To connect iPhone to Subaru Bluetooth, park your Subaru in a safe location, engage the parking brake, and ensure your iPhone is within approximately 33 feet with Bluetooth turned on. Once you complete the pairing process described below, your iPhone will be officially connected to your Subaru's infotainment system via Bluetooth for hands-free calls, texts, and music streaming.
Before you start: connect your iPhone to subaru Bluetooth safely
Begin by parking your Subaru in a safe location and engaging the parking brake before starting the pairing process. On your iPhone, navigate to the "Settings" app, tap "Bluetooth," and confirm the toggle is "On." Keep your iPhone within approximately 33 feet of the Subaru during the pairing process to ensure a stable connection.
How to start the pairing process on your Subaru's screen
On your Subaru's infotainment screen, tap the "Phone" app or go to "Settings," then "Bluetooth," and select "Add Device" or "Add Phone." Your Subaru's system will then begin searching for devices, making the car discoverable for your iPhone.
Complete the Bluetooth connection on your iPhone
On your iPhone, look for your Subaru's name (e.g., "Subaru" or "Subaru BT") in the list of available Bluetooth devices and tap it. A PIN number will appear on both your iPhone and the Subaru's screen; verify that these numbers match. The specific passkey or PIN may be provided in your car's user manual or displayed on the infotainment system. Confirm the connection by tapping "Pair" on your iPhone.
Finalize the setup and sync your contacts
Your Subaru may then ask if you wish to sync your contacts; select "Yes" if you want to transfer your phonebook. To set your Subaru Bluetooth system as the primary audio output, navigate to the connected device's settings on your iPhone, look for 'Audio Routing' or 'Audio Output', and select 'Subaru Bluetooth'. After the initial pairing, your iPhone should automatically reconnect to your Subaru each time you start the vehicle.
Troubleshooting: fix common Subaru Bluetooth pairing issues
If you experience pairing issues, try restarting both your iPhone and your Subaru's infotainment system. Keep your iPhone's operating system and your Subaru's infotainment software updated to ensure optimal compatibility and performance. Subaru's Bluetooth systems typically remember between five and ten paired devices; if you encounter issues, remove old pairings to free up memory. As a troubleshooting step, you can reset your iPhone's network settings, which will remove all saved Wi-Fi passwords, VPN settings, and Bluetooth connections. If the problem persists, delete the existing pairing from both devices and repeat the pairing process from the beginning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my iPhone automatically reconnect to my Subaru?
Are all Subaru models compatible with iPhone Bluetooth?
Most Subaru models from 2015 and newer are compatible with Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling and music streaming.
Can I connect multiple iPhones to my Subaru?
Yes, you can connect multiple iPhones, but the system typically remembers between five and ten paired devices. If you reach this limit, you will need to remove an old pairing to add a new one.
What should I do if my Subaru does not appear in the iPhone's Bluetooth list?
Ensure your iPhone is within 33 feet of the Subaru, Bluetooth is enabled on both devices, and the Subaru's infotainment system is actively searching for devices by selecting "Add Device." If it still does not appear, restart both devices and try again.
Does connecting Bluetooth to phones allow me to use Siri?
Yes, once paired, you can use Siri hands-free by pressing the voice command button on your Subaru's steering wheel, allowing you to make calls, send messages, and control music without touching your iPhone.
How do I disconnect my iPhone from Subaru Bluetooth?
Go to iPhone Settings > Bluetooth, tap the 'i' icon next to your Subaru system, and select 'Forget This Device'.
