What Chevrolet MyLink Is and How It Connects to Your Phone

Chevrolet MyLink is an infotainment system built into the dashboard of most Chevrolet vehicles from 2013 onward. It connects your smartphone to your car's display screen, letting you control music, navigation, and phone calls through the touchscreen or voice commands instead of handling your phone while driving.

MyLink uses either a wired USB connection or Bluetooth wireless connection, depending on your vehicle model and year. When you plug in your phone or pair it via Bluetooth, the system mirrors certain apps and functions onto the car's screen. You can then use the dashboard controls to navigate, change songs, or answer calls without taking your hands off the wheel or eyes off the road.

The system is designed to reduce distraction and improve safety. Rather than fumbling with your phone, you interact with a larger, simpler interface mounted in front of you. Voice control through the microphone in your car lets you make calls, send texts, or search for directions by speaking commands.

Key Takeaways

  • MyLink connects your smartphone to your Chevrolet's dashboard screen via USB cable or Bluetooth, displaying apps and controls on the car's touchscreen.
  • The system supports music streaming, navigation, phone calls, and text messaging through voice commands and the dashboard interface.
  • Different Chevrolet models and model years support different features—some offer Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while older vehicles may have fewer options.
  • You do not need a subscription to use MyLink itself, though some features like navigation or music streaming may require subscriptions to those individual services.
  • Pairing your phone is a one-time setup process that takes a few minutes and can usually be done through the Settings menu on your car's screen.

Which Chevrolet Models Have MyLink and When It Started

Chevrolet began installing MyLink in 2013, starting with the Malibu and Cruze sedans. Since then, the system has rolled out across most of the Chevrolet lineup, including the Silverado and Colorado trucks, the Equinox and Traverse SUVs, and the Spark and Sonic compact cars.

Not every Chevrolet has MyLink—some older vehicles or certain trim levels may have a simpler audio system instead. If you own a Chevrolet from 2013 or later, check your owner's manual or look at your dashboard to see whether your vehicle has a touchscreen with MyLink branding. Your vehicle's build date and trim level (base, LT, LTZ, High Country, etc.) determine which features are included.

Chevrolet has updated MyLink several times over the years. Newer vehicles (2015 and later) are more likely to support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which let you run iPhone or Android apps directly through the system. Older MyLink systems may only support basic Bluetooth audio and phone calls.

How to Pair Your Phone with MyLink for the First Time

Pairing is a straightforward process that you do once, and then your phone connects automatically each time you get in the car. Start by turning on your vehicle and letting the MyLink system boot up. On the dashboard touchscreen, look for a Settings or Setup menu—the exact location varies by model year, but it is usually accessible from the home screen.

Select Bluetooth Settings or Phone Pairing from the menu. Your car will enter pairing mode and display a code or prompt on the screen. On your phone, open Bluetooth settings, search for available devices, and select your Chevrolet (it will appear as something like "Chevrolet MyLink" or your vehicle model name). Enter the pairing code if prompted, and confirm the connection on both devices.

Once paired, your phone will connect to MyLink automatically whenever you start the car and are within Bluetooth range. If you want to use a wired USB connection instead, plug your phone into the USB port (usually located in the center console or dashboard) and follow any prompts on the MyLink screen to authorize the connection.

What You Can Do Through MyLink: Music, Navigation, and Calls

MyLink lets you control several functions without touching your phone. For music, you can stream from services like Spotify, Apple Music, or Pandora if you have those apps on your phone and a subscription. The MyLink screen shows song titles, artist names, and album art, and you can skip tracks or adjust volume using the dashboard controls or voice commands.

Navigation works through Google Maps, Apple Maps, or Waze if those apps are on your phone. You can speak a destination into the microphone ("Navigate to 123 Main Street") or use the touchscreen to search. MyLink displays the route on the dashboard screen and provides turn-by-turn directions through the car's speakers.

