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How can I stop bluetooth autoplay of music on 2016 Subaru Outback 2.5i and iPhone 6

I have an iPhone 6, with iOS recently upgraded from 9.2 to 9.2.1. My problem, described below, exists on both iOS versions.


On 1/18/16, I bought a 2016 Outback 2.5i with essentially, all of the bells and whistles available. I have had no problem pairing my iPhone via Bluetooth to the Subaru Starlink multimedia system. I can make and receive calls and text messages without any problems. I can press and hold the talk switch on my steering wheel to launch Siri without any problem (although I don't like it when Siri tells me a certain command isn't allowed because she's driving!). I can select and play music via hands free or the controls on my steering wheel and on the multimedia touch display.


So, what's the problem? My phone is too connected to my car!


Every time my phone connects with the car via Bluetooth, such as when I start the car, Apple Music starts playing, even though the Apple Music app is not loaded and I don't want to listen to music at that particular moment. I then pause the music via my car touch screen or on my phone. If that was the only issue, that would just be slightly annoying. Unfortunately, if I get a text, the message appears on my screen, and music on my phone starts again! If I use Siri, music starts up again! Realize, that the music app is shut down, i.e., I killed the app. When I get a phone call, after the call is complete, the music starts playing! Just to make things worse, if I'm listening to the radio, and I use Siri/get a call/receive a text, my Apple Music starts playing!!! I can't get it to stop!


Here is a typical scenario that happened 3 days ago. I start my car and music begins. I pause the music. I back out of my spot and I get a text and music begins again. I pause the music. Within 1 block, I get a call asking when I'm going to get home. I answer with a quick response and hang up. Music begins playing again. I pause the music. I launch Siri to dictate a reply to the text. When Siri finishes, music starts again. I pause the music. I turn on XM radio to listen to financial news show I like to hear during drive time. I get a text. Apple Music starts playing, not XM radio. All of this happens within 5 minutes of getting into the car. OMG!


I have scoured the internet for answers. What I've learned is that this only happens with iPhones, not with any Androids. Every forum I've checked out makes that statement. I confirmed it using my son's Samsung S4. Here is what I've tried to do to fix the problem without any success.


  1. I have unpaired the device, "forgotten" "Subaru BT" from the phone and removed the iPhone from the Subaru, then restarted the phone and the car, then repaired them, and the problem still exists.
  2. I have reset network settings on the iPhone and tried it all over again. Problem still exists.
  3. I have erased all settings on my iPhone, restarted the car, repaired, etc. Problem still exists.
  4. I have turned off Apple Music (settings, Music, show apple music is set to off). My music app starts playing music that is downloaded to my phone.
  5. I have changed "call audio routing" in settings, accessibility, from automatic to Bluetooth headset. The problem still exists.
  6. I have turned off background app refresh and the problem still exists.
  7. I have turned on restrictions and turned off Apple Music Connect (yes, I realize that is about connecting with Artists, not cars), and the problem still exists.
  8. I have turned of "handoff" (settings, general, "Handoff & Suggested Apps, Handoff) and the problem still exists.
  9. I have turned off "show notifications" and "sync contacts" under the Bluetooth settings for the Subaru BT device and the problem still exists.
  10. I have turned on manual "Do not disturb" and the problem still exists.
  11. I have turned off iPod autoplay via USB in the audio settings of the Subaru, and the problem still exists.
  12. I upgraded from 9.2 to 9.2.1, repeated everything above and the problem still exists.
  13. I read several posts that claimed I should be happy that my car plays music automatically and they couldn't understand why I would want ever have periods of silence. I pulled all of my hair out.
  14. I deleted all music off my phone, turned off Apple Music and iTunes match, and I now have no music. Period! Uggh!!!!


I think there were other things that I tried, but can't remember exactly, but nothing has worked. As you can imagine, I've easily invested over 20 hours on this and I'm very, very frustrated. I have a 65 mile commute each way, 5 days a week. I spend a lot of time in the car. I use Siri to dictate messages and reminders. I take calls. I listen to music on my phone, XM radio, and FM Radio. I also just drive in silence to prepare for the day.


I don't know what to do. I have scoured every manual and every setting on the Subaru and can't find anything. Obviously, Subaru makes great cars, but probably hasn't quite figured out the consumer software arena yet. The Subaru Outback forum is filled with great people, and a number of people are as frustrated as I am .


Can someone please help me? Please?

iPhone 6, iOS 9.2.1

Posted on Jan 23, 2016 10:58 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on May 22, 2017 11:02 AM

On the Subaru radio, touch HOME then SETTINGS.

AUDIO. Third line is IPOD/USB/SD AUTOPLAY.

Uncheck the box on the right.

14 replies

Feb 7, 2017 5:47 AM in response to RealtorVirginia

What you're experiencing is not an issue with the phone itself, it's simply the phone responding to commands being sent from the head unit in your car. There is nothing you can do or adjust on the phone other than to completely turn off A2DP audio streaming.


Many, if not most, multimedia systems do NOT behave the way you're describing. What's happening is the head unit detects an A2DP capable device and automatically sends the command to begin playback.


