Why cant I hear my phone in my Subaru?
Typically, the problem boils down to Bluetooth audio routing or volume settings rather than a blown speaker. The car’s system must route call audio (and, if you want music, media audio) from your phone to the dashboard speakers, and volumes on both ends must be properly set. This guide walks you through common causes and practical fixes.
Understanding the issue in Subaru models
Subaru vehicles use the Starlink infotainment system to manage Bluetooth connections. When you pair your phone, the system can route audio for two main paths: hands-free calling (Phone/HFP) and media playback (A2DP). If your phone is connected but you still hear nothing, the issue is usually one of the following: the connection isn’t active for calls, the head unit is on the wrong audio source, or the volume controls are muted or misadjusted. Updates to the infotainment system or your phone can also briefly disrupt routing.
Common causes
The following items cover the most frequent reasons people don’t hear their phone through Subaru speakers.
- Bluetooth connection is active for media playback but not for calls. The phone audio path may not be set to the “Phone”/HFP profile in the car.
- The car’s audio source is set to the wrong input (e.g., “Media/Bluetooth Audio” instead of “Phone” during a call or vice versa).
- The volume for the car’s call audio or overall head-unit volume is muted or very low.
- Your phone’s own volume is turned down, or Do Not Disturb or a similar setting blocks call audio.
- The infotainment system or Bluetooth pairing is glitchy and needs a re-pair or a soft reset.
Understanding these common causes helps you target the right setting or action quickly.
Step-by-step fixes you can try
The following fixes are organized from quick checks to more involved steps. Try them in order to restore sound reliably.
- Verify the Bluetooth profile on your phone: ensure the Subaru connection is enabled for Calls (and for Audio if you want music via Bluetooth). On iPhone, you’ll see separate toggles for Call Audio and Media Audio; on Android, confirm similar permissions in the Bluetooth device settings.
- Check the car’s audio source: during a call, make sure the head unit shows “Phone” as the audio source; for music playback, switch to “Bluetooth Audio” or similar. Use the steering wheel or head unit controls to switch sources if needed.
- Raise volumes on both sides: increase the car’s call volume and head-unit volume, and confirm your phone’s media and ringer volumes are up. Some Subaru systems keep call and media volumes separate—the call volume is not always tied to the main system volume.
- Test with a different phone: if another phone works, the issue is likely with the original device’s settings or compatibility; if the second phone also fails, the problem is more likely the car’s system.
- Re-pair the Bluetooth connection: remove the Subaru vehicle from your phone’s paired devices, then re-pair. After re-pair, recheck that Calls is enabled in the device settings.
Apply these steps in the order above; if none resolves the issue, there may be a hardware fault or a need for a firmware update to the infotainment system.
Model-specific notes
Subaru’s Starlink infotainment varies by model and year, but the general approach remains the same. Some models use separate “Phone” and “Media” entries in the Bluetooth device list, while others consolidate them under a single Subaru entry with toggles for Calls and Audio. If your vehicle’s menu shows an option to “Reset Bluetooth” or “Restore Settings,” trying that option can also clear routing glitches. If you recently updated the phone OS or the Starlink software and problems started afterward, check for plus/minus firmware updates from Subaru or your dealer.
When to seek professional help
If you’ve followed the steps above and still can’t hear your phone, a dealer visit may be warranted. Persistent issues can indicate a malfunctioning Bluetooth module, a failing infotainment unit, or a firmware incompatibility that requires a software update or hardware service.
Summary
Most cases of not hearing your phone in a Subaru come down to Bluetooth audio routing or volume settings. Start by confirming that Calls are enabled for the Subaru Bluetooth connection, that the car’s audio source is correct for calls or music, and that both phone and car volumes are up. If problems persist, re-pair the device, test with another phone, and consider a software update or professional service if needed. Once routing and volumes are correctly configured, you should be able to hear calls and audio from your phone through your Subaru’s speakers again.
