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If you’re like me, a Subaru enthusiast who appreciates the convenience of having Apple CarPlay integrated into the car, it’s likely a feature you rely on daily. CarPlay lets us use our iPhones safely while driving, whether it’s for navigation, music, or hands-free calls.
But like any tech, it can sometimes stop working properly, leaving you puzzled or frustrated. Luckily, there are common reasons behind these hiccups, and I’m here to help you troubleshoot and solve them.
Let’s walk through the usual suspects and how to get your CarPlay back up and running.
Common Reasons Subaru CarPlay Might Not Be Working
1. Compatibility Issues
The first thing to check is compatibility. Not all iPhones and Subaru models play well together. If you have an older iPhone or Subaru, you might find that CarPlay doesn’t work as smoothly or at all.
For example, while the iPhone 14 series works flawlessly, trying to connect with an iPhone 5 or older might cause problems.
2. Cable or Connection Problems
@appledsign Let me also share 3 other things to check when spotting fake Apple charging cables: 1. Check the packaging: Genuine Apple charging cables come in high-quality packaging with clear and crisp printing. Look for any signs of poor quality, misspellings, or blurry logos on the packaging. Additionally, authentic cables will have a barcode and a serial number on the box. 2. Examine the cable length and thickness: Authentic Apple charging cables have consistent length and thickness. Measure the cable length and compare it to the specifications provided by Apple. Fake cables may be shorter or longer than the standard length. Additionally, genuine cables have a uniform thickness throughout, while counterfeit ones may have irregular thickness or be too thin. 3. Compatibility issues: Some fake cables may not be compatible with Apple devices, or they may not work as well as genuine Apple cables and even give you warnings. Don’t ignore these because this could mean that your device may not charge properly or could get damaged. #iphonecharging #applecharger #iphonecharger #applecable #refinedsign ♬ original sound – appledsign | Apple Expert
Sometimes, it’s as simple as the cable. We’ve all been there—dealing with a frayed cable or one that isn’t Apple-certified. Even if your iPhone charges just fine with a non-certified cable, CarPlay might not function properly since data transfer is crucial.
3. Software Updates
Outdated software on your iPhone or Subaru’s infotainment system can be the cause. Newer iOS updates may not sync well with older Subaru software, leading to glitches.
What I do: Always check for updates on both your iPhone and the Subaru infotainment system regularly. It’s worth the few minutes it takes to ensure everything is running smoothly.
4. USB Port Problems
Another overlooked issue might be the USB port itself. If there’s dust or debris in your Subaru’s port, it could be affecting the connection. Sometimes, the USB port might even be malfunctioning altogether, leading to connection issues with CarPlay.
Fun fact: A quick cleaning with a soft brush or compressed air could fix the problem. Just avoid using liquids to prevent damage.
5. iPhone Settings
If all the hardware seems fine, the problem might be with your iPhone settings. CarPlay settings can be accidentally disabled, or there may be restrictions that prevent it from working.
Solutions to Fix Subaru CarPlay Issues
Now that we’ve covered the possible reasons, let’s focus on what you can do to fix CarPlay when it’s not working in your Subaru.
1. Check Compatibility
Before you go into full troubleshooting mode, make sure your iPhone and Subaru models are actually compatible.
Most newer Subaru models like the Outback, Crosstrek, and Forester support CarPlay, but some older models don’t. Similarly, while the latest iPhones are CarPlay-ready, some older models aren’t.
2. Inspect and Replace the Cable
Don’t underestimate the power of a good cable! If your cable looks worn out or isn’t certified, replacing it could save you a lot of hassle.
Fun fact: Apple-certified cables have a tiny chip inside that allows them to communicate properly with CarPlay. Without it, you may face issues. If your cable is fraying or feels loose when plugged in, it’s probably time for a new one.
3. Update Your Software
Both your iPhone and your Subaru’s infotainment system need to be running the latest software for optimal performance. If one of them is out of date, it could create glitches that make CarPlay stop working.
What I recommend: Check for updates for both your iPhone’s iOS and your Subaru’s system. Often, updates not only fix bugs but also add new features that improve the CarPlay experience.
4. Clean the USB Port
Believe it or not, the issue might be as simple as a dirty USB port. Dust or debris could prevent a stable connection, making CarPlay unreliable or causing it not to work at all. Cleaning USB port is like changing coolant on your engine.
How I clean it: Use a soft brush or a blast of compressed air to remove any dirt from the USB port. It’s a quick and easy solution that might fix your problem without needing more involved troubleshooting.
5. Adjust iPhone Settings
Sometimes, it’s a small tweak in your iPhone’s settings that can fix CarPlay issues. Check to ensure that CarPlay is enabled and not restricted.
Troubleshooting Tips for When All Else Fails
If CarPlay still isn’t working, there are a few extra steps you can try before throwing in the towel and heading to the dealership.
Restart Your iPhone and Subaru
You’ve probably heard this one before, but sometimes restarting both your iPhone and the Subaru’s infotainment system can work wonders. A simple reboot might clear out any temporary glitches that are causing issues.
Why it works: Restarting refreshes the system, which can clear out bugs or processes that were preventing CarPlay from functioning correctly.
Factory Reset
If restarting doesn’t work, a factory reset might be your next step. Resetting CarPlay settings to their default might erase some preferences, but it could also solve any stubborn issues.
Before you do this: Back up any essential data on your iPhone and Subaru system, just to be safe.
Contact Subaru Support
When you’ve tried everything else and CarPlay is still giving you trouble, it might be time to reach out to Subaru’s customer support.
They’re trained to deal with these technical issues, and it might just take a quick visit to your dealership to get everything back in order.
What’s good to know: Subaru has a dedicated team for tech issues like this, so you won’t be stuck trying to figure it out alone.
FAQs
Final Thoughts
Having Apple CarPlay in your Subaru is a game-changer for safe, convenient driving. But when it stops working, it can feel frustrating. The good news is most CarPlay problems can be fixed with simple troubleshooting.
From checking cables to updating software or cleaning USB ports, there’s usually a straightforward solution to get everything running smoothly again.
If all else fails, remember that Subaru’s support team is just a call away. Don’t let tech glitches get in the way of enjoying your ride!
