2023 Subaru Ascent Apple CarPlay: Setup, Features & Troubleshooting

I've had my share of frustrating moments trying to connect my phone to my car. The 2023 Subaru Ascent changed a lot of that with wireless Apple CarPlay, but it's not always smooth sailing.

Key Takeaway

• The 2023 Subaru Ascent comes with wireless Apple CarPlay standard across all trim levels
• The 11.6-inch touchscreen supports both wireless and wired connections
• Many owners reported microphone muting issues that Subaru fixed with a June 2024 software update
• Connection problems often resolve with simple troubleshooting steps like restarting your phone
• Wired connections provide better reliability if you experience wireless connectivity issues

What Apple CarPlay Does in the 2023 Subaru Ascent

Apple CarPlay transforms your iPhone into your car's brain. When you first get into your 2023 Ascent, that 11.6-inch display gives you plenty of screen space to work with.

The system mirrors your iPhone apps onto the Ascent's screen. You get access to Maps, Music, Messages, Phone, and all your favorite apps like Spotify, Waze, and Audible. According to industry data, 93.9 percent of 2023 model-year vehicles include CarPlay functionality, so Subaru is following what most car makers are doing now.

What makes the 2023 Ascent special is that wireless connectivity comes standard on every trim level. No extra charge. No premium package required. You don't need to plug in your phone every time you get in the car, which makes things way easier when you're juggling coffee, bags, and kids.

The STARLINK multimedia system handles all of this. It's Subaru's system that manages everything from climate controls to navigation. The Apple CarPlay part works pretty well once you get it set up properly.

Setting Up Wireless Apple CarPlay in Your 2023 Ascent

Here are the exact steps to connect your iPhone. This usually takes about three minutes.

Before you start:

• Make sure Bluetooth is on in your iPhone settings
• Start your Ascent and wait 30 to 60 seconds for the screen to fully boot up

Connection steps:

1. Tap the Phone icon on your touchscreen
2. Select "Add Device" or "Add Phone"
3. Check that the pairing codes match on both your phone and car screen
4. Tap "Pair" on both the screen and your iPhone
5. Tap "Allow" when your iPhone asks to sync contacts and favorites
6. Select "Use CarPlay" on both your phone and the car screen
7. Choose whether to make this your favorite device (say yes if you're the main driver)

That's it. The system uses Bluetooth for the initial connection, then switches to Wi-Fi Direct for data. This is why wireless CarPlay can sometimes be tricky – it works well when everything clicks, but there are two connection points that can potentially fail.

Connecting with a USB Cable Instead

Sometimes wireless doesn't want to cooperate. Keep a good quality USB cable in your center console for those days.

How to connect via USB:

1. Find the USB ports in your center console (both USB-A and USB-C are available)
2. Plug in your iPhone
3. Select "ENABLE WIRELESS CARPLAY" when your iPhone asks (yes, even for wired connection)
4. Select "YES" on the "Apple CarPlay" popup on your car screen
5. Choose if this should be your favorite device

Once connected, you can unplug the cable if you want to go wireless. But keeping it plugged in charges your phone at the same time, which is helpful on long trips with GPS running.

One important tip: Use a quality cable. Cheap cables fail constantly and cause random disconnections. Apple's original cables cost more, but they last. Good third-party cables that meet Apple's specs work fine too.

When Things Don't Work: Troubleshooting Steps

Here's what to do when CarPlay won't connect:

Step 1: Restart everything

• Hold down your iPhone's power button until you see "Slide to Power Off"
• Turn it off, wait 10 seconds, turn it back on
• Reset your car's system through the settings menu
• This fixes about half of all connection problems

Step 2: Forget the pairing

• On your iPhone: Settings > Bluetooth > find your Ascent > tap "i" icon > "Forget This Device"
• Also go to Settings > General > CarPlay and forget your Ascent there too
• On the car: go to "Manage Devices" and delete your iPhone
• Restart both devices and pair from scratch

Step 3: Check restrictions

• Go to Settings > Screen Time > Content and Privacy Restrictions
• Make sure CarPlay is in the "Allowed Apps" list

Step 4: Update software

• Make sure your iPhone has the latest iOS version
• Check that your Ascent has the latest STARLINK software

Step 5: Try a different cable or USB port

• If using USB, try a different cable
• Try a different USB port in case one has issues

Some owners report that wireless CarPlay works better after they first connect via USB cable, even if they plan to use wireless long-term. I'm not sure why this works, but it does seem to help.

The Microphone Problem You Should Know About

Many 2023 Ascent owners dealt with a frustrating bug where the microphone would mute during phone calls.

