We bought our first Subaru, an '18 Crosstrek Limited, in November 2017. One of the big factors, for us, was the new Infotainment System in the '18 (referred to as the "Head Unit", or just the "HU"). We wanted to be able to use Android Auto and Apple CarPlay - I now have a Google Pixel 4 XL and OAK ("Other AstroKat") has an iPhone 8 Plus. Here's what we've learned, with the help of many folks on this forum. I will endeavor to add/edit/update this initial post, so please reply with updates, suggestions, etc.
The new generation Crosstrek (beginning with Model Year 2018) has a new Infotainment System by Harman International Industries. It was first available on the '17 Impreza and is now standard for all Subarus on the new platform.
The first version of the infotainment system was Gen 3.0, in the '17 Impreza and '18 Crosstrek. The '19 models had a slightly upgraded version, Gen 3.1 but not much changed. However, they require different firmware and it's released at different times. Some early '19 cars may have the Gen 3.0.
Here's the support number for United Radio (they handle Subaru's Harman HUs): 315-445-7799.Thanks @aukii75
FIRMWARE
The firmware is the computer software installed in the HU and many commonly-reported problems can be fixed by updating it to the latest version. Here's how to check your firmware version (also see Page 62 of the StarLink manual):
PDF versions of the manuals are available from Subaru (so there's no excuse for not reading the manual, LOL): https://www.subaru.com/owners/vehicle-resources/manuals.html
Newer versions of the firmware have fixed or improved many of the problems being reported, such as the connection with a phone being lost. Although some trim levels can update the firmware via a Wi-Fi connection or using Aha on a paired phone (see Page 70 of the Starlink Manual), you may have to get it done at a dealer. If you have a car with nav you may be able to download the new firmware with a maps update to a USB drive. Go to: Subaru Map Update Delivery Portal
At the time of writing, it appears that only Crosstreks with an 8" screen HU (with or without nav) can do updates over Wi-Fi, AND that a recent version of the firmware installed by a dealer or a map update is required to do so. If you don't have Wi-Fi or nav, only the dealer can update the firmware. If the vehicle is still under factory warranty, the dealer may cover it if you cite the relevant TSB (see below). The full maps updates are only available from the maps website, although '19+ models can download local regions over Wi-Fi.
To download firmware via Wi-Fi, go to Settings, connect to your Wi-Fi, then Check for Updates. Here are detailed instructions for updating from Subaru (thanks @Marty1 for finding them):
Released by SOA Sept. 22, 2020
2018 Limited (has instructions for Wi-Fi or Nav):
https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2020/MC-10180737-0001.pdf
2019 to 2021 with Nav:
https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2020/MC-10180739-0001.pdf
2019 to 2021 with 7" or 8" display:
https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2020/MC-10180738-0001.pdf
Following are the latest versions I'm aware of, from personal experience and other good folks posting here. As far as I know, nothing has changed with the '20+ or PHEV so the '19 info should apply.
FYI, the most important numbers are the middle two, and refer to the build year and build week. So, 19.45 means the 45th week of 2019 (i.e. the beginning of November, 2019).
There's also a LOT of info here, thanks again @Marty1:
LATEST FIRMWARE VERSIONS (reported by members here and from TSBs):
New in May 2021 (may just be a maps update): [Warning - there are issues with this release, see: Model Year 2018 and Newer - "Play Artist:"...]
Gen 3.0:Rel_A2.21.19.20 for the Gen 3.0
Maps version: USA Canada and Mexico_1066_7705_10767
Gen 3.1: Rel_UH.21.13.70 NAFTA
Gen 3.0 HU for most '18 cars with navigation:
Rel_A2.20.40.20
Build Date: October 2020
Publication date: November 18, 2020
Maps Version: USA Canada and Mexico_1056_7522_10469
TSB: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2020/MC-10185086-0001.pdf
Gen 3.0 HU for most '18 without with navigation:
Rel_A2.20.07.20 (Rel_A2.20.14.20 was installed by a member in Prague).
