How to reset Chevy Equinox infotainment?

The quickest way to reset the Equinox infotainment is a soft reboot by holding the power/volume knob for about 10 seconds, or a factory reset via the system settings. If those methods don’t resolve the issue, a cautious 12V battery disconnect can reboot the electronics as a last resort. This guide walks you through the common methods for current models and explains what to expect.

Soft reset: Quick reboot

If the screen is frozen or apps aren’t responding, a soft reset can refresh the software without erasing personal data.

1. Press and hold the power/volume knob for about 10 seconds, until the screen powers down and restarts.


2. Release when the Chevrolet/GM logo reappears or the home screen loads again.


3. Wait for the system to complete the reboot and check if apps respond normally.


4. If it still freezes, try the reset again or proceed to a factory reset.

This soft reset does not delete user data, radio presets, or paired devices; it simply clears temporary memory and reloads the software.

Factory reset through the infotainment settings

A full restore to factory state is done from the system settings. This will erase saved data such as Bluetooth pairings, saved radio presets, and navigation favorites.

Use this sequence on most Infotainment 3/MyLink systems to reset to factory defaults:

1. From the home screen, tap Settings.


2. Go to System (or its equivalent, such as General) and select Factory Data Reset or Factory Reset.


3. Confirm the prompt to proceed; you may need to enter a PIN or re-confirm.


4. The system will reboot and complete the reset.

After a factory reset, you’ll need to re-pair phones, reconfigure Bluetooth, restore radio presets, and set navigation preferences again.

Hard reset: battery disconnect (last resort)

If the infotainment unit remains unresponsive after a factory reset, you can perform a hardware reset by disconnecting the 12‑volt battery. This should be done with caution and, if possible, by a qualified technician.

1. Park safely, turn off the engine, and remove the key or ensure the vehicle is fully powered down.


2. Open the hood and locate the 12V auxiliary battery; observe all safety precautions.


3. Disconnect the negative terminal first, then the positive terminal, and wait 5–15 minutes to ensure all modules power down.


4. Reconnect the terminals in reverse order, start the vehicle, and allow the infotainment system to reboot.

This method can reset many vehicle electronics but may reset clocks and other non-critical settings. If you are unsure or uncomfortable with this step, seek professional assistance to avoid unintended consequences.

Model-specific notes

Infotainment generation differences

Chevrolet Equinox models have used several generations of MyLink/Infotainment over the years. The exact menu naming and paths to a factory reset can vary by year and software version. The steps above cover the common Infotainment 3/MyLink interface used in many 2016–present models, but older MyLink versions (and some base systems) may present slightly different options or wording.

What to expect after resets

After any reset, you’ll likely need to re-pair Bluetooth devices, re-create radio presets, and re-enter any saved navigation destinations or app logins. If you rely on connected services (SiriusXM, Wi‑Fi, or mobile apps), you may need to re-enter credentials after a reset.

Summary

For most Equinox owners, start with a soft reset by holding the power/volume knob for about 10 seconds to reboot the system. If that doesn’t help, perform a factory reset from Settings to restore the infotainment to its original state, then reconfigure your preferences. As a last resort, a controlled 12V battery disconnect can reset the system at the hardware level, but this should be done by a professional to avoid potential safety concerns. Regular software updates and event-based resets can help keep the system running smoothly.

How do you reset the infotainment system on a Chevy Equinox?

Off then press and hold the power button on the infotainment. Screen for 10 to 15 seconds until it restarts. This clears temporary glitches.

How to hard reset Chevy radio?

And you just want to hold it down for 10 seconds. Okay you want to do it in park you can't do it while you drive. And we're just going to wait till we see the bow tie. So it's rebooting.

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. 

How do you reboot your car's infotainment system?

To restart a car's infotainment system, try a soft reboot by holding a specific button on the steering wheel or dashboard for about 10-15 seconds until the screen goes black. If that doesn't work, turn the car completely off, open and close the driver's door, and then restart the vehicle. For more specific instructions, consult your owner's manual. 
This video demonstrates how to reboot the media screen in Chevrolet cars: 49sCars With SteveYouTube · Aug 18, 2025
Common soft reboot methods

• Press and hold the phone "hang up" or "end call" button: on the steering wheel for 10–15 seconds until the screen reboots. 
• Press and hold the audio system power knob: for 7–20 seconds (depending on the make and model). 
• Press and hold the "mute" button: for 7–15 seconds. 
• Press and hold a combination of buttons: like the "Back," "Nav," and "Mute" buttons on the Mazda Connect system for at least 10 seconds. 
• Use a small pin to press a reset button: located on the dashboard (common in Hyundai vehicles). 

You can watch this video to learn how to reboot the infotainment system in a GMC Sierra: 52sWILDWHISKEYWOLFYouTube · Jul 13, 2025
If the soft reboot doesn't work

1. Turn off the vehicle completely . 
2. Open and then close the driver's side door . 
3. Restart the vehicle . 
4. Consult your owner's manual: for any specific instructions or a dedicated reset procedure for your make and model. 
5. Check for software updates: for both your car and your phone, as this can resolve issues. 
6. If the problem persists, you may need to perform a factory reset, which erases all settings and personal data, so be sure to back up your information first. 
7. For persistent issues, it's best to contact a dealership for professional service.