Are any apps required to use Android Auto? You must download a dedicated app (Android Auto)
to your smartphone to use Android Auto.
https://play.google.com/store/apps

–

–

–

–

–

–

What is Android Auto?

3

What versions of Android are supported?

Version 5.0 and later

4

How do I connect my phone to the system? The phone is connected by USB cable.
Make sure that the cable is a data transferable type.

–

–

–

5

Does Android Auto support wireless
connections such as Bluetooth?

Android Auto does not support wireless connections
such as Bluetooth. It only works over a USB
connection.

–

–

–

What apps can I use with Android Auto?

See the following URL for a list of apps that can be
used with Android Auto:
http://g.co/androidauto.

–

–

–

How do I launch Android Auto?

1. Connect your smartphone by USB.
2. Select “Android Auto” on the Apps screen.

111

108

102

I can’t connect to Android Auto.

The Android Auto app may have quit on your
smartphone due to an error. Disconnect your
smartphone from the USB jack, cycle its power, and
then reconnect it.
Your smartphone may have turned off while using
Android Auto. Disconnect your smartphone from the
USB jack, cycle its power, and then reconnect it.

–

–

–

If you turn off the engine while playing music and
then start the engine again, playback may not
resume automatically. Start playback manually.

–

–

–

6

7

8

9

I can’t play music on Android Auto.

29

2. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
SUBARU STARLINK (General)
No.

Q

North America, Europe only
A

What is SUBARU STARLINK?

SUBARU STARLINK is an Infotainment service and is called SUBARU
STARLINK cloud that includes many applications.

What is the feature of SUBARU STARLINK?

SUBARU STARLINK is a function that some Apps of Music or Informationprovision can be displayed and operated in a car navigation unit by
connecting Smartphone to it.

How can SUBARU STARLINK start to be used?

SUBARU STARLINK can be used by connecting your Smartphone to an oncar unit with USB cable or Bluetooth after downloading SUBARU STARLINK
App to the Smartphone from Apple Store or Google Play.

4

When an in-vehicle device including DA is
replaced, do I need to submit an application in
order to associate the new device?

No. You don’t need to submit any application.

5

Is it impossible to use SUBARU STARLINK without Connection with USB cable for iPhone, and by Bluetooth for Android.
BT function in Smartphone?
(There are different ways between 8-inch with Navi system and 8-inch
system/6.5-inch system.)

6

Is it possible to keep to connect SUBARU
STARLINK 24 hours a day, 7 days a week?

Yes. It is possible to connect all the time.

Can SUBARU STARLINK be used free of charge?

Yes. The Apps of Smartphone(“SUBARU STARLINK App”) can be installed
from “Google Play” or “App store” free of charge. However this App has data
communication, therefore it will require some cost for data communication.
We recommend to join an fixed-rate plan for data communication of
Smartphone.

Which method, SUBARU STARLINK or CD, can
provide the better quality of sound when listen to
music?

The sound quality depends on music data recorded on a CD or downloaded
into your smartphone.
SUBARU STARLINK uses compressed music data for transmission. When
reproducing it there may be a minor discrepancy from the CD quality, but
how you feel it greatly differs from person to person.

9

Can I use an email feature of my smartphone
on the screen of my in-vehicle device while it is
connected to SUBARU STARLINK?

SUBARU STARLINK doesn’t provide any email app at this moment.
An email feature on your smartphone is available when the device is either in
the Android Auto mode or in the CarPlay mode.

10

Does it influence the service fee of Smartphone to Packet fee is charged since communication is required for using SUBARU
download information by SUBARU STARLINK? If
STARLINK.
yes, is it better to change to a fix rate service plan? A fix rate service plan may depend on the frequency and number of SUBARU
STARLINK use. Talk to customers at dealership .

11

What are Apps to SUBARU STARLINK? Will
SUBARU STARLINK have more Apps?

12

What happens when I have an incoming call to
The call has a higher priority, so the SUBARU STARLINK app is interrupted.
my smartphone while it has been connected with
SUBARU STARLINK and some app is running on it
(like I have been listening to music)?

