What should I do if I have issues using Android Auto with SYNC?

Find possible solutions to your Android Auto™* issue(s) with the troubleshooting steps contained in this article.

Important: Before you begin troubleshooting, ensure:

  • Your vehicle is parked, running, and in an open, well-ventilated, and safe area.
  • Android Auto is not used wirelessly while your device is connected to the Wi-Fi® hotspot**.
  • Your phone software is up-to-date. These steps may vary based on your phone's manufacturer and model. If you need assistance, refer to the manufacturer's website.
  • Android Auto is updated to the latest version. While most Android phones have Android Auto built-in, verify there are no pending updates available by searching for “Android Auto” in the Play Store™. If an update is available, update the app by tapping Update.

Troubleshooting Android Auto for SYNC®† 4A and SYNC 4

If your vehicle is equipped with SYNC 4A or SYNC 4, ensure your mobile device is properly connected to your vehicle either wirelessly or with a USB cable. If the connection steps do not resolve your concern, follow the steps provided in the section Step 2 - Resolve Your Android Auto Issue.

Note: If you need assistance identifying your SYNC generation, refer to the SYNC Visual Reference Guide.

Step 1 - Ensure Your Mobile Device is Connected Properly

Ensure your mobile device is connected to SYNC properly with a USB cable or wirelessly using the table below.

Connection TypeRequirementsInstructions
USB cable

A USB connection requires: 

Complete the following:

  1. Plug a USB cable into your vehicle’s USB port, and then plug the other end of the cable into your phone.  
  2. Follow the on-screen instructions to set up Android Auto.

    Note: Your phone may ask you to update Android Auto before you continue.

If there is still an issue with Android Auto, proceed to Step 2 - Resolve Your Android Auto Issue below.

Wirelessly

A wireless connection requires: 

  • A Google or Samsung™ phone with Android 10.0.
  • A Samsung Galaxy S8, Galaxy S8+, or Note 8 with Android 9.0.
  • Android 11.0 or newer for all other Google or Android phones.
  • Location services must be enabled in Google Maps. When prompted, select Always or While using.
  • An active data plan.

Important: 

  • Wireless connection capability can vary by model.
  • For the first time using a wireless connection, you must pair your phone and vehicle via Bluetooth®.
  • For best results, keep Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Location Services enabled on your mobile device while you complete the setup.

Complete the following:

  1. Confirm your vehicle's Wireless App Projection is on.
    1. Go to Settings on your vehicle's SYNC screen.
    2. Tap Connectivity.
    3. Turn Wireless App Projection on.
  2. Pair your phone to your vehicle using Bluetooth. 

Once your phone is paired with your vehicle via Bluetooth, Android Auto should start within a few seconds. If not, follow the on-screen prompts to start Android Auto. You may need to tap Android Auto on your vehicle's display.

If Android Auto does not launch, try connecting with a USB cable. 

If you are still experiencing issues, proceed to Step 2 - Resolve Your Android Auto Issue.

Step 2 - Resolve Your Android Auto Issue

Complete the steps below in order and test after each one to see if Android Auto is working properly.

  1. Use another manufacturer-approved USB cable.  
  2. Use the SYNC USB port closest to the SYNC screen.  
  3. Set the audio source to USB and try playing music from any available source (YouTube Music™, Spotify©, etc.).  

    Note: If there is no sound, the USB hardware may have failed. Schedule an appointment with your preferred Ford Dealer for a diagnosis. 
     
  4. Perform a key cycle.
  5. Perform a SYNC module reset.
  6. Check to see if there are any software updates needed for your phone. These steps may vary based on your phone's manufacturer and model. If you need assistance, refer to the manufacturer's website.
  7. Ensure that there are no limitations on your phone. These steps may vary based on your phone's manufacturer and model. If you need assistance, refer to the manufacturer's website.
  8. Perform a soft reset on your device. After performing a soft reset, you will be redirected to the Home screen. These steps may vary based on your phone's manufacturer and model. If you need assistance, refer to the manufacturer's website.
  9. Delete your device from the vehicle's SYNC menu.
    • Voice Commands
      1. Press the Voice button on your steering wheel. SYNC will ask for a command.
      2. Say, "Delete <Insert Name of Phone>. "
      3. Tap Delete.
    • Manually
      1. Tap the Settings or the Home icon on your vehicle's SYNC screen.
      2. Choose Phone List. 
      3. Select Phone. 
      4. Press the Delete (trash can) symbol.
      5. Tap Yes.
  10. Delete SYNC from the device's Bluetooth® menu. These steps may vary based on your phone's manufacturer and model. If you need assistance, refer to the manufacturer's website.
  11. Pair your phone to your vehicle using Bluetooth.

Once pairing is complete, you should be able to use Android Auto.

If your issue is not resolved, contact the Ford Customer Relationship Center using our Live Chat option or by calling 1-800-392-3673.

