Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchPC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Start by identifying what is actually failing. If the MySubaru app will not open, troubleshoot the phone and app. If it opens but you cannot sign in, troubleshoot the account or verification process. If you can sign in but remote commands are missing or ignored, check the selected vehicle, subscription, cellular telematics connection, and vehicle safety conditions.
This guide applies to the U.S. MySubaru app and Subaru’s connected-vehicle service formerly marketed as STARLINK Safety, Security, and Concierge. Subaru now generally calls the service MySubaru Connected Services, although many owners still call its remote features “STARLINK.”
First, match the fix to the symptom
| What is happening? | Most likely area to check |
|---|---|
| The app crashes, will not open, or is stuck loading | App version, phone compatibility, permissions, storage, or phone network |
| The app opens, but login fails | Password, verification code, account lock, VIN provisioning, or Subaru’s server |
| You can log in, but remote features are missing | Wrong vehicle selected, unsupported vehicle or trim, or inactive plan |
| Lock/Unlock or Locate works, but Remote Engine Start does not | Vehicle safety conditions, fuel level, alarm state, runtime limits, or a vehicle fault |
| The command is accepted but the vehicle never acknowledges it | Vehicle telematics signal, 4G availability, subscription provisioning, DCM, or a service-side problem |
Do not assume the key-fob battery, an OBD-II scanner, or a phone restart will fix every MySubaru problem. The app communicates with Subaru’s account and connected-services systems, which then communicate with the vehicle’s cellular telematics module.
1. Confirm the vehicle and subscription
Before reinstalling anything, make sure the app is controlling the vehicle you think it is.
#1 Best Overall
- 𝗩𝗲𝗵𝗶𝗰𝗹𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆: Ford Escape (2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019) models equipped with key ignition. Not compatible with hybrid models.
- 𝗩𝗲𝗵𝗶𝗰𝗹𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀: This kit is designed for key blade ignition vehicles only. Not compatible with push-to-start ignition. Gas and automatic transmission only. *𝗧𝗪𝗢 𝗙𝗔𝗖𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗬 𝗞𝗘𝗬𝗦 𝗥𝗘𝗤𝗨𝗜𝗥𝗘𝗗 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗜𝗡𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗟𝗟.* Some vehicle disassembly may be required; see installation guide for details. Vehicle will NOT remote start if check engine light is on or fuel is low.
- 𝗪𝗔𝗥𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚: You must have two factory keys in order to install this kit. If you do not have two keys, it will not work.
- 𝗗𝗜𝗬 𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗸𝗶𝘁: Add remote start functionality to your vehicle for a fraction of the cost. Enjoy a comfortable driving experience from the start by pre-heating and defrosting your windshield in the winter or cooling down your vehicle before entering in the summer.
- 𝗨𝘀𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗳𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗲: Start your vehicle by pressing lock 3X on your existing OEM key fob. Press lock 3X again to turn off vehicle. Factory remote required – no remote is included in this kit. The distance you can remote start from is the same distance you can lock/unlock your vehicle.
- Open MySubaru and confirm that the correct VIN or vehicle nickname is selected.
- Open the connected-services, subscription, or package area.
- Verify that the subscription is active.
- Confirm that the plan includes the feature you are trying to use.
For many 2016–2025 vehicles, Subaru identifies MySubaru Safety and Security plans. Security Plus is the plan level associated with Remote Engine Start and Remote Vehicle Locate. For select 2026-and-newer vehicles, Subaru identifies MySubaru Companion and Companion+ plans; Companion+ adds features such as Remote Engine Start, Remote Climate Control, Remote Lock/Unlock, and Remote Horn/Lights. Exact availability depends on model year, equipment, trim, and market. Check Subaru’s current Connected Services information rather than relying on an old STARLINK description.
Subaru says subscription information can be reviewed in the MySubaru account under MySubaru Connect and Packages & Pricing. Its support instructions are available through this Connected Services account article.
