How do I restart my infotainment system?
In most cars, you can restart the infotainment system with a soft reset by holding the power/volume control for about 5–10 seconds until the screen reboots. If that doesn't respond, use a settings-based reboot or a brief power cycle while parked. This article explains how to perform these steps and provides brand-specific tips for popular systems.
Quick restart methods
Use these general steps when the screen is frozen or the system isn’t responding. They apply to many modern infotainment setups, regardless of make or model.
- Power/volume button hold: Press and hold the power button or the volume knob for 5–10 seconds until the unit restarts.
- On-screen reboot (if available): Open Settings, go to System or Infotainment, and select Reboot or Restart. Confirm if prompted; the unit will reboot automatically.
- Engine-off power cycle: Safely park the car, turn the ignition off, wait about 60 seconds, then restart the engine. This can clear temporary glitches.
- Software updates check: After rebooting, check for updates in the Settings menu or via the car’s connected app. Installing updates can fix bugs and improve stability.
- Factory reset (last resort): If issues persist, you may perform a factory reset from Settings, noting it will erase saved data and paired devices. Back up or reconfigure as needed.
Restarting the infotainment system resolves most freezes and glitches without a trip to the dealer. If problems persist after trying updates and resets, there may be a deeper software or hardware issue that requires service.
Brand-specific restart instructions
Some makes provide faster shortcuts or dedicated reset options. The steps below cover popular systems; always check your owner’s manual for the exact path in your model year, as wording and menus can vary.
Ford SYNC (2.0/3.0/4.0)
Soft reboot: Press and hold the audio or power button for about 5–10 seconds until the screen restarts. If there’s no response, use the on-screen reset: Settings > System > Reboot or Master Reset (note: a Master Reset is a factory reset and will erase data). For a full power cycle, turn off the ignition, wait about 60 seconds, then restart.
GM Infotainment (MyLink/IntelliLink, Chevrolet, GMC, Buick)
Soft reboot: Press and hold the power button for about 10 seconds, or use Settings > System > Reboot. If the system remains unresponsive, turn off the vehicle, wait 60 seconds, and restart. After reboot, re-pair Bluetooth devices if needed.
Toyota Entune/Infotainment
Soft reboot: Press and hold the audio/infotainment power button for 5–10 seconds until the screen restarts. If it’s still frozen, turn the vehicle off and back on after about a minute. Some models offer a Reboot option in Settings > System.
Honda Display Audio
Soft reset: Hold the power button or volume knob for 5–10 seconds to reboot. If unresponsive, perform a vehicle power cycle by turning the engine off and back on after a short wait. A Settings > System reset is possible on some models, but a factory reset should be a last resort due to data loss.
Tesla Infotainment (Model S/X/3/Y)
Tesla’s system is rebooted via a software-driven reset: hold both steering wheel scroll wheels for about 10 seconds until the touchscreen goes black and restarts. You can also reboot from Controls > Safety & Security > Power Off (then press the brake to wake). Updates may require additional restarts.
BMW iDrive (current generations)
Soft reboot: In many BMWs, you can reboot iDrive by holding the volume knob and the Menu/Option button, or by navigating to Settings > General > Restart. If the screen is completely unresponsive, perform a power cycle by turning the ignition off and waiting about 60 seconds before restarting.
Mercedes-Benz MBUX
Soft reset: Use Settings > System > Restart to reboot MBUX. If unresponsive, perform a vehicle power cycle (engine off, wait 60 seconds, then restart). For persistent issues, a software update via OTA or dealer service may be required.
Additional tips and safety reminders
Always prioritize safety: perform resets and restarts while the vehicle is parked and stationary. If you rely on navigation or communications during a drive, try to complete a reboot before you start a trip or pull over safely to avoid distractions.
Summary
A quick reboot usually resolves freezes or glitches in infotainment systems. Start with a soft reset by holding the power/volume control, then try a settings-based reboot or a brief power cycle if needed. If problems persist, check for software updates and consider a factory reset only as a last resort, understanding it may erase saved data and paired devices. Brand-specific shortcuts can vary, so consult your manual for model-year specifics.
