Visit natewade.com for more info This map update only applies to the 2018 Subaru Outback, Legacy, Impreza, or Crosstrek. Any new Subaru comes with 3 years of FREE map updates.
Hi Nate, many thx again for walking me through this, we purchased a 2019 Forester and watching your videos has taught me more then the salesman knew!! For those that got "VIN is invalid", I went back a few days later and my log in was fine. I was thinking that my Forester being so new that the VIN number may not have be registered for the sale yet. Cheers from Alberta!
Thanks for the clear and helpful instructions. They are just what I needed. Also, your comment about the seeming freeze at step 8 is REALLY helpful. I would think the same thing as you first did and be tempted to abort and try again. The only drag is losing all your radio presets.
Excellent instructions. Bought my 2018 Outback used and was still able to register and download the update. I was given an activation code during the download and was required to enter that at the start of the update. Everything ran smooth, no problems at all, and took about 20 minutes to update in the car. The download and USB transfer from the website was slow though, maybe1-1/2 hours total. Thanks so much!
thanks for this - I had managed to download newest version of maps on my computer (after registering) but to verify the time it would take to install them, your advice assured me nothing was wrong. As a matter of fact it downloaded into my 2019 Outback from the USB stick in virtually 10 minutes even - so I was quite happy with that result
Excellent video! Spot on, on all steps, especially how the head unit install appears to "hang up" on step #8. Had it not been for your video, I would have thought the installation was hanging up and possibly aborted the process. BAD IDEA, DO NOT DO THAT! This video still applies to models as late as my 2020 Subaru Crosstrek Limited. Thanks again!
update: after getting through my thick head that the vehicle code in Nav Settings ISN'T the activation code I had to enter, I found the entire update of 8 steps took me 10 minutes. Step 8 took a minute and a bit where it seemed nothing was happening but then all went well. Initial loading onto Sandisk Cruzer 8GB onto the computer inside the house probably similar time
Excellent job on the video. The steps and timing of the overall process was just what we needed. Why is this video not on the download site for the maps?
That's a good video except it left out one point that drove me crazy. I already had a flash drive in one of the 2 USB ports (Outback) and when I put the maps USB drive in the other port it recognized it so I went through all the steps and it said it was restarting the system and installing the software (paraphrasing) but then it was trying to install the software from the other USB flash drive that I had in the other port (and it contained music). I never thought about removing the other USB drive until a few days later and when I did the software went ahead and installed correctly. In summary, I think the video should tell viewers that they should make sure the USB drive containing the maps is the only USB drive that is inserted into a port.
Spot on and thank you! Updating the Map and software in my 2020 BRZ via the USB Drive took about an hour and the process seemed to STALL at exactly when you described! All went well and is operating properly.
Really great instructional video, especially valuable since the prompts from the head unit itself are misleading (reports 100% progress on step 8 when it's really just starting that step and several minutes from complete). Great to know to just wait it out. This is the kind of thing that can be confusing or stressful without guidance from someone who has done it a few times.
Thanks for the great instructional video. I'm wondering if you can drive the car during the update rather than letting the engine idle for that long? 2018 Outback
Thanks to you, Nate! Until I watched this RU-vid i tried unsuccessfully at least a dozen times to update. Why couldn't Suburu be so concise when they emailed the opportunity to update my 2018 Outback?
Thank you I do these updates for my Father because he’s not tech savvy. I’m about to do a second one for him because the built in over WiFi way didn’t work the first time nor just now. This video reminded me of how I did it last time and it might have been this same exact video. Also it’s so true on the last 100% you’d think 100% would be 100% and not 94% or something 😂
I think you missed a special note to possibly make. When you first use the Map Downloader, the button will not say "Install on USB Drive" it says something else like "START" or "Download". So first you have to click that and then wait, then you'll get the "Install on USB Drive" and your video lines back up. I first thought I missed something, because I did not get the screen to pick my USB Drive and thought maybe it randomly picked a USB drive and was wiping it. Then I realized it was first downloading the update to my hard drive, and now that its download, I can see the "Install on USB Drive" button. Its also perhaps worthy of noting, that you'll need some available hard drive space for the initial downloaded update file. I'm not sure how much but probably 16GB would be a worst case since it ends up on a 16GB USB Drive. Just thought I'd note this, incase others seen the same thing. Thanks for the video it was very easy to follow.
Thanks for the great video. The long delays you outlined were needed to give me a warm fuzzy on the install. I just updated my 2018 Outback with no problems using Windows 10 and a 32gb stick. The FM stations did not get erased.
Haha that delay is one of the reasons I knew I had to make the video. I needed that the first time I did the update! I was seconds away from deciding that it hadn't worked properly and pulling the thing out when it finally went through!
Thanks for the video. Appreciated the warning about how long it takes. It took over an hour to download the updated onto my PC. Then about another 45 minutes to load it onto the USB drive, this issue might have been my USB drive being old as the transfer speed is not great. The updated from the USB drive to the car took about 20 minutes. My only complaint is about the map, not the video. The "updated" map still shows very old info. There are a number of stores that are no longer open but still shows in the database, most notably that Target stores are still open when they all closed in April of 2015.I have a 2018 Outback in British Columbia, Canada.
