All About Google Built-In Compatibility

All About Google Built-In Compatibility

See FAQs for availability. 
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Maximize Your Google Built-in* Compatibility Functionality

Google Maps*, Google Play*, and Google Assistant* - Your personal, connected, and seamless journey companions.
General Experience
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Learn about the Google Built-In Experience

What is Google Built-In Compatibility?

Infotainment systems equipped with Google built-in* compatibility provide a helpful, personalized, and seamless way to enhance your in-vehicle experience. Get hands-free help from Google Assistant* to call friends, set reminders or change the temperature in the vehicle. Google Maps provides you the information you need on your drive such as live traffic updates*. And with Google Play, you can download some of your favourite music, podcasts, audiobooks and more. 
  1. Google built-in services are subject to limitations and availability may vary by vehicle, infotainment system and location. Select service plan required. Certain Google actions and functionality may require account linking. User terms and privacy statements apply. Google, Google Play, and Google Maps are trademarks of Google LLC.
  2. Google Assistant is not available in certain languages and countries.
  3. Always pay attention while driving. Do not use a hand-held device.  

How do I know if my infotainment system comes with Google built-in?

Google built-in compatibility is available on 2022 Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban and Silverado (Silverado built after April 2022) and the GMC Yukon, Yukon XL and Sierra (Sierra built after April 2022). If available on your vehicle, you will see Google Assistant*, Google Maps* and Google Play* icons on the infotainment screen. 

What do I need in order to use Google apps and services?

For the best experience with the system:

  • A personal Google Account is not required but, if you have one, signing into the system with your account will provide a more personalized experience
  • Many features, including Google Assistant, Google Maps and Google Play apps, requires an active trial, data plan or personal mobile data hotspot.
  • Some third-party apps (such as Spotify) require a separate account and, in some cases, a paid subscription to access them in the vehicle
  • Download and sign in to the myChevrolet or myGMC mobile app* on your compatible phone

*Available on select Android devices. Service availability, features and functionality vary by vehicle, device, and the plan you are enrolled in. User terms apply. Device data connection required. See onstararabia.com for details and limitations. 

Do I need a Google Account to use the features?

A personal Google Account is not required but, if you have one, signing into the system with your account will provide a more complete and personalized experience. Certain features, such as downloading apps on Google Play, can only be used if you are signed into a Google Account.

Do I have to pay for a service plan to use Google apps and services?

Google Assistant, Google Maps and apps on Google Play require an active trial or data plan or personal mobile hotspot. Once the initial connectivity period included with your vehicle purchase ends, you will be able to choose from several plan options to enable continued use of those features.

If I don’t want to pay for a service plan, which Google built-in features will I be able to use?

You can use many of the infotainment system features if you don’t have a paid service plan. Depending on how your vehicle is equipped, these include audio features (listening to AM/FM radio or streaming from your paired device), Android Auto™1 and Apple CarPlay™2and voice recognition using your connected phone’s voice assistant. 

If you use your personal data hotspot for Google updates, Google Assistant, Google Maps and Google Play, please be aware that these may be high data consumption services.  

Please be aware of your data consumption and associated charges. 

App functionality and features vary with vehicle equipment and trim level. Data connection may be required. Some features require active service plan and working electrical system. Terms and limitations apply. 

What is the Setup Wizard?

The first time you use the infotainment system and anytime you create a new profile in the vehicle, the Setup Wizard is designed to walk you through the steps of setting up and personalizing the system. It will prompt you to sign in to your GM Account (user profile) and Google Account, pair your phone via Bluetooth®1 and more, if you wish to do so. You can skip certain steps you don’t want to complete. You will also be asked to accept or decline certain permissions, such as Location Services. You can read more about each of these requests before you accept or decline. Note: In some cases, declining may prevent use of certain features. The Setup Wizard must be completed while the vehicle is in PARK. If you start driving the vehicle while the Setup Wizard is in use, it will close and then remind you to continue setup again next time you start the vehicle.  Get additional help setting up the system from Google.  Go to my.chevrolet.com/learn or my.gmc.com/learn to find out which phones are compatible with the vehicle. The Bluetooth word mark and logos are owned by the Bluetooth SIG, Inc., and any use of such marks by General Motors is under license. Other trademarks and trade names are those of their respective owners. Full Bluetooth feature functionality varies by device, model, and software version.