A recently purchased vehicle, transferred vehicle, newly added VIN, or re-enrolled account may need account provisioning. If the VIN is wrong, missing, or attached to another account, reinstalling the app will not solve the problem.
2. Update or reinstall the official app
Use only the official MySubaru app published by Subaru of America in the U.S. App Store or Google Play.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →- Check the App Store or Google Play for an available MySubaru update.
- Restart the phone.
- Force-close MySubaru, then open it again.
- If it still crashes or remains stuck loading, uninstall and reinstall the current official version.
- Sign in again after reinstalling.
- Re-enable Face ID, Touch ID, biometric login, or the remote-services PIN if the update removed those settings.
Subaru has documented that some iOS updates require users to log in again and re-enable Face ID, Touch ID, or the remote-services PIN. Android users should check the current Google Play listing for the supported operating-system version, storage, and memory requirements. Subaru technical documentation also identifies reinstalling the latest app as an appropriate step when the installed distribution is damaged or outdated. See the relevant Subaru technical bulletin.
If your Android phone or operating system is no longer supported, Subaru’s web portal may provide a fallback. That is different from fixing an unsupported phone: the browser portal can work even when the mobile app cannot be installed.
3. Test the app on a different network
Temporarily disable anything that may intercept or filter the app’s connection:
- VPN software;
- private DNS;
- aggressive ad-blocking or filtering;
- corporate, school, or guest Wi-Fi restrictions;
- device security software that inspects app traffic.
Then test MySubaru once on ordinary Wi-Fi and once on cellular data. Also try the MySubaru web portal in a current browser.
- App works on cellular but not Wi-Fi: the Wi-Fi network, DNS, firewall, or filtering is the likely cause.
- Web portal works but the app does not: focus on the app installation, phone compatibility, or app permissions.
- Both app and web portal fail on several networks and devices: an account, provisioning, server, or broader service problem becomes more likely.
Subaru’s remote-service diagnostic guidance specifically lists local network connectivity, VPNs, unsupported operating systems or browsers, malware protection, and network providers as possible causes. It also warns against confusing a web-portal problem with a vehicle problem. See Subaru’s web and remote-start diagnostic bulletin.
Rank #2
- 𝗩𝗲𝗵𝗶𝗰𝗹𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆: Lexus GX 460 (2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019) models with push-to-start ignition.
- 𝗩𝗲𝗵𝗶𝗰𝗹𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀: This kit is designed for push-to-start ignition vehicles only. Not compatible if you start the vehicle by turning a key blade. Gas and automatic transmission only. Factory remote required. Some vehicle disassembly may be required; see installation guide for details.
- 𝗗𝗜𝗬 𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗸𝗶𝘁: Add remote start functionality to your vehicle for a fraction of the cost. Enjoy a comfortable driving experience from the start by pre-heating and defrosting your windshield in the winter or cooling down your vehicle before entering in the summer.
- 𝗨𝘀𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗳𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗲: Start your vehicle by pressing lock 3X on your existing OEM key fob. Press lock 3X again to turn off vehicle. Factory remote required – no remote is included in this kit. The distance you can remote start from is the same distance you can lock/unlock your vehicle. Increase your remote start distance with a Start-X range extender kit (sold separately).
- 𝗢𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗲 𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝗲𝘅𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗸𝗶𝘁: Increase your remote start distance up to half a mile. Includes two separate remotes used to start your vehicle in place of your OEM key fob. Available in 1-way (up to 2000-feet) and 2-way (up to 3000-feet) systems.
If both access methods fail, avoid repeatedly submitting commands. Repeated requests will not repair a provisioning or server-side failure and can make it harder to tell which command was actually processed.
4. Fix password, verification-code, and PIN problems
Use the app’s password-recovery process instead of repeatedly guessing the password. For verification and remote-service PIN errors:
- Request a new verification code if the previous code expired.
- Enter the newest code, not an older message that arrived late.
- Stop retrying if the account reports too many attempts.
