How do I use SYNC voice commands?

You can use SYNC®* voice commands to control your AM/FM radio, SiriusXM®*, USB media player, or Bluetooth® audio device. 

Utilizing SYNC Voice Commands

Select your SYNC generation from the drop-down options below to learn how to operate your SYNC system with voice commands. If you need assistance determining the generation of your SYNC system, select the first drop-down option. 

Identifying Your Vehicle's SYNC Generation

Select a resource in the table below to help you identify your vehicle's SYNC generation.

ResourceInstructions
SYNC and Navigation Updates page

Either:

  • Enter your VIN and select Search.
  • Log in with your Ford credentials, choose a vehicle from your garage, and choose Select Vehicle.

Your SYNC generation will appear on the right side of the page under the SYNC Current Version heading.

SYNC Visual Reference GuideView example images of SYNC generations that Ford has offered.

SYNC 4A

Enabling Ford Assistant

To turn on voice commands:

  1. Select the Vehicle Drawer on your vehicle's SYNC screen.
  2. Choose the Settings icon.
  3. Select Ford Assistant.
  4. Choose Listen for Wake Word.

    Note: “OK, Ford” is the default wake word, but the other options include “OK Ford SYNC” or “Hello Ford.”

Setting the Wake Word

You can set the Wake Word instead of using the default. To do so:

  1. Select the Vehicle Drawer on your vehicle's SYNC screen.
  2. Choose Settings.
  3. Select Ford Assistant.
  4. Choose your preferred Wake Word. 

Using Voice Commands

  • Once the wake word is selected, you can say it and then state a voice command.

  • A short press of the Push-to-Talk button on the steering wheel can be used instead of the wake word. 

    Steering column controls with Push-to-Talk button emphasized in a red box.

Note: A long press of the Push-to-Talk button will alert Android Auto™ or Apple CarPlay®, if connected. Your voice commands will go through the app instead of the SYNC system.

SYNC 4

Enabling Ford Assistant

To turn on voice commands:

  1. Select Settings on your vehicle's SYNC screen.
  2. Choose Ford Assistant.
  3. Select Listen for Wake Word.

    Note: “OK, Ford” is the default wake word, but the other options include “OK Ford SYNC” or “Hello Ford.”

Setting the Wake Word

You can set the wake word instead of using the default. To do so:

  1. Select Settings on your vehicle's SYNC screen.
  2. Choose Ford Assistant.
  3. Select your preferred Wake Word. 

    Note: “OK, Ford” is the default wake word, but the other options include “OK Ford SYNC” or “Hello Ford.”

Using Voice Commands

  • Once the wake word is selected, you can say it and then state a voice command.

  • A short press of the Push-to-Talk button on the steering wheel can be used instead of the wake word.

    Steering column controls with Push-to-Talk button emphasized in a red box.

Note: A long press of the Push-to-Talk button will alert Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, if connected. Your voice commands will go through the app instead of the SYNC system.

SYNC 3

  1. Press the Voice Control button on the steering wheel. 

    Steering wheel with SYNC 3 Voice Control button highlighted.
  2. Say a voice command.

Note: When Apple CarPlay or Android Auto is active, SYNC 3 Voice Recognition is disabled, and voice commands will be unavailable.

SYNC With MyFord Touch

To use voice commands with SYNC with MyFord Touch®, press the Voice button on your steering wheel. A message will appear on your SYNC screen telling you your vehicle is "listening" and ready for your voice command.

  • You can press the Voice button and say, "What can I say?"
  • You can select the question mark icon on your SYNC screen for a list of suggested commands.
  • You can press the Voice button and say, "Help." For example, to get help with phone commands, you can say, "Phone help."
  • For a complete list of commands:
    1. Select Settings on your vehicle's SYNC screen.
    2. Choose Help.
    3. Select Voice Commands.

When you see a "Success" or "Failure" message on your SYNC screen, the voice session is over, and you will have to press the Voice button again to start a new session.

Important: Your phone must be paired with and connected to SYNC.

Example Voice Commands

These are commonly used voice commands for SYNC. For a comprehensive list, reference your vehicle's Owner's Manual. 

Basic Voice Commands

  • Go back
  • Cancel
  • List of commands
  • Next page
  • Previous page
  • Help

Phone Voice Commands

  • Phone list of commands
  • Pair phone
  • Call <Insert Name>
  • Call <Insert Name> On Cell
  • Call <Insert Name> At Home
  • Call <Insert Name> At Work
  • Dial <Insert Phone Number>
  • Listen to message

Audio Voice Commands

  • AM <530–1710>
  • FM <87.9–107.9>
  • CD
  • USB
  • Bluetooth audio
  • Sirius <0–233>
  • Sirius <Insert Channel Name>

Mobile Voice Apps Commands

  • List mobile apps
  • Find new apps
  • <Insert App Name>
  • <Insert App Name> help 

Navigation Voice Commands, if Equipped

  • Navigation list of commands
  • Destination Home
  • Destination Work
  • Destination Favorite
  • Destination Previous Destination
  • Find <Insert Address>
  • Find <Insert Point of Interest (POI)>
  • Find <Insert Intersection>
  • Where am I?
  • Show route
  • Cancel route
  • Detour
  • Voice guidance on/off
  • Show 3D
  • Show North Up
  • Show Heading Up
  • SiriusXM Traffic and Travel Link list of commands
  • Show Traffic
  • Show Weather Map
  • Show 5-Day Forecast
  • Show Fuel Prices
  • Help

Climate Voice Commands, if Equipped

  • Climate list of commands
  • Climate set temperature <Insert Degrees>

Additional Information

What should I do if I am having issues with SYNC voice commands?

 Actual screens may vary. See your Owner’s Manual for information specific to your vehicle.

*Don’t drive while distracted or while using handheld devices. Use voice-operated systems when possible. Some features may be locked out while the vehicle is in gear. Not all features are compatible with all phones. 

**All SiriusXM services require a subscription. Service subject to the SiriusXM Customer Agreement and Privacy Policy; visit www.siriusXm.com to see complete terms and how to cancel, which includes calling 1-866-635-2349. Some services, content, and features are subject to device capabilities, an active data connection enabled in the vehicle and location availability. All fees, content and features are subject to change. Content varies by subscription plan. Content varies by subscription plan. SiriusXM and related logos are trademarks of Sirius XM Radio LLC and its respective subsidiaries. Certain features and/or content may not be available unless an active data connection is enabled in the vehicle. Content varies by SiriusXM subscription plan. 

The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Ford Motor Company is under license. 

Android Auto is a trademark of Google LLC.

iPhone, Apple CarPlay, and Siri are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.