When we buy a new vehicle, it is natural to expect all the facilities to work which fascinated us to buy it. But if a feature is not working, it is quite disappointing. If you think, why is Chevrolet wireless charging not working?
You are one among some of the Chevy owners who do come across such a problem. Let us discuss the wireless charging issues, the problems, and ways to fix them.
What are the Wireless Charging Issues?
Most Chevy users experience wireless charging issues because their smartphone is not aligned with the charging pad due to the design and structure of the pad and the mobile, and the size of the smartphone does not fit with the charging pad.
Even if the charging is done, another common issue is that it takes a long time to get charged compared to the wired chargers.
Before we investigate the reasons for Chevrolet and GMC Wireless Charging Not Working, let us first know the methodology of wireless charging.
How Does a Wireless Charger Work?
Wireless charging technology is based on Electromagnetic induction.
The wireless charging pad in Chevy has a coil, small, which uses the power to generate a magnetic field and with a transmitter, a small coin-like structure that mostly can be seen in the middle of the charging pad enables charging.
The smartphone with wireless charging compatibility will have a coil in it to receive the charge and get the phone powered up.
Chevrolet and GMC Wireless Charging Not Working
Let us discuss some of the problems in wireless charging and the solutions to fix them.
Problem: Why does my wireless charger not charge my smartphone?
Reason:
Wireless Charging Issues can be seen when the transmitter in the wireless charging pad and the receiver in the mobile must get aligned when the phone is placed on the charging pad and if not, the issue is wireless charger chevrolet not working
Solution:
Rotate the phone to 180 degrees and place the phone on the charging pad, mostly it would enable the alignment of the transmitter and the receiver resulting in proper charging.
If the phone is not charging, remove it and wait for a few seconds. Then place it again on the charging pad. Even restarting and placing the phone on the charging pad can work.
02. Problem: Why is my iPhone not charging with the wireless charger of my vehicle?
Reason:
Verify that the smartphone is compatible with the wireless charger of your vehicle.
To check the compatibility of your smartphone, simply visit the website and type in the name or model of your smartphone using the search option.
As a result, the entire specification of your device will be displayed.
Wherein, scroll down and under the head battery, if it is mentioned as “Wireless Charging,” then your smartphone is compatible with wireless charging.
Solution:
If your iPhone is not compatible with wireless charging, it may need a charging case that would make them compatible to get wireless charging.
You can find the details regarding chevy wireless charging compatibility in the latter part of this article.
03. Problem: Why does my wireless charger keep pausing?
Reason:
If your phone is in fast charging mode, and if the wireless charger is not compatible with that, then it may pause charging.
Solution:
In your phone change the settings to wireless charging mode.
04. Problem: Why is my Chevrolet wireless charging not working with my new Apple iPhone 8 Plus model?
Reason:
The built-in wireless chargers in GM vehicles of the 2015 to 2018 models are not equipped to be compatible with the newer versions of iPhones.
Solution:
Upgrade the wireless charger by replacing it with a wireless smartphone charging retrofit kit which is a plug-and-play General Motors replacement charger to function well with the latest model of smartphones.
Step by step guide to upgrading the wireless charger:
Step 1 – Buy an upgraded wireless charger
To install the upgraded wireless charger, the very first step is to buy the upgraded GM Charger. It can be bought online or from GM vehicle dealers. It costs around $120.
Step 2 – Get the tools needed
To replace it we simply need two instruments, a screwdriver, and a plastic trim removal tool.
A plastic trim removal tool will help to remove the bottom covering of the armrest where the charger has its place.
Step 3 – Remove the charging mat
Remove the rubber charging mat, the one in which the smartphone is placed to get charged using the plastic trim removal tool without damaging the armrest.
Step 4 – Remove the panel under the armrest
Under the armrest can see the panel fixed with metal clips. By inserting the plastic trim tool in between the leather and the plastic body, we can safely remove it by popping the clips loose.
It would be a little difficult, but by placing the trim tool closer to the clips, one can remove the panel without damaging the body.
