Everything You Need To Know about the Subaru Key Fob/Keyless Entry

Subaru key fob/keyless entry can be confusing at first. In this video, I show you how to use your Subaru key fob along with some tricks I have learned on Subaru key fobs. Some of these tricks include how to put your Subaru key in sleep mode, how to wake up your Subaru key after it's been in sleep mode, how to lock your Subaru key inside your car, how to start your Subaru with a dead key fob battery, how to replace your Subaru key fob, and more!
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[@francesconnor6706]

Brother you just saved me! I have had my outback for 7 years and just learned a new trick! THANK YOU

[@angelawentzfaulconer1999]

What I learned: 1. Top button locks, 2. Star cluster unlocks. 3. Click the lock button 3 times to help find the car. 4. Star cluster once unlocks driver side. Star cluster several times unlocks all the doors. 5. I don't need to go to the dealer to replace the battery in the fob, it is easy enough to do myself. 6. Click and hold liftgate button for it to automatically open. Click and hold for the liftgate to automatically go down. 7. The driver door unlocks as I approach the car if I have the fob with me--no need to push the button on the fob.

[@christopherhanna7379]

You missed the feature that when you approach the vehicle, if equipped, the Subaru logo in your side mirrors lights up, illuminating the door handle as well as the interior map lights. This doesn't auto unlock the car, it turns on the door handle tap feature. If you touch the door handle it unlocks the driver door only. If you hold the handle for a second(s) it unlocks the passenger side door after unlocking the drivers door. If you happen to try to open the locked rear door, and then hold the driver door handle, it will unlock the rear door behind the driver's door. Neeeeeaaaaat toe!!

[@robsalvv5853]

Key fob Sleep mode was another.

[@chefdiane1]

Help please! I have a 2015 forester 2.5i. My remote to unlock died. I had a new battery put in, still doesn’t work. Same time, the tire pressure light is not resetting. Same time, the rear door won’t open to put my gear in. Any thoughts? Thanks!!!

[@berginus]

@@robsalvv5853 key fob sleep mode is unnecessary. Try it, you’ll see it doesn’t need to be in sleep mode to lock it in the car.

[@alexf1066]

@@christopherhanna7379 thanks I will try it out. My last wrx had unlock all doors in the menus, the new one doesn’t seem to have it. Really annoying when I want to throw things on the back seat and the back door is locked.

[@dogluvr3461]

Just traded in my 2017 Outback for a 2024 Touring XT. Much easier to watch your videos than reading the huge manual. Thank you for all the tips!

[@RoadKen53]

This video/link should be included with every Subaru sold, being so informative. These new Subarus are so far advanced than the first ones to hit America. My Dad purchased the Subaru 360 back in 1969 and it was only $1,097 plus Port of Entry and was a total blast to drive. They've come a very long way since! Thanks Alex.

[@ashleyomelia3675]

My husband literally walked in and saw me watching this with my mouth hanging open. I've had my car for way too long to not know about these things! Thank you!

[@larryhorst3645]

This is so helpful and explains why my car locked on me today when I touched the door handle 😅 I'm loving these hidden feature videos !

[@salsamancer]

I got my car second hand and the battery was nearly dead, i only discovered it a few days later when the car refused to start. In desperation i put the fob as close as i could to the push start and it worked! Thats a good intuitive design

[@PowerHungryPacifist]

Watching your videos helped me pull the trigger on a '24 Outback Touring XT. Counting down the days til delivery and watching your videos daily. Thanks for the great content!

[@user-fz8zm8eb3b]

Here’s another function on the key fob. If you want to open the hatch but don’t want it to fully open, press the hatch open button and then when it is opening click the same button 2x’s and it will stop immediately.

[@justlookin3]

Very helpful as usual. Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us.