You'd be talking to someone and suddenly they couldn't hear you anymore. You could still hear them fine, but they got silence. This usually happened a few minutes into calls, not right away.

The only temporary fix was switching to speakerphone on your iPhone, then switching back to CarPlay. Sometimes that worked. Sometimes it didn't.

The good news: Subaru released a fix in June 2024. The software update addresses the microphone muting issue and some wireless connection problems. The update comes in different versions based on your trim level.

The bad news: you can't install this update yourself. You have to schedule a dealership appointment. It's free, but you need to bring your car in.

If you own a 2023 Ascent and haven't gotten this update yet, call your dealer. This isn't a minor annoyance – it affects hands-free calling safety.

Wireless vs Wired: Which Connection Should You Use?

Both have their place.

Wireless pros:

• Very convenient
• No fumbling with cables
• No connector wear
• Auto-connects within 15 seconds of starting the car

Wireless cons:

• Drains battery faster
• Can drop connection in areas with interference
• May occasionally require manual reconnection

Wired pros:

• Rock solid connection
• Charges your phone while connected
• Slightly better audio quality
• More reliable overall

Wired cons:

• Need to keep cables in your car
• Wears out your phone's charging port over time
• Must remember to plug/unplug each time

My approach: Use wireless for short trips and daily commuting. For long road trips or when using GPS heavily, plug in. The best part about the 2023 Ascent is that you don't have to choose one method forever. Switch based on what makes sense that day.

Why the STARLINK System Can Be Frustrating

The STARLINK system itself is slow. This is the underlying Subaru software, not CarPlay.

When you want to adjust climate controls or access native Subaru features, the touchscreen lags. Sometimes you'll tap something and nothing happens, so you tap again, and then both taps register at once and you're in the wrong menu.

On a cold winter morning when you just want to turn on the heated seats, waiting five seconds for the screen to register your touch gets old fast.

Here's the thing though: once you're in Apple CarPlay, most of that slowness goes away. CarPlay runs on your iPhone's processor, not the car's. So navigation, music, and phone calls all work smoothly. It's only when you need to access STARLINK-specific functions that you deal with the lag.

Subaru knows there's a problem. For the 2026 model year, they're partnering with Toyota to use a completely different system. That won't help current 2023 Ascent owners, but it shows they're listening.

Apps That Work Best in the 2023 Ascent

Some apps work better than others on the 11.6-inch screen.

Navigation:

• Apple Maps has improved a lot
• Waze is great for real-time traffic alerts and police warnings
• Google Maps has good data and reliable routing
• All three work well

Music:

• Spotify looks fantastic on the big screen
• Apple Music integrates seamlessly
• Audible works great for audiobooks on long trips

Messaging:

• Built-in Messages app uses Siri to read texts aloud
• Can send dictated replies
• Works, but try not to text while driving anyway

Podcasts:

• Apple Podcasts works perfectly
• Overcast works great too
• No issues with podcast apps

What doesn't work: Any app that requires a lot of interaction. You're not going to scroll through social media or reply to emails. CarPlay limits what apps can do while you're driving, which is good for safety.

Real-World Performance: What Owners Actually Say

When wireless CarPlay works, people love it. The convenience is huge. Once systems are updated and working properly, most owners wouldn't want to go back to wired connections.

But getting there has been bumpy. Consumer Reports documented owner complaints about connection problems requiring multiple retry attempts.

The microphone problem created intense frustration. Owners complained about having to mess with phone settings while driving, which defeats the entire purpose of hands-free operation.

After the June 2024 update, things improved a lot. Owners who got the update report that the microphone works reliably and wireless connectivity no longer drops randomly. But not everyone knows the update exists yet.

There's also some location variation. Owners in areas with dense wireless networks seem to have more connection problems than people in less crowded areas. If you live in a major city or work near cell towers, wired connections might work better for you.

Updates and Ongoing Support

Subaru releases software updates, but the process is awkward.

Some updates come over-the-air through your home Wi-Fi. You connect your Ascent to Wi-Fi through the settings menu. When an update is available, you can download and install it. These updates can take over an hour. You can't use the touchscreen during this time and you need to keep the engine running. Do this in a well-ventilated area, not a closed garage.

Other updates, including the microphone fix, require dealership visits. You can't install them yourself.

To check for updates, go to the Subaru ConnectServices portal online or use your car's settings menu. Check every few months or whenever you notice new issues after an iOS update.

iOS updates occasionally break things. These issues usually resolve with either an iOS patch or a Subaru update, but there can be a frustrating gap period.

The best practice: Keep your iPhone updated. Get your Ascent's software updated. Don't rush to install iOS beta versions if you rely on CarPlay daily.

