Subaru Apple CarPlay Not Working (This Works!)

Hey there! Have you ever hopped into your Subaru, all set for a road trip or a quick drive, only to find out that your Apple CarPlay just refuses to work? Yeah, it’s super frustrating, right? Apple CarPlay is such a handy tool for making our drives smoother and more enjoyable, so when it decides to take a day off, it can really throw a wrench in our plans.

But don’t worry! We’re here to help you out. We’ve been busy experimenting with a bunch of different ways to get CarPlay back up and running in your Subaru. And guess what? We’ve found some solutions that actually work! So, buckle up and let’s dive into these lifesaving tips and tricks that’ll get your CarPlay working again in no time.

WhyApple CarPlay Not Working On Subaru?

Have you ever wondered why Apple CarPlay sometimes just doesn’t want to work in your Subaru? It can be like trying to solve a mystery. There are a few usual suspects that could be causing the trouble. Let’s take a closer look:

1. Outdated Infotainment System: Think of this like having an old phone that can’t run the latest apps. Your car’s infotainment system might just need an update to get CarPlay running smoothly again.
2. Compatibility Issues: Sometimes, it’s like your phone and your car are speaking different languages. They need to be on the same page for CarPlay to work, so we’ll check if there’s a compatibility glitch.
3. USB Cable and Port Problems: This is like having a charger that doesn’t fit your phone properly. If there’s something wrong with your USB cable or the port in your car, CarPlay might not get the connection it needs to start up.

But don’t you worry! We’re not just here to tell you about the problems. We’ve got solutions too. We’re going to guide you through the best ways to fix these issues once and for all. And hey, have you ever plugged in your phone, seen it charge, but CarPlay just won’t kick in? We’ve seen that too, and we’re on it!

How To Fix Apple CarPlay Not Working On Subaru?

Struggling with Apple CarPlay in your Subaru? Don’t fret! Here are some easy methods to troubleshoot and fix the issue. We’ll walk you through each step, so you can get back to enjoying your drive with all the perks of CarPlay.

Method 1: Check If Your Toyota Model Supports CarPlay

First things first, let’s make sure your Subaru is actually equipped to handle CarPlay. Not all Subaru models are CarPlay-compatible. Currently, only 10 Subaru models come with this feature. So, if your Subaru isn’t one of these models, you might need to look into other options like Android Auto for phone mirroring.

Method 2: Update Entune Software

Think of updating your Subaru’s infotainment system like updating your phone – it’s essential for keeping things running smoothly. If your system’s software is out of date, it can cause glitches and compatibility issues with CarPlay. Remember, these updates often include important bug fixes and performance enhancements that can solve a lot of CarPlay headaches.

Method 3: Soft Reset Subaru Infotainment

Sometimes, your Subaru’s infotainment system just needs a quick refresh. A soft reset can work wonders in fixing any minor glitches preventing CarPlay from functioning properly. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Press and Hold: Find the volume knob on your system. Press and hold it down until a message pops up on the screen asking if you want to turn the display off.
2. Wait for the Blank Screen: Keep holding the knob until the screen turns completely blank. This is the system resetting itself.
3. Reboot and Reconnect: After the system reboots, reconnect your device and check if CarPlay is now working.

Method 4: Reset The Infotainment’s Factory Settings

Sometimes, the best way forward is to go back to the start. Resetting your Subaru’s infotainment system to its factory settings can often clear up any stubborn CarPlay issues. This step takes the system back to its original state, just like when it first rolled out of the factory.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Enter Settings: On your infotainment screen, tap on ‘Settings’, then head over to ‘General’.
2. Find Factory Data Reset: Scroll through the options until you see ‘Factory Data Reset’. Give that a tap.
3. Confirm the Reset: A message will pop up asking if you’re sure about the reset. If you’re ready, go ahead and tap ‘Reset’.

Method 5:Try A Different USB Port

Your Subaru might have more than one USB port, but they’re not all created equal. Some are just for charging and won’t connect to CarPlay. If you’re plugged into one of these, CarPlay won’t be able to communicate with your phone. Try switching to a different USB port that supports both charging and data transfer.

Method 6: Use A Different USB Cable

The USB cable is like the bridge between your phone and your Subaru. If there’s a problem with the bridge, the connection won’t work. Try using a different USB cable – sometimes, the issue is just with the cable itself. And remember, using a genuine iPhone cable is key, as counterfeit or non-compatible cables can cause connection problems. If changing the cable doesn’t do the trick, you can also try connecting to CarPlay via Bluetooth instead of the USB.

