How do you reset the screen on a Chevy Equinox?

Quick answer: start with a soft reboot by holding the power/volume knob for about 10 seconds to restart the display. If that doesn’t fix the issue, perform a hard reset from the system settings or, as a last resort, disconnect the 12‑volt battery to reset the infotainment hardware. The exact menus and button sequences vary by model year, so adapt as needed.

Resetting the Equinox screen can resolve freezes, unresponsiveness, or lag in the infotainment system (often called Chevrolet MyLink) or the driver information display. The steps below cover common methods that apply to most model years, while noting year-to-year menu differences.

Soft reset: reboot the infotainment screen

Soft resets restart the display without wiping saved data like Bluetooth pairs or favorites. This is the first method you should try if the screen is laggy or unresponsive.

1. Press and hold the power/volume knob (usually labeled PWR or “Power” and located on the center stack or steering wheel) for about 10 seconds, until the screen goes black and the system restarts.


2. Wait for the MyLink or infotainment home screen to reappear and retry the task that was failing.


3. If the screen flickers or stays unresponsive after reboot, move to a harder reset.

Soft resets usually preserve your Bluetooth pairing, radio presets, and navigation favorites, but you may need to re-enter some preferences after a restart.

Hard reset and factory reset: clearing system data

Hard resets and factory resets can fix deeper software glitches but may reset settings. Use these steps when a soft reset doesn’t resolve the issue.

1. Use the touchscreen (or voice prompts) to navigate to Settings > System (or System Options) > Master Reset (sometimes labeled Factory Reset or Reset All). Confirm when prompted.


2. If the screen is fully unresponsive and you can’t access the menu, perform a controlled battery reset (see caveats below). This should be a last resort and done with caution.


3. After the reset, the system will reboot. Reconnect or reconfigure your Bluetooth devices and re-enter any preferred settings as needed.

A hard reset can erase saved Bluetooth pairings, navigation favorites, radio presets, and recently used destinations. You may be asked for a radio code after a battery disconnect in some models, so keep that information handy.

Using a battery disconnect as a last resort

If the infotainment system remains unresponsive and you cannot access the reset menus, some owners resort to disconnecting the 12-volt battery for about 10–15 minutes, then reconnecting. This can reset the entire vehicle’s electronic modules, but it carries risks, such as losing radio codes and saved settings. Only attempt if you’re comfortable and follow safety precautions, or have a professional perform the reset.

Model-year notes and variations

While the basic approach is similar, the exact menu names and steps might differ slightly across Equinox model years, especially as GM updated MyLink and related interfaces. Below are general guidelines to help you map to your car’s interface.

Common paths used in recent Equinox models

Most 2013–2023 Equinox models with MyLink will use Settings > System > Master Reset or Reset All. Some later versions separate navigation reset options or offer “Software Update” within Settings. If you cannot find Master Reset, look for a “Reset” or “Factory Data Reset” option under System, General, or Privacy settings. If your screen is nonfunctional, a dealer can perform software diagnostics and resets with specialized tools.

Always consult the owner’s manual for the exact menu path for your specific model year and infotainment version. If issues persist after a reset, there may be a hardware fault requiring service.

What to expect after a reset

After a soft reset, expect minimal disruption and quick recovery of normal operation. After a hard reset, you’ll need to re-pair Bluetooth devices, re-create favorites, and re-enter personalized settings. If you performed a battery reset, you may also need to re-enter radio codes and reconnect connected services.

When to seek professional help

If resets do not fix the problem, or if the screen goes completely blank, flickers, shows error messages repeatedly, or touch input stops responding, contact a Chevrolet dealership or a certified mechanic. There may be a software update, a wiring issue, or a failing display module that requires repairs.

Summary

Resetting the Equinox screen starts with a soft reboot, then moves to a hard reset if needed, with a battery reset as a last resort. Always review your model year’s specific menu paths in the owner’s manual, as the interface has evolved across generations. If issues persist after resets, professional service may be required.

How do I reset my car dashboard screen?

To reset a car's dashboard, you can try common methods like using the ignition and accelerator pedal for maintenance reminders or a specific button, or use a OBD2 scanner for warning lights. For infotainment systems, look for a physical reset button on the device itself. Always consult your car's owner's manual for the most accurate and vehicle-specific instructions. 
For maintenance or oil change lights

• Method 1 (ignition and accelerator): Turn the key to the "On" position without starting the engine. Press the accelerator pedal to the floor three times within 10 seconds, then turn the ignition off. The light should blink or turn off, confirming the reset.
• Method 2 (dashboard buttons): With the ignition off, press and hold the odometer reset button. While holding the button, turn the key to the "On" position. Wait for the service light to stop blinking before releasing the button. 

This video demonstrates how to reset the oil change light on a Chevy Silverado: 1mThe DaninatorYouTube · May 18, 2016
For warning lights

• Use a diagnostic scanner: A scan tool can read the trouble code causing a warning light and then clear it after the underlying issue is fixed.
• Address the root cause: Warning lights indicate a problem. The light will often return if the underlying issue is not repaired. 

For infotainment touchscreens

• Look for a reset button: Check for a small, recessed button, often near the volume knob, and use a paperclip or pen to press it.
• Try the power button: You may need to press and hold the power button, possibly in combination with another button like "fast-forward". 

For software/smart dashboards (e.g., Home Assistant)

• Delete configuration files: For some systems, you can reset the dashboard by remotely accessing the instance, navigating to the .storage folder in the configuration folder, and deleting or renaming files like lovelace, lovelace_resources, and lovelace_dashboards.
• Restart the instance: After deleting the files, restart the instance to restore the default dashboard. 

How to reset screen in Chevy Equinox?

So like I said Apple CarPlay is not working Android Auto's not working things like that. You're going to get to this screen eventually. You can enter recovery mode or do a full factory reset.

Why is the screen in my Equinox not working?

If your Chevy Equinox screen isn't working, try a soft reset by holding the "end call" button on the steering wheel for 10-12 seconds. If that doesn't work, perform a hard reset by disconnecting the battery for about 10 minutes, or check that the correct fuses for the radio and infotainment system are not blown. 
Simple fixes

• Soft reset: Press and hold the "end call" button on the steering wheel for 10 to 12 seconds until the screen goes blank and restarts. 
• Hard reset: Turn the car off, disconnect the negative battery terminal, wait for 10-15 minutes, then reconnect the terminal and start the car again. 
• Check brightness: Make sure the screen brightness hasn't been accidentally turned all the way down. 

This video demonstrates how to perform a hard reset by disconnecting the car battery: 53sNexologyYouTube · Sep 10, 2025
Intermediate solutions

• Check fuses: Locate the fuse box and check fuses related to the infotainment system, such as fuse #15 for the radio or others like #23, #42, and #46. Replace any blown fuses with one of the exact same amperage rating. 
• Update software: If you can access the settings, see if a software update is available for the infotainment system. 
• Clean the screen: Use a soft, lint-free cloth to clean the screen of any dust or dirt that might be interfering with touch response. 

When to seek professional help

• Physical damage: A blank screen after a physical impact could indicate a damaged display or loose internal connections that need professional repair. 
• Persistent issues: If a soft reset, hard reset, or fuse check doesn't fix the problem, there may be a more serious hardware issue with the display unit or its internal cables. 
• Radio replacement: In some cases, a faulty radio unit itself may need to be replaced. A dealership can also diagnose and program a replacement radio. 

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.