2021 GMC SIERRA Owner's Manual

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-14632426) - 2021 - CRC - 11/5/20
152 Infotainment System
The favorites and volume switches are on
the back of the steering wheel.1. Favorite: When on a radio source, press to select the next or previous audio
broadcast favorite. When listening to a
media device, press to select the next or
previous track.
2. Volume: Press to increase or decrease the volume.
Using the System
Audio
Touch the Audio icon to display the active
audio source page. Examples of available
sources may include AM, FM, SXM (if
equipped), USB, AUX, and Bluetooth.
Phone
Touch the Phone icon to display the Phone
main page. See Bluetooth (Pairing and Using
a Phone) 0181 or
Bluetooth (Overview) 0180.
Nav
If equipped, touch the Nav icon to display
the navigation map. See Using the
Navigation System 0163.
Users
If equipped, touch the Users icon to sign in
or create a new user profile, and follow the
on-screen instructions.
Only four user profiles can be active at one
time in the vehicle. It may be necessary to
remove a profile from the menu before
creating or signing into an existing profile.
The removed profile can be logged into at a
later time.
Settings
Touch the Settings icon to display the
Settings menu. See Settings0186.
Apple CarPlay
Touch the Apple CarPlay icon to activate
Apple CarPlay (if equipped) after a
supported device is connected. See Apple
CarPlay and Android Auto 0185.
Android Auto
Touch the Android Auto icon to activate
Android Auto (if equipped) after a supported
device is connected. See Apple CarPlay and
Android Auto 0185.
Apps
If equipped, in-vehicle apps are available for
download. Touch the Apps icon on the
Home Page to begin.
Downloading and using in-vehicle apps
requires Internet connectivity which can be
accessed with a data plan through the
vehicle’s built-in 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot,
if equipped, or a compatible mobile device
hotspot. On most mobile devices, activation
of the Wi-Fi hotspot is in the device’s
Settings menu under Mobile Network
Sharing, Personal Hotspot, Mobile Hotspot,
or similar.

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Availability of apps and connectivity varies
by vehicle, conditions, and location. Data
plan rates apply. Features are subject to
change. For more information, see
www.my.gmc.com/learn.
OnStar Services
If equipped, touch the OnStar Services icon
to display the OnStar Services and Account
pages. SeeOnStar Overview 0440 and
OnStar System 0162.
Camera
If equipped, touch the Camera icon to access
the camera application. See Assistance
Systems for Parking or Backing 0266.
Shortcut Tray
The shortcut tray is near the bottom of the
display. It shows up to four applications.
Infotainment Display Features
Infotainment display features show on the
display when available. When a feature is
unavailable, it may gray out. When a
feature is touched, it may highlight.
Haptic Feedback
If equipped, haptic feedback is a pulse that
occurs when an icon or option is touched on
the display or when controls on the center
stack are pressed.
Infotainment Gestures
Use the following finger gestures to control
the infotainment system.
Touch/Tap
Touch/tap is used to select an icon or
option, activate an application, or change
the location inside a map. Touch and Hold
Touch and hold can be used to start another
gesture, or to move or delete an application.
Drag
Drag is used to move applications on the
Home Page, or to pan the map. To drag the
item, it must be held and moved along the
display to the new location. This can be

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
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154 Infotainment System
done up, down, right, or left. This feature is
only available when vehicle is parked and
not in motion.
Nudge
Nudge is used to move items a short
distance on a list or a map. To nudge, hold
and move the selected item up or down to
a new location.
Fling or Swipe
Fling or swipe is used to scroll through a
list, pan the map, or change page views. Do
this by placing a finger on the display then
moving it rapidly up and down or right
and left.
Spread
Spread is used to zoom in on a map, certain
images, or a web page. Place finger and
thumb together on the display, then move
them apart.Pinch
Pinch is used to zoom out on a map, certain
images, or a web page. Place finger and
thumb apart on the display, then move
them together.
Cleaning High Gloss Surfaces and Vehicle
Information and Radio Displays
For vehicles with high gloss surfaces or
vehicle displays, use a microfiber cloth to
wipe surfaces. Before wiping the surface
with the microfiber cloth, use a soft bristle
brush to remove dirt that could scratch the
surface. Then use the microfiber cloth by
gently rubbing to clean. Never use window
cleaners or solvents. Periodically hand wash
the microfiber cloth separately, using mild
soap. Do not use bleach or fabric softener.
Rinse thoroughly and air dry before
next use.

