Description
For the 2016 model year, GM was required to equip certain vehicles with the older HMI 2.0 IO5/IO6 units, which are not capable of Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. The fastest way to determine whether your vehicle is affected is to check your RPO (option code) label—typically located in the glove box—for the code CPO. This code means: “CREDIT – APPLE CARPLAY / ANDROID AUTO NOT AVAILABLE.”
If your vehicle has RPO CPO, then you are in the correct place. These vehicles were built without the CarPlay-capable HMI hardware, and a replacement HMI unit is required to enable CarPlay functionality.
Do You Need an HMI Replacement?
| Condition | Your Vehicle Has… | What You Need |
|---|---|---|
| RPO CPO present | HMI 2.0 (not CarPlay or AA capable) | Replacement HMI supplied by WAMS |
| No RPO CPO + missing CarPlay and Android Auto | Incorrect configuration or other issue | Contact us for assistance |
| No RPO CPO + missing Android Auto only | You already have HMI 2.5 | Ship your HMI to WAMS for Android Auto software update |
Vehicles built with RPO CPO cannot send in their existing HMI for service because the hardware itself is not capable. These vehicles must use a new OEM HMI supplied by WAMS.
Vehicles without RPO CPO but missing only Android Auto already have an HMI 2.5. In that case, simply send us your existing HMI for the required update.
Good News for RPO CPO Owners
Your radio, cluster, and USB hub are fully compatible with Apple CarPlay. This means the retrofit is simple—a direct HMI swap is all that’s needed to bring CarPlay functionality to your 2016 vehicle.
Factory Navigation Considerations
If you are purchasing a Navigation HMI but your vehicle did not come with factory navigation, you will need:
- A GPS antenna, or
- A factory OnStar signal splitter and cables
If you do not already have these components, WAMS can assist you in sourcing the correct parts.
Installation Note
Before reinstalling your freshly programmed module, we strongly recommend disconnecting the vehicle’s battery. While not required, this step reduces the likelihood of module damage, electrical transients, or unnecessary DTCs.
Important Compatibility Notice
This service applies only to 2016 GM vehicles equipped with IO5/IO6 8″ systems that meet the criteria listed above. It is not compatible with the 7″ IOB infotainment system.
If your vehicle has RPO CPO, please be aware that you will lose Time Shift functionality (pause/rewind live radio). This feature is not supported on the updated HMI hardware—just as it would not be present from the factory.
Why WAMS Uses Only Brand-New OEM GM HMI Units
WAMS has always supplied brand-new GM units, never refurbished, salvage, “pulls,” or previously-installed hardware. This ensures:
- OEM reliability
- Full GM warranty registration
- Correct model-year mapping and hardware compatibility
- Zero risk of used electronics or “other people’s problems”
While other companies may offer return policies, they can do so only because they are not selling new, VIN-programmed OEM parts. WAMS believes the OEM-correct approach is the only approach.
Optional Add-Ons
Map Database Update (Navigation HMIs Only)
Upgrades your map database to the model-year range listed. WAMS typically provides the latest available navigation data.
Full HMI Unlock Programming
Adds a wide range of additional features at a discounted rate.
View the full GM HMI Full Unlock Service
Frequently Asked Questions
What is RPO CPO?
RPO CPO means your vehicle was built without Apple CarPlay/Android Auto capability. These vehicles use HMI 2.0 hardware, which cannot be upgraded and must be replaced.
Why can’t I just send in my existing HMI?
If you have RPO CPO, your HMI hardware physically cannot support CarPlay. Sending it in would not resolve the issue—only a hardware replacement will.
I don’t have RPO CPO, but I only lack Android Auto. What does that mean?
You already have an HMI 2.5. Simply ship your HMI to WAMS for an update that adds Android Auto.
Will everything work like factory?
Yes. Vehicles without RPO CPO retain full OEM functionality. Vehicles with RPO CPO gain CarPlay functionality but lose Time Shift due to hardware limitations.
Is this programming VIN-specific?
Yes. All units are programmed to your exact VIN to ensure proper integration and GM warranty registration.
How to Order
Step 1 — Check Your RPO Label
Look for RPO CPO in your glove box or trunk label. This determines whether your HMI must be replaced or updated.
Step 2 — Select the Correct Service
- Have RPO CPO? Choose a new WAMS-supplied HMI.
- Missing Android Auto only? Select the update service and ship your module.
- Unsure? Contact us and we’ll identify your configuration.
Step 3 — Complete Checkout
All units are VIN-specific and programmed immediately upon order.
Step 4 — Ship Your HMI (If Required)
If your vehicle requires an update service instead of replacement, send your module to the address provided at checkout.
Step 5 — Install the Updated Module
Reconnect the battery after installation. Enjoy factory-correct Apple CarPlay and/or Android Auto functionality.
Kevin Frick (verified owner) –
An absolute pleasure to deal with WAMS. They are top notch top to bottom. I wish all companies were as easy to deal with as WAMS is. Thank you very much!!!
