What Chevrolet MyLink is and what it connects

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 touchscreen, letting you control music, navigation, and phone calls through the dashboard instead of holding your phone while driving.

MyLink is not a subscription service and does not require a monthly fee. It works through a USB cable or Bluetooth wireless connection, depending on your vehicle model and what features you want to use. The system is designed to reduce distraction by moving phone functions to a larger, easier-to-use screen mounted in front of you.

MyLink is separate from OnStar, which is Chevrolet's connected services platform that uses cellular data. You can have MyLink without OnStar, though some newer Chevrolet models bundle them together. MyLink itself does not use data or require a cellular connection — it relies on your phone's connection to work.

Key Takeaways

  • MyLink connects your phone to your car's touchscreen through USB or Bluetooth so you can control music, maps, and calls without holding your phone.
  • The system works with both iPhone and Android phones, though some features depend on which phone you have and which MyLink generation your car has.
  • You control MyLink through the touchscreen, steering wheel buttons, or voice commands, depending on your vehicle's year and trim level.
  • MyLink does not cost money to use, but your phone's data plan covers any data used for navigation or streaming music.
  • Compatibility varies by vehicle year and model, so you should check your owner's manual or Chevrolet's website to confirm your car supports the features you want.

How to connect your phone to MyLink

The connection method depends on what your vehicle supports and what you want to do. Most Chevrolet vehicles with MyLink offer both USB and Bluetooth options, but not all features work over both connections.

For USB connection, plug your phone into the USB port in your car using a standard charging cable. Your car will recognize the phone and display a pairing prompt on the touchscreen. Accept the prompt, and your phone's contacts, music, and compatible apps will appear on the MyLink screen. USB connection is more stable for navigation and music but requires a cable.

For Bluetooth connection, go to your phone's Bluetooth settings and search for available devices. Select your car's name from the list (usually something like "Chevrolet MyLink" or your vehicle model). Your phone and car will pair, and you can then control calls and music wirelessly. Bluetooth does not require a cable but may have occasional connection drops, especially if your phone moves out of range.

Once paired, your phone will usually reconnect automatically when you get in the car. You can pair multiple phones to the same MyLink system, though only one can be active at a time.

What apps and features MyLink supports

MyLink works with music streaming apps, navigation apps, and phone functions, but not every app works the same way on every vehicle. The most common compatible apps include Spotify, Apple Music, Google Maps, Waze, and Pandora, though the full list changes as Chevrolet updates the system and as app developers change their software.

Music apps typically work through both USB and Bluetooth. Navigation apps usually work better over USB because the connection is more stable, though some newer vehicles support wireless navigation. Phone calls and text messages work through Bluetooth, and some vehicles let you read and reply to texts through voice commands.

MyLink also includes voice control on most models. You can press a button on the steering wheel and speak commands like "play Spotify," "navigate to," or "call [contact name]." Voice control quality varies by vehicle year — newer models recognize speech more accurately than older ones.

The exact features available depend on your vehicle's model year and trim level. A 2013 MyLink system has fewer features than a 2023 system. Check your owner's manual or Chevrolet's website for your specific vehicle to see what is included.

Differences between iPhone and Android on MyLink

MyLink works with both iPhone and Android phones, but the experience is not identical. The differences come down to how Apple and Google design their operating systems and how Chevrolet built MyLink to work with each one.

iPhones use Apple CarPlay on newer Chevrolet models (2016 and later on most vehicles). CarPlay is Apple's own system for connecting iPhones to car dashboards. When you plug in an iPhone or connect it via Bluetooth, you get Apple's interface instead of MyLink's native interface. This means you see Apple's app layout and controls, not Chevrolet's. CarPlay supports most major apps and is generally considered more polished than the native MyLink experience.

Android phones use Android Auto on compatible vehicles. Like CarPlay, Android Auto replaces the MyLink interface with Google's own system. Android Auto works similarly to CarPlay but uses Google's app ecosystem. Not all Chevrolet vehicles support Android Auto — check your owner's manual to confirm.

If your vehicle does not support CarPlay or Android Auto, your phone will connect through native MyLink instead. This means you see Chevrolet's interface and controls. Native MyLink works but typically has fewer apps and less polished controls than CarPlay or Android Auto.

Troubleshooting common MyLink connection problems

If your phone will not connect to MyLink, start by checking that Bluetooth is turned on in your phone's settings and that your car's Bluetooth is in pairing mode. Consult your owner's manual for how to put your specific vehicle into pairing mode — the process varies by model year.

If you are using a USB cable, try a different cable first. Many connection problems come from damaged or low-quality cables rather than problems with the phone or car. Make sure the cable is a data cable, not just a charging cable — some cables only carry power and will not transmit data.

If your phone pairs but then disconnects repeatedly, try "forgetting" the device from both your phone and your car, then pairing them again from scratch. Go to your phone's Bluetooth settings, find your car's name, and select "forget this device." Then restart your car's infotainment system (usually by turning the car off and back on) and pair again.

If apps are not showing up on the MyLink screen, check that the app is installed on your phone and that you have given MyLink permission to access it. On iPhone, go to Settings > Privacy and check that the app has permission. On Android, go to Settings > Apps and check permissions there. Some apps also require you to log in through the app itself before they will appear on MyLink.

MyLink versus OnStar and other Chevrolet connected services

MyLink and OnStar are two separate systems that serve different purposes. MyLink connects your phone to your car's screen. OnStar is a subscription service that uses your car's built-in cellular connection to provide emergency services, remote vehicle access, and navigation updates.

You can use MyLink without OnStar. MyLink does not require a subscription or cellular connection — it only needs your phone and a USB cable or Bluetooth. OnStar is optional and costs money, though some new Chevrolet vehicles include a trial period.

Newer Chevrolet models also include the Chevrolet mobile app, which lets you lock and unlock your car, start the engine remotely, and check fuel level from your phone. This requires OnStar or a separate connected services subscription and uses your car's cellular connection, not MyLink.

If you want to use your phone for navigation and music without paying for OnStar, MyLink alone is sufficient. If you want remote vehicle access or emergency services, you need OnStar or a similar service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does MyLink work if I do not have a data plan on my phone?

MyLink itself does not require data, but some features do. Phone calls and Bluetooth music work without data. Navigation apps like Google Maps and Waze need data to read maps and show real-time traffic. If you use navigation, your phone's data plan will be used. Streaming music apps also use data.

Can I use MyLink while driving, or is it locked?

Most MyLink systems lock certain features while the car is moving to reduce distraction. You can usually control music and take calls, but typing into navigation or scrolling through menus may be disabled. The exact restrictions depend on your vehicle model year. Voice commands usually work while driving.

What if my Chevrolet is older than 2013?

MyLink was introduced in 2013, so older Chevrolet vehicles do not have it built in. You can add aftermarket infotainment systems that support CarPlay or Android Auto, but this requires professional installation and may cost several hundred dollars. Check with a Chevrolet dealer or car audio shop for options for your specific vehicle.

Does MyLink drain my phone's battery?

Using MyLink while your phone is plugged into the USB port will charge your phone, so battery drain is not an issue. Over Bluetooth, MyLink uses some battery, but the amount is similar to using any other Bluetooth device like headphones. Most phones can handle a full day of MyLink use on a single charge.

Can I update MyLink or add new features?

MyLink updates come through your car's infotainment system, not through your phone. Chevrolet occasionally releases software updates that add features or improve performance. Check your owner's manual or contact a Chevrolet dealer to see if updates are available for your vehicle. Some updates are free, while others may require a service appointment.