What happens if I skip steps or exit the Setup Wizard?

You can skip certain steps in the Setup Wizard if you don’t want to complete them. Next time you start the vehicle, you may be reminded to finish any steps you skipped. You can dismiss these reminders. Some features of the system will require you to accept or decline certain permissions to use them. 

A notification popped up on my screen and I missed it. How can I find out what it said?

You can tap the BELL icon in the upper-left corner of the screen to view any notifications for your vehicle. If there are notifications, you’ll see a red dot on the icon. 

What does the indicator on the bell icon mean?

A red dot on the BELL icon indicates you have notifications to view. Tap the icon to view them. 

Why do I have to sign into my GM Account and my Google Account on the infotainment system?

Your GM Account is different from your Google Account. Each account enables different functionalities within the vehicle. 

Your GM Account is the same account you use to access your other vehicle services, such as myChevrolet or myGMC mobile app and owner resources. For this account, you will use the same email address you provided to your dealer when you purchased your vehicle. Signing in with this account ensures your personalized settings, such as your favorite radio stations and your paired phone, are remembered in the vehicle. This way, you won’t have to set the infotainment system up each time you drive.   

Your Google Account allows you to bring additional personalization into the vehicle that is tied to some of the other Google apps and services you may use. For example, your saved home and work addresses will appear in Google Maps in the vehicle. You can also access your Google Calendar in the vehicle using Google Assistant. You must be signed into your Google Account to download apps on Google Play in the vehicle. After you sign in, the profile name in the vehicle will match your Google Account 

Note: Using a Google Account is optional and at the discretion of the user. When signing in with your Google Account, you will be asked to review the Google Terms and Privacy Statement and accept them to continue. 

How many user profiles can I store in the vehicle and how do I switch user profiles?

You can store up to seven user profiles in the vehicle, not including the guest profile. To switch profiles or access profile-related settings, tap the name in the upper-left corner of the screen. 

Can I change the name that’s showing in the upper-left corner of the screen?

Yes. You can tap on the name to get to your user profile. From there, you can edit the name that is displayed on the screen. If you’ve signed into your Google Account on the infotainment system, the name associated with your Google Account will automatically appear.

Can I add security to protect my user profile in the vehicle?

Yes. You can protect your profile by adding a password, pattern, or PIN. To do this, go to the vehicle Settings menu and select “Security”; or you can tap on your name in the upper-left corner of the screen and select “Manage Profile.” You will be asked to select which type of security you’d like to use. Then, you will need to provide the password, pattern, or PIN when you sign into your profile in the future.

What is the guest profile?

The guest profile allows you to use the infotainment system without creating a personalized user profile. If you haven’t signed in through the infotainment system, you are using a guest profile and the system will remind you each time you turn your vehicle on to sign in/create a user profile for the best experience. When you’re using a guest profile, any changes you make or settings you personalize on the infotainment system will reset each time you turn the vehicle on. 

Can I adjust my privacy settings?

When you use Google apps and services in your vehicle, you have options to control what information is shared with Google. You can change your privacy settings for Google apps and services at any time. Learn more about managing and changing your privacy settings for Google apps and services in your vehicle here. 
Google Assistant
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Learn about the Google Built-In Experience

How do I use Google Assistant in my vehicle?

Use Google Assistant* in the vehicle to get things done on the road, hands-free. You’ll need a paid service plan or trial to use it.

