The Subaru STARLINK app puts full control of your vehicle in the palm of your hand, letting you start the engine, lock the doors, adjust the climate, and locate your car from almost anywhere with a cellular signal. Subaru has since renamed this service the MySubaru app, though many owners still recognize it by its original STARLINK name. Whether you want a warm cabin on a freezing morning or peace of mind that your doors are locked, this guide walks you through every feature, the setup process, supported models, and current pricing so you can use your Subaru’s connected technology with confidence.
What Is the Subaru STARLINK App?
The Subaru STARLINK app, now called the MySubaru app, connects your smartphone directly to your vehicle through a built-in 4G LTE cellular network. Unlike a traditional key fob with limited range, the app lets you send commands to your Subaru from virtually any location with coverage. You simply download the app, create a MySubaru account, and link your vehicle identification number to unlock the full set of connected services.
Subaru offers the app on both iOS and Android, and every owner can use its basic tools for free. These include tracking service history, viewing owner’s manuals, watching how-to videos, and scheduling dealer appointments. Advanced remote features, however, require an active MySubaru Connected Services subscription tied to your vehicle’s model year and trim level.
Key Features: Remote Start, Lock, and More
Remote engine start ranks as the most popular feature, and for good reason. You can warm or cool your cabin, activate heated seats, and turn on the defroster before you step outside. The system also locks your doors automatically when you start the engine remotely, adding a layer of security while the car idles. Remote start requires push-button start, and remote climate control requires automatic climate control.
Beyond starting the engine, the app delivers a robust toolkit. You can lock or unlock the doors, sound the horn and flash the lights to find your car in a crowded lot, and pinpoint your vehicle’s exact location on a map. Families with teen drivers benefit from boundary, speed, and curfew alerts, which send a notification whenever a driver crosses a limit you set. Higher packages add stolen vehicle recovery, real-time vehicle health reports, and 24-hour roadside assistance.
How to Set Up the Subaru STARLINK App
Getting started takes only a few minutes. Download the MySubaru app from the App Store or Google Play, then sign in or create a new account using an active email address. You will need your vehicle identification number to register your Subaru to your profile, which you can find on the dashboard, driver’s door jamb, or your insurance documents.
Once you link your VIN, activate your trial or subscription through the app or the MySubaru website. After activation, the remote features appear on both your phone and your infotainment screen. You can also invite household members as authorized users, granting them their own login and custom access levels so they can control remote services and receive alerts.
Subscription Plans and Pricing
Subaru structures its plans around your vehicle’s model year. Owners of 2016 through 2025 models use the MySubaru Safety and Security plans. New vehicles include a complimentary three-year trial of Safety services and a six-month trial of Security services, which cover remote start and lock/unlock. After the trial, Safety Plus runs about $9.95 per month or $99.95 per year, and adding Security Plus costs roughly $4.95 more per month for a combined total near $14.90 monthly.
Owners of 2026 and newer models receive the newer MySubaru Companion plans. The basic Companion package covers safety and remote smartphone tools like SOS Emergency Assistance, Enhanced Roadside Assistance, and vehicle location. Companion+ adds Remote Engine Start, Remote Climate Control, Curfew Alert, and Valet Mode. These newer vehicles now qualify for an extended five-year trial, and you must enroll within 180 days of purchase to lock in the free services.
Which Subaru Models Support Remote Features
Remote start availability varies by model and trim. On the 2025 lineup, the Ascent, Solterra, and WRX include remote engine start across all trims, while the Forester, Outback, Crosstrek, Impreza, and Legacy offer it on higher trims only. Base trims often lack the push-button ignition required for the app-based feature, so trim selection matters if this capability is a priority.
The all-electric Solterra relies entirely on the app for remote start and does not offer a key fob alternative. Many gas models, by contrast, support both the MySubaru app and a separate remote-start key fob, giving you flexible options. If your Subaru did not come with remote start, a dealer can confirm whether your model supports STARLINK activation or a factory-installed fob.
Conclusion
The Subaru STARLINK app transforms your smartphone into a powerful remote for your vehicle, blending everyday convenience with real safety and security. From warming your cabin to locking your doors from across town, its features make Subaru ownership easier season after season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Subaru STARLINK app the same as the MySubaru app?
Yes. Subaru renamed its STARLINK Safety, Security, and Concierge services to MySubaru. The features stay the same, and you now access them through the MySubaru app.
Can I start my Subaru remotely with the app?
Yes, if your vehicle has push-button start and an active subscription. The app starts the engine and can adjust climate settings from anywhere with cellular coverage.
How much does the Subaru STARLINK app cost?
Basic app tools are free. Remote features require a subscription, with Safety Plus around $99.95 per year and Security Plus adding roughly $4.95 per month for 2016 to 2025 models.
Does remote start work without cellular service?
No. The app relies on a 4G LTE connection, so remote commands need a signal at both your phone and your vehicle to function.
Which Subaru models have remote start?
The Ascent, Solterra, and WRX include it on all 2025 trims, while the Forester, Outback, Crosstrek, Impreza, and Legacy offer it on higher trims.
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