How do I resolve Apple CarPlay issues with SYNC?

If you are having issues using Apple CarPlay®* in your vehicle equipped with SYNC®** 4A, SYNC 4, or SYNC 3, try simple fixes like using a different cable, updating the SYNC software, or resetting the SYNC system.

Apple CarPlay Troubleshooting

Select your SYNC generation from the drop-down options below for assistance in resolving issues with Apple CarPlay. If you need assistance determining the generation of your SYNC system, select the first drop-down option.

Identifying Your 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 Guide

 

View example images of SYNC generations that Ford has offered.

SYNC 4A

Ensure you have properly connected your device to Apple CarPlay. Refer to the table below for instructions on connecting to Apple CarPlay either with a USB cable or wirelessly.

Connection PreferenceInstructions
Apple-approved USB Cable

Important: Connecting with an Apple-approved USB cable requires an iPhone® 5 or newer model with iOS® 7.1 or more recent iOS.

  1. Verify your vehicle has the most recent SYNC software version. Updating the SYNC software may correct any issues with Apple CarPlay.
  2. Verify Siri® is enabled on your device.
  3. Ensure you are using an Apple-approved USB cable.
  4. Connect the USB end of the cable to the USB port in the vehicle that is closest to your vehicle's SYNC screen, and connect your iPhone to the other end of the cable.
  5. Follow the instructions on the device and the SYNC screen to set up Apple CarPlay. 

    Note: Selecting Enable Wireless CarPlay on your iPhone will prepare the device for wireless Apple CarPlay for any future vehicle start-ups. If you need assistance locating this option, refer to your device's manual.

Apple CarPlay should now be displayed on your SYNC screen. If it is not, see the troubleshooting steps below this table.  

Wirelessly

Important:

  • Apple CarPlay cannot be used while wirelessly connected to your vehicle's Wi-Fi® hotspot†.
  • Connecting wirelessly requires iOS 9 or newer.
  • Wireless connection capability can vary by iPhone model. If, at any point during troubleshooting, Apple CarPlay is not working wirelessly, use an Apple-approved USB cable instead. 

To use Apple CarPlay with SYNC:

  1. Verify that Siri, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth® are enabled on your device.
  2. Pair your device to SYNC. 

If pairing is unsuccessful: 

  1. Press and hold the voice command button on your steering wheel.
  2. Verify your vehicle's SYNC system is in Bluetooth pairing mode.
    1. Enable Bluetooth on your iPhone.
    2. Choose the Settings or Home icon on your vehicle's SYNC screen.
    3. Select Add a Phone on your vehicle's SYNC screen and follow the prompts.
  3. Pair your iPhone to SYNC. These steps may vary based on your phone's manufacturer and model. If you need assistance, refer to the manufacturer's website.

    Note: Some vehicles that support wireless Apple CarPlay will allow you to pair your phone by plugging the phone into the vehicle's USB port with an Apple-approved USB cable. If your vehicle supports this, and after plugging the device in with the USB cable, you will be asked if you would like to connect wirelessly for future use.

Apple CarPlay should now be displayed on your SYNC screen. If it is not, see the troubleshooting steps below this table.  

Troubleshooting

Attempt the following steps in order and check to see if Apple CarPlay is working after each step.

Note: Any phone or device steps may vary based on your manufacturer and model. If you need assistance, refer to the manufacturer's website.

  1. Use another cable if one is available.
  2. Use the SYNC USB port closest to your vehicle's SYNC screen.
  3. Set the audio source to USB and try playing music from any available source, such as iTunes®, Spotify®, etc.

    Important: If this does not work, discontinue troubleshooting and schedule an appointment with your preferred Ford Dealer to have the issue diagnosed. 
     
  4. Perform a SYNC module reset.
  5. Complete any software updates needed for your device.
  6. Perform a soft reset on your device.
  7. Delete your device from the vehicle's SYNC menu.
    • Voice Commands
      1. Press the Voice button. SYNC will ask for a command.
      2. Say, "Delete <Insert Name of Phone>." The screen will prompt for confirmation to delete.
      3. Select Delete.
    • Manual Steps
      1. Choose Settings.
      2. Select Phone List.
      3. Choose your phone.
      4. Select the Delete icon.
      5. Choose Yes.
  8. Delete SYNC from your device's Bluetooth menu.
  9. Pair your device to SYNC. 

Once the pairing is completed, you should be able to connect and use Apple CarPlay.

