My Subaru Android Auto not working? Here’s the fix
To set up Android Auto in your Subaru, connect your phone to the vehicle’s USB port using a high-quality data cable, accept the prompts on both screens, and enable Android Auto in your phone’s settings. Most Subaru models from 2018 onward support Android Auto, but compatibility varies by year and trim. Below we cover the exact steps, the most common failure point, and how to confirm everything is running.
Check Your Subaru’s Compatibility First
Subaru began rolling out Android Auto across its lineup in the 2018 model year, but not every trim included it. Some early 2018 models only had Apple CarPlay; Android Auto came later via a dealer software update. For example, the 2018 Subaru Outback 3.6R Limited with the 8-inch display supports Android Auto, but the base 2018 Impreza with the smaller screen may not. Here’s the breakdown:
- 2019 and newer – Android Auto is standard on all models (Outback, Forester, Crosstrek, Legacy, Impreza, WRX, BRZ, Ascent).
- 2018 models – Most trims with the 8-inch touchscreen support Android Auto, but some 6.5-inch screen units require a firmware update. Verify your head unit’s software version under Settings > General > System Information.
- 2017 and older – No factory Android Auto support. An aftermarket head unit (Kenwood, Pioneer, Sony) is your only practical option.
Branch after this check: If you have a 2018 model with the 6.5-inch screen, your next move depends on the firmware version. If it’s dated, you’ll need to visit a Subaru dealer for a software update (some dealers charge a small fee). If you have a 2017 or older, stop here – no amount of cable swapping will make Android Auto work with the factory radio.
What You’ll Need Before You Start
Use this quick checklist to avoid setup stalls. Each item is a pass/fail check.
- [ ] Android phone running Android 10 or later – Older versions (Android 9 or below) may not support Auto or may lack the latest features. Check under Settings > About phone > Android version.
- [ ] A USB cable that carries data, not just power – This is the #1 cause of “no connection.” Many charging cables lack data pins. Test with the cable that came with your phone, or buy a known good data cable (e.g., Anker PowerLine, Belkin BoostCharge). If your phone charges but the Subaru screen stays blank, the cable is the problem 80% of the time.
- [ ] Android Auto app installed and up to date – Download from Google Play if not pre-installed, and check for updates in Play Store.
- [ ] Car in Park with ignition ON – Android Auto will not activate if the vehicle is moving. The parking brake must also be engaged on some models (especially 2018–2019).
- [ ] Correct USB port – Subaru usually marks the compatible port with a phone icon or the letters “AA”/“CP”. Plug into that port, not the 12V adapter or a non-phone USB.
Connecting Your Phone in Five Steps
Follow these ordered steps. Stop after each step to confirm the next action.
Step 1. Start the car in Park
Shift the transmission into Park and set the parking brake. The infotainment screen will boot up to the home screen.
Step 2. Enable Android Auto on your phone
On your Android phone, go to Settings > Connected devices > Connection preferences > Android Auto. Toggle “Android Auto” on. If you don’t see this option, the app may not be installed – download it from Google Play.
Step 3. Connect the USB cable
Plug the data cable into your phone, then into the car’s designated USB port. On the Subaru screen, you should see a pop-up asking if you want to use Android Auto. Tap Yes or Accept. On your phone, a permission prompt will appear – allow it to access contacts, messages, and media.
Branch at this point: If no pop-up appears on the Subaru screen within 10 seconds, the phone is likely in charging-only mode. Swipe down the notification shade on your phone, tap the USB notification, and select File Transfer or Android Auto mode. If you still see nothing, the cable is charge-only – swap to a known data cable. Do not proceed to Step 4 until you see a prompt or the Android Auto interface.
Step 4. Wait for the projection
The Subaru screen will switch to the Android Auto interface within 15–30 seconds after you select file transfer. If you see a phone icon with a charging symbol but no Android Auto launch, the cable is likely charge-only. Swap cables and try again.
Step 5. Verify voice control
Press and hold the voice command button on the steering wheel. Google Assistant should activate. Say “Navigate to nearest gas station” or “Call [contact]” to confirm microphone and audio work. If Google Assistant does not respond, check that the phone’s Google app has microphone permission enabled.
Why Your Subaru Won’t Connect (and How to Fix It)
The most common failure mode in Subaru Android Auto setup is using a charge-only USB cable. Here’s how to detect it early:
If the phone starts charging on the Subaru USB port but the infotainment screen shows “No device detected” or simply stays on the home screen, the cable is not a data cable. A data cable has four wires (power, ground, D+, D-); a charge-only cable has only two.
