Connecting your phone to your Subaru’s Bluetooth system not only enhances your driving experience by giving you seamless access to music, calls, and navigation but also ensures your safety by allowing you to stay connected while keeping your hands on the wheel. In this article, we’ll provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to connect your phone to your Subaru’s Bluetooth system, along with troubleshooting tips, and insights on maximizing this feature.
Understanding Subaru Bluetooth Technology
Before diving into the details of connecting your phone, it’s important to understand what Bluetooth technology is and how it functions in your Subaru.
What is Bluetooth?
Bluetooth is a wireless technology that allows devices to communicate over short distances. With Bluetooth, you can connect your phone to your Subaru’s audio system without the need for cords or cables. This technology provides a convenient way to make calls, stream music, and access navigation apps hands-free.
Benefits of Connecting Your Phone to Subaru Bluetooth
Connecting your phone to your vehicle’s Bluetooth offers several advantages:
- Hands-Free Calling: Make and receive calls without taking your hands off the wheel.
- Music Streaming: Enjoy your favorite playlists directly from your phone without any interruptions.
- Navigation: Get directions audibly through your car’s speakers for improved safety and efficiency.
How to Connect Your Phone to Subaru Bluetooth
Let’s get started on the step-by-step process of connecting your phone to your Subaru’s Bluetooth system. The procedure may slightly differ depending on the model and year of your Subaru, but the fundamental steps remain the same.
Step 1: Preparing Your Phone
Before you begin, ensure that your phone’s Bluetooth feature is turned on. Here’s how:
For iPhone Users:
- Go to “Settings.”
- Tap on “Bluetooth.”
- Toggle the Bluetooth switch to the “On” position.
For Android Users:
- Open “Settings” from the home screen.
- Select “Connected devices” or “Connections.”
- Tap on “Bluetooth” and ensure it is set to “On.”
Step 2: Start Your Subaru
Make sure that your Subaru is in the “On” position. You don’t need to start the engine, but the electrical systems should be activated. This action makes the car’s Bluetooth system active and ready to pair with your phone.
Step 3: Access the Bluetooth Settings in Your Subaru
Navigate to the car’s multimedia system:
- Press the “Home” button on your multimedia display.
- Select “Settings” or “Phone Settings” from the available options.
- Choose the option for “Bluetooth” or “Bluetooth Settings.”
Step 4: Initiate Pairing Mode
To connect your phone, you need to set your Subaru’s Bluetooth to pairing mode. Do this by:
- Selecting “Pair Device” or “Add New Device” on the screen.
- Your vehicle will then display a Bluetooth pairing code or a prompt indicating that it is discoverable.
Step 5: Pair the Devices
Now it’s time to pair your phone with the car’s Bluetooth system:
- On your phone, under Bluetooth settings, look for available devices.
- When your Subaru’s name appears, tap on it to initiate the connection.
- A pairing code will appear either on your phone or the vehicle’s display. Make sure the codes match.
Step 6: Complete the Pairing Process
After confirming or entering the matching code, follow any additional prompts on your phone or the car’s display to complete the pairing process. Once successful, your phone should be connected to the Subaru’s Bluetooth system.
Troubleshooting Connection Issues
Sometimes, you might encounter issues while connecting your phone to your Subaru’s Bluetooth system. Here are some common problems and solutions:
Common Issues
- Bluetooth is not turning on.
- Your phone is not showing your Subaru in the list of available devices.
- Audio quality issues or connection drops.
- Inability to receive calls or messages through the system.
Solutions to Common Issues
If you face any connectivity problems, try the following solutions:
Reset Bluetooth Connections
- Delete your car from your phone’s Bluetooth settings.
- Delete your phone from the Subaru’s Bluetooth settings.
- Restart your phone and vehicle to refresh the Bluetooth modules before attempting the pairing process once again.
Update Software
Ensure that your phone and Subaru multimedia system are running the latest software.
- Check for updates on your phone through the manufacturer’s website.
- Refer to your Subaru owner’s manual or dealership for instructions on updating the vehicle’s infotainment system.
Troubleshoot Audio Quality
If the audio quality drops or experiences interruptions:
- Ensure your phone has sufficient battery life. Low battery can affect Bluetooth performance.
- Reduce the distance between your phone and the vehicle. High interference or barriers can disrupt the connection.
Enhancing Your Bluetooth Experience
Once you have successfully connected your phone to your Subaru’s Bluetooth system, you can enhance your experience by following these tips:
Use Voice Commands
Many Subaru models are equipped with voice recognition capabilities. Utilize this feature to control your calls and music hands-free. Common commands include:
- “Call [Contact Name]”
- “Play [Song Name]”
- “Navigate to [Destination]”
Set Permissions Correctly
Make sure to allow your Subaru system necessary permissions for optimal functionality:
- Contacts Access: This lets you access your contacts for calls.
