2024 Corvette Hands-Free Calling Won’t Work? (Google Built-in Flaws & Fixes)

Chevy debuted Google built-in on all 2024 Corvettes, but certain features require a paid subscription, which is frustrating some owners.

A quick tech tip or PSA owner for anyone who owns a 2024+ C8 Corvette (or any GM vehicle) with the new Google built-in variation of the Chevy infotainment system. This applies to Stingray, Z06, and E-Ray owners.

The C8 Corvette debuted in 2020 with an 8-inch Chevy Infotainment touchscreen display featuring wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. In 2021, GM added wireless functionality. And for 2024, they’ve added a new brain for the system, Google built-in. While still compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, because Google built-in interfaces with a Google account, it also connects personalized services like Google Maps with real-time traffic updates, YouTube music, as well as other Google and third-party apps.

Also, like any Google smart device — phone, tablet, or connected home device — Google built-in offers a number of voice commands (or prompts) to operate certain functions without having to take your eyes off the road or use your hands. Play Music. Volume Up. Take me home, etc.

Effectively, Google built-in turns the 2024 Corvette’s infotainment system into a tablet or smartphone all by itself, even when you don’t have a smartphone connected.

The Trouble With Google built-in and Hands-Free Calling

Google built-in generally works quite well these days. But there are a few compromises and complications. Certain Google built-in features, like speech-activated prompts and navigation, require subscribing to a paid data plan. (You also need a Google account, which some find frustrating.)

So what happens when you DON’T subscribe after the free trial ends?

That’s where CorvetteForum member rjla67 comes into the story with THIS THREAD in the forums. Rjla67 had no problems making hands-free calls on his C7 Corvette simply by connecting his phone via Bluetooth. However, with the 2024 C8 Corvette, contacts and answering phone calls worked. If he attempted to make a hands-free call by tapping the Talk button, the Corvette responded with —

“to do that you’ll need an internet connection” and “Shop plans”

A trip to the dealership and reading the owner’s manual (pages 135-140) offered no clear solution to the problem, leaving him and other 2024 owners to wonder, do you really need to subscript to a paid service simply to say, “Call CorvetteForum Editor?”

Nope. It just turns out there is more than one way to press the Talk button, which might not be immediately obvious. A quick tap (or short press) summons Google built-in. But that apparently only works with a subscription. However, if you long-press, or press and hold the Talk button until it beaps, the system should allow you to make Bluetooth calls with your phone or, if connected to Apple CarPlay, summon Siri. It also works with Android phones if Android Auto is turned on.

So there you have it. If you haven’t subscribed to the paid data plan and you can’t access Siri, Android Assistant, or make a hands-free call, try long-pressing the Talk button.

Image Credit: CorvetteForum member salemusa & Chevrolet