To get started with a voice command, you can do the following:
  1. With your voice: Simply say, “Ok Google” inside of the vehicle
  2. Icon on screen: Tap the Google Assistant icon in the App Tray or on the Home screen
  3. Steering wheel button: Press and release the PUSH-TO-TALK button on the steering wheel (a short press)
  4. Microphone in Maps: When using Maps, tap the microphone icon to initiate a voice session

What kinds of commands can I use with Google Assistant in the vehicle?

Depending on your vehicle’s equipment, here are some example voice commands:
  • Phone calls/communication
    • “Call Ahmed”
    • “Text Ahmed 'On my way'
  • Media controls
    • “Play radio”
    • “Turn up the volume”
    • “Play music”
  • Climate controls
    • “Set the temperature to 24 degrees”
    • “Turn on the defroster”
  • Navigation
    • “Navigate home”
    • “Where's the nearest coffee shops”
  • Productivity
    • “What’s on my calendar?”
    • “Remind me to pick up dry cleaning at 6 p.m. tomorrow”

What other voice assistants can I use?

In addition to Google Assistant, you can opt to use other voice assistants in the vehicle, depending on your preference. 
 
Note: Some vehicle commands, such as climate controls, can only be accessed using Google Assistant.

What’s the difference between a short press and long press of the PUSH-TO-TALK button on the steering wheel?

How long you hold down the PUSH-TO-TALK button before you release it determines what type of voice control you’re accessing. It’s important to understand the difference so you get the right result from your voice command. 
  • Press and release: A short press of the button will activate the vehicle’s embedded voice assistant. This will allow you to use Google Assistant to get things done on the road, including vehicle-specific commands. 
  • Press and hold: A long press of the button will activate your paired phone’s voice assistant. This will enable you to use your phone’s voice recognition features, such as making a phone call or checking your calendar, but will not allow you to control vehicle-specific features like climate controls or radio functions
Google Maps
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Learn about the Google Built-In Experience

How do I use Google Maps?

To use Google Maps, you’ll need a paid service plan or trial. For the best experience, you should also sign in to your Google Account (the system will prompt you to do so when you open the MAPS app). Tap the MAPS icon on your screen to begin.
  1. If you’re in PARK: Tap the SEARCH bar in the upper-left corner of the screen to type in a location, address, Point of Interest or destination category (e.g., restaurants, charging station)
  2. If you’re driving: Tap the MICROPHONE icon in the upper-right corner of the screen to enter and address by voice using Google Assistant
  3. Choose your destination from the list of options on the screen or change your search to find other locations
  4. After you select your destination, available routes will be displayed on the screen. If there are multiple options, choose the route you’d like to use to confirm. You can also tap Routing Options for additional choices
  5. Verify the location and route by tapping Start. Your route will begin

For electric vehicles, additional mapping features are available:
  • Plan your route based on your state of charge or preferred charging stations
  • Search for charging stations along your route
  • See the estimated charge state at arrival
  • When your battery state of charge gets low, Maps will prompt you to add a stop at a charge station to your route

On vehicles equipped with Super Cruise, the routing options may also show you which route provides the most compatibility with the hands-free driver assistance technology. You’ll see a steering wheel icon with the approximate travel time on Super Cruise-compatible roads displayed in the route information.

Is the information in Google Maps up to date?

Yes. Google Maps uses real-time data, including traffic information, and will update your route based on the information.

You’ll also get the latest available information for locations and Points of Interest (POIs), such as hours of operation. If you have an electric vehicle, you can also get real-time charging station information, including how many charging points are currently free at each station.

How do I save my home or work addresses?

When you’re signed into your Google Account, your saved addresses will automatically appear as suggested destinations in the vehicle. If you’ve programmed home and work addresses into the Google Maps app on your compatible phone using the same Google Account you’re using in the vehicle, they will appear in the vehicle.

You can also go into the Settings menu in Google Maps and tap “Edit home or work” to save new addresses.

Can I use Google Assistant with Maps?

Yes. You can use Google Assistant to help you navigate home, find the nearest gas station or charging station, or ask about a store’s hours — all without taking your eyes off the road or your hands off the wheel. Just say, “Ok Google” or press and release the PUSH-TO-TALK button on the steering wheel.