This was VERY helpful. Especially the warning about extra time in step 8. Would have been helpful to have Windows instruction since it is quite different from MAC (for those that are not computer savy). It did take an awful lot of time to complete this process.
I'm glad you were able to get it all figured out Janet! I'm sorry I don't have specific instructions for Windows (I just don't have access to a computer with Windows on it). The initial map download can take quite a while depending on your internet speed. Slower connections could take up to a few hours.
Hello. Do you have any idea if the maps/navigation info can be upgraded by flash drive/memory card in the Subaru head units with the flash drive/memory card slots on the head unit? Is it a different process than what you showed? Or is it the same process? If different, can you tell me where to find the steps? How much does the update cost?
Hi everything went well up to the installation of the map update on my USB device from my pc. But when I got to my Outback 2018, it just said media is loading and did not enter into authentication process at all. It didn't take long for you for that authentication message to pop on your head unit. But it wasn't getting mine there at all. Guess this process, doesn't work for all. Need to head to the dealership instead.
Loved the video. However, when I inserted my USB drive into my 2018 Outback, it didn't start up as pictured. I even drove around in case it needed to "warm up." Checked my drive, and it had information on it. Have no idea why it didn't work. I welcome suggestions.
@nate wade subaru, looking into the website to update my subscription... for some reason I am able to register the vehicle, but When I goto purchase a new subscription to the maps I cant find the Maps Code in the vehicle settings to get the code to purchase the subscription... need some help if its not too much trouble
thanks I have an old USB port. That port will not corrupt the navigation system will it? would the method using this USB port be problem free. My USB port is 128 MB. Has files on it but you said not to worry about that because the download will erase everything on my USB port which is good with me
Hey buddy have a 2015 first gen with large SD card. I live in Australia and tried to update Subaru online tool box but it says my VIN doesn't exist which yeah makes sense as car was imported from Japan to Australia. Next problem tried, Navi program and can't detect my SD card but I have bought brand new SD media card reader as well same issue. Map software shows up on computer both locked and unlocked. Any ideas
How often are the maps updated? My Outback 2023 says “map version 42498”. That doesn’t look like your version numbers. - This procedure is not very user friendly. I hope my new model has a simpler procedure. Thanks
Great video. I entered my MY18 Outback VIN (New Zealand new) and the website sorted the download to Oceania_1021_6891_9309 and the Software to REL_A1.19.17.20 AUS. How do I confirm this will work or could it corrupt the unit? Local dealer said No - No- NO - Dont do it. You wont get the right maps for New Zealand. The entertainment head unit has just been replaced as the original went blank as they do. The replacement unit reads Navi database as Oceania_991_6759_9121. Software reads Rel_UO.18.43.20. Cheers
Every time I try install on the car, I get a screen Asking me to enter a request code In the website? I enter what’s on the screen and it says invalid try again. What request code is it asking for?
Hi Nate. I have a 2014 Subaru Crosstrek and it says my VIN is invalid. I'm absolutely using the correct VIN copied from my insurance card so I'm wondering if this website is only providing free map updates for later model vehicles.
Nate, I am on a Mac and the USB was not recognized by the map update for my 2019 Legacy 3.6R. I was able to download the map update and have updated my head unit OTA directly via our home WiFI but I cannot download the maps to a SanDisk 64GB USB drive. I have erased and reformatted the USB drive to FAT32 but it didn't help. Does the USB drive have to be formatted as NTFS and if so then that is not an option on a Mac. Hope that you can help!
I don't know if you ever got this fixed. I had the same problem. My IOS is Monterey. After downloading the map upgrade to my Mac I could never get the program to recognize any USB plugged into the computer....although the drive was shown in Finder and the map upgrade was successful. I ended up pulling out my 2012 MacBook Pro with High Sierra installed and was able to get the upgrade on USB with no problem. I guess a Monterey glitch.
the video makes it look super easy. For some reason when I enter the VIN for my 2018 2.f premium Forester it says it's invalid and won't let me get to the download portion. Thoughts?
Realize you asked a month ago so likely got your answer but I have a 2018 Forester Touring and had to use a different method using the microSD card updated via my Windows PC. I'll be posting a video of the process I had to use on my channel in a few days. I'm curious if that's what you found you had to do as well or is there a different method.
Hi and thanks a lot for the informative video. I am the otherwise happy owner of an Outback MY 2018 with 8" navigation system. Following your video there were no problems downloading the 11 GB update and installing it on a USB stick. (Only it took some time.) BUT nothing happens when I insert the USB-stick. Do I need a special kind of USB stick? Do I need to format the stick in advance - and if yes, what format should be used?
I believe that the USB is formatted during the installation process. You tried both USB ports in your car? It shouldn't matter which one you use but I would try both. You could always try a different USB stick and see if that makes a difference but I'm not aware if there's a certain kind that works and a certain kind that doesn't.
I have a 2018 crosstrek....the starlink is horrible at best....I am on my second system....its hit or miss with apple car play and the bluetooth.....I had to cancel a trip today because I could not access the maps...