Method 7. Update Your IPhone

Did you know that sometimes the problem isn’t with your car but with your phone? That’s right, an outdated iOS on your iPhone could be the sneaky culprit behind your CarPlay troubles. Keeping your iPhone’s software up to date is crucial for smooth operation and better compatibility with CarPlay. Here’s how to update your iPhone:

1. Head to Settings: On your iPhone, go to ‘Settings’, then tap on ‘General’.
2. Software Update: Next, select ‘Software Update’. Your phone will show you if there’s an update available.
3. Install the Update: Follow the on-screen instructions to download and install the update. It’s pretty straightforward!
4. Restart and Reconnect: Once your iPhone is all updated and restarted, try connecting it to CarPlay in your Subaru again.

Method 8: Disable Airplane Mode

Airplane mode is like a ‘do not disturb’ for your phone’s wireless connections – including Bluetooth. If it’s on, your phone won’t be able to connect to your Subaru’s CarPlay via Bluetooth. So, if you’re trying to connect this way, make sure Airplane mode is turned off. Here’s what to do:

1. Swipe into Control Center: On your iPhone, swipe down from the top-right corner (or up from the bottom, depending on your iPhone model) to open the Control Center.
2. Disable Airplane Mode: Look for the airplane icon. If it’s highlighted, that means Airplane mode is on. Tap it to turn it off.
3. Try Connecting Again: With Airplane mode off, your phone is ready to connect to CarPlay. Give it another go!

Method 9. Forget Connection And Reconnect

Sometimes, your phone and car just need a fresh start. If the Bluetooth connection is acting up, it’s time to forget the old connection and start anew. Here’s how:

1. Go to Your iPhone Settings: On your iPhone, tap on ‘Settings’, then head to ‘General’ and then ‘CarPlay’.
2. Forget Your Car: Find your Subaru in the list and select ‘Forget this car’. This will erase the existing connection.
3. Re-establish the Connection: After you’ve forgotten the previous connection, try setting up CarPlay again from scratch.

Method 10: Turn Off VPN Or Proxy

Did you know that a VPN or proxy can sometimes get in the way of your phone’s functions? If you’re using a VPN or proxy, it might be blocking your CarPlay connection. Try turning it off to see if that helps:

1. Check Your VPN/Proxy Settings: Go into your phone’s settings and see if you have a VPN or proxy active.
2. Disable It: If it’s on, turn it off and then try connecting to CarPlay again.

Method 11: Contact Support

If you’ve tried everything and nothing seems to work, it might be time to call in the experts. There could be a more technical issue at play that needs professional attention. Don’t hesitate to reach out to Apple Support and Subaru Support for further assistance. They’re there to help you with these kinds of tricky problems.

Important IPhone Settings To Help Subaru CarPlay Work Better

If you’re still having a bit of trouble with Apple CarPlay in your Subaru, a few tweaks to your iPhone settings might just be the solution you need. Let’s dive into these steps that can make a big difference.

Step 1. Turn On Siri

For CarPlay to be at its best, Siri needs to be ready to listen and assist. Here’s how to make sure Siri is on:

1. Head to Siri Settings: On your iPhone, go to ‘Settings’, scroll down to ‘Siri & Search’.
2. Turn on ‘Hey Siri’ and Side Button Activation: Enable ‘Listen for “Hey Siri”‘ and ‘Press Side Button for Siri’. This allows Siri to respond to voice commands and button presses.
3. Allow Siri on Lock Screen: Make sure to toggle on ‘Allow Siri When Locked’. This lets you use Siri even when your iPhone screen is locked.
4. Enter Your Passcode: You might need to enter your passcode to confirm these changes.

Step 2. Reset Your IOS Factory Settings

If you’ve tried everything and CarPlay still isn’t cooperating, it might be time for a more drastic step – a factory reset of your iPhone. This will return your phone to its original state, just like when you first got it. But remember, this will erase all your data, so make sure to back up your files first!

Here’s how to do a factory reset:

1. Go to General Settings: On your iPhone, head to ‘Settings’, then ‘General’.
2. Reset Your iPhone: Choose ‘Transfer or Reset iPhone’, then ‘Reset’, and finally ‘Reset All Settings’.
3. Wait for the Restart: Your iPhone will reset and restart. This might take a few minutes.

After the reset, don’t forget to turn Siri back on and remove any restrictions you might have set on CarPlay. Then, give connecting to CarPlay in your Subaru another shot.

Wrapping It Up: Getting Back on Track with Your Subaru’s CarPlay

And there you have it! We’ve journeyed through a comprehensive list of solutions to get Apple CarPlay back in action in your Subaru. We really hope this guide has been the key to solving your CarPlay troubles.

Remember, technology can be a bit finicky at times, but with a little patience and some troubleshooting, most issues can be resolved. If you’ve found this guide helpful, why not spread the word? If you know any other Subaru drivers struggling with CarPlay issues, sharing this guide could be a big help to them too.

Drive safe, enjoy your music, maps, and hands-free chats, and here’s to smooth sailing with CarPlay in your Subaru!