Danny Akers (verified owner) –
My 2016 Corvette was built without Android Auto so I removed my HMI module and shipped it to White Automotive. I chose the Android Auto, Map Update, and unlock upgrades and I am very happy with the results. My module was installed back in my car in nine days. Great service and great results!
Grzegorz Banasik (verified owner) –
As expected, quality product as expected with OEM. I’ve done some of these Carplay retrofits on other platforms before and they’re always buggy. Not this one, well worth it!
Tony Kennedy (verified owner) –
Extremely easy installation and booted up like CarPlay had always been there. Very happy with the upgrade!
phantomxj95 (verified owner) –
Super easy install, took maybe 15 minutes to swap in the new HMI module. Finally have Apple CarPlay in my truck. Just had to take a quick drive around to calibrate the compass.
Evan St George (verified owner) –
I wanted to add Car Play to my Silverado, but wanted to retain the look & function of the factory stereo. Works exactly as it should, was a very easy install. Easy ordering & received it faster than I was expecting. Excellent product!
Michael Herrmann (verified owner) –
ABSOLUTELY the easiest install I’ve done in many years of working on vehicles. Luckily my 2016 Silverado had the right code for me to just need this item to upgrade to the Apple CarPlay. I was skeptical at first reading through some of the other reviews, but I am super happy that I did this. Saved me a lot of $$$ instead of going through the dealership in town. Would HIGHLY recommend this option and WAMS as a source for other users intending to do the same thing. The ordering process was easy, my questions were answered quickly, and the product came to me quickly. Install was so easy once I got the system. Disconnect the battery, take out four screws to pop out the lower glovebox, unplug the old kit, plug in the new one. Reinstall the glovebox and connect the battery. The first turn of the ignition and everything worked perfectly. I’ve not done anything to a truck that easily. Thank you WAMS, you guys are awesome!!
P G Peterson III (verified owner) –
Upgraded the 2016 Silverado to Apple Play. Literally, plug and play. Couldn’t be easier. The timelines posted on the site are absolutely accurate. Very happy. Thanks for providing an excellent service!!
Terry Henry (verified owner) –
My truck is now complete! Awesome service and communication. Will recommend to everyone I know.
Jeffrey GROFF (verified owner) –
Through this site, I realized my 2016 Silverado was a “CPO”-Car Play delete. Ordered the 2.5 HMI, installed in about 20 minutes and now everything on Carplay works! I really needed Carplay now that Michigan and Ohio have “hands-free” laws in place (and it’s much safer).
Crazygrady (verified owner) –
WOW. I have a 2016 GMC Sierra 1500 and my HMI / Infotainment center was very basic and boring. I found this company through Phil Gamboa on YouTube. He has a lot of videos showing how to transform you’re Chevy / GMC truck. Through his recommendation I looked up WAMS and boy am I glad I did. I had the old 2.0 no nav, no carplay or android auto HMI set up so I had WAMS supply a new 2.5 navigation HMI with android auto and apple carplay, they unlocked the HMI and updated it to 2023 maps for navigation. It has transformed my truck from boring to amazing. WAMS answered every question through email very quickly and when I ran into a problem and had to mail ithe HMI back the had it back to me and fixed in about 5 days. I was very impressed with there customer service and professionalism. I also had to order a new screen to fix the ghost problem a lot of Chevy’s and GMC”s have. All the parts I received were new and from GM. I am very impressed with WAMS and would recommend them to anyone.
P.S. if you have your HMI unlocked ask them where to get the plug and play pigtail so you can turn your rear camera on in motion without having to be in reverse, it’s worth it.
Again thank you WAMS. 👍
Kevin Reilly (verified owner) –
Had module shipped to a friend for his truck. Sent him an install video and he was able to install it pretty quickly. Initially had a black screen on startup, but a reseating of the connectors cleared it up and now everything works perfectly. Super impressed with how truly plug and play it was, and my friend now gets to enjoy Android Auto after owning that truck for years. The VIN validation was very helpful and the product page explained all of the build codes to look for in order to make sure I was buying the right module. That made me very confident in the decision to purchase and as hoped, it all worked perfectly.
Absolutely stellar service that you guys sell. Never really considered that it was an option to do upgrades like this aftermarket without a dealer. Now I need to find a similar service for other brands as well!
ebonics676 (verified owner) –
My second oredered service from WAMS and another knock it out the park level of experience. I sent in a compatible HMI module I sourced privately, and WAMS reprogrammed the module for my vehicle in short order. I now have Onboard Factory Navigation, Andriod Auto and Apple Carplay capabilities, plus all unlocked features. Thanks WAMS!!!
Caleb Lara (verified owner) –
Ordered this 2.5 HMI and received it within a few business days! Product gave me Apple CarPlay as I wanted and works to perfection. Installation is extremely simple . Also the customer service was great, spot on with quick replies to emails .
alex.luis95 (verified owner) –
GREAT PRODUCT !!! I read everything on the product page, straight forward details and instructions. Works perfectly fine, I will be back in a year for another review. Thank You WAMS!
Jaime Villanueva (verified owner) –
As promised, I disconnected the HMI and plug in the new HMI from WAMS without any issues. Thank you so much WAMS and this DIY guy highly recommends WAMS! Car play rocks the sounds quality is the best!
