How do I sync my Android phone to my Subaru Forester?

Connecting your Android phone to your Subaru Forester is a straightforward process that allows you to access your mobile apps, make hands-free calls, and stream music directly through your vehicle's infotainment system. This guide will walk you through the steps to seamlessly sync your Android device with your Subaru Forester.

Prerequisites

Before you begin, ensure that your Subaru Forester is equipped with a compatible infotainment system and that your Android phone is running the latest version of the operating system. Additionally, make sure Bluetooth is enabled on both your phone and your vehicle.

Steps to Sync Your Android Phone to Your Subaru Forester

1. On your Subaru Forester's infotainment system, navigate to the Bluetooth settings menu.


2. Select the "Add New Device" or "Pair New Device" option.


3. On your Android phone, go to the Bluetooth settings and ensure that Bluetooth is turned on.


4. Select your Subaru Forester from the list of available Bluetooth devices on your phone.


5. If prompted, enter the pairing code displayed on your Subaru's infotainment system.


6. Once the devices are paired, your Android phone will be connected to your Subaru Forester's infotainment system.

After the initial pairing, your Android phone will automatically connect to your Subaru Forester's infotainment system whenever you enter the vehicle, as long as Bluetooth is enabled on both devices.

Additional Features and Functionality

Once your Android phone is synced with your Subaru Forester, you can take advantage of the following features:

• Hands-free Calling: Make and receive phone calls using the vehicle's built-in microphone and speakers, keeping your hands on the steering wheel and your eyes on the road.


• Music Streaming: Access your phone's music library or popular streaming services like Spotify, Apple Music, or Google Play Music and control playback through your Subaru's infotainment system.


• Voice Commands: Use voice commands to control various functions, such as making calls, sending messages, or searching for directions, without taking your hands off the wheel.


• Notifications and Messages: Receive and respond to text messages, emails, and other notifications through your Subaru's infotainment display, helping you stay connected while driving safely.

By syncing your Android phone to your Subaru Forester, you can enjoy a seamless and integrated driving experience, allowing you to stay connected, entertained, and focused on the road ahead.

How do I sync my Android phone to my vehicle?

To sync your Android phone to your car, connect it via a USB cable or Bluetooth/Wi-Fi to enable Android Auto, which allows you to use apps like Google Maps and music on your car's display. For wired connections, plug your phone into the designated USB port and follow any on-screen prompts. For wireless connections, enable Bluetooth on both devices, pair them through your car's infotainment system, and then select Android Auto to start. 
This video demonstrates how to connect your Android phone to your car's infotainment system using Android Auto: 59sHT AutoYouTube · Jul 12, 2023
Wired connection (USB)

1. Ensure your car is parked and the infotainment system is on. 
2. Plug a compatible USB cable into your phone and the correct USB port in your car (consult your car's manual to ensure it's the data-transfer port, not just for charging). 
3. Follow the on-screen instructions that appear on your car's display and phone to set up Android Auto. 

Wireless connection (Bluetooth/Wi-Fi)

1. Make sure Bluetooth is enabled on both your phone and your car. 
2. On your phone, go to Settings > Bluetooth and begin searching for devices. 
3. On your car's display, navigate to the Phone or Connections menu and select the option to pair a new device. 
4. Select your car's name from your phone's list of available devices. 
5. Confirm the pairing code on both your phone and car screens, then accept the connection. 
6. Open the Android Auto app on your phone or the car's display, and follow any prompts to complete the setup. 

You can watch this video for a full walkthrough of the wireless connection process: 1mNick O'LearyYouTube · Jun 27, 2025
Troubleshooting

• Check the USB cable: Use a high-quality data-transfer cable, as some cables are only for charging. 
• Use the correct USB port: Some cars have specific ports for Android Auto. 
• Update software: Ensure your phone and car's infotainment system have the latest updates. 
• Restart: Try restarting both your phone and your car's infotainment system. 
• Forget and re-pair: Delete the previous Bluetooth connection from both devices and try connecting again. 

Why is my Subaru Android Auto not connecting to my phone?

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.

How to sync Android phone to Subaru forester?

To connect an Android phone to a Subaru Forester, use a USB cable to connect to the infotainment system to launch Android Auto. On your phone, download the Android Auto app if you don't already have it, and follow the prompts on both the car's screen and your phone to complete the initial setup. 
Wired connection (Android Auto)

1. Plug in your phone: Connect your Android phone to the Subaru's USB port using a high-quality USB cable. 
2. Follow the prompts: A prompt will appear on your Subaru's infotainment screen asking to enable Android Auto. Tap "Yes". 
3. Complete setup on your phone: Follow any additional instructions that appear on your phone's screen to finish the setup process. 
4. Enable permissions: When prompted, allow access to your contacts and messages. 

This video shows how to connect to Android Auto using a wired connection: 48sWalser SubaruYouTube · Oct 17, 2022
Wireless connection (for newer models)

1. Enable Bluetooth and Wi-Fi: Make sure both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are turned on in your phone's settings. 
2. Initiate pairing: On your Subaru's infotainment screen, go to the "Phone" or "Settings" menu and select "Add Device" or "Pair New Device". 
3. Pair on your phone: On your Android phone, go to Bluetooth settings, select your Subaru from the list of available devices, and confirm the PIN on both screens. 
4. Confirm settings: Follow any prompts to allow access to messages and contacts and to set your phone as the primary device. 

Troubleshooting tips

• Make sure both your phone and the Subaru's infotainment system software are up to date. 
• Use a high-quality, compatible USB cable. 
• Restart both your phone and the car's system. 
• If you have issues, try unpairing other devices and re-pairing your phone. 

Why is my phone not connecting to my Subaru Forester?

Inspect the vehicle's USB port for debris or damage. Restart both the iPhone and the infotainment system. In the Forester Sport, reset the infotainment settings via the system menu. If issues persist, check for software updates from Subaru. Faulty USB ports or outdated firmware commonly cause connection failures.