Test your cable: Connect the same phone and cable to a computer. If the computer recognizes the phone (file transfer mode), the cable is data-capable. If the phone only charges, toss that cable.
Other failure modes and fixes:
- Phone says “Android Auto is not available in your country” – Android Auto is supported in the US and many other countries. If you bought the phone abroad, change the Play Store region to US.
- Subaru screen shows “Android Auto connected” but screen stays black – Update the Android Auto app and restart the phone. Also check if the head unit firmware needs an update (see Subaru Owner’s Portal).
- Connection drops after 10 minutes – Often caused by a loose USB cable connection. Try a shorter, high-quality cable. Also close background apps that may be interfering.
- Subaru’s screen says “USB device not supported” – The phone may be in “charging only” mode. Swipe down the notification shade, tap the USB notification, and select File Transfer or Android Auto mode.
How to Confirm It’s Working
A successful setup means:
- The Subaru infotainment screen shows the Android Auto interface with app tiles (Google Maps, Phone, Music, etc.).
- Maps displays traffic and navigation in real time.
- Music apps (Spotify, YouTube Music) play through the car’s speakers.
- Steering wheel voice control triggers Google Assistant.
- Incoming calls show caller name and can be answered via touch or steering wheel button.
If all those work, your Subaru Android Auto is fully operational. Escalation signal: If Google Maps shows your location but navigation audio is silent, check the phone’s media volume – Android Auto uses a separate audio channel that may be muted.
Model‑Specific Tips
Subaru Outback / Legacy (2019–2024)
The default USB port is the one labeled with a phone icon, located in the center console front cubby. On 2020+ models, wireless Android Auto is available on the 11.6-inch screen – no cable needed after initial Bluetooth pairing.
Subaru Forester (2019–2024)
Use the USB port under the climate controls. Some early 2019 Foresters required a dealer software update to improve connection stability, especially with Samsung phones. If you experience random disconnects, check for TSB 15-220-19R; a dealer flash usually solves it.
Subaru WRX / STI (2018–2021)
The compatible USB port is the one in the center console, not the one in the armrest. WRX models with the base 6.5-inch screen may not support Android Auto – verify before buying. Known issue: the armrest port is power-only on many trims.
Subaru Crosstrek (2018–2024)
The 2018–2021 models have the phone-icon USB below the climate controls. The 2022+ models with the 11.6-inch screen support wireless Auto on select trims. Common failure on 2020–2021 Crosstreks: the port can be finicky with longer aftermarket cables; use a 3-foot cable for best results.
Subaru Android Auto Setup Failure Quick Reference (FAQ)
Q: Does Android Auto work without a cable on my Subaru?
Only 2022 and newer models with the 11.6-inch screen and wireless Auto support it. Most Subarus need a USB cable.
Q: My phone charges but the screen says “No device.” What now?
Replace the USB cable with a data-capable one. That is the fix in 80% of cases.
Q: I get “Unsupported USB accessory” on the Subaru screen – what does that mean?
The phone is in charging-only mode. Unplug, go to phone settings, select “Android Auto” in the USB preferences, and reconnect.
Q: Does the Subaru need to be in Park the whole time I use Android Auto?
No. After initial connection, you can shift to Drive and use it. But if the connection drops while moving, you must stop and shift to Park to reconnect.
Q: Can I use Android Auto on a 2017 Subaru without a new radio?
No, factory hardware lacks the required software stack. An aftermarket head unit from Kenwood, Pioneer, or Sony is your only option.
Explore This Topic
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- How to Set Up Android Auto in Your Kia: Complete Guide
- How to Set Up Android Auto in Your Toyota: Complete Guide
- How to Set Up Android Auto in Your Honda: Complete Guide
Greedy Wheels is the founder and lead editor at Wheels Greed. With over 15 years of hands-on automotive experience — from rebuilding engines in a home garage to managing fleet maintenance for a regional logistics company — he brings real-world mechanical knowledge to every guide.
His work has been featured in automotive forums, owner communities, and dealership training materials. When he’s not researching the latest car owner questions, you’ll find him at a local track day, wrenching on his project car, or testing the newest OBD2 diagnostic tools.
At Wheels Greed, every article is reviewed against manufacturer service manuals, NHTSA bulletins, and verified owner reports. No AI-generated fluff. No guesswork. Just practical answers from someone who has turned the wrench.