Build Dates: February 2020
Publication date: July 6, 2020
TSB: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2020/MC-10185086-0001.pdf
Gen 3.1 HU for most '19+ cars with or without navigation
Rel_UA.20.38.70 (20.41.70 appears to be a new maps update - prior maps update was 20.28.70)
Build date: September 2020
Publication date: December 30, 2020
Maps Version: North America_2017.03_7353_28/12569/75686/40863
TSB (map updates only): https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2020/MC-10183708-0001.pdf
TSB: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2020/MC-10185088-0001.pdf
In addition to the NHTSA site, a list of TSBs can be found here: Subaru Crosstrek technical service bulletins
FAQs
How do I stop the radio coming on every time I start the car?
This is one of the most frequently asked questions! A single press of the left "power" button will only mute/pause the radio or whatever audio is streaming. Next time you start the car, the radio will be back on again. This seems to be a "feature"!
The HU display and audio can be turned off by holding down the left button for a few seconds and, with the latest versions of the firmware it will stay off the next time you start the car. However, if you want to use the HU for anything else (e.g. navigation or making phone calls) it will come back on and the radio will start playing again. The best option, if you want the radio to stay off, is to turn the volume down to zero (just make sure you're not streaming something over your phone at the time, that's using up your mobile data - that happened to us).
How can I reboot the HU?
Hold down the power button for ten seconds or more until the Starlink logo flashes on the screen.
My phone won't connect to Android Auto or CarPlay, or keeps disconnecting, etc.
First of all, make sure you have the latest firmware. It's also important to use a good quality cable (and try different cables, as some work better than others). In rare cases it may be a problem with the USB port(s) in the Crosstrek. Some members here have reported that connection problems were resolved by the dealer replacing the USB port.
Make sure that none of the contacts are corroded and clean them with rubbing alcohol (if you can find any during the pandemic, LOL).
Use the shortest cable that works for where you want to place your phone. The maximum cable length for the USB 2.0 specification used in the Crosstrek is about 16ft, and several feet of cable are already used up connecting from the armrest cubby to the HU.
What settings on my phone should I use?
Some basic features, such as making and receiving phone calls, are available over Bluetooth with a paired phone. The phone integration features, address book, caller history, etc. will be handled by StarLink, not Android Auto or CarPlay. If you want to use Android Auto or CarPlay on the HU display, you must connecting the phone via USB.
If anyone has any comments on what works and doesn't work with certain phones, I'll add it here. We use the default settings in Android Auto and CarPlay and it works most of the time, launching when we plug in our phones. Here's another suggestion:
The new generation Crosstrek (beginning with Model Year 2018) has a new Infotainment System by Harman International Industries. It was first available on the '17 Impreza and is now standard for all Subarus on the new platform.
The first version of the infotainment system was Gen 3.0, in the '17 Impreza and '18 Crosstrek. The '19 models had a slightly upgraded version, Gen 3.1 but not much changed. However, they require different firmware and it's released at different times. Some early '19 cars may have the Gen 3.0.
Here's the support number for United Radio (they handle Subaru's Harman HUs): 315-445-7799.Thanks @aukii75
FIRMWARE
The firmware is the computer software installed in the HU and many commonly-reported problems can be fixed by updating it to the latest version. Here's how to check your firmware version (also see Page 62 of the StarLink manual):
1. Press the Home button on the HU
2. Select Settings then General
3. Scroll down and select System Information
PDF versions of the manuals are available from Subaru (so there's no excuse for not reading the manual, LOL): https://www.subaru.com/owners/vehicle-resources/manuals.html
Newer versions of the firmware have fixed or improved many of the problems being reported, such as the connection with a phone being lost. Although some trim levels can update the firmware via a Wi-Fi connection or using Aha on a paired phone (see Page 70 of the Starlink Manual), you may have to get it done at a dealer. If you have a car with nav you may be able to download the new firmware with a maps update to a USB drive. Go to: Subaru Map Update Delivery Portal
At the time of writing, it appears that only Crosstreks with an 8" screen HU (with or without nav) can do updates over Wi-Fi, AND that a recent version of the firmware installed by a dealer or a map update is required to do so. If you don't have Wi-Fi or nav, only the dealer can update the firmware. If the vehicle is still under factory warranty, the dealer may cover it if you cite the relevant TSB (see below). The full maps updates are only available from the maps website, although '19+ models can download local regions over Wi-Fi.
