How to Remove Equinox Headrests

At first glance, pre-2010 Chevrolet Equinox headrests do not appear to be removable, but they can be removed with ease. A small safety pin latches the headrests and holds them in place. To release the pin and remove the headrest, insert a small object against the pin and the headrest will slide off.

1. Push the button around the headrest base and raise the headrest

Push the button around the headrest base and raise the headrest. This should make visible a small hole around the plastic base.

2. Straighten a paper clip small enough to enter the hole

Straighten a paper clip small enough to enter the hole. Insert the paper clip as far as it will go.

3. Pull up on the headrest to remove it from the seat

Pull up on the headrest to remove it from the seat. Repeat the procedure for each headrest.

4. Reinstall the headrests

Reinstall the headrests by lining up the posts with the mounts, then pushing straight down.

Tips and Warnings

Chevrolet redesigned the Equinox for the 2010 model year. Its headrests are not removable.

Chevrolet does not recommend driving without headrests, which are designed to provide support when driving and in the event of an accident.

Video: How To Remove 2019+ Chevy Headrests

Helpful comments from this video:

• The "little loop" you're speaking of is actually an "eye" that if you insert a 'pick' into the eye and pull it back towards the left rear wheel it will release the spring like lock that holds the headrest in place. By using the pick, you minimize the chance of a screwdriver slipping and putting a possible tear in your seat cover!!! You did give me something to start with and for that Thank You!!!
• THANK YOU FOR THIS VIDEO! Just one thing . . . You are sitting in the back seat and your instruction is to lift the metal piece at 11:00 up and this should allow you to pull up on the head rest bar to remove it. We tried this (we have a 2020 Chevy Silverado) and it did not work. Instead, while sitting in the front seat, we put a flat head screw driver into the metal cotter pin at an angle and move the pin back towards the back seat. This is what worked for us. Maybe they changed it up a bit from 2019 models? Your video did help with the initial part of the front seat head rest removal. Your video is great; clear direction, talking points match what you are doing and no unnecessary gabbing! THAN YOU SO MUCH!