You don’t have to buy a data plan to use google maps!

[Cryptocap]

So after my data plan ran out, I was curious if I would be able to use the built in Google maps on my 22 Tahoe.

I used the hotspot on my phone and connected my Tahoe to it. Once I did that the built in google maps was online, without having to use CarPlay. So no data plan through onstar is needed for these features to work. It will look like below when connected to a phone’s hotspot.



Below is a another thread that answers questions about the built in features.
Question on Google Maps

 

[cgator67]

So after my data plan ran out, I was curious if I would be able to use the built in Google maps on my 22 Tahoe.

I used the hotspot on my phone and connected my Tahoe to it. Once I did that the built in google maps was online, without having to use CarPlay. So no data plan through onstar is needed for these features to work. It will look like below when connected to a phone’s hotspot.

I always thought this would be the case.. glad you tried it and confirmed.

 

[Cryptocap]

I always thought this would be the case.. glad you tried it and confirmed.

Yea it would have been a bad deal for Google to have their software built-in and not usable.
I knew I had seen info about it and I thought it was in the owners manual but it’s actually on Google’s support page.

Use your car’s built-in Google apps and services without a mobile data plan - Cars with Google built-in

If you don’t have a mobile data plan for your car, some Google apps and services won’t work fully. You can still connect to the internet through Wi-Fi or a mobile hotspot

support.google.com

 

[Jb504]

Does Wireless CarPlay still work for streaming music?

 

[Eusibius2]

@Cryptocap thanks for posting this.

 

[mbd2015LTZ]

Yes please explain what phone you are using. My iPhone hotspot won't show, likely because CarPlay is connected. Do tell!!

 

[BG1988]

So after my data plan ran out, I was curious if I would be able to use the built in Google maps on my 22 Tahoe.

I used the hotspot on my phone and connected my Tahoe to it. Once I did that the built in google maps was online, without having to use CarPlay. So no data plan through onstar is needed for these features to work. It will look like below when connected to a phone’s hotspot.

View attachment 364045

Below is a another thread that answers questions about the built in features.
Question on Google Maps

it might be cached

 

[mbd2015LTZ]

it might be cached

No, if you can connect the vehicle to a wifi connection they'll load. Mine wouldn't load, connected the Tahoe to my home wifi and boom they loaded right up.

EDIT: Now if I could just get my phone hotspot to connect, I'll keep up to date!

 

[BG1988]

No, if you can connect the vehicle to a wifi connection they'll load. Mine wouldn't load, connected the Tahoe to my home wifi and boom they loaded right up.

EDIT: Now if I could just get my phone hotspot to connect, I'll keep up to date!

does the home wifi extend pass the drive way?

 

[mbd2015LTZ]

does the home wifi extend pass the drive way?

Of course not, was just curious if they'd load. Not the end of the world, CarPlay and apple maps is just fine. More annoyed that not all features are just there and working!