How do I activate SiriusXM in MySubaru?
Sign into your MySubaru account, link SiriusXM to your vehicle, and follow the activation prompts. You may need your SiriusXM Radio ID to complete the setup.
What you’ll need
Gather these items before you begin so the activation goes smoothly.
- A SiriusXM-equipped Subaru radio and a model that supports SiriusXM activation.
- An active SiriusXM subscription or a trial included with the vehicle purchase.
- A MySubaru account with your vehicle linked (via my.subaru.com or the MySubaru app).
- Your SiriusXM Radio ID (also called the Radio ID) if prompted during activation.
Having these ready helps ensure you can complete the activation flow without delays.
How activation works in MySubaru
Use the MySubaru portal or app to link SiriusXM to your car and enable service from the comfort of home. Steps can vary slightly by model year and region, but the general process is consistent across most new Subaru vehicles.
- Sign in to MySubaru at my.subaru.com or open the MySubaru app on your phone.
- From your dashboard, select the vehicle you want to activate and navigate to the SiriusXM activation option (often found under In-Car Services or a SiriusXM tile).
- Sign in to your SiriusXM account or create one if you don’t already have one. Ensure the account has an active subscription or trial.
- When prompted, confirm the vehicle (by VIN) and, if required, enter your Radio ID from the Subaru radio. This links the in-car radio to your SiriusXM account.
- Submit the activation request and wait for a confirmation. Activation can take a few minutes to several hours in some cases.
- On your Subaru radio, tune to SiriusXM to verify playback and confirm the service is active.
If activation succeeds, you’ll see a confirmation in MySubaru and your radio should begin streaming SiriusXM shortly after the process completes.
Finding your SiriusXM Radio ID
If you’re asked for the Radio ID during activation, use these steps to locate it on your Subaru radio. The exact path can vary by model year, but the general method is consistent.
- Turn on the vehicle and access the radio’s information or settings menu (look for Menu, Info, or Settings).
- Navigate to SiriusXM or System information to display the Radio ID. Some models show the ID on the SiriusXM information screen or under a “Radio ID” option.
- If your vehicle’s screen doesn’t show the ID, check the radio’s Status or About screen, or consult the owner’s manual for model-specific steps.
- If you’re unable to locate it on the radio, you can also find the ID by logging into the SiriusXM account on their website or by contacting SiriusXM support.
- Confirm you have an active SiriusXM subscription or trial and that it’s eligible for your vehicle.
- Double-check that your MySubaru account is linked to the correct vehicle and that you’re using the same VIN shown on the car.
- Verify you’re selecting the correct SiriusXM activation option in MySubaru and that you’ve entered any required Radio ID accurately.
- Restart the radio or perform a full vehicle power cycle (turning the car off and back on) to refresh the system.
- If activation still fails, contact Subaru Customer Support or SiriusXM Customer Support for account verification and assistance.
- Refresh your radio: Go to the SiriusXM website or text "Refresh" to 77917 to send a signal to your radio. This can resolve issues with missing channels or lost signals.
- Check your subscription: Log in to your SiriusXM account online or contact customer service to ensure your subscription is active and has been renewed correctly.
- Reboot your radio: Turn off your car, wait a minute, and then turn it back on to reset the system. Some systems may require holding the power button for 10 seconds or performing a power cycle by turning the car off, opening and closing the door, and waiting for 3 minutes.
- Check the antenna: Make sure the antenna is securely connected and not damaged. If it's inside the vehicle, move it to a location with a clear view of the sky.
- Inspect all cables: Check that all cables between the radio and your stereo system are firmly and securely connected. Also, ensure your car's stereo is in the correct input mode (e.g., auxiliary).
- Examine other hardware: If other functions of your car's audio system aren't working, there may be a larger issue with the stereo system itself. Check for blown fuses or damaged wiring.
- Check for signal obstructions: Tunnels, large buildings, or even dense tree cover can interfere with the satellite signal. Try moving to a more open area.
- Check your FM frequency: If you use an FM transmitter, ensure that the FM mode is turned off on the SiriusXM radio and that you are not on an unused FM frequency in your city.
Keep the Radio ID handy for activation, and for any future troubleshooting or reactivation needs.
Troubleshooting activation issues
Encountering problems is not uncommon. Use these checks to resolve common activation hurdles.
Activation issues are usually resolved with account verification, correct vehicle association, or a simple reboot of the in-car system.
What to expect after activation
Once activation completes, SiriusXM should appear as an active service on your radio. You may notice a brief buffering period while the system authenticates your account. New channels, presets, and the standard SiriusXM lineup will become accessible, and you can start listening right away.
In some cases, you’ll receive a notification confirming that SiriusXM is active. If you’ve just purchased the vehicle, a dealership may have provided a temporary trial that auto-activates after you sign into your account or completes the vehicle setup.
Summary
Activating SiriusXM in MySubaru centers on linking your SiriusXM account to your Subaru vehicle via the MySubaru portal or app. Gather your SiriusXM subscription details, your vehicle, and the Radio ID if required, then follow the step-by-step activation flow. If you run into issues, verify account status, vehicle linkage, and radio settings, and don’t hesitate to reach out to customer support for both Subaru and SiriusXM. With activation complete, SiriusXM playback should begin on your Subaru’s radio, ready for listening on the road.
Why is my SiriusXM radio not activating in my car?
If SiriusXM isn't working in your car, start by sending a refresh signal to your radio online or by texting "Refresh" to 77917. If that doesn't work, check your subscription status, power cycle your radio, and ensure your antenna is securely connected and unobstructed. For other audio issues, verify your car stereo is in the correct input mode, such as auxiliary, and check that all cables are connected firmly.
This video demonstrates how to refresh your SiriusXM radio signal: 59sGiancarloYouTube · May 19, 2018
Software and subscription checks
Hardware and connection issues
Signal and location problems
How do I activate my Sirius account on my car?
Tune to channel 0 to locate the Radio ID. Contact SiriusXM listener care by phone at (866) 635-2349 or go to www.siriusxm.com/activatenow to subscribe in the United States. Contact SiriusXM by phone at (877) 438-9677 or go to www.siriusxm.ca/activatexm to subscribe in Canada.
How to find Sirius radio ID on Subaru?
And click on Sirius XM. Next if you look down where your gear shifter. Is you're going to see a button that says option which is right here. We're going to go ahead and just give that a click.
How do I activate SiriusXM on my Subaru?
Activate Your Free Trial Satellite Radio Service
Read below for the appropriate SIRIUS® or XM® instructions to activate your vehicle's satellite radio. Phone Activation Process: 1) Contact XM at 1-800-XM-RADIO (967-2346), provide promotion code SUBARUS06 and your Radio ID number.