Step 5 – Unscrew the old charging module
Now one can see the charging module. It is fixed with 4 screws which can be easily removed with a suitable screwdriver.
After removing the screws, remove the white-colored electrical connector by pulling it out with a press on the clip.
Step 6 – Install the new upgraded wireless charging module
It is time to replace the new charger. Now connect the electrical connector with the new charger.
Fix the charger in the same place with the screws in a way that the black side should be placed up and the silver-colored back part below.
Place the cables properly so that they are not stuck to the clips.
Step 7 – Fix the panel
Place the plastic covering of the panel by clipping down all the clips.
Step 8 – It is ready
Place the new charging mat. Place the smartphone on it and can see the phone charging.
Chevy Wireless Charging Compatibility
Most phone models are compatible and capable of charging with the Chevy wireless charging system, including the iPhone, Galaxy, Nexus, Lumia, and Droid models.
Below is the list of compatible smartphones that have built-in wireless charging and other smartphones that can accommodate third-party accessories making the phone compatible with Chevy wireless charger.
| Phone Name | Phone Model | Built-in/compatible with 3rd party accessories |
| Apple | iPhone 5, 5s, SE | Compatible with Third-party accessories |
| Apple | iPhone 6, 6s, 7 | Compatible with Third-party accessories |
| Apple | iPhone 6 Plus, 6s Plus, 7 Plus | Compatible with Third-party accessories |
| Apple | iPhone 8, X (10) | Built-in |
| Apple | iPhone 8 Plus | Built-in |
| LG | Nexus 4, 5 | Built-in |
| LG | Spectrum 2 | Built-in |
| LG | G6 | Built-in |
| LG | V30 | Built-in |
| Motorola | Droid-4 | Compatible with Third-party accessories |
| Motorola | Droid-Bionic | Compatible with Third-party accessories |
| Motorola | Droid-Maxx | Built-in |
| Motorola | Droid-Mini | Built-in |
| Motorola | Moto-X | Compatible with Third-party accessories |
| Nokia | Lumia 920, 928 | Built-in |
| Nokia | Lumia 830, 930 | Built-in |
| Nokia | Lumia 950, 950 XL | Built-in |
| Samsung | Galaxy S4 | Compatible with Third-party accessories |
| Samsung | Galaxy S5 | Compatible with Third-party accessories |
| Samsung | Galaxy S6, S6 Edge | Built-in |
| Samsung | Galaxy S6 Active | Built-in |
| Samsung | Galaxy S6 Edge Plus, S7 Edge | Built-in |
| Samsung | Galaxy S7, S7 Active | Built-in |
| Samsung | Galaxy S8 | Built-in |
| Samsung | Galaxy S8 Plus | Built-in |
| Samsung | Note 5, 7 & 8 | Built-in |
Below is the list of vehicle names and years that are compatible with the wireless charging feature.
| Model / Year | Compatible Chevrolet model Names |
| 2018 | Buick Enclave |
| 2018 | Cadillac Escalade |
| 2019 | Chevrolet Suburban |
| 2019 | Chevrolet Bolt |
| 2019 | Chevrolet Silverado LD |
| 2019 | XT4, XT5, and XT6 |
| 2019 | GMC Sierra LD |
| 2020 | Sierra HD |
| 2019 | GMC Canyon |
| 2019 | GMC Yukon |
| 2019 | GMC Acadia |
| 2019 | GMC Terrain |
| 2019 | Cadillac CT6 |
| 2020 | Chevrolet Silverado HD |
Some smartphones are not compatible with Chevy wireless charging due to their unsuitable size, including the Samsung Note, iPhone 7+, and 8+ series, the Galaxy S7-Edge, and S8+.
