Android Auto Greyed Out Subaru

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Android Auto Greyed Out Subaru: Your Troubleshooting Guide

Experiencing the frustration of a greyed-out Android Auto icon in your Subaru's infotainment system? You're not alone. This common issue prevents you from accessing essential navigation, communication, and entertainment features, turning your smart display into a simple clock. This technical guide will walk you through systematic troubleshooting steps to get your Android Auto back up and running in your Subaru.

Understanding the Problem

A greyed-out Android Auto icon typically indicates that the car's infotainment system isn't successfully detecting or establishing a stable data connection with your Android phone. This can stem from issues with the USB cable, your phone's settings, the car's software, or even a hardware fault.

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting for Your Subaru

Let's systematically address the potential culprits:

1. Inspect Your USB Connection

The USB connection is the most frequent point of failure.

Cable Quality: This is paramount. Many generic cables are designed for charging only and lack the necessary data transfer capabilities for Android Auto.
- Use a high-quality, short (3ft / 1m or less), data-capable USB-A to USB-C cable. Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) cables or those from reputable brands (e.g., Anker, Belkin) are highly recommended.
- Avoid: Damaged, frayed, excessively long, or cheap cables.
Try Different Ports: If your Subaru has multiple USB ports (e.g., in the center console or dash), try connecting to a different one. Sometimes one port might be faulty or designated for charging only.
Clean Ports: Inspect your phone's USB-C port and the Subaru's USB port for any lint, dust, or debris that might be obstructing a proper connection. Use a non-conductive tool like a toothpick or compressed air to clean them gently.

2. Verify Your Phone's Configuration

Your Android phone's software and settings play a crucial role.

Android Auto App Update: Ensure the Android Auto app on your phone is updated to the latest version via the Google Play Store. Sometimes, a reinstall of the app can resolve persistent issues.
Phone OS Update: Confirm your Android phone's operating system (OS) is also up to date. Compatibility problems can arise with outdated OS versions.
USB Preferences: Once connected to the car, pull down your phone's notification shade. Tap the "USB for..." notification and ensure "File transfer / Android Auto" is selected, not "Charging only" or "No data transfer."
Android Auto Settings (on Phone):
- Open the Android Auto app on your phone.
- Go to Settings > Previously connected cars. Remove your Subaru from this list, then try reconnecting.
- Check Start Android Auto automatically and ensure it's enabled.
- If you have Developer settings enabled for Android Auto (by tapping the version number repeatedly), ensure no conflicting settings are active.
App Permissions: On your phone, go to Settings > Apps > Android Auto > Permissions. Ensure all necessary permissions are granted.
Battery Optimization: For Android Auto, go to Settings > Apps > Android Auto > Battery. If it's being optimized, try setting it to "Unrestricted" or disabling optimization for the app to ensure it runs without interruption.

3. Address Your Subaru's Infotainment System

Issues can sometimes originate from the car's side.

Parking Brake: In some Subaru models, Android Auto (or certain functions) requires the parking brake to be engaged during initial setup or if specific safety features are enabled. Try engaging the parking brake fully, then connecting.
Infotainment System Restart: Perform a soft reset of your Subaru's infotainment system. This often involves holding down the power button for 10-15 seconds until it reboots. (Consult your Subaru manual for exact instructions, as this varies by model and year).
Starlink Software Update: Ensure your Subaru's Starlink infotainment system has the latest software updates. These updates often include bug fixes and improved compatibility for smartphone integration. Check with your dealership or Subaru's official support for how to check and apply updates.
Factory Reset (Infotainment - Last Resort): As a last resort, consider a factory reset of the infotainment system. Be aware this will erase all saved settings, paired phones, and custom preferences.

4. Reboot Everything

Sometimes, a complete power cycle of all components is all that's needed.

Turn off your Subaru.
Turn off your phone.
Wait a minute.
Turn on your Subaru, let the infotainment system boot up fully.
Turn on your phone.
Connect the phone via the USB cable.

When to Seek Professional Help

If you've systematically worked through these steps and Android Auto remains greyed out, it might indicate a hardware issue with your Subaru's USB port or infotainment unit, or a deeper software problem that requires specialized diagnostic tools. In such cases, contacting your Subaru dealership or an authorized service center is advisable.

Conclusion

While a greyed-out Android Auto icon can be frustrating, most issues are resolvable with a methodical approach. By checking your cable, phone settings, and Subaru's infotainment system, you can typically restore full functionality and enjoy a seamless connected driving experience. Happy troubleshooting!