[@jayztoob]

You missed a couple of things. 1. I leave my lights in "auto" mode. At night when I finish driving and lock the car, the headlights stay on for a while, but a second "lock" press turns them off immediately. 2. Outside "courtesy" lights come on when I approach the car with the fob. 3. Driver's door handle unlocks driver's door onlt. Passenger door handle unlocks all doors. Thanks again for all the tips. I've learned a number of useful things about my Outback.

[@ecurbnosrub]

In the vehicle settings you can select driver's door handle to unlock all doors or just the driver's door.

[@DrewLakebrink]

The approach lighting is great at night

[@juleenlatvala7536]

You always have the best info. I learn something in every video! 😊

[@TreeHugger2]

Thank you! I’ve been looking for this info. All Subaru service technicians need to watch your videos. ❤

[@melissafrederick9362]

I was just thinking about sending the link to my salesman as a reference for new owners. Finding this channel just days after getting my first Subie has been a goldmine!

[@Braymiller1]

My favorite function on the key fob is the feature that lets you stop the lift gate part way up by pressing the lift gate button as it is opening. It is very handy when you have a kayak or something else on the roof which prevents the lift gate from opening all the way. If you stop the lift gate as it is opening, you can still gain access to the rear cargo space.

[@surfmanx796]

I have the same issue with surf boards. I would pay extra for a horizontally opening rear hatch. Subaru take note please.

[@grobbosixtyone]

@@surfmanx796if you regularly have surf boards on top it might be better to set the maximum opening height using the memory function on the dashboard so it always stops at that height

[@ingeburgnagel3616]

The presentation was very helpful. Made it an assignment to practice.. So much to learn.

[@vickiemccubbin]

So helpful, as always! Thanks so much!

[@thegreencat9947]

A perfectly timed video. I learned how to close the hatch. I feel so smart. Thanks for explaining the simpler aspects of my Subaru. .👍

[@alexpmo]

You're welcome!

[@karen-xn6su]

Very helpful. Will be getting a new Subaru this week so will follow your videos. Thank you.

[@howardn]

Very informative. Thanks. I didn’t know about the key in the fob.

[@MelissaWissler]

Hi Alex...I'm so glad I stumbled upon this video! I just bought a 2020 Outback Limited XT with the turbo engine and your video really helped me a lot. The salesperson wasn't very helpful...basically I bought the car, wrote a check and drove away. I was freaking out because I had no idea what I was doing, as far as the bells & whistles. I've just had this car since 12/26 and don't drive on a daily basis any longer since I 'm now retired. I'm so glad I found your channel. I'll be checking out more videos...I find reading the manuals overwhelming. My Subaru came with just 1 fob. I asked about a 2nd fob, but was told it only had 1???? Should I insist with the dealership? It really makes me nervous only having 1 fob. I've never had a car with the fob and push button start. I believe I'm going to love driving this Outback. I was surprised at how roomy the interior is. I feel like I'm in a living room, as opposed to my previous Toyota Carolla. One problem I'm having is judging how far to pull into my garage. Do you know of anything that may help me judge this correctly? Any suggestions are appreciated!

[@susanpodgorski33]

The passenger window was a 30 second fix and $80 saved! You are A-Mazing! Thank you.

[@tpolerex7282]

Great! Even a geek like me who downloaded and perused the four manuals months before I bought my ‘24 Impreza RS can learn a couple of new things. Still need to set up the tailgate entry code. I see you also relocated the Auto Vehicle Hold button to the Home Screen directly over the Auto Stop/Start button - first thing I also did when I bought the car. I appreciate that shared logic.

[@julieemmett4346]

Thank you Alex, I have a 2015 outback limited I bought new, after just finding your channel I have learned several very helpful tips. I greatly appreciate your videos. One of many was the door handle locking lines! After 8 years of driving this car.

[@alexpmo]

Never too late lol! Happy you have found my videos helpful. Thank you for watching!

[@lindamartin4208]

I noticed the Bachman logo on your shirt in a previous video… I bought my first Subaru Outback at Bachman SUBARU in Louisville, Kentucky in 2016. I traded that one in for a 2019 Outback and now have my third Outback, which is a 2023. Your videos are very informative and I really appreciate you sharing your information.

