Subaru Apple CarPlay & Android Auto Connect
Whether you need to make a quick call home or get directions to your next destination, your Subaru vehicle offers safe, convenient access to smartphone features via your MySubaru Connected Services® infotainment screen. With voice commands enabled, you can even use Google Assistant or Siri to control these features – all while keeping your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road ahead.
Since 2019, every new Subaru has come standard with both Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, allowing you to connect your phone to the Subaru system via USB cable or Bluetooth®.
Because some state laws prohibit use of handheld devices while operating a vehicle, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Integration’s hands-free capabilities help you stay compliant and connected while behind the wheel. Learn more about these useful features and how they can keep you informed and entertained while driving your Subaru.
What is Apple CarPlay?
Apple CarPlay brings the intuitive iOS interface iPhone users know and love directly to your Subaru infotainment screen. With CarPlay, you can use your favorite apps from the driver’s seat, without ever having to pick up your device. Even iPhone-native apps like Apple Maps, Messages, and Apple Music have full functionality thanks to CarPlay. With voice control enabled, you can even use the “Hey Siri” command to read and respond to texts, call anyone in your contacts list, check your calendar, and control your music.
How Does Apple CarPlay Work?
Apple CarPlay integrates with the MySubaru Connected Services infotainment system, mirroring your iPhone’s screen on your vehicle’s touchscreen display. When you connect using a USB cable, CarPlay automatically launches your app menu. You can use Siri to control your apps by voice or use the MySubaru Connected Services touchscreen and tactile buttons on your dashboard, center console, and steering wheel. All Subaru model vehicles from 2019 onward
Not only are all essential Apple apps (including Maps, Music, Podcasts, Books, News, and Calendar) fully functional on CarPlay, but so are other popular third-party apps like Spotify, Waze, Audible, Google Maps, Pandora, and WhatsApp. Get real-time traffic updates and turn-by-turn directions through your navigation app of choice, receive text and call notifications as they arrive, and continuous playback of podcasts and audiobooks while enjoying the ride in your Subaru vehicle.
How Do You Set Up Apple CarPlay in a Subaru?
To use Apple CarPlay in your Subaru:
- Be sure that your iPhone is updated to the latest iOS version.
- Use a compatible cable to connect your iPhone to the USB port labeled for CarPlay in your Subaru.
- Unlock your iPhone and click “Allow” when prompted; look for the CarPlay icon on your home screen.
- Tap the CarPlay icon to launch the app on your infotainment screen.
- Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the setup process.
You can also link to CarPlay by pairing your phone with your Subaru by using Bluetooth on enabled models. For more information and troubleshooting tips, please see our detailed instructions.
How to Turn Off Apple CarPlay
To disconnect from Apple CarPlay in your Subaru:
- If using a cable connection: Simply unplug the cord from your iPhone and the USB port in your Subaru's infotainment system.
- If using Bluetooth: Disconnect temporarily by navigating to the MySubaru Connected Services infotainment system settings and select the option to disconnect or disable CarPlay.
- To unpair completely, go to your iPhone's Bluetooth settings, find your Subaru among your list of paired devices, and select "Forget This Device."
What is Android Auto Integration?
Android Auto allows you to connect your Android smartphone and your Subaru. This feature functions similarly to CarPlay, with Android Auto swapping out Apple-native apps for their Android counterparts. This feature lets you enjoy hands-free calling, messaging, navigation, audio streaming capabilities, and more through your MySubaru Connected Services infotainment screen or using Google Assistant for voice control. Its simplified interface and easy-to-use voice commands help keep your attention on the road.
What Does Android Auto Integration Do?
Android Auto connects to your Subaru vehicle through the MySubaru Connected Services system. It mirrors your phone’s screen to the center console touchscreen of your Subaru, plays notifications and other sounds through your Subaru audio system, and uses built-in microphones to communicate with your Android phone and deliver voice commands via Google Assistant.
Android Auto gives you effortless access to your favorite apps from the driver’s seat of your Subaru. Navigation apps like Google Maps and Waze provide real-time traffic updates and turn-by-turn directions. You can also stream music and media through Spotify, YouTube Music, Audible, Amazon Music, Pandora, and more.
How Does Android Auto Integration Work?
Android Auto connects to your Subaru through MySubaru Connected Services, displaying your smartphone screen in a larger format on the center console touchscreen. You’ll hear all notifications, alerts, and other sounds through your Subaru audio system. You can also interact with your Android smartphone using built-in microphones, delivering voice commands via Google Assistant.
Android Auto gives you easy access to your smartphone apps while driving. Get driving directions and traffic alerts through Google Maps and Waze. Listen to an Audible audiobook while driving, or enjoy your favorite driving mix on Spotify, YouTube Music, Pandora, or other music and media apps. Android Auto integration also allows you to answer calls while driving your Subaru – all without taking your eyes off the road.
How Do You Set Up Android Auto Integration for Your Subaru?
To use Android Auto in your Subaru vehicle, follow these steps:
- Turn on the ignition of your Subaru vehicle. While parked, connect your Android phone to the vehicle's USB port.
- On the infotainment display, select the Android Auto option from the menu.
- Follow on-screen prompts on your smartphone and the infotainment screen, selecting “Agree” to grant permissions and enable full access.
- Once connected, you'll see the Android Auto interface on the infotainment screen, giving you access to navigation, music, calls, and other features.
You can also pair your phone to the MySubaru Connected Services system over Bluetooth to enjoy wireless functionality on capable models. For more information and troubleshooting tips about Android Auto, please see our detailed instructions.
How to Turn Off Android Auto Integration
You can disconnect Android Auto from your Subaru vehicle in one of two ways:
- If using a cable connection: Simply unplug the USB cord connecting your smartphone to the Subaru system.
- If connected wirelessly: Access Bluetooth settings on your Android smartphone and disconnect from your Subaru system. You can also temporarily disable Bluetooth on your phone to disconnect immediately.
Remember, disconnecting Bluetooth is different from unpairing, which disconnects from Android Auto. To unpair, select “Forget device” under the Subaru connection in Bluetooth settings.
Frequently Asked Questions about Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
What Cars Have Android Auto Integration?
All Subaru vehicles come standard with Android Auto integration. Wireless Bluetooth connectivity is standard on the Solterra EV. All other Subaru models since 2019 have the option to connect via USB cable, with Bluetooth connectivity available depending on model year and trim.
What Cars Have Apple CarPlay?
All Subaru vehicles come standard with Apple CarPlay. The Solterra comes standard with wireless functionality and connects solely via Bluetooth. All other Subaru models since 2019 have the option to connect via USB cable, with Bluetooth connectivity available depending on model year and trim.
Are Apple CarPlay & Android Auto Integration Free?
Yes, both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are free and come standard on all Subaru vehicles. However, it’s important to remember that your wireless carrier’s data rates may apply. Additionally, apps that require paid subscriptions will function only if you are subscribed.
Explore all our Connected Subaru Vehicles
Smartphone integration with the MySubaru Connected Services system is meant to keep you safe, connected, and entertained. All new Subaru vehicles come ready to connect to your smartphone over Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, or simple Bluetooth pairing.