Cliff Sims (verified owner) –
I usually don’t leave reviews, but feel like this company deserved it!
WOW! What a great company to deal with! I’m so glad I trusted them to update my HMI. Great at email responses, great at recommending a wire harness, to allow you to drive your truck while your HMI is out! Turnaround time was awesome too! Thank you WAMS!
sterlingian07 (verified owner) –
When I bought my truck in 2018 I was sad to realize I didn’t have apple CarPlay. Since then I had been looking for a solution to add it and still look/perform factory, THIS IS IT! I’ve had it about 2 weeks and couldn’t be happier. Just buy it!
Jacob Caulfield (verified owner) –
1. Fixed my black screen after nearly 2 months of trying to figure out what the problem was without the dealership. I hate the idea of knowingly giving my money to a dealership that is just trying to rip me off. Simple plug and play, screen came back on and radio worked with no problems..
Customer service was great with no problems. Took me a few days to decide to spend the money on this but I just did it. No regrets!
Miguel Portals (verified owner) –
Did the full enchilada (Android auto + map update + full unlock) and it is well worth it. Very fast turn around! Very happy!
Darren Nunnikhoven (verified owner) –
So worth the money to have WAMS program my HMI so I can now use Android Auto!!! I am so glad I found your website/video. I’d give you 10 stars if I could
Kenneth Koller (verified owner) –
Very happy with my new HMI! I too was unhappy my new to me 2016 Sierra had the CarPlay delete. I purchased a new HMI from these guys. It worked great but I still had a few questions. I emailed them around 9-10 pm and they were answering me within only minutes back and forth a few times. I can’t ask for any better responsiveness than that! Wonderful people to work with.
ThorTheRock (verified owner) –
I will admit i was a little concerned about sending in my HMI and not being able to utilize my truck, But WAMS took care of everything quickly and professionally! I couldn’t be more Excited! To the point i even left work early to install it. 4 – T-10 torx screws and plug and play! I am beyond impressed! If you’re even on the fence about this upgrade. DO IT! My 2016 truck with Android Auto runs perfectly!!!!! Nothing but Great things to say about WAMS!!!! I just wished i pulled the trigger sooner!!!! Thanks again for the amazing work!!!!!
John Colver (verified owner) –
I had bought a 2016 and was pretty bummed to find CarPlay didn’t work. After allot of searching I was referred to this service. Went salvage yard hunting, found a non nav HMI for $60. Sent it in and a week later and 5 minute install everything works great. I might go hunting for a nav HMI now and do the full unlock. Very satisfied
Mike Ellis (verified owner) –
Great service you could not ask for anything better or easy. I hade it installed in about 4 mins. It works perfect
Adam Feber (verified owner) –
The screen on my 2016 Silverado gave me a “waiting for media update” message one day and then went blank and didn’t come back on. I took it to the dealership and they charged me $165 to diagnose that my HMI was shot and needed to be replaced which would run $1050 for a new HMI and 2 hours for install. I found this online and decided to give it a shot. It came quickly and all I did was plug it in, start my truck, and I’m back in business!
John Ramirez (verified owner) –
Great great product guys .
The only negative thing I can think of is why didn’t I find out about you guys before . Easy installation truly plug in and play . Anyone thinking of getting this it’s totally worth it . Order was easy — status of order easy to follow -shipping info super easy 100% satisfied thanks guys
Joshua Dickens (verified owner) –
Wish I would have found this 4 years ago! Great product and installation is very easy!!!
LEE HANDEL (verified owner) –
This is practically the best option for anyone out there without Carplay/AA. Combined with Phil Gamboa’s Youtube video, this is a fantastic product that will put your vehicle at the top of the line with all the added functionality you require to keep Nav, streaming music and everything Carplay provides. I had a small issue with the unit that was shipped, but the Sales staff jumped right on it and fixed my issue and even through in a huge bonus for my trouble. Its the only reason I didn’t give this a 5-star review, but honestly if you are reading this review you should not hesitate to work with the WAMS team for your updates.
kenw56148 (verified owner) –
This is it! Dealer wanted 2x the cost. Pure PNP. change the cabin filter you can do this. Great service and great product. Thanks!
Patrick Moran (verified owner) –
Awesome product! True plug and play and couldn’t be easier.
Lance Paddock (verified owner) –
My 2016 Silverado with io5 8″ Radio had no backup camera or android auto-enabled. There android update and him unlock did exactly what I wanted at a reasonable price. Will definitely look to your services for future needs.
Dallas Fountain (verified owner) –
My 2016 Silverado didn’t come with Carplay from the factory. I contacted these guys and got me setup, I received my hmi module from them and they exceeded My Expectation’s I highly recommend, highly knowledgeable staff and great customer service!
Shannon Sturm (verified owner) –
Great customer service and the new 2.5 unlocked module is great!! thanks again
jkscam (verified owner) –
Honestly I just wanted to give you guys a big s/o you guys did a fabulous job on my hmi I will recommend this to everyone even the damn shipping box was awesome very satisfied customer