[@raystebbins547]

Your videos have helped me so very much! I have a new 24 crosstrek and your videos are the best out there! Thank you!

[@alexpmo]

You're welcome! Congrats on the Crosstrek!

[@mjsdad66]

You provide great information, but have you done a video showing more details on the My Subaru App? That might be worth doing.

[@annventus3723]

Great video I will watch it several times as I get accustomed to its many features

[@dianetbailey9185]

You are so helpful, with all the things we can do. Thanks.❤

[@alexpmo]

Thanks for watching! 😊

[@melissafrederick9362]

I’m a brand new Subaru owner. The segment on ways to lock your key fob in your car was particularly helpful. It will be great to not have to carry my key fob when out backpacking. Thanks for all the helpful videos!

[@Icriedtoday]

Didn’t work on mine so I call bullshit

[@SrDocDiva]

Thank you very much! I learned a lot and I appreciate your videos.

[@kknight77]

This was a great video! Unfortunately, on our 2016 Forester key FOB it cannot be put into sleep mode and the only way I have found to be able to lock the FOB in the car is by using the second FOB to lock the doors and use the PIN to unlock. However, this works perfectly on out 2021 Ascent!

[@markfisher1716]

Another great Subaru video Alex! Going to purchase a new Subaru soon(mine is 11 years old) and anxious to use all the items you have shown in your videos. Thx! : )

[@marykitts8166]

Just about every time I watch one of your videos, I learn SOMETHING new. Thanks Alex!!

[@alexpmo]

Thank you! That means a lot 😊

[@deepthibhagavathula5614]

Bought a ‘23 Forester and got it delivered just 10 days ago. Even though it’s an Australian make, Your videos are helping soo much that we feel confident about the functionalities and features!! All the extra tips and tricks are really good to know. Thanks a lot mate! 😄

[@grobbosixtyone]

I got mine a year ago and I’m still trying to figure it all out. Totally over engineered

[@virtual812]

New owner tip... don;t lose the fob. Replacement is $700

[@benbendingrodriguez5572]

Subaru is a Japanese car, not Australian 😂

[@air4334]

Great knowledge U explain for easy understanding. Thanks.

[@Beejay2946]

Thanks for a great video,I've had a 2021 Impreza for a couple of years now and found your video very helpful. However my keyfob doesn't have an alarm button at all,otherwise very helpful. Thanks.

[@majmorgan6169]

Learned something new, thanks!

[@michaelross837]

Alex, love your website - you always seem to provide such practical and useful tips & tricks. I have one question - is their any way I can program the key fob to open all door with a single push of the open button instead of double clicking the button Keep up the good work!

[@seonamcdonald1134]

Great video, thank you Alex! I learnt a lot.

[@robfrasier9412]

Great info. Nice to know as a new Subaru OBW owner.

[@romelarceno8959]

I have a 2024 subaru crosstrek and this video it help me a lot how the fob work. Thank you

[@JohnvanGurp]

Fantastic tutorial, thanks!

[@celinepark6855]

super useful. thank you!

[@laarnisoriano2393]

setting my code for my 2024 crosstrek.Thank you so much for this information 🙏😆

[@roelklinkenberg7445]

Great video, greatings from the Netherlands and my Outback Premium 2019.👍

[@janetshuen5364]

Very useful info. Thank you so much.

[@CoolPilot]

Very informative video thank you! So when you put the key fob in sleep mode and leave it as is in the house, does it prevent the signal from being amplified and transmitted by car theives?

[@ljastrong78]

Great video, thanks!

[@richroggio]

that was a great video Alex, I like that old Forester in the backround. it looks like my Wife's 2003 Forester 👍

[@flocullina3733]

Nicely done informative video. Recently bought my 2023 Crosstrek and I’m not a go read the car manual kinda person. Thanks!