To download firmware via Wi-Fi, go to Settings, connect to your Wi-Fi, then Check for Updates. Here are detailed instructions for updating from Subaru (thanks @Marty1 for finding them):
Released by SOA Sept. 22, 2020
2018 Limited (has instructions for Wi-Fi or Nav):
https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2020/MC-10180737-0001.pdf
2019 to 2021 with Nav:
https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2020/MC-10180739-0001.pdf
2019 to 2021 with 7" or 8" display:
https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2020/MC-10180738-0001.pdf
Following are the latest versions I'm aware of, from personal experience and other good folks posting here. As far as I know, nothing has changed with the '20+ or PHEV so the '19 info should apply.
FYI, the most important numbers are the middle two, and refer to the build year and build week. So, 19.45 means the 45th week of 2019 (i.e. the beginning of November, 2019).
There's also a LOT of info here, thanks again @Marty1:
LATEST FIRMWARE VERSIONS (reported by members here and from TSBs):
New in May 2021 (may just be a maps update): [Warning - there are issues with this release, see: Model Year 2018 and Newer - "Play Artist:"...]
Gen 3.0:Rel_A2.21.19.20 for the Gen 3.0
Maps version: USA Canada and Mexico_1066_7705_10767
Gen 3.1: Rel_UH.21.13.70 NAFTA
Gen 3.0 HU for most '18 cars with navigation:
Rel_A2.20.40.20
Build Date: October 2020
Publication date: November 18, 2020
Maps Version: USA Canada and Mexico_1056_7522_10469
TSB: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2020/MC-10185086-0001.pdf
Gen 3.0 HU for most '18 without with navigation:
Rel_A2.20.07.20 (Rel_A2.20.14.20 was installed by a member in Prague).
Build Dates: February 2020
Publication date: July 6, 2020
TSB: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2020/MC-10185086-0001.pdf
Gen 3.1 HU for most '19+ cars with or without navigation
Rel_UA.20.38.70 (20.41.70 appears to be a new maps update - prior maps update was 20.28.70)
Build date: September 2020
Publication date: December 30, 2020
Maps Version: North America_2017.03_7353_28/12569/75686/40863
TSB (map updates only): https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2020/MC-10183708-0001.pdf
TSB: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2020/MC-10185088-0001.pdf
In addition to the NHTSA site, a list of TSBs can be found here: Subaru Crosstrek technical service bulletins
FAQs
How do I stop the radio coming on every time I start the car?
This is one of the most frequently asked questions! A single press of the left "power" button will only mute/pause the radio or whatever audio is streaming. Next time you start the car, the radio will be back on again. This seems to be a "feature"!
The HU display and audio can be turned off by holding down the left button for a few seconds and, with the latest versions of the firmware it will stay off the next time you start the car. However, if you want to use the HU for anything else (e.g. navigation or making phone calls) it will come back on and the radio will start playing again. The best option, if you want the radio to stay off, is to turn the volume down to zero (just make sure you're not streaming something over your phone at the time, that's using up your mobile data - that happened to us).
How can I reboot the HU?
Hold down the power button for ten seconds or more until the Starlink logo flashes on the screen.
My phone won't connect to Android Auto or CarPlay, or keeps disconnecting, etc.
First of all, make sure you have the latest firmware. It's also important to use a good quality cable (and try different cables, as some work better than others). In rare cases it may be a problem with the USB port(s) in the Crosstrek. Some members here have reported that connection problems were resolved by the dealer replacing the USB port.
Make sure that none of the contacts are corroded and clean them with rubbing alcohol (if you can find any during the pandemic, LOL).
Use the shortest cable that works for where you want to place your phone. The maximum cable length for the USB 2.0 specification used in the Crosstrek is about 16ft, and several feet of cable are already used up connecting from the armrest cubby to the HU.
What settings on my phone should I use?
Some basic features, such as making and receiving phone calls, are available over Bluetooth with a paired phone. The phone integration features, address book, caller history, etc. will be handled by StarLink, not Android Auto or CarPlay. If you want to use Android Auto or CarPlay on the HU display, you must connecting the phone via USB.
If anyone has any comments on what works and doesn't work with certain phones, I'll add it here. We use the default settings in Android Auto and CarPlay and it works most of the time, launching when we plug in our phones. Here's another suggestion:
