How to Change the Time in a Subaru

Changing the time in your Subaru is simpler than you think—whether you drive a Forester, Outback, or Crosstrek. This guide walks you through every method, from basic button presses to using the infotainment system, so you’ll never be late again.

Key Takeaways

• Most Subaru models use the clock button or steering wheel controls to adjust time. Look for a “CLOCK” or “SET” button on older dashboards or use voice commands on newer systems.
• Infotainment systems in 2015+ models allow time changes via the touchscreen. Navigate to Settings > Clock > Manual Time to set it yourself.
• Automatic time sync uses GPS or connected smartphones. Enable “Auto Time” in settings to keep your clock accurate without manual updates.
• Battery disconnects may reset the clock. Always check and readjust time after jump-starts or replacing the car battery.
• Daylight saving time changes require manual updates unless auto-sync is on. Don’t forget to spring forward or fall back if your Subaru doesn’t sync automatically.
• Older models (pre-2010) often require holding buttons for several seconds. Patience is key—follow the exact sequence to avoid frustration.
• Consult your owner’s manual for model-specific steps. Subaru updates interfaces regularly, so your exact steps may vary slightly.

Why Keeping Your Subaru’s Clock Accurate Matters

You’re running late, rushing out the door with coffee in one hand and keys in the other. You glance at your Subaru’s dashboard clock—only to realize it’s still stuck on yesterday’s time. Suddenly, your entire schedule feels off. Sound familiar? A correctly set clock isn’t just about punctuality; it’s about safety, convenience, and peace of mind.

Your Subaru’s clock syncs with navigation, audio reminders, and even driver-assist features like lane departure warnings that log timestamps. When the time is wrong, your trip data gets skewed, and you might miss important alerts. Plus, if you use Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, an inaccurate clock can throw off calendar notifications and scheduled calls. In short: a few seconds spent adjusting the time can save you minutes—or even hours—of confusion down the road.

Understanding Your Subaru’s Clock System

Subaru has evolved its dashboard and infotainment design over the years, which means the way you change the time depends heavily on your model year and trim level. Older vehicles (pre-2010) typically rely on physical buttons near the radio or climate controls, while newer models (2015 and later) integrate time settings into the Starlink infotainment system.

There are generally three types of clock systems in Subarus:

• Analog/Digital Hybrid Clocks: Found in models like the 2008–2014 Legacy or Outback. These use a small digital display near the tachometer or center stack, adjusted via physical buttons.
• Basic Digital Clocks: Common in base trims of older Foresters and Imprezas. These lack touchscreen integration and require button combinations.
• Integrated Infotainment Clocks: Standard in 2015+ models with Starlink. Time settings live within the main touchscreen menu, often with auto-sync options.

Knowing which category your Subaru falls into is the first step to mastering time adjustments. Don’t worry—we’ll cover all three in detail.

How to Identify Your Clock Type

Take a quick look at your dashboard. If you see a small LCD display above or beside your radio with a “CLOCK” label, you likely have a basic digital clock. If your time appears on the large central screen alongside navigation and music info, you’ve got an infotainment-based system. And if your clock is part of the instrument cluster behind the steering wheel (common in WRX or BRZ models), it may require a different approach—often using steering wheel controls.

Still unsure? Check your owner’s manual. Subaru includes a section titled “Clock” or “Instrument Panel” that clearly outlines your model’s setup. If you don’t have the physical copy, download it for free from Subaru’s official website using your VIN.

How to Change the Time in Older Subaru Models (Pre-2015)

If your Subaru was made before 2015, chances are you’ll be using physical buttons to adjust the time. While the process varies slightly between models, the core principle remains the same: press and hold specific buttons to enter “set mode,” then adjust hours and minutes.

