How do you reset a Chevy screen?

Chevrolet infotainment screens can freeze or behave oddly, but a reboot or reset often restores normal operation. This guide walks you through safe, practical steps to reset a Chevy screen, from a quick soft reset to a full factory reset, with cautions about data loss and dealer help if problems persist.

Soft reset: a quick reboot that preserves your data

This non-destructive reboot tackles most freezes or lag without erasing saved data, Bluetooth pairings, or navigation favorites. It is the first step you should try when the screen misbehaves.

Before you begin, make sure you understand that a soft reset restarts the system but does not wipe personal settings. Use these steps for a straightforward reboot.

• Locate the center console power button, which doubles as the volume knob on many Chevy models.


• Press and hold the power/volume knob for about 10–15 seconds, or until the screen goes dark and restarts.


• Release when the system reboots and the Chevrolet logo appears; wait for the home screen to load fully.


• If the screen remains unresponsive, perform a standard engine cycle: turn the ignition to OFF, wait about 60 seconds, then start the engine and allow the system to boot again.


• Once back in the system, check for any prompts about updates and install if available.

Soft resets resolve most freezes or unresponsiveness and typically preserve your settings and paired devices.

Factory reset: returning the system to original state

If a soft reset doesn’t fix the issue, a factory reset can clear deeper software glitches by restoring default settings. This step will erase customized data such as Bluetooth pairings, saved addresses, navigation favorites, and radio presets.

Before performing a factory reset, back up or note any data you want to reconfigure afterward, and be aware of the data you may lose.

• From the touchscreen, tap Settings (the gear icon).


• Navigate to System or General settings, depending on your model year.


• Select Factory Data Reset or Factory Reset (the label may vary by model and year).


• Confirm the reset when prompted; the system will reboot and begin restoring default settings. This can take several minutes.

After the reset completes, you’ll need to re-pair phones and reconfigure your preferred settings. Some items, like saved navigation destinations and Bluetooth pairings, will be lost unless previously backed up or re-added.

Alternate methods and cautions

If the screen remains stubbornly unresponsive after a soft or factory reset, or if you cannot access the Settings menu due to a frozen display, there are additional considerations. These should be undertaken with care and, if possible, with guidance from a Chevrolet service professional.

• Be aware that menu labels and paths can vary by model year. If you don’t see Factory Data Reset, look for Reset All, or check under Settings > System or Settings > General for similar options.


• For a persistent fault, a power cycle of the vehicle’s 12-volt battery is a last-resort option. This should be performed by a trained technician or at least with guidance from your owner's manual, as it can affect anti-theft systems and radio codes.


• Some GM vehicles require re-entry of radio or system codes after a battery disconnect; have your vehicle information and owner’s manual handy if you’re attempting any hardware reset.

Power-related resets are considered a last resort. If you’re unsure or uncomfortable performing a hardware reset, contact your Chevrolet dealer or a qualified automotive electrician for assistance.

Model notes and practical tips

Chevy models with MyLink or the Chevrolet Infotainment System (covering models such as Malibu, Equinox, Silverado, Cruze, and others) may display slight menu differences. If you can’t find the exact label, use these general targets:

• Settings > System or Settings > General > Factory Data Reset, or look for Reset All.


• Soft reset via the power/volume knob is almost universally available on most recent models.


• After any reset, re-pair your phone and restore essential preferences as needed.

For ongoing or unusual issues, keeping your system firmware up to date can prevent glitches. Check for updates through the infotainment system if an update option is available, or ask your dealer about the latest software version for your vehicle.

Summary

To address a Chevy screen that isn’t behaving, start with a soft reset by holding the power/volume knob until the system reboots. If problems persist, perform a factory reset to restore default settings, bearing in mind that this will erase personalized data. As a last resort, a controlled power cycle of the vehicle’s 12-volt battery may be considered under professional guidance. Always back up important data and be prepared to re-pair devices after resets. If problems continue, contact a Chevrolet dealer for diagnostic support.

Why is my Chevy screen not working?

A Chevy screen may not be working due to a software glitch, a blown fuse, or a hardware issue like a loose wire or a faulty display. You can try simple fixes like restarting the car, performing a soft reboot by holding the phone hang-up button, or disconnecting the battery to reset the system. 
Simple troubleshooting steps
This video demonstrates how to perform a soft reboot of the Chevy infotainment system: 32sCars With SteveYouTube · Aug 18, 2025

• Restart the vehicle: Turn the car completely off, wait a few minutes, and then start it again. 
• Perform a soft reset: Press and hold the "End Call" button on the steering wheel for about 10–20 seconds to reboot the system. 
• Check for low brightness: A screen that looks black might just be set to its lowest brightness level. 
• Disconnect the battery: Disconnect the negative battery terminal for about 10 minutes to fully reset the system. You may need to reprogram the windows afterward. 
• Clean the screen: A dirty or dusty screen can sometimes cause touch issues. Gently clean the surface with a microfiber cloth. 

Potential hardware or deeper issues

• Blown fuse: A blown fuse for the infotainment system can cause it to lose power. You can check the fuse box and replace any blown fuses. 
• Loose or damaged wiring: A loose connector or damaged wire behind the dashboard can interrupt the signal to the screen. 
• Software or hardware failure: The screen's internal components, the touchscreen digitizer, or other related modules could have failed, especially in vehicles that are several years old. 

When to seek professional help

• If the simple fixes don't work, it may be time to have the vehicle serviced by a professional. 
• A dealership or certified mechanic can diagnose more complex problems with wiring, internal modules, or the display itself. 

How do I reset my Chevy screen?

Them. But after a few seconds here you'll see Android is starting. And it's honestly the exact same thing as if you were to do a reboot on your phone. So it's going to clear out the cash.

How do I reset my car screen?

Press and hold the power button. This may need to be combined with another button, like the fast-forward button. Look for a small hole near the volume knob. If your vehicle has one, this may be the system reset button—push it with a paperclip or pen to reset the infotainment system.

How do I reset a Chevy stereo?

And you don't want to cycle the key you push and hold the end call button. You wait about maybe 20 seconds or so and it'll go black. And that's how you reset your radio on your Silverado.