When it comes to modern driving, staying connected is essential. Whether it’s making calls, listening to music, or navigating using your smartphone, Bluetooth technology enhances your driving experience. This article will guide you through the process of connecting Bluetooth in your 2014 Subaru Outback, ensuring you enjoy a seamless integration of technology into your vehicle.
Understanding Bluetooth Connectivity in Your Subaru Outback
Bluetooth connectivity in your 2014 Subaru Outback enables you to connect your smartphone or other Bluetooth-enabled devices to the car’s sound system. This connection facilitates hands-free calling, audio streaming, and access to various apps from your device. Understanding how this technology works is the first step toward making the most of it.
Key Features of Subaru’s Bluetooth System
The Bluetooth system in your Outback offers several features that enhance your driving experience:
- Hands-free Calling: Easily make and receive calls without taking your hands off the wheel.
- Audio Streaming: Stream music and podcasts from your device directly to your car’s speakers.
These features not only make driving safer by allowing you to focus on the road, but they also ensure that your favorite audio content is just a click away.
Steps to Connect Bluetooth in Your 2014 Subaru Outback
Connecting your smartphone to your 2014 Subaru Outback via Bluetooth is a straightforward process. Below, we outline the steps to establish this connection effectively.
Step 1: Prepare Your Smartphone
Before connecting your smartphone to your Subaru Outback, make sure that Bluetooth is enabled on your device. The steps may vary slightly depending on the device, but generally include:
- Open Settings: Go to the Settings app on your smartphone.
- Find Bluetooth Settings: Look for options labeled “Bluetooth” or “Connected Devices.”
- Turn on Bluetooth: Make sure Bluetooth is turned on. Your device will begin searching for nearby devices.
Step 2: Access the Subaru’s Infotainment System
Once your smartphone is ready, it’s time to access the Subaru’s infotainment system to initiate the pairing process.
- Start Your Vehicle: Turn on your Subaru Outback and allow its infotainment system to load.
- Enter Bluetooth Menu: On the touchscreen, navigate to the “Settings” menu. From there, look for the “Bluetooth” option and select it.
- Enable Bluetooth: In the Bluetooth menu, choose the option to make your car’s Bluetooth discoverable.
Step 3: Pairing Your Smartphone with the Outback
Now that both your smartphone and the Outback’s Bluetooth system are prepared, follow these steps to pair them.
- Select Your Vehicle on Your Smartphone: On your phone, in the Bluetooth settings, you should see “Subaru” or a similar name listed as an available device. Tap on it.
- Confirm Pairing Codes: You may be prompted to confirm a pairing code on both your smartphone and the car’s infotainment system. Ensure the codes match and confirm the pairing on both devices.
- Complete the Connection: After confirming the codes, the devices will be connected. Your phone may also prompt you to allow access for contacts and call history; agree to this to take full advantage of the Bluetooth features.
Step 4: Testing the Connection
After completing the pairing process, it’s essential to test the connection to ensure everything is functioning properly:
- Make a Test Call: Utilize the hands-free feature by making a call through your car’s system. Ensure that the audio quality is clear and that both parties can hear each other.
- Play Music or Media: Play music from your smartphone and check if it streams through your car’s speakers without any interruptions.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Sometimes, you may encounter issues while trying to connect your Bluetooth. Here are a few common problems and their solutions.
Problem 1: Unable to Find Subaru in Bluetooth Settings
If your smartphone cannot find the Subaru in its Bluetooth settings, consider these solutions:
- Ensure that Bluetooth is enabled on both devices.
- Reset the car’s Bluetooth by turning the ignition off and on again.
- Move your smartphone closer to the car’s infotainment system to improve the connection.
Problem 2: Disconnection During Use
In case of sudden disconnections while using Bluetooth:
- Ensure that your smartphone’s battery is charged; low battery can disrupt connectivity.
- Check if there are any software updates available for your smartphone or the Subaru system.
If you continue to experience issues, refer to your owner’s manual for additional troubleshooting tips or consult with a Subaru dealership for professional assistance.
