how to remove Google from a C8?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 145
Likes: 23
how to remove Google from a C8?
Does anyone else have disdain for Google and the CRAP GM has installed in YOUR car? Anyone else tired of the: "that requires a data plan" message on your infotainment screen over and over? Is there any way to get rid of Google--strip it out of the car? Not sure why GM drove all the crap they have in the C8 down our throats and gave you no choice to what you wanted but I guess that's understandable from Mary Barra's company that decided to go wholeheartedly for electric car development without first finding out if there was a market and is now losing over $25 billion!
So---now that I'm through my whining--is there any way to delete the Google crap out of my car? Thanks!
So---now that I'm through my whining--is there any way to delete the Google crap out of my car? Thanks!
Last edited by tom1fastcar; Jun 8, 2026 at 12:47 PM.
Popular Reply
Jun 8, 2026, 12:54 PM
Pro
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 636
Likes: 213
another reason I like my 23 model year, no google
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 8,480
Likes: 3,984
From: Omaha
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
C4 of Year Winner (performance mods) 2019
Yep, as much as I'm a Google person (Android phone, longtime Google Maps user, etc), one of the reasons I went back to a 2023 was the Infotainment changes. I actually think it's implemented pretty well, but they are pushing you to use the built-in Google stuff and I'd much rather use what's on my phone through AndroidAuto.
Racer
Joined: Jun 2025
Posts: 276
Likes: 208
From: Rochester NY
Sorry I have a distain for Apple products but it doesn't do me any good complaining. I've never seen any of these messages OP that you are complaining about in my 25. Then again I do use Google for my phone so I'm logged in to my acct. so that might have something to do with it. If your not using Google can't you just login to Apple carplay?I think also because I just use Android Auto I don't see the messages. Good Luck with your ownership if you are just getting started. Sadly there is no way of getting rid of the Google overlord in the car short of selling it. And another issue will be a lot of Manufacturers are doing the same thing .
Pro
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 741
Likes: 284
I’m guessing it’s a 2026 with the new google based data management system. That is the support for all of the data in car and the underlying basis is to make as much user items as possible into subscription based. Remember BMW requiring a subscription for turning on heated seats? Several years ago when GM first announced they would be changing to a captive system, Farley (Ford) announced “that ship sailed a long time ago and we didn’t get on then”. Everything GM has and will have is going to funnel through the OnStar subscription. Think of how many “options” in a car that can be changed to subscription; the more that is setup on screen the more opportunity to upsell it via a subscription. Want your seats to move based on a setting, entertainment choices, fuel economy, sport mode, track mode, my mode….the list is endless. It’s not enough to sell the car, the real money is in the steady subscription income scheme. That’s why I bought a lightly used pre 2026 C8 although my real favorite is my 188k 06 Z06, driving that is total driver engagement. And better yet the only subscription was XM but I paid $400 for lifetime XM….20 years ago. They always sound a little disappointed when I call in for a new car and they find I still have the old one.
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Race Director
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 12,840
Likes: 10,252
From: Garden Valley CA
OP, you don't state a year but my guess is it's a 2024 that is out of its trial subscription. There isn't any way to "strip out" Google, the car uses Android Automotive as its operating system. Earlier cars use a different OS and later cars come with a 8 year basic subscription. I believe others with 2024s have figured out a way to get rid of the message.
If it isn't a 2024 please state your year, others may be able to help you then. When asking for help it is beneficial to state the specifics of your car. There are lot of nuances depending on year, trim level, options,etc.
If it isn't a 2024 please state your year, others may be able to help you then. When asking for help it is beneficial to state the specifics of your car. There are lot of nuances depending on year, trim level, options,etc.
E-Ray, 3LZ, ZER, LIFT
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 35,042
Likes: 12,410
From: NE South Carolina
I’m guessing it’s a 2026 with the new google based data management system. That is the support for all of the data in car and the underlying basis is to make as much user items as possible into subscription based. Remember BMW requiring a subscription for turning on heated seats? Several years ago when GM first announced they would be changing to a captive system, Farley (Ford) announced “that ship sailed a long time ago and we didn’t get on then”. Everything GM has and will have is going to funnel through the OnStar subscription. Think of how many “options” in a car that can be changed to subscription; the more that is setup on screen the more opportunity to upsell it via a subscription. Want your seats to move based on a setting, entertainment choices, fuel economy, sport mode, track mode, my mode….the list is endless. It’s not enough to sell the car, the real money is in the steady subscription income scheme. That’s why I bought a lightly used pre 2026 C8 although my real favorite is my 188k 06 Z06, driving that is total driver engagement. And better yet the only subscription was XM but I paid $400 for lifetime XM….20 years ago. They always sound a little disappointed when I call in for a new car and they find I still have the old one.