What Makes the 2023 Ascent Different from Other Years

The 2023 model year was when Subaru went all-in on wireless CarPlay across the Ascent lineup. Earlier models required USB cables.

The 2024 and 2025 Ascents use the same basic STARLINK platform, with accumulated bug fixes and updates. If you're shopping, a 2024 or 2025 model should have fewer issues because Subaru learned from 2023 owner complaints.

But the 2023 Ascent has been out long enough that most major issues have updates available. If you already own a 2023, you're not missing out on some vastly better system in newer years. Just make sure you get the latest updates.

The 11.6-inch screen is consistent across these years on higher trims. All support both wireless and wired CarPlay.

Getting the Most Out of Your Setup

Here are some habits that make everything work better:

Keep a backup cable: Even if you mainly use wireless, having a cable ready saves you when wireless acts up.

Customize your layout: Go to Settings > General > CarPlay on your iPhone, select your Ascent, and tap Customize. Drag your most-used apps to the front.

Enable Driving Focus: This automatically silences notifications when connected to CarPlay. It reduces distractions. You can set up auto-reply messages so people know you're driving.

For shared vehicles: Don't set your phone as the favorite device. This way the car doesn't automatically prioritize your connection over your partner's. The last phone connected gets priority.

Wait before touching: Give the system 30 seconds to fully boot after starting the car. This prevents weird glitches.

Use quality cables: A good cable from a trusted brand costs $15 to $20 and lasts years. Cheap cables fail constantly.

Looking Forward: What's Next for Subaru Systems

Subaru's partnership with Toyota for future systems shows they know STARLINK has problems. The 2026 Outback is getting a Toyota-based system with physical climate control buttons.

Whether this new system comes to the Ascent and when is still unclear. But it shows Subaru is listening.

For current 2023 Ascent owners, we're stuck with STARLINK. But the fact that CarPlay works independently means we can get a modern smartphone experience even if the underlying car system is slow.

The broader trend is toward better wireless integration. More apps are getting CarPlay support. Apple is expanding what CarPlay can control. Future iOS updates will likely bring new features to existing vehicles.

Subaru will probably keep releasing software updates for 2023 Ascents for several more years. Stay on top of those updates.

If you're looking to upgrade your Subaru's experience beyond the factory system, you might want to explore options like premium wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto head units designed specifically for Subaru models. These aftermarket solutions can provide better features and improved speed compared to the stock STARLINK system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the 2023 Subaru Ascent have wireless Apple CarPlay?

Yes, wireless Apple CarPlay comes standard on all 2023 Subaru Ascent trim levels. The system also supports wired connections via USB if you prefer that method or need to charge your phone while driving.

Why won't my iPhone connect to my 2023 Ascent's CarPlay?

Start by restarting both your iPhone and the car's system, which fixes most connection issues. If that doesn't work, forget the Bluetooth pairing on both devices and reconnect from scratch. Make sure your iPhone has Bluetooth enabled and CarPlay isn't disabled in Screen Time restrictions.

Is the microphone problem fixed in the 2023 Ascent?

Subaru released a software update in June 2024 that fixes the microphone muting issue during CarPlay calls. You need to schedule a dealership appointment to install this update because it can't be done over-the-air. The update is free and addresses this problem.

Should I use wireless or wired CarPlay in my 2023 Ascent?

Wireless is more convenient for daily driving and short trips, while wired connections provide better reliability and charge your phone at the same time. Use wireless for convenience and switch to wired for long trips or if you experience connection problems. The 2023 Ascent supports both methods so you can choose based on your needs.

Can I use Google Maps instead of Apple Maps in my 2023 Ascent?

Yes, you can use Google Maps, Waze, or any other CarPlay-compatible navigation app in your 2023 Ascent. All navigation apps work on the 11.6-inch screen, and you can select your preferred app each time you start navigation or set a default through your iPhone's CarPlay settings.

How do I update my 2023 Ascent's CarPlay software?

Some updates install over Wi-Fi at home through your car's settings menu and take about an hour. Other important updates, including the microphone fix, require a dealership visit to install. Check the Subaru ConnectServices portal or your car's settings menu every few months for available updates.

Why is my 2023 Ascent's touchscreen so slow?

The STARLINK system has known speed issues that many owners complain about. The good news is that CarPlay runs on your iPhone's processor, so navigation, music, and phone calls work smoothly once you're in CarPlay mode. The lag only affects STARLINK-specific functions like climate controls.

What size screen does the 2023 Subaru Ascent have for CarPlay?

The 2023 Ascent features an 11.6-inch touchscreen on higher trim levels, which is one of the larger CarPlay displays available in this class. The large screen makes navigation maps and app interfaces easy to see and use while driving.