Reset a Frozen Infotainment Screen

Last updated: June 10, 2026

The Subaru Legacy (Mk6/BN, 2014–2019) sits right across the introduction of Subaru Starlink, so the correct reset depends on the year. The 2015 launch cars (this generation arrived as a 2015 model in North America) used the earlier 6.2-inch head unit; from the 2016 model year the Legacy carried Starlink 2.0 on the 6.2-inch and 7-inch screens, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto added on later cars. Either way, a frozen screen reboots from the audio knob without a battery disconnect.

Which system is in your BN Legacy

2015: the original head unit, no Starlink app suite or phone projection — but it resets identically. 2016–2019: Starlink 2.0 with CarPlay/Android Auto on later trims. Both use the power/volume knob as the reset switch; the older Starlink 2.0 software is the more reset-resistant of the two and may ignore a short hold.

Soft reset: hold the power/volume knob

1. Keep the ignition ON or the engine running so the head unit stays powered.
2. Press and hold the power/volume knob on the left of the screen.
3. Hold for at least 10 seconds; on Starlink 2.0 keep holding to 15–30 seconds if it doesn’t react.
4. The display blanks and the Starlink / Subaru logo reappears as it restarts.
5. Release and wait about 30 seconds for radio, camera and Bluetooth to return.

Safe — no data is lost

The knob-hold reboot restarts the head unit’s software only. Radio presets, paired phones, saved destinations and (on 2016+ cars) your Starlink login all survive, and phone projection reconnects by itself. Repeat it freely whenever the screen freezes.

If the screen stays frozen

• Try the hard-button combination. On Starlink 2.0 a documented force-restart is to hold the fixed buttons together until the display blanks and the Starlink logo returns — handy when the knob alone does nothing.
• Cycle the ignition fully off. Switch off, open the door, let it sleep, then restart for a cleaner reset.
• Lock it for 10 minutes. Subaru’s dealer tip: turn the car off, lock the doors and leave it about 10 minutes so the unit deep-sleeps and reboots clean. This recovered many stuck Starlink 2.0 screens.
• Unplug the phone. On CarPlay-equipped cars a projection dropout can look like a full freeze; pull the cable and let the native screen recover first.
• Accept Starlink 2.0’s limits. Early Starlink was widely criticised for freezing, and some owners found no reset worked — those units need the dealer software update or, in failure cases, replacement.

Factory reset (erases your data)

Use this only when reboots stop helping, or before you sell. Open Settings on the touchscreen and choose Factory Data Reset (older menus may say Clear all or list it under General), confirm the warning, and press the green reset button. It wipes presets, paired devices, saved destinations and your Starlink login, then restarts at factory defaults. Park first and keep your login handy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my 2015 Legacy reset the same way? Yes — hold the power/volume knob for 10+ seconds. The 2015 unit just lacks the Starlink apps and CarPlay that 2016+ cars added.

I held the knob for 30 seconds and nothing happened. Starlink 2.0 is the most stubborn Subaru head unit. Try the hard-button combination, then lock the car for 10 minutes. If it still won’t recover, it needs the dealer update or replacement.

Will a reboot delete my presets or paired phone? No. Only the Factory Data Reset in Settings clears presets, paired devices and saved destinations.

Why does my Legacy’s screen freeze so often? Early Starlink drew heavy complaints (and a class action) for slow response and freezing. A reboot is a stopgap; the dealer software update is the real fix.

Is disconnecting the battery a good idea? Only as a last resort — it also resets the clock and other modules. Exhaust the knob-hold, hard-button and 10-minute lock methods first.

If a warning light came on at the same moment the screen locked up, read the stored fault code at autodtcs.com before assuming the two are connected.