What are offline maps?

Offline maps allow you to continue using Google Maps through areas of intermittent connectivity. By default, the system will automatically download offline maps for this reason. You can change this setting and instead opt to manually download offline maps if you prefer.

How do I download offline maps?

Click on the Settings icon within Maps, scroll down to Offline Maps, select geo fence area (zoom in / zoom out) and click 'Download'. Size of area selected for offline map download will determine data consumption.

Please be aware of your data consumption and associated charges.
Google Play
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Learn about the Google Built-In Experience

What is Google Play?

If your vehicle is equipped with Google Play, you can easily download your favorite apps designed for the vehicle, just as you would on your phone. Conveniently listen to your favorite music, podcasts, audiobooks and more directly from your vehicle. See a list of available apps here.

After you download them in the vehicle, you can use the apps for your enjoyment on your infotainment system.

Third-party trademarks are the property of their respective third-party owners and used under agreement. Requires active service plan and paid vehicle data plan. See FAQs for details and limitations.

What do I need in order to download and use the apps?

To download and use the apps, you will need the following:
  • A properly equipped vehicle
  • A Google Account (you must sign in to your account on the infotainment system)
  • A paid service plan or trial that includes in-vehicle data or a personal mobile data hotspot
  • Some third-party apps may also require their own account or subscription (e.g., a Spotify subscription)

If you don’t have a Google Account, you can create one by going to accounts.google.com on a mobile device or computer. You can also create one on the infotainment screen while in PARK.

What types of apps are available?

A variety of apps are available on Google Play, including music, podcasts, news, sports, weather, audio books and more. Just like the app store on your compatible mobile device, the catalog of apps on Google Play in the vehicle may grow and change over time. As new apps are added to the store, your vehicle will automatically update the catalog (requires active service plan).

What are “system” apps?

Some GM system apps (e.g., System Manager, Terms and Conditions, etc.) are required to enable the infotainment system’s functionality — similar to the factory operating system apps included on your mobile devices. These apps run in the background and do not require interaction, but to ensure they are always up to date with the latest functionality and system needs, you may see them on Google Play. For the best performance, you should not uninstall these apps.

How do I download an app?

Here’s how to download an app in the vehicle:
  • First, with the vehicle in PARK, make sure you’re signed into your Google Account on the infotainment system 
  • Tap the PLAY STORE icon on the infotainment screen
  • The catalog of available apps will appear with different categories suggested
  • Scroll through the catalog to browse apps or tap the SEARCH icon (a magnifying glass) in the upper-right corner of the screen to look for a specific app
  • Tap an app to see a brief description, then tap INSTALL if you’d like to download it
  • After the app finishes downloading, it will appear as an icon on your infotainment system’s Home screen (you may have to swipe left or right to find it)
  • Tap the app’s icon to begin using it

If I want to download an in-vehicle app, do I have to also download the mobile version of the app to my compatible smartphone?

No. You do not need to download the app to your phone in order to download the app in the vehicle. However, some third-party apps may require you to have an account or subscription, which you may need to set up via their mobile app.

How do I delete an app?

To delete an app you’ve already downloaded in the vehicle, go to Google Play in the vehicle and find the app you want to remove. Then, tap “Uninstall.”

How will Google Play and downloaded apps be updated?

For vehicles in a connected state (with an active service plan or trial or a personal mobile data hotspot), the catalog of apps on Google Play and any apps downloaded to the vehicle will be updated automatically as needed via an Over-the-Air Update, if the customer has opted into automatic updates. 

It’s important to note that while 3rd-party apps can auto-update or “self-update” if you are not signed in, you cannot use Google Play to browse for more 3rd-party apps. If you choose to not have any apps auto-update, you can disable that in settings.

What happened to the APPS icon I had in my previous GM vehicle?

On infotainment systems with Google built-in, Google Play replaces the Apps feature.

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