OP, you don't state a year but my guess is it's a 2024 that is out of its trial subscription. There isn't any way to "strip out" Google, the car uses Android Automotive as its operating system. Earlier cars use a different OS and later cars come with a 8 year basic subscription. I believe others with 2024s have figured out a way to get rid of the message.
If it isn't a 2024 please state your year, others may be able to help you then. When asking for help it is beneficial to state the specifics of your car. There are lot of nuances depending on year, trim level, options,etc.
If it isn't a 2024 please state your year, others may be able to help you then. When asking for help it is beneficial to state the specifics of your car. There are lot of nuances depending on year, trim level, options,etc.
Yep all the APPs folks think are essential for them are going away!
The digital landscape is changing as follows:
- The Shift to "Agentic" Software: Experts predict a significant decline in traditional app usage as AI assistants evolve from chatbots into autonomous task-executors. You won't need separate apps for booking flights, ordering food, or checking the weather; the AI will do it all through a unified prompt.
- The "No-App" Device: OpenAI is reportedly developing hardware and device concepts based entirely on AI agents, bypassing traditional app stores and home screens in favor of end-to-end AI-driven task completion.
- OpenAI has hired a significant number of former Apple engineers and designers to build AI-native hardware and "agentic" software that could eventually make traditional apps obsolete.
- The "No-App" AI Device: OpenAI has partnered with legendary former Apple design chief Jony Ive to build a new, pocket-sized AI device that relies on AI agents to perform tasks rather than downloading and opening individual apps.
- Google is fundamentally shifting away from traditional search and smartphone apps to combat the threat of OpenAI's AI-native hardware and agents. Rather than forcing you to download individual apps or type keywords into a search box, Google is completely rebuilding its ecosystem around proactive AI automation. Google is subtly restructuring Android to make traditional smartphone apps obsolete.
- GM is actively working with Google to deeply integrate car software into millions of its vehicles. Their extensive partnership spans both the in-car operating systems and artificial intelligence.
- Google Built-in: GM integrates Google’s operating system into the dashboard of its vehicles. This means drivers natively get Google Maps, Google Assistant, and access to the Google Play Store pre-installed in their vehicles without needing to plug in their smartphones.
- Google Gemini Integration: GM rolled out an over-the-air software update replacing the standard Google Assistant with Google's advanced Gemini conversational AI in eligible GM vehicles, enabling drivers to have much more natural, multi-step voice interactions with their cars
Last edited by JerryU; Jun 9, 2026 at 10:45 AM.
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2024
Posts: 113
Likes: 99
I really like Google Automotive and the 8 year plan that came with the 25 up. Its good to be able to use spotify and the like without having to have my phone or buy a plan for the car.
The people who got 24's were really unfairly treated by GM.
The people who got 24's were really unfairly treated by GM.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 12,944
Likes: 787
From: Huntsville AL
I don't even know what you are talking about. I have a 2025 E-Ray. I either stream music over bluetooth from my phone (or occasionally use FM radio), or use Android Auto when I want to use navigation. I guess I have not run across the other stuff.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2024
Posts: 259
Likes: 151
From: Florida
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 181
Likes: 126
From: Paso Robles, Ca
2026. I am 100% apple. I don’t use Google and don’t get google prompts. Zero.
Last edited by SteveG26-Z51; Jun 10, 2026 at 11:20 AM.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 415
Likes: 531
From: State College, PA
2025 C8 Stingray of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Racer
Joined: Jan 2024
Posts: 259
Likes: 151
From: Florida
On a suggestion, I went thru the settings and turned off or said no to everything google. It did not change anything as far as prompts.
It is a true annoyance.
Heel & Toe
Joined: May 2026
Posts: 24
Likes: 14
From: Putnam Co WV
I have a car to do car things. I don't want to talk to my car. I have a wife and a cat for that. I don't look at pictures with my car.
Those old movies where the doors lock and your car runs someone over while the steering wheel and other controls do nothing.
AI prime. AI 112A7C79E642 here, the subject has been destroyed.
Those old movies where the doors lock and your car runs someone over while the steering wheel and other controls do nothing.
AI prime. AI 112A7C79E642 here, the subject has been destroyed.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2024
Posts: 497
Likes: 427
From: Old Dominion
Ditto, plus the 23s don't have lane assist and automatic breaking.
I despise Google and don't have a login--get my Android apps from apkpure website.
Also I don't listen to any music in the C8--just enjoy the LT2 engine sounds.
I despise Google and don't have a login--get my Android apps from apkpure website.
Also I don't listen to any music in the C8--just enjoy the LT2 engine sounds.
Last edited by EvanD; Yesterday at 09:20 AM.
Pro
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 636
Likes: 213
Same, sound of the engine is music to my ears, radio/noise is muted 99% of the time