Subaru map downloader not recognizing usb

I am attempting to update my mapping on my '19 Crosstrek. It is the second time I'm trying to do it. The first time I found my only success was buying a brand new flash drive, formatting it for my Mac, and then downloading the mapping and putting it on the car system. I currently own 4or 5 flash drives, all of more tan adequate size, all wiped clean yet after downloading the latest mapping, the system is telling me I need to install a flash drive. I have the options of
"Please select the USB memory drive"
"No device detected. Please install a blank drive"
"Connect a blank USB memory drive....."
"All existing data will be deleted"
I've tried reformatting the already formatted drives, I tried formatting in the three available options/methods, but nothing is working.

Am I missing something obvious? I've used the very same drives for other applications and erased them multiple times with no problems, but the Subaru mapping seems to think they aren't good enough, even the very one I had already used to update the mapping several months ago.

Well, there's your problem, LOL!

I've had good luck with Sandisk USB drives with the Crosstrek. Do you have a friend with a PC who could try formatting it, in case the quirky HU doesn't like the Mac format?

Haters gotta hate.

OP, are you sure the stick is formatted as FAT32 before beginning the process? I've seen reports of problems elsewhere with NTFS-formatted sticks. (The problematic NTFS is a Microsoft-developed format, BTW. )

Haters gotta hate.

OP, are you sure the stick is formatted as FAT32 before beginning the process? I've seen reports of problems elsewhere with NTFS-formatted sticks. (The problematic NTFS is a Microsoft-developed format, BTW. )

Well, NTFS was a good solution to the problems that Microsoft was having with FAT. I agree, though, that if you're trying to use USB drives across platforms that FAT32 is the way to go. However, I'm guessing it's the USB drive, not the formatting. I've never had a problem with Sandisk drives in multiple applications.

My stick offers two options for formatting MAC OS Extended (Journaled) and the MAC OS Extended (Case Sensitive Journaled) Nothing more. The stick is a Lexar 32G. I also have a SanDisk 3.0, but I have the problem on any unit I try. I also noted that I no longer have "three" option now, only two. I checked my SanDisk and it is currently formatted a FAT 32 but I see that as an MS only format. And it also refuses to "see" that one anyway even without my reformatting it.

I don't have the factory nav, so I can't test the install, but I plugged a couple of different USB sticks into one of my Macs this morning, and didn't have any issues with formatting them as FAT32. Go into the Disk Utility app, choose the USB stick, and then hit "erase." You should see several different format options, one of which is "MS-DOS (FAT)" ... that's the one that's most likely to work. If it doesn't, you can try the other FAT options.

FAT file systems aren't Microsoft only, BTW ... the first ones actually predate Microsoft's entry into the operating system market.

IIRC it was developed by a consortium as a format to allow exchanging floppy disks between different computer brands.

@patchelect are you saying that all of these USB drives work normally in your Mac but not in the car. Maybe there's a problem with the USB port in the car. I've seen other posts here about owners having to get the dealer to replace it. Are you still under warranty?

No, my problem is the drives work fine in the Mac for anything EXCEPT the mapping. I can download the update, but when I go to the steps to transfer it to the drive, the drive isn't found. IIRC this happened originally but since I was using older drives that may also have not been large enough, I decided to get new ones. The new one worked once but now no longer is recognized.

I think I need to try the Mac forums. I'd hate to have to keep buying new drives every time I need a map update! And the silly Tom Tom mapping stinks anyway. I need it the other day in an area I am familiar with and it had me making turns down dead end streets that have been dead ended for many many years as well as taking a dotted line representation of a road that was nothing more than the woods. I did know the area well enough to know how to finish my journey!

No, my problem is the drives work fine in the Mac for anything EXCEPT the mapping. I can download the update, but when I go to the steps to transfer it to the drive, the drive isn't found. IIRC this happened originally but since I was using older drives that may also have not been large enough, I decided to get new ones. The new one worked once but now no longer is recognized.

I think I need to try the Mac forums. I'd hate to have to keep buying new drives every time I need a map update! And the silly Tom Tom mapping stinks anyway. I need it the other day in an area I am familiar with and it had me making turns down dead end streets that have been dead ended for many many years as well as taking a dotted line representation of a road that was nothing more than the woods. I did know the area well enough to know how to finish my journey!

Got it. So it's the downloader hat builds the update on the USB that's having a problem on your Mac. If you have a friend with a PC or at work, I still think that may be the way to go. These updates don't come out very often.

Yeah, we have the nav too, and IMO, it's pretty crappy. We haven't used it since we first got the car. Google Maps on AA/CarPlay is way better.

Am I missing something obvious? I've used the very same drives for other applications and erased them multiple times with no problems, but the Subaru mapping seems to think they aren't good enough, even the very one I had already used to update the mapping several months ago.