[@srfpunk8207]

Thanks for the informative video! How do you do car start from the key fob?

[@Ohmed_88]

The lock feature by just touching the groves on the door handle is so cool. I was so excited to see my 23 wrx has this feature. This feature is definitely one ill be using allot. I usually get out of car with my keys in my pocket and this will be allot easier then reaching for it and fumbling with my keys to get to the remote!

[@wildflowerspring3739]

Yes! I bought a 16 Forester and it took me a few days to realize I could lock the doors by doing this (I knew how to unlock it lol)

[@JohnLaGuardia]

Very helpful video. Thanks!

[@klauer4139]

I live in the suburbs outside of Baltimore. There has been an increase in car theft. I have heard about how hackers can steal the signal from the key fob to steal your car. I bought a 2 Pack Faraday Bags for Car Keys and Cell Phone . Nice to know how to put it in sleep mode,too. I didn’t know that until I saw this video. Thanks 😊

[@leifwestin1129]

Hi Alex I have bought a Subaru Forester E- Boxer 2022. Can you make a video about TPMS mode settings how it works and what it does. Shall tow a caravan to the mountains soon. What else do I need to think about in terms of settings? Love your Subaru's tips, great help for Subaru newbies.

[@KAZVorpal]

Double-clicking the unlock button doesn't honk, on my 2024 Outback. It just makes a tiny beep sound, useless to help find it in a parking lot. Opening the hatch or triggering the alarm can works.

[@hoser7706]

I hope all Subaru dealers watch and learn from you and your videos. I sure do and am about to buy my 4th Subaru. Debating split screen base vs Sport 2.5 Crosstreks now. Thx.

[@alexpmo]

Thank you for your support!

[@jeannerountree952]

Always learning

[@abpakdeep]

Nice one Alex. Can you do a video of the adaptive cruise control in motion with a go pro

[@user-bu7zj3fd1p]

Very helpful…thanks!

[@CaptaiObvious201]

I'm waiting on my 2024 Crosstrek to come in and loving your videos! Usually I like to have a dash cam in cars I drive but I'm not sure where I can put one in the Crosstrek that won't interfere with the eyesight. Do you have any tips on it?

[@lvdesigns3168]

New owner of 2024 Forester thanks for this video! 😊

[@ingeburgnagel3616]

Thanks!

[@lewisway6811]

Cool good info.

[@resz62tm]

Thank you!

[@Iamtheheadline31]

Definitely needed this. I'm picking up my 2024 Crosstrek tomorrow and the key fob and push start function had me puzzled.

[@user-di5ye9kw7x]

Hi Alex. A note about Eyesight stopping your car if you have something is Infront of you. In a parking garage I set up a cardboard box and drove toward it slowly . It did not stop and hit the box. I noted that the box was the same color as the floor of the garage and the cameras would not see it. So I got a different color box set up and as before drove toward it slowly . Eureka the car stopped before I got to it. A small fact you may not know.

[@pamfox1601]

EXCELLENT INFO as I just bought my very first " new" car 2 days ago ....MY BEAUTIFUL SUBI BLUE FORESTER 💙 😅 GREAT TIPS 👍 THANKS 😊 SO MUCH & will LOOK FORWARD 2 MORE 😊

[@angelicacordero6408]

Just got my new Subaru today and super excited to try these out thank you! One thing I don’t recall being mentioned: is there a way to start the car with the key fob? I like to start my car a little early on cold days before heading out.

[@user-tz4nk5sk8b]

What is interesting is all of the wisdom here is in the owner's manual. I get a new company car every three years and so every three years I read and bookmark the four or five manuals that come with the Outback.

[@user-tm5ud6gy1b]

Hi Alex Just wanted to say that your videos have helped me big time after buying my new Subaru. Not so scary now. I do have a question though. What does the F.O.B stand for ???

[@davidjanis1997]

Do you have a video that explains the deference between auto and full auto on the climate control system. I have a 2021 Forrester. I have asked at the dealership and they don’t know.