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Software Updates
Over-the-Air Software Updates
If equipped, see“Updates”underSettings
0 186 for details on software updates.
Radio
AM-FM Radio
Playing the Radio
From the Home Page, touch the Audio icon
to display the active audio source page.
Choose from the three most recently used
sources listed at the left side of the display
or touch the More option to display a list of
available sources. Examples of available
sources may include AM, FM, SXM (if
equipped), USB, AUX (if equipped), and
Bluetooth.
Infotainment System Sound Menu
From any of the audio source main pages,
touch Sound to display the following:
Equalizer : Touch to adjust Bass, Midrange,
Treble, and Surround (if equipped) using the
options on the infotainment display. Fade/Balance :
Touch to adjust by using the
controls on the infotainment display or by
tapping/dragging the crosshair.
Finding a Station
Seeking a Station
From the AM, FM, or SXM (if equipped)
option, press
6or7on the center stack
to search for the previous or next strong
station or channel.
Browsing Stations
Touch the Browse option to list all available
stations or channels. Navigate up and down
through all stations by scrolling the list.
Touch the station or channel you want to
listen to. Touch
Hto save the station or
channel as a favorite. If equipped, touch Update Station List to
update the active stations in your area.
Direct Tune
Access Direct Tune by touching the Tune
icon on the infotainment display to bring up
the keypad. Navigate through all frequencies
using the arrows on the right side of the
Direct Tune display. Directly enter a station
or channel using the keypad. When a new
station or channel is entered, the
information about that station or channel
displays on the right side. This information
will update with each new valid frequency.
Touch
Hto save the station or channel as
a favorite.

GMC Sierra/Sierra Denali 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
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The keypad will gray out entries that do not
contribute to a valid frequency and will
automatically place a decimal point within
the frequency number.
Touch (X) to delete one number at a time.
Touch and hold (X) to delete all numbers.
A valid AM or FM station will automatically
tune to the new frequency but not close the
Direct Tune display. When listening to SXM
(if equipped), touch Go after entering the
channel. Touch the Back icon on the
infotainment display or touch
zto exit out
of Direct Tune.
The tune arrows on the right side of the
Direct Tune display will tune through the
complete station or channel list one station
step at a time per touch. A touch and hold
advances through stations or channels
quickly.
If equipped, HD Radio multicast stations
cannot be tuned directly through the Direct
Tune feature. Only the analog or
HD1 station can use that feature. Use the
display arrows to adjust to the multicast
stations.
AM, FM, and SXM Categories
From the AM stations, if equipped with HD
Radio, FM, or SXM (if equipped) display,
touch Categories at the top of the Browse
menu to access the categories list. The list
contains names associated with the AM or
FM stations, or SXM channels. Touch a
category name to display a list of stations
or channels for that category. Touching a
station or channel from the list will tune the
radio to that station or channel.
Storing Radio Station Presets
Favorites show in the area at the top of the
display.
AM, FM, SXM (if equipped), and HD Radio
Stations (if equipped) : Press and hold a
preset to store the current station or
channel as a favorite. Touch a saved favorite
to recall a favorite station or channel. Favorites can also be stored by touching
H
in a station or channel list. This will
highlight indicating that it is now saved as a
favorite.
The number of favorites displayed is
automatically adjusted by default, but can
be manually adjusted in Settings in the
System tab under Favorites and then Set
Number of Audio Favorites. It can also be
adjusted in Settings in the Apps tab under
Audio and then Set Number of Audio
Favorites.
HD Radio Technology
If equipped, HD Radio is a free service with
features such as digital quality sound, more
stations available on a single frequency such
as HD2 and HD3, and display information
such as artist and song title.
From the Now Playing display, touch the HD
Radio icon to turn HD on or off.
Station Access
To access HD Radio stations:
1. Tune the radio to the station. If HD Radio is turned on and the station is
broadcasting in HD Radio, the radio will
automatically tune to the HD version of
the current channel (HD1) after several

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Infotainment System 157
seconds. The radio will also display
icons representing additional channels
(HD2, ...HD8), that may be available.
When the radio successfully tunes to a
HD station, the HD logo will display and
digital audio will play.
2. Touch the display arrows to tune to the previous or next HD Radio station.
There may be a delay before the station
starts playing.
The HD Radio station number is indicated
next to the HD logo.
HD Radio stations can be saved as favorites.
For a list of all stations, see
www.hdradio.com.
HD Radio Troubleshooting
Digital Audio Delay : Wait for the signal to
process. This can take several seconds.
Volume Change, Audio Skip, Echo, Digital
Audio Lost : Station signal strength may be
weak, the station is out of range, or the
station may be out of alignment. Verify
proper reception on another station.
If the HD Radio signal weakens while
listening to HD1, the radio will automatically
switch to the analog version of the radio
station. If the HD Radio signal loses reception while
listening to stations HD2 to HD8, the radio
mutes until the signal can be recovered or
until the station is changed.
HD Radio can be disabled if driving in a
weak signal area. Touch HD Radio On/Off to
toggle HD Radio reception on and off.
Radio Data System (RDS)
If equipped, RDS features are available for
use only on FM stations that broadcast RDS
information. With RDS, the radio can:
.Group stations by Category (i.e., Program
Type) such as Rock, Jazz, Classical, etc.
.Display messages from radio stations.
This system relies on receiving specific
information from these stations and only
works when the information is available.
It is possible that a radio station could
broadcast incorrect information that causes
the radio features to work improperly. If this
happens, contact the radio station.
When information is broadcast from a RDS
station, the station name or call letters
display on the audio screen. Radio text
supporting the currently playing broadcast
may also appear.
Satellite Radio
SiriusXM Radio Service
If equipped, vehicles with a valid SiriusXM
radio subscription can receive SiriusXM
programming.
SiriusXM radio has a wide variety of
programming and commercial-free music,
coast to coast, in digital-quality sound. In
the U.S., see www.siriusxm.com or call
1-888-601-6296. In Canada, see
www.siriusxm.ca or call 1-877-438-9677.
When SiriusXM is active, the channel name,
number, song title, and artist appear on the
display.
SiriusXM with 360L
SiriusXM with 360L interface has enhanced
in-vehicle listening experience for
subscribers. The experience now offers more
categories and system learned
recommendations toward discovering more
personalized content.
To use the full SiriusXM 360L program,
including streaming content and listening
recommendations, OnStar Connected Access
is required. Connected vehicle services vary