Below smartphones due to their physical size can avail of wireless charging facilities in the 2018 and 2019 listed Chevrolet models only.
| Smartphone Name & Model | Chevrolet Vehicle Name & Model |
| Apple iPhone 6, 6s, 7, 8 Plus | 2018 and 2019 Escalade ESV, Cadillac Escalade
2019 Chevrolet Silverado-LD 2019 GMC Sierra-LD |
| LG V30 | |
| Samsung Note 5, 7, 8 |
Below are the smartphones that may not work on the following GM Vehicle Names & Models and need upgrading the charging module.
| Smartphone Name & Model | Chevrolet Vehicle Name & Model |
| Apple – iPhone 8, X (10) | 2018-Buick Enclave
2018-Cadillac Escalade, Escalade-ESV 2018-Chevrolet.Bolt 2018-Chevrolet.Tahoe 2018-Chevrolet Silverado LD, HD 2018-Chevrolet-Suburban 2018-GMC.Terrain 2018-GMC Yukon & XL 2018-GMC Sierra LD & HD |
| Samsung- Galaxy S6_Active | |
| Samsung- Galaxy S7 | |
| Samsung- Galaxy S7_Active | |
| Samsung- Galaxy S8_plus |
How do you turn on wireless charging on a Chevy?
The available wireless charging on Chevy can charge compatible smartphones while driving, without having to plug it in, without any charging code, or without searching for an additional charger for your car.
Free from the clutter of wires, the below steps will help you to turn on wireless charging on a Chevy.
Step 1. Power on
Turn your vehicle on and activate the accessory mode or in RAP (Retained Accessory Power) mode.
Step 2. Find the charging pad
Find the charging pad or pocket as per the model of the vehicle. In some of the models, it can be found under the armrest or in the back seat.
In some GM vehicles, it can be seen as a vertical pouch. Some vehicles may have it near the gear shift.
It can be found using the information in the user manual. However, we could see a battery symbol on the charging pad, pouch, or slot.
Step 3. Clear the charging mat
There should be no objects placed on the charging pad or pocket except the smartphone to be charged, particularly metal objects and magnetic ones.
If the phone is covered with a protective cover or fancy decorations that impair it from getting charged, it must be removed.
Step 4. Place the phone properly
Place the smartphone face-up on the coil charging symbol on the charging pad and align it properly.
Ensure that the smartphone is fully placed on the charging pad or fully inserted inside the charging pocket. If the phone is not lined-up properly, then charging will not happen.
Step 5. Check its charging
If everything is fine, you will be able to see the charging indicator symbol on the car’s infotainment screen and at the same time, your phone will also display the charging symbol display.
In some models, one can see a small green LED light glowing on the charging pad when the phone is charging.
Few points worth knowing
- Before we investigate turning on wireless charging on a Chevy, you must know the information that wireless charging will affect the functioning of an implanted pacemaker or any other related medical device. It is highly recommended to consult your doctor before turning on the wireless charging system.
- Credit cards and debit cards have some inbuilt chips inside them. It may get affected if placed on the charging pad or pocket as it is prone to get affected by the electromagnetic waves. So, placing the cards on it is not advisable.
FAQs: Chevrolet and GM Wireless Charging
Q. What phones are compatible with Chevy wireless charging?
Ans: Mostly all Smartphones like Apple, Nokia, Motorola, Samsung, and LG are compatible with Chevy wireless chargers, wherein some models have built-in compatibility and others can be used with third-party accessories like charging cases.
Q: How do I get my charging pad to work?
Ans: Removing all the objects that are placed on the charging pad is essential to make the charging pad work and get the phone out from any thick cover which may not allow the charging pad to work properly.
Q: Does my Silverado have wireless charging?
Ans: If it is a 2021 Silverado 1500, it provides a wireless phone charger. For Tahoe and Impala models wireless charging is an optional feature. In Silverado and Traverse – Premier Trim, it is a standard feature.
Final Thoughts
If chevrolet equinox/colorado wireless charging not working, you must be solved it and I hope this article has served its purpose.
The wireless charging feature of GM vehicles initially received some criticism and complaints regarding its malfunctioning.
Ever-growing mobile phone technologies also required some improvements to the vehicles’ wireless chargers.
The upgraded wireless chargers and their design allow the vehicle owners to easily upgrade their vehicle’s wireless charging system.