How do I turn on CarPlay on my Subaru Ascent?

CarPlay on a Subaru Ascent is usually turned on by connecting your iPhone to the car’s USB port for wired CarPlay, or by enabling wireless CarPlay if your model supports it. In most cases, CarPlay appears on the center touchscreen automatically once the iPhone is connected and ready.

Wired CarPlay: Connecting with a USB cable

The following steps outline how to enable CarPlay by plugging in your iPhone with a USB cable. This method works on most Ascent models that support CarPlay via a wired connection. Make sure your iPhone is prepared for a first-time connection and that the vehicle’s infotainment system is powered up.

1. Park the vehicle and start the engine or put the vehicle in ACC to power the infotainment screen.


2. Use a data-capable Lightning to USB cable and plug the iPhone into the USB port in the center console or the port labeled for CarPlay.


3. On the iPhone, unlock the device and, if prompted, allow CarPlay and/or enable CarPlay while the phone is locked in Settings > General > CarPlay.


4. On the Subaru STARLINK screen, select the Apple CarPlay option if it doesn’t appear automatically. The CarPlay home screen should appear on the vehicle display.


5. Control CarPlay using the steering wheel controls, the touchscreen, or voice commands (via Siri).

Connecting via USB is the most reliable way to use CarPlay in a Subaru Ascent. If CarPlay doesn’t appear after following these steps, check that you’re using a data-capable cable, try a different USB port, or restart the infotainment system and iPhone.

Wireless CarPlay: If your Ascent supports it

Some newer Subaru Ascent models or software versions support wireless CarPlay. If your vehicle supports wireless CarPlay, you can pair your iPhone without a cable. You’ll typically connect over Bluetooth initially and then complete the CarPlay pairing over Wi‑Fi.

Before attempting the wireless setup, confirm your model year and firmware allow wireless CarPlay, and ensure your iPhone is updated to a current iOS version. If wireless CarPlay is not available on your exact vehicle, use the wired method above.

1. On the iPhone, go to Settings > General > CarPlay, and choose Available Cars or connect via Bluetooth from Settings > Bluetooth.


2. In the Subaru infotainment menu, select Wireless CarPlay or allow CarPlay pairing when prompted.


3. On the iPhone, when prompted, tap Trust or Allow to establish the connection for CarPlay while in the vehicle.


4. Once paired, CarPlay will appear on the Subaru display and be controllable via the touchscreen, steering wheel, or Siri.

Wireless CarPlay offers a cable-free experience, but compatibility can vary by model year and software. If you don’t see an option for Wireless CarPlay, use the wired method instead.

Troubleshooting tips

If CarPlay isn’t working as expected, try these common fixes before seeking service. The goal is to verify device compatibility, correct connections, and current software versions.

Check your iPhone and settings

Make sure your iPhone is updated to a recent iOS version, unlocked when connecting, and that CarPlay is allowed in Settings > General > CarPlay, including “Allow CarPlay While Locked.”

Verify the connection method

For wired CarPlay, use a data‑capable cable and a USB port that is designated for CarPlay in your vehicle. For wireless CarPlay, ensure Bluetooth and Wi‑Fi are on and that the car appears under Available Cars on your iPhone.

Restart and retry

Restart your iPhone and the Subaru infotainment system, then attempt the connection again. A simple reboot often resolves pairing and recognition issues.

Software updates

Check for updates to your iPhone iOS, and to the Subaru infotainment system (STARLINK) via the vehicle’s settings or your dealer. Updated software can fix compatibility and performance problems.

Summary

In a Subaru Ascent, Apple CarPlay is typically activated by plugging your iPhone into the vehicle’s CarPlay‑capable USB port for a wired connection, or by enabling wireless CarPlay if your model supports it. Start with the wired method for broad compatibility, then try wireless CarPlay if your model and software support it. If CarPlay fails to appear, verify the cable, ports, phone settings, and software versions, and consult your owner's manual or dealer for model‑specific steps.

Additional notes

-carPlay behavior can vary slightly by model year and trim; some early Ascent models may require a firmware update to enable full CarPlay functionality. If in doubt, contact your Subaru dealer for the latest guidance specific to your vehicle’s VIN and software version.

