Connecting your smartphone or device to your 2015 Subaru Forester via Bluetooth can significantly enhance your driving experience. Whether you’re looking to stream your favorite playlist, make hands-free calls, or use navigation apps, understanding how to establish this connection can make your time on the road smoother and more enjoyable. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of connecting Bluetooth to your Subaru Forester, along with some troubleshooting tips and additional features that may be beneficial.
Understanding the Subaru Forester Bluetooth System
The 2015 Subaru Forester features a well-integrated infotainment system that allows drivers and passengers to connect their smartphones seamlessly. The Bluetooth functionality is engineered to facilitate hands-free communication and audio streaming without the hassle of wires.
Key Benefits of Connecting Bluetooth
Connecting your phone to your Subaru Forester via Bluetooth comes with several advantages:
- Hands-Free Calling: Keep your attention on the road by managing calls without taking your hands off the wheel.
- Audio Streaming: Enjoy your favorite music, podcasts, and audiobooks directly from your device.
- SiriusXM and Navigation Integration: Utilize voice commands to access navigation apps and SiriusXM while driving.
How to Connect Bluetooth to Your 2015 Subaru Forester
Establishing the Bluetooth connection in your 2015 Subaru Forester is a simple yet crucial process. Follow these detailed steps to connect your smartphone or Bluetooth-enabled device to your vehicle.
Step 1: Prepare Your Smartphone
Before you start connecting, ensure your smartphone’s Bluetooth is turned on. Here’s how you can do it:
For iPhone Users
- Go to the Settings app.
- Select Bluetooth and toggle it to the ON position.
For Android Users
- Open the Settings app on your device.
- Navigate to Connections or Bluetooth.
- Toggle the Bluetooth switch on.
Step 2: Access the Vehicle’s Bluetooth Settings
Now that your smartphone’s Bluetooth is on, you’ll need to access the Subaru Forester’s Bluetooth settings.
- Start your Forester: Turn on the ignition. The multimedia system should power on, displaying the main menu.
- Select ‘Settings’: Locate the Settings icon on the screen (typically looks like a gear).
- Choose ‘Bluetooth’: Within the settings menu, select Bluetooth Settings or Devices.
Step 3: Add New Device
The next step involves searching for your smartphone through the vehicle’s Bluetooth system.
- Select ‘Add New Device’: Tap on the option that says Add New Device or Pair New Device.
- Search for Devices: Your stereo system will start searching for nearby Bluetooth devices.
Step 4: Pair Your Smartphone
Once the vehicle’s Bluetooth system is ready, it’s time to connect your smartphone.
- Locate Your ‘Subaru’ on Your Phone: On your smartphone, you’ll see an available device named ‘Subaru’ or something similar. Tap to select it.
- Input the Pairing Code: A prompt will appear on both your smartphone and the Forester’s display, displaying a pairing code. Make sure the codes match and tap OK or Pair on both devices.
Step 5: Finalizing the Connection
Once the pairing is successful, your smartphone will be connected to the Subaru Forester.
- Allow Access to Contacts: You’ll receive a prompt asking for permission to access your contacts and call history. This step is important for using hands-free calling effectively. Grant permission to ensure seamless functionality.
- Confirmation: Your Forester may show a confirmation message indicating that the device has been successfully connected.
Troubleshooting Bluetooth Connections
While connecting Bluetooth to your Subaru Forester is generally straightforward, you might encounter some issues. Here are some common problems and solutions:
Device Not Showing Up
If your smartphone does not appear in the Subaru’s Bluetooth search results, try the following:
- Restart Your Devices: A simple restart of both your smartphone and vehicle might resolve any connectivity issues.
- Forget Other Devices: If your Forester is already connected to multiple devices, try disconnecting some of them to see if your phone can connect.
Connection Drops Frequently
If the connection drops while you’re driving, it can be frustrating. Consider these troubleshooting steps:
- Check Bluetooth Settings: Ensure that the Bluetooth is enabled on both the phone and the vehicle.
- Remove and Re-Pair Device: You may need to remove the device from the Subaru’s Bluetooth settings and go through the pairing process again.
Advanced Features of Subaru Bluetooth
Not only can you connect your smartphone to control calls and music, but the Bluetooth system in your 2015 Subaru Forester features several advanced capabilities:
Voice Commands
Utilizing voice commands can enhance your driving experience.
- Make calls by saying names from your contacts.
- Control music playback and select songs without taking your eyes off the road.
SiriusXM Integration
If your Forester is equipped with SiriusXM radio:
- Use your connection to browse channels and categories effortlessly.