[@jstephens2758]

My 2018 Legacy placed a warning on the car's display screen when the fob battery was low. I imagine that would happen in other Subarus as well.

[@FrankyRedEyes]

I didn't know about the key code unlock. This is a feature that could decide my next car.

[@albanalfaro]

Great Video. How can I open my windows and or sunroof to let the hot air out when I return to my car on a hot day?

[@bvk15]

Can you review all the remote start options and if there is a way to have less beeps when remote starting. Thank you

[@db869]

I wish the key fob had a remote start button. My #1 complaint about my 23 Forester is that I have to subscribe to an app to do what I did for free with every other car I’ve owned in the last 20 years.

[@matthewk6731]

I have a 2023 Outback. Normal people would include a key fob remote start, both no. Not the idiots at Subaru. $700 for this basic feature. I won't pay it, and should have walked away. Subaru can kiss my ass.

[@Jonnymule]

​@@db869 I'm picking up 2024 Crosstrek Friday, it has remote start in the FOB.

[@alexf1066]

Helpful video, learnt a few things having owned Subarus for 20 years. 2023 WRX unlock all doors when opening driver’s door. ? Turning off lane assist so it doesn’t come back on even when the key is reinserted.?

[@MeAVE243]

Hello Alex, thank you for this informative video. I have a question, do you have to give the little key a push, or should it slide in? Mine didn't go in all the way easily, and I was afraid I'd break something.

[@rogernetherland-eh7iw]

Thought there was a key fab feature where can open all the windows remotely before getting in the car? Is that possible? Thanks, Love your videos.

[@crystallawrence131]

Thank you! I have a 2024 outback. I am going to go practice these things on my car and also watch ur other vid on how to set a code. One issue with this car is how far close you have to be to lock the vehicle with the fob. My old altima, you could be pretty far away. Is there any tricks for this? Thanks

[@roncook6]

Great info on the fob. Thanks. I have a different issue, and that's the garage/remote opener on the rear view mirror. I accidently discovered that the open or close commands function even with the ignition off. This wasn't true with my 2014 Forrester. My concern with this issue is that someone could break into my 2024 OBW at night and could then open my garage door (with home access after that). Is there a way to "program" the garage door function to only work when the ignition is on?

[@ceerock8227]

Hi Alex, thank u for all the info you give us. Here's my question: I recently installed and alarm on my 2020 Forrester and my factory remote somehow stopped communicating with Only the power lift gate. The doors lock n unlock but the power lift gate lights blink but does not lift. Now the after market remote does communicate with the power lift gate n it works fine. Is there a way to reset the factory key fog n hopefully that can correct the problem.

[@vet3shaw]

How do I set up AVH on the home screen or default on or the most accesible way to click it? How do remote start without honking? You're awesome.

[@BusterKitten]

Hi Alex, great video as always. The only gripe I have with my FOB to my '22 Forester Touring is sometimes when the FOB is in my trouser pocket I accidently bump the FOB on something like the edge of my desk or counter top and the button for the tailgate is hit and the next thing I know I'm getting a phone call from one of my neighbors telling me my tailgate is up. This has happened several times.

[@macaulkins]

Have done the same. 🤦‍♀️

[@rc2257]

Same. But when it happens at night time, the light in the cargo area stays on and drains the battery. In the morning, I have to deal with a dead battery. This has happened with my current 2020 Forester and with the Outback I had before it. It’s really frustrating.

[@charlesbeall2589]

LED bulbs will help.

[@stevefoley7109]

I have a 2018 crosstrek and I knew about the pin code lock/unlock thing. The video I saw demonstrating how to use the pi code was way more complicated. Also deactivating/reactivating the FOB was more involved. has the procedure for locking and unlocking the car changed since 2018?