Toyota has had "issues" with their in-car multimedia systems and smart phones (not just iPhones) for years. It should be noted that there is quite a bit of technology shared between Toyota and Subaru, and that many Subaru vehicles suffer from the same problems the Toyotas do.


The Android apps that "fix" the problem hook into the OS in a way that Apple does not allow, as it is unsafe and would pose a security risk on the phone.

May 3, 2017 3:32 AM in response to namrepmek

Unfortunately I can confirm this is in android as well. Galaxy s7. The problem is that Subarus (and prob some other cars) radio send a play request to your phone when it connects so it will play.every.time.something.happens on your phone :( some cars can disable this, Subaru cannot that I've ever found.


Source: owned 2005, 2007, 2011, 2014 and 2017 subarus and Any with a factory Bt stereo does this

Mar 30, 2016 12:40 AM in response to parkerisin

I have the same issue. It's becoming a safety issue when, if I take a call while driving, the iPhone drops me back to Apple Music when I was listening to content through another app beforehand and I get distracted during that '***?' moment.


If it's about giving primacy to Apple's content vs what I am wanting to be listening to at the time, or when I was last using the device, I'd be pretty disappointed.


If it isn't fixed soon I'm going Android—it's a deal breaker for me.

Mar 30, 2016 12:57 AM in response to parkerisin

I think that this is not an iPhone issue. On my VW multimedia device the music is not starting on its own. I must start it. I guess usually its not a bad thing, that the music plays, but you're right: When you press pause, the music shouldn't be resumed after hanging up etc. But for me it seems like a Subaru issue, as my VW behaves different?


Does Subaru offer CarPlay?

Sep 17, 2016 3:24 AM in response to parkerisin

I have the same problem in my "13" Yaris, on Toyota touch.


I am playing my music through AUX from my iPod, not a problem. Siri is navigating me delightfully, stopping the plugged in music and telling me to start thinking about making a turn.


BUT - my phone is silently playing music through the music App. It's not playing it through the phone, NOR is it playing it over the car speakers (even once upon a time when I wanted it too, before deciding to just plug in my iPod which has more tracks)


Yes I need the BT because I want to be able to "communicate" with Siri, either to ask her to text someone if I am running late, or to navigate me to a specific address once I reach the correct town... but not the music.

I see I am not alone in the issue (apart from the fact that it doesn't autoBLARE just autoplays in the background on my phone, luckily not draining the phone battery because it's plugged in so that I can summon Siri without pressing any buttons...)


If I find a solution in my car I shall let you know. While yes, it's a completely different car and interactive system, it should at least highlight whether or not the issue is indeed with Apple (as suspected) or with the car's multimedia system. I'm almost sure that nothing I do will make a difference but I shall load some music onto the default media app on my old Windows Phone, as well as on my friend's Android phone on Google music or whatever the official mus app is called and connect that up and see what happens.


I did leave feedback on the Apple site about this, to say that a switch to disable Apple Music from being opened by anything other than actually pressing the button or asking Siri, would be useful.


Good luck and please do say if you manage to get things sorted out at your end. :-)

Dec 1, 2016 4:33 PM in response to parkerisin

Same issue...I can't use other audio apps for Bluetooth without intermittent loud music popping in before or after.


Even if it's a Toyota Bluetooth issue, I should be able to download an app or adjust a setting that will turn off Autoplay Music without turning the whole feature off (I do still want to listen to music without going back into settings every time).


Android has apps that will allow control over this, but I find nothing for IOS???

Dec 1, 2016 4:51 PM in response to Groomer88

What you're experiencing is not an issue with the phone itself, it's simply the phone responding to commands being sent from the head unit in your car. There is nothing you can do or adjust on the phone other than to completely turn off A2DP audio streaming.


Many, if not most, multimedia systems do NOT behave the way you're describing. What's happening is the head unit detects an A2DP capable device and automatically sends the command to begin playback.


Toyota has had "issues" with their in-car multimedia systems and smart phones (not just iPhones) for years. It should be noted that there is quite a bit of technology shared between Toyota and Subaru, and that many Subaru vehicles suffer from the same problems the Toyotas do.


The Android apps that "fix" the problem hook into the OS in a way that Apple does not allow, as it is unsafe and would pose a security risk on the phone.

Dec 23, 2016 6:47 AM in response to parkerisin

I had this problem with my iphone 6 too ( same truck but never had the problem with the 5) and finally got so aggravated that I just switched to an Android phone. Just bought a google pixel and moved all my music over and guess what? Same problem. So I am thinking the problem is within itunes purchased content itself.

I have a radio app that I listen too and it only autoplays if the app is open so it is not the bluetooth of the truck or the phone. It has to be itunes. I also notice it never plays music automatically that was not purchased through itunes.

Dec 23, 2016 9:37 AM in response to KiltedTim

I get that it's my Toyota's signal being sent out that causes my phone to auto play music, but I have read that Droid has an app that can eliminate the issue. If an app can eliminate the issue before waiting for Toyota then Apple can be better/smarter than Toyota (help their customers despite Toyota's incompetence).


Instead I had to go into iTunes and rename a song "A.A." and the song is a very quiet one for awhile.

How can I stop bluetooth autoplay of music on 2016 Subaru Outback 2.5i and iPhone 6

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