How do I get Android Auto on my Subaru Forester?

If you own a Subaru Forester and want to enjoy the convenience of Android Auto, there are a few steps you can take to get it set up. Android Auto is a feature that allows you to connect your Android smartphone to your car's infotainment system, giving you access to a range of apps and features directly on your vehicle's display.

Compatibility and Requirements

To use Android Auto in your Subaru Forester, your vehicle must be compatible with the feature. The Subaru Forester has supported Android Auto since the 2019 model year, so if you have a 2019 or newer Forester, you should be able to use it.

In addition to a compatible vehicle, you'll also need an Android smartphone running Android 5.0 (Lollipop) or higher, and the Android Auto app installed on your phone.

Setting Up Android Auto

• Make sure your Subaru Forester's infotainment system is up-to-date with the latest software. You can check for updates through the settings menu or by contacting your local Subaru dealer.


• Download the Android Auto app on your Android smartphone and sign in with your Google account.


• Connect your smartphone to your Forester's USB port using a compatible USB cable.


• Your Forester's infotainment system should automatically detect the Android Auto connection and prompt you to complete the setup process.


• Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the Android Auto setup and start using the feature.

Once you've completed the setup, you'll be able to access a range of Android Auto features, including navigation, music playback, voice commands, and more, all directly through your Subaru Forester's infotainment system.

Troubleshooting Tips

If you encounter any issues with setting up or using Android Auto in your Subaru Forester, here are a few troubleshooting tips:

• Make sure your smartphone and vehicle are both compatible with Android Auto.


• Check that your USB cable is functioning properly and supports data transfer.


• Ensure that the Android Auto app on your smartphone is up-to-date.


• Try restarting both your smartphone and your Forester's infotainment system.


• If the issue persists, contact your local Subaru dealer or the Android Auto support team for further assistance.

By following these steps, you can easily get Android Auto up and running in your Subaru Forester, allowing you to enjoy a seamless and integrated driving experience.

How to add Android Auto to Subaru Forester?

To connect to Android Auto in a Subaru Forester, first plug your phone into the car's USB port with a compatible cable. The infotainment screen will prompt you to enable Android Auto; accept the prompts on both the car's screen and your phone. For wireless connection (available on newer models), turn on Bluetooth and Wi-Fi on your phone and follow the on-screen instructions to pair with the car's system. 
For a wired connection

1. Plug your Android phone into one of the car's front USB ports. 
2. On your car's infotainment screen, tap "YES" when the "Start Android Auto" pop-up appears. 
3. Follow the on-screen prompts to grant permissions on your phone, such as for the Android Auto app, and to allow access to your contacts and other features. 
4. Android Auto should launch automatically on the car's screen. If not, select the Home button and tap the Android Auto icon. 

For a wireless connection

1. Ensure Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are enabled on your phone. 
2. Go to your Subaru's infotainment screen and navigate to the "Settings" menu, then "Connections," and finally "Bluetooth". 
3. Select "Add new device" or "Scan" on the car's screen. 
4. Find and select your Subaru's name (e.g., "Forester") from the list of available devices on your phone. 
5. Confirm that the PINs on your phone and the car's screen match, then select "Pair" or "Connect". 
6. Follow any additional prompts on your phone and the car's screen to complete the setup. 

If you have connection issues

• Make sure your phone's operating system and the Android Auto app are updated. 
• Try a different USB cable, as a faulty cable can cause issues. 
• If it's a wireless connection problem, disconnect and reconnect Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, or try rebooting both your phone and the car's infotainment system. 
• If problems persist, you may need to forget all previously connected cars in the Android Auto app on your phone under Settings > Connected Cars > Forget All Cars. 

How do I activate my Android Auto?

To activate Android Auto, connect your phone to your car via USB or Bluetooth, and then follow the prompts on both your phone and the car's infotainment screen to grant permissions. For a wired connection, plug your phone into the USB port and accept the on-screen prompt; for wireless, first pair your phone via Bluetooth and then select the Android Auto option on your car's screen. Ensure your phone has the latest Android OS, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are on, and your car is compatible. 
Step 1: Prepare your phone and car

• Check requirements: Make sure your phone runs Android 9.0 or higher and your car is compatible with Android Auto (wired or wireless).
• Turn on necessary features: On your phone, turn on Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Location Services for the initial setup.
• Park safely: Park your car in a safe location and ensure the car's infotainment system is on. 

Step 2: Connect your phone

• Wired connection: Plug your phone into the car's designated USB port using a high-quality USB cable. 
• Wireless connection:
  • Navigate to your car's Bluetooth settings and select "Add a new phone" or a similar option. 
  • On your phone, go to Settings > Bluetooth and select your car's name from the list of available devices to pair them. 

This video demonstrates how to connect Android Auto using a wired connection: 37sHondaYouTube · Jun 16, 2022
Step 3: Activate Android Auto 

• Follow on-screen prompts: Both your phone and car will display prompts to set up Android Auto. Follow the instructions on both screens. 
• Grant permissions: On your phone, you will need to grant permissions for Android Auto to access your contacts, location, microphone, etc. 
• Enable on car's screen: On the car's infotainment system, select "Enable Android Auto" or tap the Android Auto icon when it appears. 

This video demonstrates how to activate Android Auto wirelessly: 52sHondaYouTube · Aug 7, 2023
Step 4: Start using Android Auto

• After the initial setup, Android Auto should launch automatically whenever you connect your phone to the car, and you can now use your apps on the car's display. 

Do all subarus have Android Auto?

For the 2023 model year, Android Auto is available with all new Subaru models. Best of all, setup is a breeze and requires just your phone and a compatible USB cable! Click the link below to shop our inventory of new Subaru cars and SUVs with Android Auto, or check out our setup guide below.

Why won't my Android Auto connect to my Subaru Forester?

Ensure the Android phone is fully up to date. Ensure the Android Auto App is up to date from the Play Store. Ensure all other apps that work on Android Auto are up to date (Google Maps, Waze, Spotify, etc.). Android Auto might not function correctly if one of these apps is outdated or having an issue.