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

Fix SYNC®* voice command issues with quick tips on pronunciation, software updates, and generation-specific resets like key cycles and factory defaults.

Note: If your voice commands are working, but you are having trouble with your connection, refer to the Why is my phone not connecting to SYNC? topic.

Step 1: Applying Basic Troubleshooting Tips

Important: 

  • Ensure your vehicle is parked, running, and in an open, well-ventilated, and safe area.
  • Ensure your vehicle's windows are up, and the climate control is very low or off.
  • Ensure that Bluetooth® is off on any connected devices.

Select the symptom you are experiencing from the drop-down options below for possible solutions.

SYNC does not understand what I am saying.

SYNC does not understand the name of a song or artist.

  • Review the media voice commands in your Owner's Manual to ensure you are using the correct voice commands.
  • Say the song or artist exactly as listed on your media device.
  • Make sure you are saying the complete title.
  • Spell the title of a song if all the letters in a song title are capitalized.
  • Ensure there are no special characters, such as +, -, =, and $ in the title or artist's name, as SYNC will not recognize them.

SYNC does not understand or is calling the wrong contact when I want to make a call.

  • Review the phone voice commands in your Owner's Manual to ensure you are using the correct voice commands.
  • Ensure you say the contacts exactly as they are listed on your phone. If you save a contact as John Doe, say, "Call John Doe." If you save a contact using a nickname, say the nickname.
  • Have SYNC read the name to you, giving you some idea of the pronunciation SYNC is expecting. Using the SYNC phone menu:
    • Open your phonebook.
    • Scroll to the name SYNC is having trouble understanding.
    • Select the Speaker icon or the Hear It button next to the contact's name. SYNC will read you the name.
  • Do not use special characters, such as +, -, =, and $ in the contact name, as SYNC will not recognize them.
  • Spell the name of the contact if all the letters are capitalized. For example, "JAKE" requires you to say "Call J-A-K-E."

If you tried to use an approved voice command after applying the tips above, and it does not work, continue to step 2.

Step 2: Advanced Troubleshooting of SYNC Voice Commands

Select your SYNC generation from the drop-down options below to continue with troubleshooting voice commands. 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
Software Updates page

Either:

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

Your SYNC generation will appear near the image of your vehicle.

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

SYNC 4A | SYNC 4

Perform the next two steps in order, and test after each step to see if the voice commands are working. 

  1. Perform a key cycle.
  2. Perform a module reset. 

If the issue is not resolved, contact your preferred Ford Dealer. 

SYNC 3

Important: SYNC voice commands will not work if you are using Android Auto™ or Apple CarPlay®.

Perform the next few steps in order, and test after each step to see if the voice commands are working. 

  1. Perform a key cycle.
  2. Perform a module reset.
  3. Perform a master or factory reset.

If the issue is not resolved, contact your preferred Ford Dealer. 

SYNC With MyFord Touch®

Perform the next few steps in order, and test after each step to see if the voice commands are working. 

  1. Perform a key cycle.
  2. Perform a module reset.
  3. Perform a master reset.

If the issue is not resolved, contact your preferred Ford Dealer. 

SYNC Gen 1

Perform the next few steps in order, and test after each step to see if the voice commands are working. 

  1. Perform a key cycle.
  2. Reset your system to factory defaults.
    1. Select the Phone button on your vehicle's SYNC system.
    2. Scroll until System Settings appears on your radio display. You may have to choose Return up to two times.
    3. Select OK.
    4. Scroll until Advanced appears on the radio display.
    5. Select OK.
    6. Scroll until Factory Default appears on your radio display.
    7. Select OK.
    8. Choose OK to confirm. "Reset Done" should appear on your radio display. SYNC will take you back to the Advanced Settings menu.
  3. Perform a module reset.
  4. Perform a master reset.

If the issue is not resolved, contact your preferred Ford Dealer. 

Additional Information

How do I use voice commands with SYNC?
Why is my phone not connecting to SYNC?

*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. 

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, Google Maps and other marks are trademarks of Google LLC. 

Apple CarPlay is a trademark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.