Step-by-Step Guide for 2008–2014 Outback, Legacy, and Forester

These models typically feature a “CLOCK” button located on the audio unit or center console. Here’s how to use it:

1. Turn the ignition to “ON” (you don’t need to start the engine).
2. Press and hold the CLOCK button for 2–3 seconds until the hour digits begin to blink.
3. Press the H (Hour) or M (Minute) button to adjust. On some models, you may need to press the seek/track buttons (▶▶ or ◀◀) instead.
4. Once the correct hour is set, press the CLOCK button again to move to minutes.
5. Adjust the minutes using the same method.
6. Press CLOCK one final time to confirm and exit set mode.

Pro Tip: If nothing happens when you press the CLOCK button, try holding it longer—some models require a 5-second hold. Also, ensure your radio isn’t in “Aux” or “Bluetooth” mode, as this can disable clock controls.

Adjusting Time in 2005–2007 Impreza and Tribeca

These older models often lack a dedicated CLOCK button. Instead, use this sequence:

1. Turn the ignition to “ON.”
2. Press and hold the AM/FM button for 3 seconds until the hour flashes.
3. Use the TUNE knob or seek buttons to change the hour.
4. Press AM/FM again to switch to minutes.
5. Adjust minutes, then press AM/FM to save.

Note: In cold weather, the display may respond slowly. Give it a moment—don’t assume the button isn’t working.

Changing the Time in Newer Subaru Models (2015 and Later)

Starting around 2015, Subaru introduced the Starlink infotainment system across most of its lineup. This touchscreen interface centralizes controls for audio, navigation, climate, and—yes—the clock. The good news? It’s more intuitive than ever. The bad news? If you’re used to physical buttons, it might feel a bit hidden at first.

Using the Starlink Touchscreen (2015–Present)

Here’s the standard method for models like the 2023 Crosstrek, 2022 Outback, or 2021 Forester:

1. Turn on the ignition or start the engine.
2. Tap the Settings icon (usually a gear or wrench symbol) on the home screen.
3. Select Clock from the menu.
4. Choose Manual Time (if you want to set it yourself) or Auto Time (to sync with GPS or phone).
5. If using Manual Time, tap the hour or minute field and use the on-screen +/- buttons to adjust.
6. Tap Save or OK to confirm.

Example: Let’s say it’s 3:45 PM, but your Crosstrek shows 2:45 PM. You’d go to Settings > Clock > Manual Time, tap the hour field, press “+” once to change 2 to 3, then tap Save. Done in under 15 seconds!

Using Voice Commands (2017+ with Starlink Safety Plus)

If your Subaru has voice recognition (look for a microphone icon on the steering wheel), you can say:
“Set clock to 4:30 PM.”
The system will confirm and update automatically—no touching required. This works best when your phone is connected via Bluetooth and has accurate time data.

Note: Voice commands may not work if “Auto Time” is enabled, as the system prioritizes automatic syncing. Disable Auto Time temporarily if you prefer manual voice updates.

Automatic Time Sync: Let Subaru Do the Work

Modern Subarus (especially 2018 and newer) can sync their clocks automatically using two primary sources: GPS satellites or your paired smartphone. This feature is called “Auto Time” or “Network Time Sync” and is enabled by default on most trims.

How Auto Time Works

When you drive, your Subaru’s GPS receiver picks up precise atomic time signals from satellites. Simultaneously, if your iPhone or Android is connected via USB or Bluetooth, the car can pull time data from your device. The system cross-references both sources and updates the clock in real time—even adjusting for daylight saving automatically.

This means you’ll rarely need to manually change the time… unless:

• You’re in a tunnel or underground garage (GPS signal lost).
• Your phone’s time is wrong (rare, but possible if airplane mode was on).
• You recently disconnected the battery (resets all settings).

Enabling or Disabling Auto Time

To check or change this setting:

1. Go to Settings > Clock.
2. Toggle Auto Time ON or OFF.
3. If OFF, you’ll need to set time manually (see previous section).
4. If ON, ensure your phone is connected and has correct time zone settings.

Tip: If your clock keeps drifting even with Auto Time on, check your phone’s time zone. Go to iPhone Settings > General > Date & Time > Set Automatically (ON). On Android, go to Settings > System > Date & Time > Automatic date & time.

