How do I reset my Subaru radio?
The quickest way to address most glitches is a soft reboot of the infotainment system; if problems persist, a factory reset from the Settings menu is often effective. Exact steps can vary by model year and Starlink version, so refer to your owner’s manual for specifics.
Soft reset (reboot) to fix common glitches
This method restarts the system without erasing saved data. It’s the first step you should try when the radio freezes, won’t respond, or behaves oddly.
- With the vehicle on or in ACC/Ready, locate the Power/Volume knob on the radio head unit.
- Press and hold the Power/Volume knob for about 10 seconds until the screen goes dark and the system restarts.
- Release the knob once you see the Subaru logo or Home screen return.
- Let the system finish rebooting before testing function (Bluetooth, navigation, radio presets, etc.).
Soft resets are generally safe and do not erase your saved Bluetooth pairings, radio presets, or navigation destinations. If the issue recurs after a reboot, proceed to a factory reset.
Factory reset from the Settings menu (hard reset)
A factory reset restores the infotainment system to its original out-of-the-box state. This can resolve deeper software issues but will erase user data like Bluetooth pairings, saved stations, and navigation preferences.
- From the Home screen, access the Settings menu. The exact path can vary by model year—look for Settings, System, or General.
- Select Factory Reset. If offered, also confirm you want to erase all personalized data.
- Wait for the system to reboot. This may take a few minutes as the software reinitializes.
- After reboot, you’ll need to re-pair your phone via Bluetooth and reconfigure your preferences.
Factory resetting can fix stubborn software glitches, but you’ll lose saved data. If your unit doesn’t offer a visible Factory Reset option, or if you can’t locate it, consult the owner’s manual or contact a Subaru dealer for guidance.
Hard reset via 12V battery (last resort)
If the display is completely unresponsive and a soft or factory reset won’t work, a hard reset by cycling the vehicle’s power supply may be necessary. This should be done with caution and ideally by someone comfortable with automotive electricals.
- Ensure the vehicle is off, the keys are removed, and the area is safe to work on.
- Disconnect the negative (-) terminal of the 12V auxiliary battery for about 60 seconds to discharge residual power.
- Reconnect the battery terminal, start the vehicle, and allow the infotainment system to reboot.
- Re-pair your phone and re-enter system settings as needed.
Note: This is a last-resort option and can affect other vehicle electronics. If you’re unsure, have a trained technician perform it.
Model-specific notes
Subaru has used different versions of the Starlink infotainment system across model years. Paths to factory reset, and even the availability of a factory reset option, can differ. If you don’t see the exact menu items described here, check your model year’s owner’s manual or Subaru’s support site for version-specific instructions.
Tip: when you should reset
Resetting is most helpful for issues like freezing screens, unresponsive controls, Bluetooth pairing problems, or inaccurate navigation data after map updates. If resets do not fix the issue, you may be dealing with a hardware fault or a need for a software update from Subaru.
What to do after resetting
After any reset, you’ll typically need to re-pair devices and reconfigure preferences. This may include:
- Reconnecting Bluetooth devices (phones, audio devices).
- Re-establishing radio presets and navigation favorites.
- Re-syncing connected apps and map updates if applicable.
If problems persist after performing the steps above, contact your Subaru dealer or a qualified automotive technician for a diagnostic check or software update.
Summary
For most Subaru infotainment issues, start with a soft reboot by holding the Power/Volume knob for about 10 seconds. If needed, perform a factory reset from the Settings menu to restore default software. If the unit remains unresponsive, a hard reset via the 12V battery is a last resort and should be done with care or by a professional. Always check your model year’s manual for exact menu paths and options, as they can vary between Subaru Starlink versions.
