Apple CarPlay is one of the best features in the Subaru Ascent. It makes driving easier because you can use maps, music, calls, and messages without touching your phone.
But many Ascent owners say the same thing: “CarPlay suddenly stopped working.” Some say it does not launch, some say it keeps disconnecting, and others say it shows a blank or grey screen.
If your Subaru Ascent CarPlay is not working, don’t worry. Most problems come from simple things like cables, ports, or settings. In this guide, you’ll learn why the problem happens and how to fix it step-by-step.
What’s Happening With Subaru Ascent CarPlay?
CarPlay depends on a clean connection between your iPhone and the car’s infotainment system. If anything breaks that connection — even something small — CarPlay refuses to load. This can happen after an iPhone update, after reconnecting your phone, or after months of normal use.
The good news is that most problems are easy to fix at home. You usually do not need a mechanic unless the head unit has a hardware issue.
Common Symptoms When CarPlay Stops Working
When Subaru Ascent CarPlay fails, it usually shows one or more of these signs:
- CarPlay does not launch at all
- The phone charges but CarPlay never appears
- CarPlay connects for a few seconds, then disconnects
- The CarPlay screen freezes mid-use
- The CarPlay icon is missing or greyed out
- Audio works, but the CarPlay display stays black
These symptoms help you understand where the problem might be.
Why Subaru Ascent CarPlay Is Not Working (Most Common Causes)
There isn’t one single cause. CarPlay can fail for many reasons, but some causes come up again and again.
Bad or Non-Data USB Cable
This is the number one reason CarPlay does not work.
Many people use cheap cables that only charge the phone but do not support data transfer. CarPlay needs a strong, data-capable cable. Even an old Apple cable can fail after long use because it bends or cracks inside.
If your iPhone charges but CarPlay never shows up, the cable is often the reason.
Dirty or Damaged USB Port
Dust, lint, or small dirt inside the phone port can block the data connection. Your phone may still charge, but CarPlay needs a clean data path.
The same thing can happen in the car’s USB port. A quick cleaning can solve the problem.
Outdated iOS or Subaru Infotainment Software
CarPlay works best when both your phone and your Subaru’s software are updated. When one is updated and the other is not, they may not “match,” causing CarPlay to fail.
Some owners had issues right after updating their iPhone. Others had issues when their car’s software was behind.
CarPlay Settings Are Misconfigured
If CarPlay is turned off on your iPhone or if your car is set to “Forget Device,” CarPlay will not start. Sometimes, a simple settings reset fixes everything.
Bluetooth / Wi-Fi Problems (For Wireless CarPlay Models)
Newer Subaru Ascent models support wireless CarPlay. This version needs both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi to work.
If Bluetooth fails or Wi-Fi connects to another network, CarPlay will not start.
Known System Bugs in Certain Model Years
Some Ascent infotainment systems have known bugs such as:
- Freezing
- Random reboots
- CarPlay dropping after 30–60 seconds
Sometimes these bugs require a software update from a dealer.
Step-by-Step Fixes for Subaru Ascent CarPlay Problems
Here are the easiest and most effective fixes. Try them one by one.
Step 1 — Replace the USB Cable With an MFi-Certified Cable
Start with the simplest fix.
- Use an Apple cable or a certified high-quality cable
- Avoid cheap cables from gas stations
- Try two different cables to be sure
If the cable is the problem, CarPlay will start working again immediately.
Step 2 — Clean the Phone Port and Car USB Port
Lint, dust, and dirt can block the connection. Use:
- A soft brush
- A toothpick (carefully)
- Compressed air
Do not use metal objects.
A clean port often restores CarPlay instantly.
Step 3 — Delete and Re-Pair Your Subaru in CarPlay Settings
Sometimes your phone keeps an old connection profile, and CarPlay will not load.
Do this:
- Open Settings
- Tap General
- Tap CarPlay
- Choose your Subaru Ascent
- Tap Forget This Car
- Restart your phone
- Plug the phone into the USB port again
This forces your phone to make a fresh connection.
Step 4 — Update iOS and Subaru Infotainment Software
CarPlay problems often start after an update, or because updates are missing.
Update your iPhone:
- Go to Settings → General → Software Update
- Install updates if available
Update your Subaru infotainment:
Some models allow updates through Wi-Fi, while older ones need a dealer visit.
Updated software removes many known bugs.
Step 5 — Restart the Car’s Head Unit and iPhone
Sometimes a simple restart fixes everything.
To reset the Subaru head unit:
- Hold the volume/power knob for 10–15 seconds until the screen restarts
To restart your iPhone:
- Press and hold volume + side button
- Slide to power off
Reconnect after both devices restart.
Step 6 — Disable VPNs, Screen-Time Limits & Restrictions
These settings can block CarPlay:
- VPN apps
- Content and privacy restrictions
- Screen-Time limits
- Lockdown mode
- USB accessories disabled
Make sure none of these are active while connecting.
Step 7 — Fix Wireless CarPlay Setup (For Newer Models)
Wireless CarPlay needs:
- Bluetooth ON
- Wi-Fi ON
- No active hotspot
- No other networks connected
If CarPlay keeps dropping:
- Forget the car
- Turn off Bluetooth
- Restart your phone
- Turn Bluetooth back on
- Pair again
Once Bluetooth makes the first connection, the phone switches to Wi-Fi automatically.