Troubleshooting Common Clock Issues

Even with clear instructions, things can go wrong. Here are the most frequent problems—and how to fix them.

Clock Won’t Change After Battery Replacement

This is the #1 complaint among Subaru owners. When you disconnect the battery (for replacement, jump-start, or repair), the clock resets to 12:00. Simply follow your model’s manual time adjustment steps above. No special tools needed—just patience.

Time Resets Every Time You Turn Off the Car

If your clock keeps reverting, the backup power circuit may be faulty. This is common in high-mileage vehicles (150,000+ miles). The fix usually involves replacing the clock module or checking fuse #17 (instrument panel). Visit a Subaru dealer if DIY troubleshooting doesn’t help.

Infotainment Screen Freezes During Time Setup

Starlink systems can occasionally freeze. Try this:

• Turn off the car and wait 2 minutes.
• Restart and attempt the time change again.
• If it persists, perform a system reset: Hold the Power and Volume Down buttons for 10 seconds until the screen reboots.

Daylight Saving Time Not Updating Automatically

Even with Auto Time on, some older Starlink versions don’t handle DST transitions perfectly. Manually adjust by one hour on the first Sunday in November (fall back) and second Sunday in March (spring forward). Or, update your Starlink software via Subaru’s website—they often release patches for time-related bugs.

Model-Specific Tips and Tricks

While the general methods apply broadly, certain Subaru models have quirks worth noting.

Subaru WRX and STI (2015–2021)

These performance models display time in the instrument cluster (behind the wheel). To change it:

1. Press the INFO button on the steering wheel.
2. Navigate to Settings > Clock.
3. Use the arrow buttons to adjust hours/minutes.
4. Press OK to save.

Note: The WRX doesn’t support Auto Time via GPS—only via connected phone.

Subaru Ascent (2019–Present)

The Ascent’s large 8-inch screen makes time adjustments easy. However, if you have the optional rear-seat entertainment system, note that the rear screens show the same time as the front—no separate control.

Subaru BRZ (2022+)

The new BRZ uses a digital gauge cluster. Change time via:

1. Steering wheel Menu button.
2. Select Vehicle Settings > Clock.
3. Adjust using +/- buttons.

Final Thoughts: Stay on Time, Stay Safe

Changing the time in your Subaru might seem like a minor task—but it’s one of those small details that adds up to a smoother, safer driving experience. Whether you’re using old-school buttons or voice commands, taking 30 seconds to sync your clock ensures your navigation, reminders, and logs stay accurate.

Remember: your owner’s manual is your best friend. Subaru designs its systems with user-friendliness in mind, but model years and trims vary. When in doubt, refer to the manual or visit a Subaru dealership for assistance. And if you’ve recently replaced your battery or moved to a new time zone, make clock adjustment part of your routine check.

Now go forth—your Subaru’s clock is ready to keep perfect time, mile after mile.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I change the time in a 2020 Subaru Outback?

Go to the touchscreen home screen, tap Settings > Clock > Manual Time, then adjust the hour and minute fields using the +/- buttons. Tap Save to confirm.

Why does my Subaru clock keep resetting?

This usually happens after a battery disconnect or if the backup power fuse is faulty. Reconnect the battery properly and check fuse #17. If the issue persists, consult a technician.

Can I set the time using my phone in a Subaru?

Yes! If your Subaru has Auto Time enabled and your phone is connected via Bluetooth or USB, the clock will sync automatically with your device’s time.

Does the Subaru Forester adjust for daylight saving automatically?

Only if Auto Time is enabled and your phone or GPS provides updated time zone data. Otherwise, you’ll need to manually adjust by one hour.

What if there’s no CLOCK button in my older Subaru?

Try holding the AM/FM or TUNE button for 3–5 seconds. On some models, the seek/track buttons double as hour/minute adjusters.

How do I reset the clock after jump-starting my Subaru?

Turn the ignition to ON, then follow your model’s manual time adjustment steps—either via physical buttons or the infotainment menu. The clock always resets to 12:00 after power loss.