Troubleshooting Android Auto for SYNC 3

If your vehicle is equipped with SYNC 3, follow the instructions below to repair your Android Auto connection. If the connection steps do not resolve your concern, follow the steps offered in Step 2 - Troubleshoot Android Auto Not Showing or Unable to Hear Incoming Calls.

Note: If you need assistance identifying your SYNC generation, refer to the SYNC Visual Reference Guide.

Step 1 - Remedy Your Android Auto Connection

If you have experienced a concern with Android Auto and your vehicle is equipped with SYNC 3, complete the steps below in order and test after each one to see if the issue is resolved.

  1. Confirm you have:
    • Connected the Android device to SYNC via a manufacturer's approved USB cable.
    • Android Auto installed on your smart device.
  2. Ensure your phone settings are correct using Google's™ Set Up Android Auto instructions.
  3. Attempt to use another manufacturer's approved cable if one is available.
  4. Set the audio source to USB and try playing music from any available source (YouTube Music™, Spotify©, etc.).

    Note: If there is no sound, the USB hardware may have failed. Schedule an appointment with your preferred Ford Dealer for a diagnosis. 
     
  5. Perform a soft reset on your phone. These steps may vary based on your phone's manufacturer and model. If you need assistance, refer to the manufacturer's website.
  6. Perform a key cycle.
  7. Perform a SYNC module reset.
  8. Check to see if there are any software updates needed for your phone.  These steps may vary based on your phone's manufacturer and model. If you need assistance, refer to the manufacturer's website.
  9. Ensure that there are no limitations on your phone. These steps may vary based on your phone's manufacturer and model. If you need assistance, refer to the manufacturer's website.
  10. Delete your device from the vehicle's SYNC menu.
    • Voice Commands
      1. Press the Voice button on your steering wheel. SYNC will ask for a command.
      2. Say, "Delete <Insert Name of Phone>. "
      3. Tap Delete.
    • Manually
      1. Tap the Settings or Home icon on your vehicle's SYNC screen.
      2. Choose Phone List. 
      3. Select Phone. 
      4. Press the Delete (trash can) symbol. 
      5. Tap Yes.
  11. Delete SYNC from the device's Bluetooth® menu. These steps may vary based on your phone's manufacturer and model. If you need assistance, refer to the manufacturer's website.
  12. Pair your phone to your vehicle using Bluetooth.

Once pairing is complete, you should be able to use Android Auto.

If Android Auto has disappeared from your SYNC screen, or you cannot hear incoming calls while connected to Android Auto, proceed to Step 2 - Troubleshoot Android Auto Not Showing or Unable to Hear Incoming Calls.

If you are not experiencing one of the above symptoms and Android Auto is still not working properly, contact the Ford Customer Relationship Center using our Live Chat option or by calling 1-800-392-3673.

Step 2 - Troubleshoot Android Auto Not Showing or Unable to Hear Incoming Calls

Refer to the table below for potential Android Auto issues and their troubleshooting instructions.

Symptom

Instructions

Android Auto is not showing or has disappeared from the SYNC screen.

Complete the following:

  1. Unplug your phone cable from the USB port.
  2. Perform a master/factory reset, and allow it to complete.
  3. Plug the manufacturer's approved cable into the USB port.
  4. Confirm your vehicle's SYNC system loads. You may see a vehicle, the Ford emblem, or the word "Welcome," depending on your vehicle model.

    Note: Once you have completed the previous steps, test to see if the issue is resolved. If SYNC is displaying Android Auto, no further action is required. If not, proceed to step 5. 
     
  5. Perform a key cycle.
  6. Re-enter your vehicle and turn it on.
  7. Confirm your vehicle's SYNC system loads. You may see a vehicle, the Ford emblem, or the word "Welcome," depending on your vehicle model. Wait for the Home screen to show.
  8. Insert the USB cable, plug your phone in, and wait for Android Auto to launch.

If the issue remains, contact your preferred Ford Dealer for further assistance.

You are unable to hear incoming call audio while connected to Android Auto.

Complete all the following steps and then test Android Auto.

  1. Connect your phone to Bluetooth.
  2. Tap Settings on your vehicle's SYNC screen.
  3. Select Phone.
  4. Choose Set Phone Ringtone.
  5. Press Use Phone Ringtone.
  6. Insert the USB cable, plug your phone in, and wait for Android Auto to launch.

If the issue remains, contact your preferred Ford Dealer for further assistance.

If your issue is not resolved, or you are experiencing a different issue, contact the Ford Customer Relationship Center using our Live Chat option or by calling 1-800-392-3673.

More SYNC Information

For more detailed information on SYNC features and functions, visit our Ford support page and browse by your preferred topic.

Helpful SYNC Support Categories

Additional Information

How does Android Auto work on my vehicle?

*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.

**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. 

†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.

Android Auto, Android, Google, Play Store, Google Maps, and YouTube Music are trademarks of Google LLC.

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

The Bluetooth word mark is a trademark of the Bluetooth SIG, Inc.