How to activate CarPlay mode?

To turn on CarPlay, connect your iPhone to your car via a USB cable or wirelessly, ensure both Siri and Bluetooth/Wi-Fi are enabled, and select your car from the settings on your iPhone or the car's display. If connecting wirelessly, press and hold the voice command button on your steering wheel or make sure your stereo is in wireless/Bluetooth mode first. 
This video demonstrates how to connect to wireless Apple CarPlay: 44sAcura CanadaYouTube · Jun 10, 2024
With a USB cable

1. Start your car. 
2. Make sure Siri is enabled on your iPhone. 
3. Plug your iPhone into the car's USB port with an Apple-certified USB cable. 
4. Follow any prompts on your car's screen to approve the connection, which may include a PIN confirmation. 

Wirelessly

1. Start your car and make sure its stereo is in wireless or Bluetooth mode. 
2. Press and hold the voice command button on your steering wheel. 
3. On your iPhone, go to Settings > Wi-Fi and ensure Wi-Fi is on. Tap the CarPlay network and check that "Auto-Join" is enabled. 
4. On your iPhone, go to Settings > General > CarPlay and select "Available Cars" or your car from the list. 
5. Alternatively, look for the CarPlay logo on your car's display to initiate the connection. 

If you have trouble

• Make sure Siri is turned on under your iPhone's settings. 
• Restart both your iPhone and your car. 
• Check that CarPlay is not restricted in your iPhone's settings under Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > Allowed Apps. 
• If the connection doesn't activate automatically, look for the CarPlay logo on your car's display and select it. 

You can watch this video for solutions if CarPlay is not working: 54sCars UnlockedYouTube · Aug 19, 2025

Why is Apple CarPlay not working on my Subaru Ascent?

Ensure the iOS/Apple phone is fully up to date. Ensure all other apps that work on Apple CarPlay are up to date (Pandora, Apple Maps, Spotify, etc.). Apple CarPlay might not function correctly if one of these apps is outdated or having an issue. Apps can be updated in the App Store.

How to restart Apple CarPlay in Subaru?

To reset CarPlay on a Subaru, try restarting both your iPhone and the car's infotainment system. If that doesn't work, go to your Subaru's settings and find the "Apple CarPlay" or "Smartphone Integration" section to disable and re-enable it, or "Forget This Car" in your iPhone's settings to start fresh. 
Soft reset

1. Restart your iPhone: Turn your iPhone completely off and then back on. 
2. Restart the Subaru head unit: 
   • Press and hold the volume knob (or volume knob and two other knobs, depending on the model) until the screen goes black and the Subaru logo appears, indicating it's rebooting. 
   • If your car has a "Factory Data Reset" option, use that to refresh the system, but be aware it will erase all personal settings. 

Re-establish the connection 

1. On your iPhone: Go to Settings > General > CarPlay. Tap your car and select "Forget This Car" to remove the saved connection. 
2. On your Subaru: Navigate to the infotainment system's settings and manually disable or remove the phone's connection to Apple CarPlay. 
3. Reconnect: Plug your iPhone back into the USB port or connect wirelessly to set up CarPlay from scratch. 

This video demonstrates how to perform a soft reset by rebooting the Subaru infotainment system: 57sAdventure SubaruYouTube · Feb 24, 2025
Other troubleshooting steps

• Check iPhone settings: Ensure CarPlay is enabled in your iPhone's settings and that Siri is turned on. 
• Update software: Check for and install any available software updates for both your iPhone and the Subaru infotainment system. 
• Try a different cable: If using a wired connection, try a different, certified USB cable. 
• Disconnect other phones: Make sure no other phones are paired or connected to the system. 

You can watch this video for a step-by-step guide on how to fix CarPlay connection issues on an iPhone: 56sCars UnlockedYouTube · Aug 19, 2025

How do I turn on Apple CarPlay on my Subaru Ascent?

How to Set Up Apple CarPlay

1. Connect your Apple iPhone to your Subaru with an Apple Lightning-to-USB cable.
2. On your Subaru infotainment screen, a prompt will show.
3. On your Apple iPhone select Allow to enable Apple CarPlay.
4. Your iPhone and Subaru are now connected with Apple CarPlay.