If the above troubleshooting did not resolve your issue, contact the Customer Relationship Center for assistance by using our Live Chat option or by calling 1-800-392-3673.

SYNC 4

Ensure you have properly connected your device to Apple CarPlay. Refer to the table below for instructions on how to connect to Apple CarPlay either with a USB cable or wirelessly.

Connection PreferenceInstructions
Apple-approved USB Cable

Important: Connecting with an Apple-approved USB cable requires an iPhone® 5 or newer model with iOS® 7.1 or more recent iOS.

  1. Verify your vehicle has the most recent SYNC software version. Updating the SYNC software may correct any issues with Apple CarPlay.
  2. Verify Siri® is enabled on your device.
  3. Ensure you are using an Apple-approved USB cable.
  4. Connect the USB end of the cable to the USB port in the vehicle that is closest to your vehicle's SYNC screen, and connect your iPhone to the other end of the cable.
  5. Follow the instructions on your device and the SYNC screen to set up Apple CarPlay.

    Note: Selecting Enable Wireless CarPlay on your iPhone will prepare the device for wireless Apple CarPlay for any future vehicle start-ups. If you need assistance locating this option, refer to your device's manual.
     

Apple CarPlay should now be displayed on your SYNC screen. If it is not, see the troubleshooting steps below this table.

Wirelessly

Important:

  • Apple CarPlay cannot be used wirelessly while connected to the vehicle's Wi-Fi® hotspot†.
  • Connecting wirelessly requires iOS 9 or newer.
  • Wireless connection capability can vary by iPhone model. If, at any point during troubleshooting, Apple CarPlay is not working wirelessly, use an Apple-approved USB cable instead. 

To use Apple CarPlay with SYNC:

  1. Verify that Siri, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth® are enabled on your device.
  2. Pair your device to SYNC. 

If pairing is unsuccessful:

  1. Press and hold the voice command button on your steering wheel.
  2. Verify your vehicle's SYNC system is in Bluetooth pairing mode.
    1. Enable Bluetooth on your iPhone.
    2. Choose the Settings or Home icon on your vehicle's SYNC screen.
    3. Select Add a Phone on your vehicle's SYNC screen and follow the prompts.
  3. Pair your iPhone to SYNC.

    Note: Some vehicles that support wireless Apple CarPlay will allow you to pair your phone by plugging the phone into the vehicle's USB port with an Apple-approved USB cable. If your vehicle supports this, and after plugging the device in with the USB cable, you will be asked if you would like to connect wirelessly for future use.

Apple CarPlay should now be displayed on your SYNC screen. If it is not, see the troubleshooting steps below this table. 

Troubleshooting   

Attempt the following steps in order and check to see if Apple CarPlay is working after each step.

Note: Any phone or device steps may vary based on your manufacturer and model. If you need assistance, refer to the manufacturer's website.

  1. Use another cable if one is available.
  2. Use the SYNC USB port closest to your vehicle's SYNC screen.
  3. Set your audio source to USB and try playing music from any available source, such as iTunes®, Spotify®, etc. 

    Important: If this does not work, discontinue troubleshooting and schedule an appointment with your preferred Ford Dealer to have the issue diagnosed. 
     
  4. Perform a SYNC module reset.
  5. Complete any software updates needed for your device.
  6. Perform a soft reset on your phone.
  7. Delete your device from the vehicle's SYNC menu.
    • Voice Commands
      1. Press the Voice button. SYNC will ask for a command.
      2. Say, "Delete <Insert Name of Phone>." The screen will prompt for confirmation to delete.
      3. Select Delete.
    • Manual Steps
      1. Press Settings.
      2. Select Phone List.
      3. Choose your phone.
      4. Press the Delete icon.
  8. Delete SYNC from your device's Bluetooth menu.
  9. Pair your device to SYNC. 

Once pairing is complete, you should be able to connect to and use Apple CarPlay.

If the above troubleshooting did not resolve your issue, contact the Customer Relationship Center for assistance by using our Live Chat option or by calling 1-800-392-3673.

SYNC 3

Notes:

  • 2016 vehicles with SYNC software version 2.0 or greater require both a software and hardware upgrade for Apple CarPlay functionality. See How do I check my SYNC Software version for more information.
  • An iPhone® 5 or newer model with iOS® 7.1 or more recent operating system is required. Upgrade to the latest iOS software version that is available for your device.
  • Wireless Apple CarPlay is not supported. An Apple-approved USB cable must be used.