- After three invalid STARLINK PIN attempts, wait for the documented 60-minute lockout to expire before trying again.
Subaru documents that too many invalid verification-code attempts can lock an account. Its technical guidance directs owners with an account locked after verification-code failures to Subaru Customer Support at 800-782-2783. For VIN provisioning, subscription, and Connected Services errors, it directs owners to MySubaru Customer Care at 855-753-2495. Current contact options are listed on Subaru’s Connected Services support page.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsMessages such as “technical difficulties” or “problem contacting the server” are not specific enough to prove that the vehicle is defective. They can result from the phone network, account session, provisioning, or Subaru’s service.
5. When Remote Engine Start fails but the app works
Remote Engine Start has more requirements than Remote Lock/Unlock or Vehicle Locate. Before sending another request:
- Close and lock every door.
- Close the rear gate or trunk.
- Close the hood, especially on models that monitor the hood latch.
- Confirm that the transmission is in Park.
- Check that the vehicle is not showing a hood-latch, engine, keyless-access, body-control, air-conditioning, or telematics fault.
- Confirm that the fuel level is not at the low-fuel threshold.
- Keep the key or access key away from the vehicle during the test.
- Do not test remote start inside a garage or another enclosed space.
Interior lights that remain on can be a useful clue that a door, trunk, or rear gate is not being recognized as closed. On supported vehicles, a successful request normally causes the vehicle to lock and provide a horn acknowledgment. If there is no lock activity or horn acknowledgment, the request may not have reached the vehicle, or the door-lock, telematics, or vehicle-control path may have a fault. Subaru’s detailed technician flow is in this Connected Services bulletin.
Observe the remote-start operating limits
Remote start has engineered limits that can look like an app failure:
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
- After the maximum combined remote-start runtime of 20 minutes, cycle the vehicle’s ignition before trying again.
- After manually interrupting a push-button-start remote-start cycle, wait at least five minutes before retrying.
- If remote start was blocked because of a low-fuel condition, refuel, cycle the ignition, and drive at least 0.5 miles before trying again, according to Subaru’s technical flow.
These limits are vehicle protections, not phone-app settings. Sending the same command repeatedly will not bypass them.
6. Start the vehicle manually after a security-alarm event
If the vehicle’s security alarm was triggered and the vehicle has not subsequently been started manually, Remote Engine Start may be blocked for security reasons. Start the vehicle manually once, shut it down normally, and then try the MySubaru command again.
Rank #3
- 𝗩𝗲𝗵𝗶𝗰𝗹𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆: Nissan Rogue (2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020) & Rogue Sport (2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021) models with key ignition only. Not compatible with Rogue Select models or push-to-start ignitions.
- 𝗩𝗲𝗵𝗶𝗰𝗹𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀: This kit is designed for key blade ignition vehicles. Not compatible with push-to-start vehicles. Gas and automatic transmission only. Factory remote required. Some vehicle disassembly may be required; see installation guide for details.
- 𝗗𝗜𝗬 𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗸𝗶𝘁: Add remote start functionality to your vehicle for a fraction of the cost. Enjoy a comfortable driving experience from the start by pre-heating and defrosting your windshield in the winter or cooling down your vehicle before entering in the summer.
- 𝗨𝘀𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗳𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗲: Start your vehicle by pressing lock 3X on your existing OEM key fob. Press lock 3X again to turn off vehicle. Factory remote required – no remote is included in this kit. The distance you can remote start from is the same distance you can lock/unlock your vehicle.
- 𝗣𝗹𝘂𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘆 𝗶𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Included vehicle-specific T-harness eliminates wire cutting and splicing for fast, easy install. Installation video provides clear step-by-step instructions. Module is pre-flashed for your vehicle’s firmware to ensure seamless integration. Technical and customer support team available for additional help.
An active Connected Services plan that includes Remote Engine Start is still required. Subaru explains this condition in its security-alarm and remote-start support article.