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158 Infotainment System
by model and require a complete working
electrical system, cell reception, and GPS
signal. An active connected plan is required.
Reference the SiriusXM user guide for use
and subscription information.
Radio Reception
Unplug electronic devices from the accessory
power outlets if there is interference or
static in the radio.
FM
FM signals only reach about 16 to 65 km (10
to 40 mi). Although the radio has a built-in
electronic circuit that automatically works to
reduce interference, some static can occur,
especially around tall buildings or hills,
causing the sound to fade in and out.
AM
The range for most AM stations is greater
than for FM, especially at night. The longer
range can cause station frequencies to
interfere with each other. Static can also
occur when things like storms and power
lines interfere with radio reception. When
this happens, try reducing the treble on the
radio.
SiriusXM Satellite Radio Service
If equipped, SiriusXM Satellite Radio Service
provides digital radio reception. Tall
buildings or hills can interfere with satellite
radio signals, causing the sound to fade in
and out. In addition, traveling or standing
under heavy foliage, bridges, garages,
or tunnels may cause loss of the SiriusXM
signal for a period of time. Some cellular
services may interfere with SXM reception
causing loss of signal.
Mobile Device Usage
Mobile device usage, such as making or
receiving calls, charging, or just having the
mobile device on may cause static
interference in the radio. Unplug the mobile
device or turn it off if this happens.
Fixed Mast Antenna
The fixed mast antenna will go through
most car washes as long as it is securely
attached. If the antenna becomes slightly
bent, straighten it out by hand. If it is badly
bent, replace it.
Occasionally check that the antenna is tight
at the base. If tightening is required, protect
the paint from damage.
Multi-Band Antenna
The roof antenna is for SiriusXM Satellite
Radio, OnStar, and GPS (Global Positioning
System), depending on the equipped
options. Keep clear of obstructions for clear
reception. If the vehicle has a sunroof, and it
is open, reception can also be affected.
Audio Players
Avoiding Untrusted Media Devices
When using media devices such as SD cards,
USB devices, and mobile devices, consider
the source. Untrusted media devices could
contain files that affect system operation or
performance. Avoid use if the content or
origin cannot be trusted.
USB Port
This vehicle is equipped with two USB ports
in the center console under the armrest and
another two in the center stack. These ports
are for data and charging.
There may also be two USB ports for
charging only at the rear of the center
console.

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Caution
To avoid vehicle damage, unplug all
accessories and disconnect all accessory
cables from the vehicle when not in use.
Accessory cables left plugged into the
vehicle, unconnected to a device, could be
damaged or cause an electrical short if
the unconnected end comes in contact
with liquids or another power source such
as the accessory power outlet.
Playing from a USB
A USB mass storage device can be connected
to the USB port.
Gracenote
When plugging in a USB device, Gracenote
service builds voice tags for music. Voice
tags allow artists, albums with hard to
pronounce names, and nicknames to be used
to play music through voice recognition.
While indexing, infotainment features are
available.My Media Library
MyMedia is only available when more than
one indexed device is connected. It allows
access to content from all indexed media
sources. MyMedia will show as an available
source in the Source page.
USB MP3 Player and USB Devices
The USB MP3 players and USB devices
connected must comply with the USB Mass
Storage Class specification (USB MSC).
to play a USB device:
1. Connect the USB.
2. Press MEDIA on the center stack until the connected device is shown.
Use the following when playing an active
USB source:
r: Touch to play the current media source.
j: Touch to pause playback of the current
media source.
g:
.Press to seek to the beginning of the
current or previous track.
.Press and hold to reverse quickly through
playback. Release to return to playing
speed. Elapsed time displays.
d:
.Press to seek to the next track.
.Press and hold to advance quickly
through playback. Release to return to
playing speed. Elapsed time displays.
Shuffle : Touch the shuffle icon to play
music in random order.
USB Menu
Touch the Menu icon to display the USB
menu. The following may be available:
Shuffle : Touch to play the tracks randomly.
Touch again to stop shuffle.
Tone : Touch + or –to adjust the tone
settings. See AM-FM Radio 0155.
Auto Volume (If Equipped) : This feature
adjusts the volume based on the vehicle
speed. See AM-FM Radio 0155.
Bose AudioPilot Noise Compensation
Technology (If Equipped : This feature
adjusts the volume based on the noise in
the vehicle and speed. See AM-FM Radio
0 155.
USB Browse Menu
When a list of songs, albums, artists,
or other types of media displays, the up and
down arrows and A-Z appear on the left