too. I’m done with GM after this, I saw no mention of this when I was shopping for this vehicle, that navigation and your clock won’t even work correctly after the first free month. I would return this vehicle if I could due to this. The infotainment system is so wonky too, I’ll probably end up trading this Silverado in for something else next year. I’m not impressed at all with GM products now.
Brody Childers,
Just found this post from last year, wish I had seen it before I bought my 2023 Silverado in September 2023.
I am in just about the same boat you are in, driving GM products over 50 years, my 2013 Sierra had Nav, 2014 Corvette had nav, 2018 Sierra had Nav, and my wifes 2018 XT5 has nav. Those all use Google maps as far as I know.
Now if I want to use the Nav in my 2023 Silverado I must pay for an OnStar subscription, and to use other features I would have to create a Google account?
With Google’s track record for sharing data and censoring your data searches I do not use them for anything.
As you said there is no mention of this when you do the Build and Price process, there is nothing on the Window Sticker about it, and 3 different dealers I shopped failed to mention these restrictions.
I bought a new 2020 Silverado and I have been struggling to get the infotainment system working with my iPhone. I wish I could get google out of the way!
Terrible on 2023 Silverado. Have to pay for what I had on my 2021. I know some add features. However, already paid 68,000 for a vehicle that you got to pay more monthly for this google services.
The google assistant interferes with other systems in our new Tahoe. Constant pop-ups reminding of the google connection have become a distraction which is not good while driving.
The google assistant interferes with other systems in our new Tahoe. Constant pop-ups reminding of the google connection have become a distraction which is not good while driving.
I get the same distracting crappy pop-ups on my 2022 Silverado. I never use google for anything I don’t have to because they collect and sell as much of your personal data as they can. I use my iPhone for my navigation system, but I my truck is still updating google maps data and giving me messages while driving in Canada that google maps data is not available. I wonder if there is an aftermarket system that can replace the google-connect system!
Google Assistant is FREE, so why should I have to pay Onstar to use it?!?
Chevrolet has gone money crazy. Got to pay for things that once was standard. I’ve always been Chevrolet(for over 50+ years) and now ready to look for another truck maker. Just noticed along with many other things, that the posted speed limit will not show unless you pay. Such a rip off. I’m smarter now!!!
I have a new 23 trail boss with the 6.2. Love the truck but other than the startup screen the entertainment system is the worst. I have an iPhone and have to make the call on the phone even when in car play. It “Siri” says I can’t do that every time I back out of the driveway. You get pop ups that you have to take your eyes off the road to close which tell you to keep your eyes on the road. The other pop up is to add services. I’m going to talk to the dealer to see what I’m doing wrong at my first oil change because no one would put something this bad in a truck that they jumped the MSRP by 13 grand over a 2021. To top it off radio doesn’t even get good reception. I would almost rank this radio with what Anheuser Buesch did to Bud Light. After 30 years of driving a Chevy maybe it’s time to actually test drive a Dodge.
Ok I figured out how to turn some of the Google access off which helps shutdown the pop ups and voice message. Holding the call button down long enough I can make a hands free call. Which makes things more usable. Reception is still weak. I still would like Google completely removed.
So no text app like you would get with apple car play. Awesome. There haven’t been enough accidents on the road, it will be nice for there to be more of them. Apple car play worked too well, so it’s super cool that customers can now pay extra for less features/functions and more accidents.
My guess is that GM knows that removing this functionality will cause more accidents and I can’t wait for their first lawsuit for negligence.
I just bought a 2023 Silverado ltz, my 10th chevy truck. The nav system constantly reboots with a pop up that says “starting system”. I get constant intermittent skips in my music, Iphone and radio.. and constant popups to purchase services.. now after contacting onstar i have a very large white screen where the nav data was before. I would have never purchased this truck if I had known about having to pay onstar for my navigation data. I only get hustled once.. this is it!!
This information system is trash. The automatic update initiated when i was parked away from my house windows up 110 degrees couldn’t start the truck for 15 minutes. The update didn’t load correctly , several of the warning systems failed. two days in the Dealer. they had to get help with doing an override because the poorly designed system wouldn’t allow the same update to me preformed twice. I turned off the auto update. two days in a row last week it did two more updates. Makes a person wounder what happened to you owning and controlling your personnel property. GM got into bed with google. Old GM receiving text messages, no problem. new GM Not allowed unless you allow google to to have access to your information. getting constant pop up from google want to access my phone book (guessing they want to sell the information) . Twice almost damaged my vehicle as i thought there was a problem. If anyone is aware of a lawsuit i be happy to join. I can’t believe the price of these vehicles to relinquish this much control over your own property.
Id join a class action.Buying an 85,000 Tahoe that requires any kind of a month data plan when they never tell you this at the sale is BS. Ive tried creating a hotspot from my phone (which does connect and works 50% of any song or map) They have us!
Amen. GM has totally screwed up. New 2023 Tahoe Premier and it has more software problems than a internet startup. The software update is not only bad but dangerous. The update may lock you in or out of your vehicle for over 15 minutes. Your vehicle will be totally disabled. Drive your vehicle and the sotware says stop and turn the vehicle off. CRAZY! BTW, if you get the new “heads up display” you have to subscribe to Onstar for some dashboard graphics. Buyer Beware!