Subaru Ascent Model Years With Most CarPlay Complaints
While issues can happen in any year, some model years show more reports:
2019 Subaru Ascent
Owners report freezing screens and CarPlay disconnecting during long trips.
2020 Subaru Ascent
Many complaints about CarPlay not detecting the phone unless the cable is changed.
2023–2024 Subaru Ascent (Wireless CarPlay models)
Wireless CarPlay sometimes drops or fails to start when switching drivers or after an iPhone update.
These problems are often fixed through software updates.
Real Subaru Owner Reports (What Drivers Are Saying)
Here are some common things owners share in online discussions:
- “My phone charges but CarPlay never starts.”
- “CarPlay was working fine yesterday and now it’s gone.”
- “It shows the CarPlay icon, but it’s greyed out.”
- “After I updated my phone, CarPlay stopped working.”
- “New cable fixed everything in seconds.”
The most common solutions people say worked for them:
- Replacing the USB cable
- Cleaning the phone port
- Forgetting and re-pairing the car
- Updating software
These fixes solve most real-world cases.
Prevent CarPlay Problems in the Future
Here are simple habits that help keep CarPlay running smoothly:
Use high-quality cables only
Avoid weak, cheap, or old cables.
Update your iPhone and Subaru system
Do it every month or when updates appear.
Clean your ports
A small amount of dirt can break the data connection.
Restart the system after an iOS update
This helps both devices sync correctly.
Do not pull or bend cables
This damages the internal wires.
Subaru Ascent CarPlay Not Working After an Update?
Many owners say CarPlay stopped working right after an iOS update. This happens because the car system needs time to adjust to the new software.
Try these steps:
- Forget the car in Settings → CarPlay
- Restart the iPhone
- Restart the Subaru head unit
- Reconnect with a fresh cable
- Turn off VPNs or restrictions
This usually fixes update-related issues.
When You Should Contact a Subaru Dealer
Call or visit a dealer if:
- CarPlay still does not work after trying all steps
- The head unit freezes often
- The USB ports stop working completely
- Wireless CarPlay fails even with correct settings
In some cases, Subaru replaces or updates the infotainment system under warranty. For certain model years, software updates or repairs may be available at no cost.
Subaru Ascent CarPlay Not Working 2022
CarPlay issues in the 2022 Ascent usually come from a bad USB cable, a dirty phone port, or a software glitch. Try a new cable, restart both devices, and forget-and-repair CarPlay. Updating the infotainment system also fixes many 2022 model problems.
Subaru Ascent CarPlay Not Working 2021
The 2021 Ascent may stop loading CarPlay if the cable wears out or the system freezes. Restarting the head unit, cleaning the ports, or updating iOS often brings it back. Many owners fix it by deleting the old CarPlay connection and reconnecting.
Subaru Ascent Apple CarPlay Greyed Out
A greyed-out CarPlay icon means the car cannot fully connect to your phone. This often happens from a weak USB cable, restrictions in phone settings, or outdated software. A fresh cable, a quick reset, and re-pairing usually solve the issue fast.
2018 Subaru Ascent CarPlay Not Working
Some 2018 Ascent models struggle with CarPlay due to early software bugs. Using an MFi-certified cable, cleaning the ports, and updating the infotainment system help the most. If CarPlay still fails, a dealer software update or reset may be needed.
Subaru Apple CarPlay Wireless Not Working
Wireless CarPlay fails when Bluetooth or Wi-Fi isn’t connecting properly. Make sure both are turned on, remove old pairings, and restart your phone. Avoid using your hotspot. When Bluetooth connects first, the system should automatically switch to Wi-Fi for CarPlay.
Subaru Apple CarPlay Grayed Out
A grayed-out CarPlay button usually means the car detects the phone but cannot start CarPlay. This can happen from a bad cable, dirty ports, or blocked phone settings. Resetting CarPlay, updating software, and trying a certified cable often fix the issue.
Subaru Forester Apple CarPlay Not Working
CarPlay problems in the Forester often come from cable issues, outdated software, or glitches after an iPhone update. Try a certified cable, restart the head unit, and forget the car in your CarPlay settings. Most Forester owners fix it with these steps.
FAQs
Why is my CarPlay not connecting in my Subaru Ascent?
Most of the time, the USB cable or port is the issue. Try a new cable first.
Why does CarPlay freeze?
It may be caused by software bugs, outdated systems, or a weak connection.
How do I reset Subaru infotainment?
Hold the volume knob for 10–15 seconds until the screen restarts.
Does Subaru Ascent have wireless CarPlay?
Newer models support it, but both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi must be on.
Is this covered by warranty?
Software fixes usually are. Hardware failures may also be covered depending on the model year.
Conclusion
CarPlay problems in the Subaru Ascent are common, but most of them are easy to fix. Start with the simple steps: try a better cable, clean your ports, update your software, and reset your settings. These small changes solve most connection issues.
If nothing works, the problem may be inside the head unit. In that case, a dealer can check for software updates or hardware problems.
You can get CarPlay working again — it just takes the right steps and a little patience.