7. Check the vehicle’s cellular telematics connection
Your phone may have full Wi-Fi or cellular service while the Subaru remains unable to receive a command. The vehicle uses its own cellular telematics connection, including the Data Communication Module (DCM), to communicate with MySubaru.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Subaru’s current Connected Services information states that its plans depend on 4G networks. If the vehicle is parked underground, inside a metal structure, or in an area with weak cellular coverage, move it outdoors or to another location and test again. Subaru’s technician procedure uses a telematics signal-strength value greater than 26% as a diagnostic threshold. That is a technician measurement—not a phone signal-bar requirement that most owners can read in the app.
Older vehicles affected by the 3G network retirement may lose connected services unless the telematics system was upgraded. Subaru says affected subscribers were offered a complimentary update and that services on an affected vehicle not updated before retirement could be canceled. Check Subaru’s 3G network retirement information if your vehicle is an older model.
8. Check for Subaru telematics service-program coverage
A vehicle-specific DCM problem can cause the app to appear functional while remote commands stop working. Subaru service program WRB-23 covers certain U.S. vehicles:
- 2022 Forester;
- 2022 WRX;
- 2022–2023 BRZ equipped with STARLINK.
According to Subaru’s bulletin, an inaccurate internal timer in the telematics DCM could stop Remote Engine Start, Remote Door Lock/Unlock, Remote Horn/Lights, and Vehicle Locator from operating after 388 days from DCM activation. The listed remedy is DCM reprogramming by a Subaru retailer at no cost to the customer, subject to VIN coverage.
If you own one of these vehicles and several remote features stopped working together, ask an authorized Subaru retailer to check your VIN for WRB-23 and any related telematics campaigns. Do not buy a generic scanner or attempt to replace the DCM yourself. Subaru-specific diagnostic equipment and trained technicians are required for this type of diagnosis and programming.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.9. Do not confuse the key fob with the MySubaru app
A weak physical key fob does not normally explain a broken MySubaru app. The physical remote transmitter and the vehicle’s connected-services telematics system are separate paths.
If the app is broken but the physical key works normally, replacing the key-fob battery is not the answer. If the physical key fob is also weak—particularly if its range has dropped, its lock/unlock response is intermittent, or its indicator does not light—check the vehicle-specific owner manual before buying a battery. Some Subaru remote transmitters use a CR2032, but the battery type and replacement procedure vary by transmitter and model year. Subaru owner documentation includes CR2032 replacement instructions for some remotes; verify yours in the applicable Subaru owner information.
Rank #4
- 𝗩𝗲𝗵𝗶𝗰𝗹𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆: Mazda 3 (2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018), 6 (2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021), CX-3 (2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022), CX-5 (2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025), CX-9 (2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023), and MX-5 Miata (2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023) models with either push-to-start or key ignition.
- 𝗩𝗲𝗵𝗶𝗰𝗹𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀: This kit is designed for both push-to-start and key ignition vehicles. Gas & automatic transmission only. Factory remote required. Some vehicle disassembly may be required; see installation guide for details.
- 𝗡𝗼𝘁𝗲: To remote start by pressing "lock-unlock-lock", please check out our other kit Mazda-LUL-NEW (the only difference is how you trigger the remote start).
- 𝗗𝗜𝗬 𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗸𝗶𝘁: Add remote start functionality to your vehicle for a fraction of the cost. Enjoy a comfortable driving experience from the start by pre-heating and defrosting your windshield in the winter or cooling down your vehicle before entering in the summer.
- 𝗨𝘀𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗳𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗲: Start your vehicle by pressing lock 3X on your existing OEM key fob. Press lock 3X again to turn off vehicle. Factory remote required – no remote is included in this kit. The distance you can remote start from is the same distance you can lock/unlock your vehicle.
Adjacent physical-key fallback: Subaru key fob battery CR2032 is relevant only when the physical remote also needs a battery and your owner manual confirms that type. It will not restore a subscription, cellular signal, account login, or DCM connection.