Hi map downloader doesn’t accept my password or username which I have registered and verified,it comes up with problem with server check your WiFi,have you had this before?
Has anyone else had issues getting this to install? The Map Downloader works fine, but the car does nothing when I insert the Flash drive in the arm rest unit. I've tried two very different flash drives. I thought maybe they had been formatted incorrectly so I set one to FAT32 and the Map Downloader reformatted it to NTFS.
(Votre video est bien fait) Well done video. (Mais la marque de la clé usb est importante, car 2 essais avec une clé Lexar n'ont pas fonctionnés) But the brand of the usb is important. 2 bad experiences with Lexar usb .(Subaru a émis un bulletin de service pour utiliser une clé KINGSTON, ce que j'ai fait et tout est ok) . A service bulletin was issued by Subaru... to use a KINGSTON usb, what i did use and everithing worked fine!
Hi I get an error after the 75%, and the system trying again to install the update, but still have an error. How.can I solve.this problem?, because I can't start the starlink
asking for some code now ?? the cars maps system info give you one, but that doesn't work, so ? I sure I did this 2 years ago and not sure what I'm forgetting now. oh, do I need my subaru website to up upto date and Active prescription ? or is that not required, as long as it found the cars profile, you're allowed to update your maps ?
addendum to previous reply: I copied by hand all 50 of my Favorites in preparation for loading them back in after the update. Imagine my surprise when I found that they were all still there, and the radio presets too! I did check in my settings to make sure the update was actually completed, and it was. It worked exactly like the video said, thank you Nate Wade.
Hi, I bought Subaru Forester Sport 2019, and I am trying to download the map but my VIN is still unregistered in the system... How long it takes to register? I need map ASAP.
I downloaded the update on my computer then I opened it and went through all the steps. I logged in and found my vehicle but it does not give me an option to download on the the USB drive. It only has a start tab. If I start it will it automatically download on the USB? I don't want it to erase anything on my computer. Thanks
Jennifer the only data that gets erased during this process is what is on the USB flash drive that you plug into your computer, but it will erase EVERYTHING on that flash drive so be sure you don't have anything on there that you don't want to lose.
@@jenniferquarles5758 If I remember correctly, clicking start will download the map file. Once that has downloaded, you will be able to click "Install on USB drive"
I have the 2019 Forester. I was able to update directly by connecting the Forester to my home wi-fi network from my carport. Once connected, the updater asks me to check off up to eight regions (each state is a region), and then the map updates are directly imported into the Forester's navigation software. Didn't need to leave the engine running; just ran it off the battery. Once downloaded, the car's electrical system went off by itself.
Thanks Ed! That way of doing absolutely works as well but this most recent update (June-July 2019) is the first one that has been available to do it that way. I need to make a video for that way now too!
@@natewadesubaru This is a known issue that is on Subaru's support pages. They said it most often happens when you buy a used Subaru from a non-Subaru dealer. YOu have to call Subaru and they will put it in manually.
I haven't seen this happen before so I'm not exactly sure what would be causing the error. The first thing I would say is to double check that you put in the VIN correctly. They're easy to mess up since they're so long. If you're certain that you're putting in the VIN correctly, I'd maybe contact your dealer.
So when I register my vin on map downloader and go to updates it says I have there's none available which is wrong because according to the Manuel my map version is way out of date. Anyone have any ideas?
@@natewadesubaru I just updated my software to REL_A2.20.07.20. Using WiFi and since my maps is at .07 I tried to do the USB option but the map downloader won't give me a map update.
@@anomalyevolution40 I have been under the impression that they will bundle map and software updates, especially since package 8 is "Updating Map Data". I could be wrong but that's what I thought. Also, on the cars that I've checked the maps versions on, the maps file name is a different format and looks more like this: "USA Canada and Mexico 1803_3927_2388"
The WRX doesn't have this navigation system in it yet. This upgrade is only for cars with the headunit shown in this video. To update your navigation you'll use www.subarumapupdates.com/
Another, I believe better method of updating your software: Use your Subaru's Wi-Fi capability, rather than downloading to a USB Jump Drive, which is a very, very slow process (hours to do). Park your car in your garage or carport, leave ignition on, (you can shut off your engine). If you leave engine on, make sure the exhaust is vented away from the house. Connect to the Wi-Fi in your house. Now you can directly download your new software! Once your software has downloaded and installed, you must still download your updated state maps. The map download takes much longer than software download, depending on the number of states you have installed, but is still much faster than the USB download technique.
Both options work although I believe that connecting to WIFI you can only update up to 7 states. This way does the entire country. Typically it seems that Subaru makes map updates available first via USB and over the air a little bit later (in my experience)
@@natewadesubaru fair point, it lets you do 8 but I guess for me 8 States is more than I'd probably ever drive my car through anyhow. It just seemed easier than messing with a PC but I agree it's nice to update all of them at once
@@chriswy697 Absolutely. For the most part, wifi updates are easier and faster because you can select just the few states (or the one state) that you actually use.
Poor you, you have two stinking subarus!!! Two months into purchasing my Legacy (replaced 2022 Q3), I've had it with this POS, already shopping to trade it in....Infotainment and navigation are absolute jokes
