What Chevy MyLink Is

Chevy MyLink is an infotainment system built into many Chevrolet vehicles that connects your smartphone to your car's dashboard screen. It lets you control music, navigation, phone calls, and text messages through the touchscreen or voice commands instead of handling your phone while driving. The system is standard on most Chevy models from 2013 onward, though the features available depend on your vehicle's year and trim level.

MyLink uses either Apple CarPlay or Android Auto — the two smartphone connection standards — to mirror compatible apps from your phone onto your car's display. You do not need a separate subscription or account to use it; the connection happens through a USB cable or Bluetooth wireless connection when you start your vehicle.

Key Takeaways

  • Chevy MyLink connects your smartphone to your car's touchscreen using either a USB cable or Bluetooth, letting you control music, maps, and calls hands-free.
  • The system supports Apple CarPlay for iPhones and Android Auto for Android phones, but not both at the same time.
  • You will need a compatible smartphone, a USB cable (for wired connection), and a Chevy vehicle from 2013 or later to use MyLink.
  • Voice commands through the steering wheel button let you control functions without touching the screen while driving.
  • MyLink does not require a paid subscription, though the apps you use (like Spotify or Google Maps) may have their own costs.

How to Connect Your Phone to MyLink

Start by unlocking your phone and plugging a USB cable into the USB port on your car's dashboard — usually located below the touchscreen or in the center console. Your phone will prompt you to allow the car to access certain functions; tap "Allow" or "Yes" to proceed. On your car's touchscreen, you should see a prompt asking which connection type you want; select either Apple CarPlay or Android Auto depending on your phone type.

If you prefer a wireless connection instead, go to your car's Bluetooth settings on the touchscreen and put your phone in Bluetooth pairing mode. Search for your vehicle's name in your phone's Bluetooth menu and select it. Once paired, your phone will connect automatically the next time you get in the car, as long as Bluetooth is turned on in both devices.

The first time you connect, your phone may ask permission to access your contacts, location, and microphone. Granting these permissions lets MyLink show your recent calls, navigate to saved addresses, and respond to voice commands. You can change these permissions later in your phone's settings.

What Apps and Features Work With MyLink

MyLink displays apps that are compatible with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto — not all apps on your phone will appear. Common compatible apps include Google Maps, Waze, Spotify, Apple Music, Pandora, YouTube Music, your phone's native phone and messaging apps, and many others. You can see which apps are compatible by checking Apple's or Google's official app store listings before you read.

Navigation apps let you enter an address and see turn-by-turn directions on the car's screen. Music apps let you browse playlists, albums, and stations, and skip or pause tracks. Your phone's calling and text messaging apps let you make calls and read or send texts through voice commands — you speak a contact's name or a message, and the car handles the rest. Some vehicles also show real-time traffic, weather, and fuel prices depending on the app.

Not every feature of an app works through MyLink. For example, you cannot browse social media feeds or watch videos on the car's screen — the system is designed to keep your attention on the road. If an app is not compatible, you will need to use your phone directly, which you can still do while parked.

Using Voice Commands and the Steering Wheel Controls

Press and hold the voice button on your steering wheel (usually marked with a microphone icon) to set up voice control. Speak a command like "Call Mom," "Navigate to the nearest gas station," or "Play jazz music." The system will confirm what it heard and carry out the command. Release the button when you are done speaking.

If the system does not understand you, it will ask you to repeat or offer suggestions. Speak clearly and use the contact names or app names as they appear in your phone. For navigation, saying the full address works better than just a street name. For music, saying the artist name, song title, or playlist name usually works faster than browsing manually.

You can also use the touchscreen buttons to control playback, answer calls, or dismiss notifications. The steering wheel controls let you adjust volume, skip tracks, and accept or reject incoming calls without taking your hands off the wheel.

Troubleshooting Common Connection Problems

If your phone does not connect, first check that both your phone and car are powered on and that Bluetooth is enabled in both devices. Disconnect the USB cable and reconnect it, or turn Bluetooth off and on again. If you are using a wired connection, try a different USB cable — some cables are charging-only and do not transfer data.

If the touchscreen shows an error message, restart your car by turning off the engine and waiting 30 seconds before restarting. Then try connecting your phone again. If the problem persists, check your phone's settings to see if it is blocking the car's access to contacts, location, or microphone — these permissions are required for full functionality.

For wireless connections, if your phone keeps disconnecting, forget the car's Bluetooth name from your phone's settings and pair it again from scratch. If your car's screen is frozen or not responding, press and hold the power button on the touchscreen for 10 seconds to force a restart.

What Happens When MyLink Is Not Available or Broken

If your car's touchscreen is not working, you can still use your phone directly for navigation and music — just place it in a phone holder on your dashboard. You can also use your car's steering wheel buttons to control phone calls and volume even if the screen is off. Some Chevy vehicles have a backup camera display that may still work even if the main touchscreen fails.

If your vehicle is older than 2013 or does not have a touchscreen, MyLink is not available. In that case, you can use a Bluetooth speaker or car mount to connect your phone for audio and navigation, or purchase an aftermarket infotainment system that supports Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

If you are having trouble with a specific app, check that the app is updated to the latest version in your phone's app store. Developers regularly release updates to fix compatibility issues with car systems. You can also try uninstalling and reinstalling the app, or using a different app that does the same thing — for example, switching from Google Maps to Waze if navigation is not working properly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto at the same time?

No. MyLink connects to one smartphone at a time using either Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, depending on your phone type. If you want to switch to a different phone, disconnect the current one and connect the new one. The system will remember both phones and reconnect to whichever one you plug in or pair first.

Do I need a data plan or internet connection for MyLink to work?

Most MyLink features require a data connection because they stream music, read maps, or fetch real-time traffic. If you have a limited data plan, using navigation and music apps over MyLink will use your phone's data. Some features like making calls or reading text messages work over cellular networks without using data.

Will MyLink drain my phone's battery?

Using MyLink while your phone is plugged into the car's USB port will charge your phone at the same time, so battery drain is minimal. If you use a wireless Bluetooth connection without charging, your phone's battery will drain faster than normal because Bluetooth and the apps are running continuously. Plugging in a USB cable solves this problem.

What should I do if my car's touchscreen is cracked or not responding?

A cracked screen does not always mean MyLink is broken — the underlying system may still work. If the screen is not responding to touch, try restarting it by holding the power button for 10 seconds. If it still does not work, you will need to have the touchscreen repaired or replaced by a Chevy dealer or certified technician. Until then, you can still use your phone directly for navigation and music.

Can I use MyLink while the car is parked?

Yes. You can browse apps, change settings, and use all MyLink features while parked. Some features like navigation will not start routing until you are moving, but you can enter an address and prepare the route while stopped.