Connecting to Apple CarPlay

Ensure you have properly connected your device to Apple CarPlay. Refer to the table below for instructions on how to connect to Apple CarPlay either with a USB cable or wirelessly.

Connection PreferenceInstructions
Apple-approved USB Cable

Important: Connecting with an Apple-approved USB cable requires an iPhone® 5 or newer model with iOS® 7.1 or more recent iOS.

To use Apple CarPlay with SYNC:

  1. Verify Siri® is enabled on your device. Refer to the device's manual for instructions specific to your phone.
  2. Ensure you are using an Apple-approved USB cable.
  3. Connect the USB end of the cable to the USB port in the vehicle that is closest to your vehicle's SYNC screen, and connect your iPhone to the other end of the cable.
  4. Follow the instructions on the device and the SYNC screen to set up Apple CarPlay. 

Apple CarPlay should now be displayed on your SYNC screen. If it is not, see the troubleshooting steps below.  

WirelesslyWireless connection is not supported.

Troubleshooting

Attempt the following steps in order and check to see if Apple CarPlay is working after each step.

Note: Any phone or device steps may vary based on your manufacturer and model. If you need assistance, refer to the manufacturer's website.

  1. Verify your vehicle has the most recent SYNC software version.
  2. Try a different Apple-approved USB cable or USB-C to USB-A, depending on phone model.
  3. Plug your iPhone into the SYNC USB port closest to your SYNC screen.
  4. Set the audio source to USB and try playing music from any available source, such as iTunes®, Spotify®, etc.

    Important: If this does not work, discontinue troubleshooting and schedule an appointment with your preferred Ford Dealer to have the issue diagnosed. 
     
  5. Remove your device from Apple CarPlay Preferences.
    1. Select Settings on your vehicle's SYNC screen.
    2. Choose Apple CarPlay Preferences. You may need to swipe on the Settings screen.
    3. Select your device and then press Remove.
  6. Unplug the USB cord from your vehicle's USB port.

    Note: If Apple CarPlay Preferences is not on the Settings screen or if it was accidentally deleted, or it is no longer showing, perform a master or factory reset. When complete, pair your phone with SYNC, and plug it in using an approved cord. Apple CarPlay preferences should return.
     
  7. Perform a SYNC module reset.
  8. Reconnect the device to the vehicle and the phone using an Apple USB cord.
  9. Follow any prompts that appear on your phone or SYNC screen.
  10. Perform a key cycle.
  11. Complete any software updates needed for your device.
  12. Perform a soft reset on your phone.
  13. Turn your vehicle back on and plug your phone in using the cord.
  14. Plug your phone back in with the cord and wait for Apple CarPlay to launch after the reset is complete.
  15. Delete your device from the vehicle's SYNC menu.
    • Voice Commands
      1. Press the Voice button. SYNC will ask for a command.
      2. Say, "Delete <Insert Name of Phone>." The screen will prompt for confirmation to delete.
      3. Choose Delete.
    • Manual Steps
      1. Select Settings.
      2. Choose Bluetooth.
      3. Select View Devices.
      4. Choose your phone.
      5. Press Delete.
  16. Delete SYNC from your device's Bluetooth menu.
  17. Pair your device to SYNC.

If the above troubleshooting did not resolve your issue, contact the Customer Relationship Center for assistance by using our Live Chat option or by calling 1-800-392-3673.

Additional Information

How do I turn off Apple CarPlay with SYNC?

*Compatible Android or iPhone with compatible active data plan and software required. Wireless use of Android Auto requires a compatible Android 11.0+ phone and compatible active data plan. Check g.co/androidauto/requirements for compatibility. SYNC® 4 does not control third-party products while in use. Third parties are solely responsible for their respective functionality. 

**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.  

†Wi-Fi® hotspot includes complimentary wireless data trial that begins upon AT&T activation and expires at the end of three months or when 3GB of data is used, whichever comes first. To activate, go to www.att.com/ford. Don’t drive distracted or while using handheld devices. Use voice controls.

Apple CarPlay, iTunes, iPhone, and Siri are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc. 

IOS is a trademark or registered trademark of Cisco in the U.S. and other countries and is used under license.

Wi-Fi is a registered trademark of Wi-Fi Alliance®.

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. 

Spotify trademarks, service marks, trade names, logos, domain names, and any other features of the Spotify brand ("Spotify Brand Features") are the sole property of Spotify or its licensors.