Subaru Android Auto Not Working (Do This!)

Is your Subaru Android Auto not working?

Don’t worry, I’ve got your back! Android Auto may not work on your Subaru ride because your car model is incompatible or you haven’t set it up correctly. 

Other factors can cause this problem, but the most important thing is that there is always a way around it. Let’s get you back on the road with your favorite apps integrated into your ride with Android Auto.

Let’s get started!

What causes Subaru Android Auto to stop Working?

Several factors can stop Android Auto from functioning as it should when connected to your car, including when Andriod Auto has not been enabled or compatibility and configuration issues.

As mentioned, if Android Auto is not enabled or adequately connected to your Subaru infotainment system, you can’t use it.

So follow the steps I’ll provide to set it up after installing the app on your device.

How to properly set up Android Auto on Subaru

For Wired connections

1. Locate the USB port of your car and plug in a quality USB-IF or MFI cable 
2. You will receive a prompt on your display screen, tap Agree
3. Select Agree on subsequent prompts
4. If Android Auto does not launch automatically on your screen, tap on the Android Auto icon on your screen
5. You can Agree to or Skip the Show Me How prompt 
6. Now, you can start using Android Auto on your device

For wireless connections

1. Confirm if your Android OS supports wireless Android Auto
2. If yes, turn on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections on your mobile device
3. While in Park Mode, tap Setup>Wi-Fi on your Subaru vehicle
4. Accept the  Use Wi-Fi for Phone Projection prompt
5. With this, you can start using Android Auto wirelessly on your car 

Subaru Android Auto not working: Fixes

After properly setting up Android Auto in your phone and car, if it still does not work, go ahead and try these fixes;

Method 1: Confirm that Android Auto is compatible with your vehicle 

Suppose you downloaded the Android Auto app to your device recently but discovered it’s not connecting to your Subaru vehicle.

In that case, you may need to confirm that your car is compatible with the feature. 

Android Auto works on new and newer Subaru cars manufactured from 2016, so you can’t enjoy Android Auto if your car is an old Subaru model.

Check if your Subaru’s model is compatible with Android Auto from Google’s compatibility list.

Method 2: Use a USB connection instead of a wireless connection

Android Auto wireless connection does not work on all versions of the Andriod Operating System.

So, Andriod Auto could not work for you because your Android OS version does not support a wireless connection.

You must also meet additional requirements for Andriod Auto to work in the EU.

I’ve attached a screenshot of the requirement for a wireless connection, as seen on Google’s support page.

Method 3: Use other alternatives if Andriod Auto is unavailable in your region. 

Android Auto isn’t available in every region, and that’s probably why the tool isn’t working for you.

First, check the Google support page to confirm if Andriod Auto is available in your region.

You can try other alternatives like Drive Mode and AutoZen if it isn’t.

Method 4: Enable Android Auto in your Phone and Infotainment System

One possible reason Android Auto is not working in your Subaru car could be that it has not been enabled in your phone and infotainment system.

Start by allowing the app on your phone, then on the Infotainment system. Here’s how to;

1. Open Settings > Connections
2. Open Android Auto >Previously connected cars
3. You will find Add new cars to Android Auto, select the option

To enable Android Auto in your Infotainment system;

1. Select Settings on your display screen.
2. Tap on the Connect a Car option
3. Follow other on-screen instructions to pair your infotainment system to Android Auto in your car.

Method 5: Restart your device and Infotainment system

Simply restarting your Android device will clear minor glitches and may resolve the Subaru Android Auto not working issue.

This is quite a simple process and can be achieved by turning off your phone using the power button and turning it on again with the same button.

You can perform the same action on your Subaru infotainment system by pushing the volume knob for up to 30 seconds until you notice the system go off and on again.

Method 6: Check the USB Port and Cable

The USB is a key component when using Android Auto on your Subaru vehicle if you are not connecting wirelessly.

Subaru Android Auto not working, maybe due to a faulty or low-quality cable.

To fix this, check for any physical damage on the USB cable and replace it with a new and compatible cable.

I’ll always encourage using the original cable that came with your phone, but if this is not available, use a cable not longer than six feet that supports data transfer.

Clear dust and debris from the USB ports of both your phone and the car, and ensure the cable fits perfectly into the port.

Also, try connecting to another USB port on the infotainment system.

Method 7: Clear Android Auto cache

If your Android Auto stopped working suddenly, you may need to clear your cache.

Doing this will remove temporary and corrupt files that have affected the functionality of the Android Auto app.

Here’s how to clear your  cache;

1. Open Settings from the phone’s Menu
2. select Apps>Android Auto
3. Tap on Storage
4. Next, select the Clear Cache>Clear data
5. This will clear the app’s data and reset it
6. Reboot your device, then relaunch the Android Auto app 

Another way to clear the cache is to uninstall the Android Auto from your device and install it again.

Method 8: Update Android Auto

Updating your Android Auto app will help clear bugs in the app, which will get it working correctly again.

It may resolve the Subaru Android Auto not working issue. Here’s how to update Android Auto;

1. Launch the Google Play Store app on your Android Device
2. Select the Profile icon located at the top right side of the screen
3. Choose Manage Apps and Device > Updates available
4. You might choose to update all the apps on your device by selecting the Update All option. 
5. Otherwise, find Android Auto and click the Update option beside it 

Method 9: Update your Android device

If you have not updated your device lately, it will affect the performance of apps.

So get started with the update ASAP;

1. Launch your phone’s Menu and select Settings icon from the options

1. Tap on Software Update>Check for Updates
2. Any new update will appear here
3. Select Install to download and install the new update
4. You can turn on the Automatic Update option

Method 10: Disconnect and reconnect your device

If you are connected to your Subaru infotainment system using a USB cable, unplug the cable from the phone and plug it in again. 

On the other hand, if your connection is wireless, follow the steps below to achieve this;

1. Go to the Settings app on your phone
2. Open More Connection>Bluetooth
3. Your vehicle will appear in the list of connected devices. Select Unpair and Pair it again.

Method 11: Reset the Infotainment system Subaru

Here’s how to achieve this; 

1. Locate the pinhole button. It’s mounted on the right side of the climate control button area.
2. Use a sim ejector, pin-point pen, or similar objects to press and hold the button for 15 seconds.
3. If done correctly, your infotainment system will reboot, and your Android Auto may start working correctly again.

Method 12: Ask for help

Yes! There are times you may need to contact Google Help or Subaru support.

If you’ve tried all the fixes above, contact Google or Sabaru via their website for more technical tips on resolving this issue.

Final Thoughts

The methods I’ve provided will help troubleshoot your Subaru Android Auto issues.

However, If you’ve tried all the tips above and Android Auto is still not working, please contact your Subaru dealer or Google support for further assistance.