[@danmagoo]

Thanks for this! Sometimes after I turn off the engine and get out, the door will not lock, and clicking the Lock button on the fob, or the grooves on the door handle, seems to do nothing. The only workaround I've found is to get back int he car, re-start the engine and stop it again. Does this sound like a known issue, or like I may be doing something in the wrong order? I highly doubt its the battery, as my 2024 Crosstrek is just a couple of months old.

[@johngrant1337]

thank-you

[@ThePetromas]

Hi alex What do you think about buying gardx for a new subaru? Nay or yay?

[@valeriapatirani3813]

Just bought a 2022 WRX sport and love the car so far. Just one question you didn't cover- having two key fobs, can I start the car, leave a fob inside and then lock the car so it's still running? I haven't tried the app yet, and am thinking that's the way. With my other car, I was able to leave one fob in the car, and lock/unlock with the other fob. This doesn't seem to work though. Suggestions?

[@johnspencer6528]

is there a setting to change the position of the auto seat retract on opening. it does not match my setting for my seat. i went to my local dealership and they could not help me. Currently the seat lowers and retracts back which i like but it also tilts the front of the seat up reducing the space between the seat and the steering wheel. I do like your videos by the way,

[@jameswinward4354]

Very Good Video extremely well done.

[@alexpmo]

Thank you!

[@lindapeare8035]

Does my 2018 Subaru Crosstrex limited edition have power lift gate option? Also can you give me your links to this year and model you have posted please?

[@elizabethsundsted8144]

Does the forester and outback have the option for remote start? I have a 2013 Outback that I set it up way back. Is this an option without an app?

[@marcoavallone7075]

I have a 2017 outback limited, I am not sure if it is normal or not, but depending on which fob I have on me when touching the door handle only unlocks the driver door, but with the other one it unlocks all the doors. Do you know if there is a way to program or change that setting?

[@1dorisbaril]

Great tips! Is there a way to lock the doors with the engine running? (Dog in car with AC)

[@briantodd4887]

Good info Alex. I did some car camping in my 2024 Outback wilderness last night. I slept in the rear with an air mattress! Fun! Anyway, once I was inside, I locked all the doors with my fob. Then, I wrapped the fob in tin foil to disengage fob to battery. When I woke up, I opened the rear side door manually and the panic alarm went off. I took the fob out of the foil and pressed the logo button to turn off. I guess I should have simply put the fob in sleep mode after locking the doors and when I woke reactivate it and press unlock. I wanted to make sure the doors were locked even though the fob was inside., question- if your driving and have all doors locked and get into a major crash where you don’t have the ability to take the lock off, does it do it automatically for ems to gain access? I appreciate all your videos. Also, I was going to get my windows tinted. Is it safe to get the windshield ceramic tint at 70 percent or is it even possible due to the eyesight feature?

[@jamesseabolt5915]

At the dealer when I got my third Outback one of the rep's showed me a way to wave my hand around the rear door Subaru emblem to open it if my hands were full. Like groceries. I forgot how he did it.

[@kimbo500]

Thanks so much!! My kind of video!! I want to learn all these things, but don't have the patience with manual! Really appreciated and thanks for not speaking too fast!! 👍 I've had my last car for 16 years, so I have a lot to learn! 🤭 Liking and subscribing right now .... please keep up the good work - it's appreciated.

[@raymondluk7318]

Can Subaru Starlink Multimedia show Google map directions on car monitor without direct cable connectivity? Any plan to upgrade in near future? Thanks.

[@user-ob3ty8lz4c]

Thanks for another great video, Alex! I have a question, how can you disable the rear seatbelt alarm? It’s so irritating. If you put anything heavy enough in the back seat, you have to listen to the annoying sound. I know, click the belts… I don’t want to do that, I want to disable it like I can the front seats. Thanks again, Alex!! 👍🏻 Oh! One more question. Any chance of another screen update to include a Lane Departure button on the home screen? Thanks!!

[@alexpmo]

Thank you! Glad you liked it. Unfortunately, the only way to disable the rear seatbelt alarm is to lay the seat down 🫤