13

Is it possible to enjoy SUBARU STARLINK with
tablet devices like iPad with a communication
function?

Yes. Tablet devices can be applicable.

14

What wireless communication of smartphone is
required to use SUBARU STARLINK? (EX. Wi-Fi,
3G, 4G, 4G LTE?)

It really does not matter as long as it connects your smartphone with Internet.

15

Will Apps be updated working with Smartphone?
Or only by updating Smartphone?

Only Smartphone requires to update.

1

2

3

7

8

16

17

There are 5 Apps, News, Music, Weather, iHeartRadio and Calendar. More
Apps will become available in future.

Is it possible to use other smartphone based Apps? No. You can’t use other smartphone based Apps on SUBARU STARLINK.
Is it possible to use SUBARU STARLINK for some
contents which have been bought in music/movie
apps originally stored in Smartphone?

Yes. It is possible to play any music contents which can be played with a
standard player for Smartphone.

30

2. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
SUBARU STARLINK (General)
No.

Q

A

18

Is there any way of enjoying SUBARU STARLINK
service with non compliant models (cellular
phones)?

SUBARU STARLINK is a service based on the use of Smartphone.

19

Is there any difference of operation between
iPhone and Android Smartphones?

There is not different operation of SUBARU STARLINK between iPhone and
Android Smartphones.

20

Is it possible to get SUBARU STARLINK
information only with a Smartphone outside of the
car?

No, it is not possible.

What should I do when the unit is replaced?

Your smartphone needs to be paired by Bluetooth again.

22

What should I do when I get my smartphone
repaired or replaced with a new one?

With iPhone, you don’t need to do anything for USB cable connection, but
you may need to make a Bluetooth pairing again with Android phone.

23

Can I transfer the date to a new vehicle when I
replace my vehicle?

No, you can’t.

Is it possible to operate the infotainment features
while driving? (I understand that I need to stop the
car when control the navigation features)

The driver restriction becomes effective when the car moves at or above
8 km/h, how it applies to SUBARU STARLINK apps differ by the app.
Each app is applied its own driving restriction and some particular operations
and the contents are unavailable while driving.
As an example, displaying a large amount of description such as News detail
is prohibited while driving as it may cause driver distraction.

25

Can I use the steering switch to control SUBARU
STARLINK?

No, you can’t. You cannot use the steering switch to control SUBARU
STARLINK.

26

Can I use the hardware buttons of the navigation/
audio device to control SUBARU STARLINK?

No, you can’t. You cannot use the hardware buttons of the navigation/audio
device to control SUBARU STARLINK.

I would like know the manufacturers for the
available devices.

Subaru factory fitted system: Harman International Gen3 system (6.5-inch/
8-inch/8-inch Navi)
Other vehicle types: Fujitsu-ten Gen2 (7-inch)/Clarion Gen2
(6.2-inch)

21

24

27

28

Why can’t I use the system to control my
The SUBARU STARLINK Cloud supports only Subaru apps that are
smartphone Navi app (or other smartphone apps)? specifically designed to interface with the system. These apps are hosted
on the SUBARU STARLINK Cloud and will be updated to include more
applications in the future.

29

Do I need a subscription or payment to use
SUBARU STARLINK?

No. It is a free service. Registration or payment isn’t necessary. The
connection fee may occur, however.

30

How many APPs are available for SUBARU
STARLINK?

The service starts with 5 apps.

31

Can I use a SUBARU STARLINK app together with No, you can’t.
another app such as music app or movie app that
relies on the smartphone?

32

33

Do I need any specific application(s) on my
smartphone for SUBARU STARLINK to work?

Yes. If you want to use Pandora or Aha, there are the relevant app for each
of them to connect to an in-vehicle device. If you want to use SUBARU
STARLINK that includes iHeartRadio, News and Music, you also need to
download them. Those apps are downloadable from Apple Store and Google
Play.

I would like to know how to update the SUBARU
STARLINK software?