- Access your favorite channels directly through voice commands or the infotainment system.
Maintaining Your Bluetooth Connection
To ensure a long-lasting Bluetooth connection between your smartphone and your Subaru Forester, consider these maintenance tips:
Regular Software Updates
Keeping both your smartphone and the vehicle’s infotainment system updated is crucial. Updates may include important bug fixes and feature enhancements that can improve connectivity.
Reconnect Periodically
Every so often, it’s good to clear the paired device list and reconnect. This practice can help refresh the connection and resolve any lingering issues.
Conclusion
Connecting Bluetooth to your 2015 Subaru Forester is a simple yet vital task that can enhance your driving experience significantly. By following the outlined steps, you can effortlessly integrate your smartphone with your vehicle, allowing for hands-free communication, music streaming, and more. Remember to troubleshoot common issues if they arise and keep both your devices updated to maintain a strong connection. Enjoy your drive while staying connected—your Subaru Forester is ready to amplify your journey!
How do I begin the Bluetooth connection process in my 2015 Subaru Forester?
To initiate the Bluetooth connection process in your 2015 Subaru Forester, first, make sure that your vehicle is turned on and in a safe location. Then, access the Starlink Multimedia System on your dashboard. Touch the “Settings” icon, and navigate to the “Bluetooth” section. Ensure Bluetooth is enabled, and you should see an option to add a new device.
Next, prepare your smartphone or Bluetooth device by turning on its Bluetooth function and making it discoverable. Once in discoverable mode, go back to the Subaru’s Bluetooth settings and select “Add Device.” Your vehicle should then start scanning for available devices, and you can select your smartphone from the list when it appears to proceed with the pairing process.
What should I do if my phone is not connecting to Bluetooth in my Subaru Forester?
If your phone is having trouble connecting to the Bluetooth system in your Subaru Forester, there are a few troubleshooting steps to consider. First, ensure that Bluetooth is enabled on both your phone and the vehicle’s multimedia system. Sometimes, simply turning Bluetooth off and back on can resolve the issue. You might also want to restart your smartphone to refresh its connections.
If the problem persists, try deleting any previous Bluetooth connections associated with your vehicle on your phone. You can also delete your phone from the Subaru’s Bluetooth memory by going to the “Paired Devices” section and removing it. After doing this, reattempt the Bluetooth pairing process as described earlier.
Can I connect multiple devices to my 2015 Subaru Forester’s Bluetooth system?
Yes, the Bluetooth system in the 2015 Subaru Forester allows for multiple devices to be paired, although it can only connect to one device at a time for audio functions. To pair additional devices, simply follow the same pairing steps you used for the first device. The Subaru system can remember up to seven paired devices, making it convenient for different users.
However, keep in mind that if you attempt to connect a new device while another device is currently active, the system will prompt you to disconnect the existing device first. This feature ensures that only one device is communicating with the vehicle’s audio system at any given time, maintaining clarity and avoiding confusion during use.
Why won’t my audio play through Bluetooth once my phone is connected?
If your audio isn’t playing through Bluetooth after successfully connecting your phone, first check the audio settings on your phone. Make sure that the output is set to Bluetooth and that the media volume is turned up. Sometimes, the audio may default to the phone’s speaker instead of the vehicle’s system if the wrong options are selected.
Additionally, confirm that the Subaru’s multimedia system is set to the correct Bluetooth audio source. You can switch the source by tapping the source button on the display and selecting Bluetooth. If these steps do not resolve the issue, consider disconnecting and reconnecting your device or restarting the Subaru’s multimedia system.
How can I remove a Bluetooth device from my 2015 Subaru Forester?
To remove a Bluetooth device from your 2015 Subaru Forester, begin by accessing the Starlink Multimedia System. Touch the “Settings” icon and navigate to the “Bluetooth” section. From there, you will see a list of all paired devices. Find the device you wish to remove and select it.
Once you select the device, look for an option to delete or forget the device. Confirm your choice, and the device will be removed from the system. This process ensures that the Bluetooth connection is completely severed, preventing any unintended connections in the future.
Is the Bluetooth connectivity in the Subaru Forester compatible with all smartphones?
Generally, the Bluetooth connectivity in the 2015 Subaru Forester is compatible with most smartphones that support Bluetooth technology. This includes devices running on iOS and Android operating systems. However, it is essential to ensure that your smartphone’s software is up to date, as older software versions may have compatibility issues.
Some features may vary depending on the specific model of the smartphone and its operating system version. For the best user experience, consult your phone’s user manual for specific guidance on Bluetooth connectivity or check with Subaru’s official support resources to confirm compatibility with your specific device.