10. Gather evidence before contacting Subaru
Support can diagnose the problem more efficiently if you provide a complete failure pattern. Record:
- model year, model, trim, and VIN;
- iPhone or Android model and operating-system version;
- MySubaru app version;
- the exact error message, preferably with a screenshot;
- whether login succeeds;
- whether the web portal works;
- whether Locate, Lock/Unlock, Horn/Lights, or other commands work;
- whether the vehicle locks and sounds the horn after a Remote Engine Start request;
- whether the issue occurs on Wi-Fi, cellular data, or both;
- whether a VPN, private DNS, or network filter is enabled;
- whether the security alarm recently activated;
- whether the vehicle may be affected by the 3G transition or a DCM service program.
Use these contacts for U.S. Subaru support:
- MySubaru Customer Care: 855-753-2495 for Connected Services, subscriptions, and VIN-provisioning issues.
- Subaru Customer Support: 800-782-2783 for MySubaru app and account problems.
- Roadside assistance: 800-261-2155 for roadside needs.
For a vehicle-side issue, an authorized Subaru retailer for MySubaru remote-service problems is the appropriate escalation after you have checked the app, account, subscription, and vehicle conditions. Ask the retailer to test the telematics system and check VIN-based DCM campaign coverage rather than requesting a generic code scan or replacing parts without diagnosis.
A quick decision tree
- Cannot open the app? Update, restart, reinstall, and check phone compatibility.
- Cannot sign in? Recover the password, request a fresh verification code, and wait out any documented lockout.
- Signed in but no remote features? Select the correct VIN and verify the active plan and vehicle eligibility.
- Remote command fails on one network? Test cellular data, ordinary Wi-Fi, and the web portal with VPNs and filters disabled.
- Only Remote Engine Start fails? Check Park, doors, hood, trunk, fuel, alarm state, runtime limits, and vehicle warnings.
- Several remote features fail together? Move the vehicle outdoors, consider 4G/3G limitations, and request Subaru telematics and VIN-campaign diagnosis.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my Subaru app not working when my phone has internet?
The vehicle uses its own cellular telematics connection, separate from your phone’s internet. Test the app on both Wi-Fi and cellular data, then move the vehicle outdoors or to a location with better coverage. If multiple remote functions fail together, the issue may involve subscription provisioning, the vehicle’s DCM, 4G availability, or Subaru’s service.
Why does MySubaru Remote Engine Start fail while Lock and Locate work?
Remote Engine Start has additional requirements. The vehicle must generally be in Park with the doors, rear gate or trunk, and monitored hood closed and locked. Check fuel level, warning lights, recent alarm activation, and the 20-minute combined runtime and five-minute restart limits.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Does changing the Subaru key-fob battery fix the MySubaru app?
Usually no. The physical key fob and MySubaru Connected Services use separate systems. Replace the key-fob battery only if the physical remote is also weak, and confirm the correct battery type in the owner manual.
How do I know whether my Subaru needs a DCM update?
Ask an authorized Subaru retailer to check your VIN for applicable telematics campaigns. Subaru service program WRB-23 covers certain U.S. 2022 Forester, 2022 WRX, and 2022–2023 BRZ vehicles and describes a DCM timer issue that can disable multiple remote features.
Can an OBD-II scanner repair MySubaru remote services?
Not as a normal fix. Subaru’s vehicle-side procedures require Subaru-specific diagnosis of the telematics, keyless-access, body-control, engine-control, and related systems. Do not replace or reprogram the DCM yourself.
The Bottom Line
The fastest reliable approach is to isolate the layer that failed: app, account, subscription, network, vehicle conditions, or telematics. Update or reinstall MySubaru, verify the correct VIN and plan, test Wi-Fi versus cellular data and the web portal, then check Remote Engine Start’s safety and runtime requirements. If several remote features fail together—or the vehicle never acknowledges commands—escalate with your VIN to Subaru Customer Care or an authorized retailer for telematics and DCM-campaign diagnosis.
Recommended Free Tools
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