- Messages Access: Enable access to receive text messages through your vehicle.
Regularly Clean Your Bluetooth Connections
Occasionally, it’s beneficial to review and clean up your Bluetooth connections. Delete unused devices or those that are no longer used to maintain a streamlined system.
Conclusion
Connecting your phone to your Subaru’s Bluetooth system is a straightforward process that provides numerous benefits for a more enjoyable and safe driving experience. From hands-free calling and music streaming to navigation, the functionalities are designed to keep you focused on the road.
Whether you drive a Subaru Impreza, Forester, or Outback, these steps will help you utilize Bluetooth connectivity effectively. Remember that troubleshooting is part of the process, and maintaining your Bluetooth settings can help enhance your experience.
Now that you’re equipped with the knowledge to connect your phone to your Subaru’s Bluetooth, you’re ready to enjoy a hands-free journey filled with your favorite music and increased connectivity. Enjoy the drive!
What is Subaru’s Bluetooth system?
Subaru’s Bluetooth system allows drivers to connect their smartphones wirelessly to their vehicle’s infotainment system, facilitating functions like hands-free calling, audio streaming, and accessing various phone applications. This integration enhances convenience and promotes safety by enabling drivers to stay connected without taking their hands off the wheel or their eyes off the road.
The Bluetooth system works by leveraging short-range wireless technology to create a secure connection between your phone and the car. Once paired, you can manage calls and music directly through the vehicle’s controls, making it an essential feature for modern drivers who value both connectivity and safety.
How do I pair my phone with my Subaru’s Bluetooth?
To pair your phone with your Subaru’s Bluetooth system, first ensure that your car is in accessory mode or running. Then, navigate to the Bluetooth settings on your phone, and enable Bluetooth if it’s not already activated. Once your phone is searching for devices, access the Bluetooth menu on your Subaru’s infotainment system and select the option to pair a new device.
Follow the prompts on both your phone and the vehicle’s display. You may need to enter a passcode, which is typically displayed on the car’s screen. Once the pairing is successful, your phone’s contacts may be synced, and you can enjoy hands-free capabilities.
What should I do if my phone doesn’t connect to Subaru’s Bluetooth?
If your phone isn’t connecting to Subaru’s Bluetooth, first try toggling Bluetooth off and on again on your device. Additionally, make sure that your phone is not already connected to another Bluetooth device, as this can inhibit the pairing process. It’s also a good idea to check if your phone’s software and the Subaru infotainment system are updated to their latest versions.
If problems persist, you can try deleting previous Bluetooth connections from your phone and the Subaru system before attempting to pair again. Sometimes, a reset of your vehicle’s infotainment system may help resolve connectivity issues. Consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual for instructions on resetting if necessary.
Can I use voice commands with Subaru’s Bluetooth?
Yes, Subaru’s Bluetooth system supports voice commands, allowing drivers to make calls and control various features hands-free. To use voice commands, simply press the dedicated voice control button on the steering wheel or dashboard, and follow the prompts to dictate your commands. This feature promotes safer driving by reducing the need to manipulate controls manually.
Voice commands typically allow you to place phone calls, play a specific song, or switch to a particular audio source. The system may have limitations based on your device and the specific model year of your Subaru, but the hands-free functionality significantly enhances the overall driving experience.
Does Subaru’s Bluetooth support streaming music?
Yes, Subaru’s Bluetooth system supports audio streaming, enabling you to play music from various apps directly from your smartphone. Once your phone is connected, you can select a streaming service such as Spotify, Apple Music, or any other app, and the audio will be transmitted through the vehicle’s speakers.
To stream music, simply use your phone or the vehicle’s audio controls. Make sure the app you wish to use is open and running while connected to Bluetooth. The system seamlessly integrates with your multimedia experience, making road trips and daily drives more enjoyable.
Is it possible to connect multiple devices to Subaru’s Bluetooth?
Many Subaru models allow you to connect multiple devices to the Bluetooth system, but typically, only one device can actively stream audio or make calls at a time. Once you have paired multiple devices, you can switch between them as needed, which is convenient for families or shared vehicles.
To switch devices, you may need to manually disconnect the current device from Bluetooth settings and select the other device within the vehicle’s Bluetooth menu. Keep in mind that each Subaru model may have different capabilities regarding the number of devices that can be paired, so refer to your owner’s manual for specifics on your model.
What features can I access through Subaru’s Bluetooth?
Through Subaru’s Bluetooth system, you can access a variety of features designed to enhance your driving experience. These include making and receiving hands-free calls, streaming audio from your favorite music apps, and accessing navigation features if supported. The system integrates neatly with your smartphone, allowing you to manage these functions without distraction.
Additionally, if your vehicle’s model comes equipped with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, you can further enhance functionality by accessing specific apps directly from the infotainment screen. This integration provides a more comprehensive experience, allowing seamless access to your device’s features while keeping focus on the drive.