Phone calls and text messages are handled through the Bluetooth connection. When someone calls, the MyLink screen shows their name or number, and you can answer by tapping the screen or saying "Answer." For texts, MyLink can read incoming messages aloud and let you reply using voice-to-text, so you never have to look at your phone.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto: What's the Difference

Newer Chevrolet vehicles (generally 2015 and later) support Apple CarPlay for iPhones and Android Auto for Android phones. These systems are different from basic MyLink pairing—they give you access to a wider range of apps and a more integrated experience.

With CarPlay or Android Auto, you can run navigation apps, music services, messaging apps, and other tools designed specifically for in-car use. The interface is cleaner and more familiar if you use these services on your phone every day. You connect via USB cable (for a more stable connection) or Bluetooth, and the system automatically launches when you start the car.

Not all Chevrolet models support CarPlay or Android Auto—it depends on the year and trim level. Check your owner's manual or contact a Chevrolet dealer to confirm whether your vehicle has this feature. If your car has only basic MyLink without CarPlay or Android Auto, you can still use Bluetooth to stream music and make calls, but your app options will be more limited.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting Steps

The most common problem is that your phone won't pair or keeps disconnecting. If this happens, try turning off Bluetooth on your phone, waiting 10 seconds, and turning it back on. Then go to your car's MyLink settings and forget the device, then pair it again from scratch. Make sure your phone's Bluetooth is set to "discoverable" or "visible" mode during pairing.

If music or navigation apps won't launch through MyLink, check that the app is installed on your phone and that you have an active subscription (if required). Some apps need to be updated to work with your car's system—check your phone's app store for updates. If the app still won't work, try unpairing your phone and pairing it again.

If the touchscreen is frozen or unresponsive, try a system restart. Most Chevrolet vehicles have a reset button or a power cycle option in the Settings menu. Consult your owner's manual for the exact steps for your model. If problems persist, contact a Chevrolet dealer—they can check for software updates or diagnose hardware issues.

Do You Need a Subscription or Monthly Fee for MyLink

MyLink itself is free—there is no monthly subscription or fee to use the system. It comes built into your Chevrolet and is included with your vehicle purchase or lease.

However, some services that work through MyLink do require subscriptions. If you want to stream music from Spotify, Apple Music, or Pandora, you need a subscription to that service (though many offer free tiers with ads). Navigation apps like Google Maps and Waze are free. Text-to-speech and voice command features are free.

Some Chevrolet vehicles also offer OnStar, a separate service that provides emergency information, roadside help, and remote vehicle features. OnStar has a subscription cost, but it is optional and separate from MyLink. You can use MyLink without ever subscribing to OnStar.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use MyLink if my phone is an older model?

MyLink works with most smartphones from the past 8 to 10 years, as long as they support Bluetooth. Very old phones (pre-2010) may not pair reliably. If your phone is relatively recent but won't pair, try updating its operating system or resetting the Bluetooth connection. Contact your phone's manufacturer or a Chevrolet dealer if problems continue.

What if my Chevrolet doesn't have a touchscreen?

Older Chevrolet models or base trim levels may have a simpler audio system without MyLink. You can still connect your phone via Bluetooth for music and calls, but you won't have the touchscreen interface or voice commands. If you want the full MyLink experience, you may need to upgrade to a vehicle with the system installed.

Can I use MyLink while the car is parked?

Yes, you can use MyLink to control music, make calls, or search for navigation while parked. The system works the same way whether the car is running or off, as long as the battery has power. Some features may be limited if the engine is off for an extended time to preserve battery life.

Does MyLink work if I don't have a data plan on my phone?

Basic features like Bluetooth audio and phone calls work without data. Navigation and music streaming require an internet connection, so you need either a cellular data plan or a Wi-Fi connection. If your phone is connected to your car's Wi-Fi hotspot (if available), that can provide the data needed for these services.

How do I update MyLink to the latest version?

MyLink updates are usually delivered through your vehicle's infotainment system. Check the Settings menu for a Software Update or System Update option. Some updates happen automatically when you connect to Wi-Fi or a Chevrolet dealer. Contact your local Chevrolet dealer if you want to check whether updates are available for your specific model and year.