All the above suggestions are great!

There are several USB locations in the vehicle. Have you tried a different location? Inside the arm rest perhaps?

Hope this helps

All the above suggestions are great!

There are several USB locations in the vehicle. Have you tried a different location? Inside the arm rest perhaps?

Hope this helps

OP has a '19...

Also, his issue is with downloading the update from his Mac, not in the car...

Files and unused programs can become corrupted. Newer programs/updated programs can help solve issues. USB drives can become unreadable, age, heat, cold can cause issues!

Update Your Subaru Navigation maps in just a few easy steps! Before you start, you’ll need a PC or MAC, your Subaru VIN, an email address and a USB 2.0 or 3.0 drive that’s at least 16GB in size (We recommend SanDisk®, Kingston®, Transcend® or Verbatim® brands).

You can find your Subaru VIN (17 character vehicle identification number) on a label near the base of the center pillar after opening the driver’s door.

1. Go to subaru-maps.com.
2. Create an Account. You’ll have to verify your email to complete this process.
3. Download and install the Map Downloader app for Mac or PC using the link on subaru-maps.com.
4. Open the app and login with your newly created account.
5. Press the “+” button on the bottom right to add a vehicle using your VIN number.
6. Click the UPDATES tab to see available updates for your Subaru. If there is an update available, click START to begin the download. Please note this might take a little while to complete as the map file is large.
7. When the download is complete, plug in the USB drive into your computer. Click “START INSTALLATION”. Please note that all data on the USB will be deleted.
8. Once complete, remove the USB from your computer and go to the vehicle.

CAUTIONS: • Move the vehicle to an outside location where the engine can be safely started and kept idling during the update process. • Never idle the vehicle in a closed space such as a garage even if the garage door is open. • Once the vehicle is in a safe location, be sure the vehicle is in Park if CVT or Neutral if MT and the parking brake is fully engaged. • Unplug any devices, cables or other USBs from the vehicles USB ports.
9. Start the vehicle’s engine and let it warm slightly. Allow the audio unit to completely start up by pressing the “I Agree” button when it appears and waiting at least 30 more seconds before proceeding.

Plug the map update USB into your vehicle’s front USB ports. Follow the on-screen prompts like the ones below to complete the process. If nothing appears, try a different USB port. If the USB is not recognized, repeat step 7 using a different model/make USB.

For more detailed instructions and tips, please see the user manual on subaru-maps.com.

https://www.subaru.com/content/dam/subaru/starlink-owners/Subaru-Starlink-Map-Updates-08.29.18.pdf

Again: Files and unused programs can become corrupted. Newer programs/updated programs can help solve issues. USB drives can become unreadable, age, heat, cold can cause issues!

For Owners | Subaru of America

Well persistence and much use of language my mother wouldn't have approved of appears to have resolved the issues at hand. I am in the midst of downloading the update to a stick and will be attempting the download on the car later today.

I'll update when I have anything to add including success!

Thanks to the team players including the snarky ones!

And oh yes, Merry Christmas and Seasons Greetings to everyone!

All in jest, of course! Fun fact, one of the first computers I ever used was an Apple Lisa...

Well persistence and much use of language my mother wouldn't have approved of appears to have resolved the issues at hand. I am in the midst of downloading the update to a stick and will be attempting the download on the car later today.

I'll update when I have anything to add including success!

Thanks to the team players including the snarky ones!

And oh yes, Merry Christmas and Seasons Greetings to everyone!

Please, can you tell me how you solved this issue (complete with language)? I have been trying map updates for my 2021 Crosstrek for two days...purchasing two different Sandisk drives in the process...and come up empty. I'm using a mac and Monterey OS 12.0.1 on a MacBook pro.

This did NOT get resolved. I did manage to download to a stick, BUT my computer still is unable to "SEE" the stick. I researched out to Subaru a few days ago but have not yet heard back from them. It seems that whatever forums I go to I get told the problem is elsewhere so I decided to try and go to the "horses mouth".

I do have an account and did follow the proper steps but even after downloading the program I am still befuddled.

I promise to post whatever results I get from SOA.

Thanks for the response. I did the same (sent an email to Subaru). I have not tried the updater over wifi, but may. Let me know if you hear anything and I'll do the same.

Chris
Portland, ME

I am taking the car to the dealer soon for service and intend on requesting that they do it, but I want to be able to do it myself as well.

A follow up on this issue.

I had the car in for service and the dealer did the map update. My car is in warranty and I don't know if they would have done it N/C otherwise but it was a free service. When I mentioned my problem the service manager he also mentioned using wifi as a source but I told him that living in an apartment building precluded that method. Without asking questions I assumed it is an issue even at the Subaru level. I didn't hear back fro SOA at all after my email, I don't even recall a "form response" like "thank you for contacting us, blah blah, blah."