You can update SUBARU STARLINK app as similar as the update of other
smartphone apps. You can get the information of the newer version of it from
Apple Store or Google Play according to the type of your smartphone.

31

2. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
SUBARU STARLINK (General)
No.

Q

A

How do I use “SUBARU STARLINK”?
Install “SUBARU STARLINK App” from “Google Play” or “App Store” to your
Can I use SUBARU STARLINK by only connecting Smartphone. Open your “SUBARU STARLINK App” in your Smartphone, and
Smartphone to Product?
then connect your Smartphone to Product. Refer to the following procedure.
[Procedure]
[iPhone]
1. Connect Smartphone to Product with USB cable(*).
2. Push APP button of the Product.
3. Push SUBARU STARLINK button of the Product’s screen.
4. If some icons are displayed on the Product’s screen, the connection has
been successfully completed.
* Use “Apple genuine USB cable” or “MFI (Made For iPhone) certified cable”.
In case of using the others, there is possibility to be unable to connect
correctly.
34

[Android]
1. Connect Smartphone by Bluetooth(*).
2. Push APP button of the Product.
3. Push SUBARU STARLINK button of the Product’s screen.
4. If some icons are displayed on the Product’s screen, the connection has
been successfully completed.
* Regarding how to connect by Bluetooth, please refer to the operation
manual of your Smartphone.
[Note]
Please use SUBARU STARLINK in an environment that Smartphone can
activate internet (3G/LTE/Wi-Fi and so on), because SUBARU STARLINK is
an internet communication service.
You cannot use SUBARU STARLINK in an environment of not internet
communication.

35

How are customers notified when new SUBARU
STARLINK apps are available?

36

How are dealers notified when new apps are added Dealers will be notified by Distributors.
to SUBARU STARLINK?

37

Is it possible to see on the web about details of or
how to use SUBARU STARLINK?

38

Is there any way to confirm if the communication is Communication is successful when the globe icon on the upper right corner
successful or not?
is blue.

39

When Smartphone is OFF, can SUBARU
STARLINK be used?

SUBARU STARLINK cannot be used when Smartphone is OFF. Be sure
to keep Smartphone ON (sleep mode is also OK), and use SUBARU
STARLINK with SUBARU STARLINK App open.

Is there any way of confirming the version of
SUBARU STARLINK App?

The version number can be checked using the smartphone Settings app as
follows:
[Procedure]
[iPhone]
1. Launch the Settings app on the iPhone.
2. Tap “General” in the Settings app.
3. Tap “Usage” in the Settings app.
4. Find “SUBARU STARLINK” under “STORAGE” in the Settings app and tap
it.
5. Check the version number listed in the Settings app.
[Android]
* The names of interface elements may vary depending on the model and
Android version of the device.
1. Launch the Android Settings app.
2. Tap “Apps” in the Settings app.
3. Find “SUBARU STARLINK” in the Settings app and tap it.
4. Check the version number listed in the Settings app.

40

Newly available content is added to the screen displayed after the SUBARU
STARLINK button is pressed (the initial screen with rows of icons).

No. It is not available by Web as of today.

32

2. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
SUBARU STARLINK (General)
No.
41

42

Q
Can I delete data when I trade in my vehicle?

A
Yes, you can delete data in the Setting menu.
[Supplemental information]
You can delete data in “Factory Data Reset” in “General” of the Setting.

I am stuck on a “screen”, screen is locked up, can’t Press “HOME” button to return to the HOME screen.
find my way around the system.
The screen is no longer responsive during
operation, and I don’t know where I am.

43

SUBARU STARLINK won’t launch and it’s not
showing gray.

SUBARU STARLINK App must be launch/running before the phone is
paired [by Bluetooth] to the vehicle. Disconnect Bluetooth, restart SUBARU
STARLINK APP and re-Pair phone to vehicle.

44

I deleted apps by mistake. How can I get them
back?

Download SUBARU STARLINK app again to your smartphone.

45

How can I find operation manual for Music, News,
Calendar, Weather and iHeatradio APPs?