Maximizing Your Bluetooth Experience in the 2014 Subaru Outback
Once connected, leverage the full potential of Bluetooth in your vehicle for a more enjoyable driving experience. Here’s how:
Use Voice Commands
The Bluetooth system often supports voice commands, allowing you to control your music and calls hands-free. Familiarize yourself with the voice commands available in your vehicle to enhance convenience significantly.
Attend to Firmware Updates
Keeping your device’s software current is crucial for smooth operations. Check for updates regularly, both for your smartphone and the car’s infotainment system. Connected devices often receive upgrades that fix bugs and enhance features, ensuring compatibility with newer apps and services.
Conclusion
Connecting your Bluetooth device to your 2014 Subaru Outback not only improves safety through hands-free communication but also enhances your overall driving experience. By following the clear steps outlined in this article, you can enjoy seamless connectivity, access to your favorite media, and more efficient navigation.
Remember to keep both your smartphone and the car’s system updated to make the most out of this technology. A little preparation and understanding of the process will ensure that you stay connected while enjoying the open road. Happy driving!
What do I need to do to prepare my Subaru Outback for Bluetooth connection?
To prepare your 2014 Subaru Outback for a Bluetooth connection, begin by ensuring that your vehicle’s multimedia system is turned on. Also, make sure your phone is nearby and its Bluetooth feature is activated. On your vehicle’s dashboard, navigate to the settings menu of the multimedia system, where you can find the Bluetooth settings.
Once in the Bluetooth settings, select the “Add Device” option. This step will make your Subaru’s system discoverable to other Bluetooth devices, allowing your phone to find it. Follow the prompts on both your vehicle’s screen and your phone to initiate the pairing process.
How do I pair my phone with the Subaru Outback’s Bluetooth system?
To pair your phone with your 2014 Subaru Outback’s Bluetooth system, first ensure your phone’s Bluetooth is switched on. Then, from the vehicle’s multimedia screen, select “Pair new device” and wait for your phone to detect the Subaru Outback. Your car’s Bluetooth name should appear on your phone’s Bluetooth list.
After selecting your vehicle from the list, a pairing request will typically pop up on both the phone and the vehicle screen. Confirm the pairing code that appears on both devices to complete the connection. Once paired, your phone will be saved in the system for future use.
What should I do if my phone does not connect to the Bluetooth system?
If your phone fails to connect to the Subaru Outback’s Bluetooth system, first check to ensure that both your phone and the car’s media system are in pairing mode. If they are and you’re still experiencing issues, try turning off Bluetooth on your phone, waiting a few moments, and then turning it back on.
Additionally, verify that your phone is not already connected to another Bluetooth device, as this could interfere with the connection to your Subaru. If problems persist, consider restarting both your phone and the vehicle’s multimedia system and attempting the pairing process again.
Can I connect multiple devices to my Subaru Outback’s Bluetooth system?
Yes, the 2014 Subaru Outback allows you to connect multiple devices to its Bluetooth system. You can pair several phones; however, it’s important to note that typically only one device can be actively connected and used for calls or streaming music at any given time. The vehicle will usually connect to the last device that was connected automatically.
To manage your paired devices, you can go into the Bluetooth settings on the multimedia system. Here, you can view, remove, or prioritize devices as needed, ensuring smooth switching between your devices when multiple options are available.
Can I use Bluetooth for audio streaming in my Subaru Outback?
Yes, you can use Bluetooth for audio streaming in your 2014 Subaru Outback. Once your phone is connected, you should be able to play music or podcasts directly from your device through the vehicle’s audio system. Look for an option on the dashboard display that corresponds to audio streaming or media playback.
The sound quality should be high, providing a seamless listening experience. Ensure that the volume on both your device and your vehicle’s audio system is adjusted accordingly for optimal playback.
How do I disconnect Bluetooth from my Subaru Outback?
To disconnect Bluetooth from your 2014 Subaru Outback, you can go to the Bluetooth settings menu on the multimedia system. From there, you can select the device you wish to disconnect and choose the option to “Disconnect” or “Forget Device.” This action will remove the connection between the phone and the vehicle temporarily.
If you want to completely unpair the device, you can also choose the “Delete” option from the device list. This will ensure the connection is terminated and your vehicle won’t try to connect to that device in the future unless you pair it again.