If your 2018 Subaru Outback Touring won't recognize your iPhone 10 for CarPlay, the fix is usually a simple check of three things: your USB cable, Siri, and your iPhone's settings. This subaru outback carplay not working issue is frustrating, but it's almost always caused by a bad cable, Siri being disabled, or a software restriction on your phone.
Siri, cable, and USB port fixes for Subaru Outback CarPlay not working
CarPlay requires Siri to be enabled on your iPhone to function. Go to Settings > Siri & Search and make sure "Press Side Button for Siri" or "Listen for 'Hey Siri'" is turned on. If Siri is off, CarPlay will not activate.
Next, inspect your Lightning cable. You must use an Apple-certified Lightning-to-USB cable. Look for fraying, kinks, or bent pins. Even a small amount of damage can interrupt the connection. Try a different certified cable if you have one.
Plug your iPhone into the correct USB port. In the 2018 Outback Touring, the CarPlay-compatible port is typically located below the infotainment screen. Try connecting to a different USB port in the car, as some vehicles may only support CarPlay through a specific port.
Review your iPhone's CarPlay and restriction settings
On your iPhone, navigate to Settings > General > CarPlay. Select your Subaru Outback from the list of cars, then tap "Forget This Car." After that, reconnect your iPhone with the cable and pair it again. On the iPhone, navigate to Settings > General > CarPlay, then select the vehicle and ensure "Allow CarPlay While Locked" is enabled if needed.
Check iPhone settings under Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > Allowed Apps to confirm CarPlay is enabled. A restriction here can silently block the connection.
After connecting, select "Allow" on the iPhone when prompted, and then select "Apple CarPlay" on the vehicle's infotainment screen.
Restart your iPhone and Subaru infotainment system
A simple restart clears temporary software glitches. Restart your iPhone 10 by holding the side button and either volume button until the power-off slider appears, then slide to turn off. Wait 30 seconds, then press and hold the side button to turn it back on.
Then restart the engine. This fully reboots the system and can resolve connectivity hiccups.
Update your iPhone's iOS and your car's firmware
Ensure your iPhone 10 is running the latest iOS version. Go to Settings > General > Software Update and install any available updates. Outdated iOS can cause CarPlay to fail. All apps intended for use with CarPlay, such as navigation or music apps, should also be updated to their latest versions. This is especially important for your maps and navigation app settings, as outdated app versions can prevent CarPlay from displaying directions properly.
Infotainment system updates for the 2018 Outback often require downloading to a USB drive from the Subaru website and manual installation, as over-the-air Wi-Fi updates may not function for this model year. Ensure the car's battery is sufficiently charged before starting the update.
When to seek further help
If you have tried all steps above and your subaru outback carplay not working issue persists, contact a Subaru dealer or Apple Support. A deeper hardware problem with the USB port, the infotainment unit, or your iPhone's Lightning port may require professional diagnosis.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use wireless CarPlay in my 2018 Subaru Outback Touring with my iPhone 10?
No, the 2018 Subaru Outback Touring does not support wireless CarPlay. You must connect your iPhone 10 using a Lightning-to-USB cable.
Why does my iPhone 10 keep disconnecting from CarPlay while driving?
Frequent disconnections are usually caused by a loose or damaged Lightning cable, or a USB port with debris. Try a different certified cable and clean the port with compressed air. If the issue continues, the cable may need replacement.
Will updating my iPhone to the latest iOS version fix CarPlay issues?
Yes, iOS updates often include bug fixes that improve CarPlay compatibility. Always install the latest version before troubleshooting further.
Can I use third-party navigation apps like Google Maps with CarPlay?
Yes, third-party navigation apps such as Google Maps and Waze are fully compatible with CarPlay. Ensure they are updated to the latest version from the App Store.
What should I do if my Subaru infotainment screen shows "Apple CarPlay" but it's grayed out?
A grayed-out CarPlay option typically means the iPhone is not properly connected or Siri is disabled. Check your cable connection and confirm Siri is turned on in your iPhone's settings.
