Why is my phone not connecting to SYNC?

If you are experiencing issues connecting your cellular device to SYNC®* via Bluetooth®, such as your device not always connecting when the vehicle starts or your device disconnecting randomly, follow the troubleshooting tips below.

If you are having trouble with a specific app like Android Auto™ or Apple CarPlay®, see the What should I do if I am having issues with Android Auto? or What should I do if I am having issues with Apple CarPlay? topic.

Troubleshooting Apple Devices

If you are an Apple iOS® device user, complete the Apple-specific directions in the dropdown below before starting any SYNC generation-specific troubleshooting. 

Apple iOS Device SYNC Connection — For All SYNC Generations

Perform the following steps to connect to SYNC.

  1. Turn Bluetooth off and back on with your device.
  2. Restart your device.
  3. Unpair the vehicle's SYNC system on your device.
  4. Unpair your device and any other devices on your SYNC screen.
  5. Restart your vehicle and your device.
  6. Pair and connect your device via Bluetooth.
  7. Update your device.
  8. Check for available SYNC updates and update your system if needed.

Note: SYNC does not support the Apple Watch®.

If issues are still present, proceed to the Troubleshooting Phone Connection Issues section.

Troubleshooting Phone Connection Issues

Select your SYNC generation from the drop-down options below for possible solutions to your Bluetooth connection issues. 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 under the SYNC Current Version heading.

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

SYNC 4A | SYNC 4

Perform the following troubleshooting steps in order. Check after each step to see if the issue has been resolved.

  1. Turn the Bluetooth off and on with your device.
  2. Connect your device via Bluetooth from the vehicle's SYNC menu. If the connection works, perform a key cycle. If the phone automatically connects again, the issue is resolved.
  3. Perform a module reset.
  4. Perform a key cycle.

  5. Delete your device from the vehicle's SYNC menu using manual steps or voice commands. See the table below for steps:

    Manual StepsVoice Commands
    1. Select the Settings or Home icon on your vehicle's SYNC screen.
    2. Choose Phone List.
    3. Select your phone.
    4. Choose the Delete icon.
    5. Select Yes. 
    1. Select 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.
  6. Delete SYNC from the device's Bluetooth menu. Refer to your device's manual for instructions.
  7. Pair your phone with SYNC.
  8. Delete your device from within the SYNC menu.
  9. Delete SYNC from your device's Bluetooth menu. Refer to your device's manual for instructions.
  10. Perform a reverse pairing of your phone if the SYNC system allows it.
  11. Perform a soft reset on your device. Refer to your device's manual for instructions.
  12. Check for available SYNC updates and update your system if needed.

If you are still experiencing an issue after completing the above troubleshooting, contact your preferred Ford Dealer. 

SYNC 3

Perform the following troubleshooting steps in order. Check after each step to see if the issue has been resolved.

  1. Turn the Bluetooth off and on from your device.
  2. Connect your device via Bluetooth from the vehicle's SYNC menu. If the connection works, perform a key cycle. If the phone automatically connects again, the issue is resolved.
  3. Perform a module reset.
  4. Perform a key cycle.

  5. Delete the device from the vehicle's SYNC menu using manual steps or voice commands. See the table below for steps:

    Manual StepsVoice Commands
    1. Select Settings.
    2. Choose Bluetooth.
    3. Select View Devices.
    4. Choose the phone.
    5. Select Delete. 
    1. Select 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.
  6. Delete SYNC from the device's Bluetooth menu. Refer to your device's manual for instructions.
  7. Pair your phone with SYNC.
  8. Delete your device from within the SYNC menu.
  9. Delete SYNC from your device's Bluetooth menu. Refer to your device's manual for instructions.
  10. Perform a reverse pairing of your phone if the SYNC system allows it.
  11. Perform a soft reset on your device. Refer to your device's manual for instructions.
  12. Check for available SYNC updates and update your system if needed.

If you are still experiencing an issue after completing the above troubleshooting, contact your preferred Ford Dealer. 

SYNC with MyFord Touch®

Perform the following troubleshooting steps in order. Check after each step to see if the issue has been resolved.

  1. Turn the Bluetooth off and on with your device.
  2. Connect your device via Bluetooth from the vehicle's SYNC menu. If the connection works, perform a key cycle. If the phone automatically connects again, the issue is resolved.
  3. Perform a module reset.
  4. Perform a master reset.
  5. Perform a key cycle.

  6. Delete the device from the vehicle's SYNC menu using manual steps or voice commands. See the table below for steps:

    Manual StepsVoice Commands
    1. Choose the Gears icon.
    2. Select Settings.
    3. Choose Phone.
    4. Select Bluetooth.
    5. Choose the phone.
    6. Select Delete. 
    1. Select 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.
  7. Delete SYNC from the device's Bluetooth menu. Refer to your device's manual for instructions.
  8. Pair your phone with SYNC.
  9. Delete your device from within the SYNC menu.
  10. Delete SYNC from your device's Bluetooth menu. Refer to your device's manual for instructions.
  11. Perform a reverse pairing of your phone if the SYNC system allows it.
  12. Perform a soft reset on your device. Refer to your device's manual for instructions.
  13. Check for available SYNC updates and update your system if needed.

If you are still experiencing an issue after completing the above troubleshooting, contact your preferred Ford Dealer. 

SYNC Gen 1.1

Perform the following troubleshooting steps in order. Check after each step to see if the issue has been resolved.

  1. Turn the Bluetooth off and on with your device.
  2. Connect your device via Bluetooth from the vehicle's SYNC menu. If the connection works, perform a key cycle. If the phone automatically connects again, the issue is resolved.
  3. Perform a module reset.
  4. Perform a key cycle.

  5. Delete the device from the vehicle's SYNC menu using manual steps or voice commands. See the table below for steps:

    Manual StepsVoice Commands
    1. Select Phone.
    2. Choose BT Devices.
    3. Select the phone.
    4. Choose Delete. 
    1. Select 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.
  6. Delete SYNC from the device's Bluetooth menu. Refer to your device's manual for instructions.
  7. Pair your phone with SYNC.
  8. Delete your device from within the SYNC menu.
  9. Delete SYNC from your device's Bluetooth menu. Refer to your device's manual for instructions.
  10. Perform a reverse pairing of your phone if the SYNC system allows it.
  11. Perform a soft reset on your device. Refer to your device's manual for instructions.
  12. Check for available SYNC updates and update your system if needed.

If you are still experiencing an issue after completing the above troubleshooting, contact your preferred Ford Dealer. 

SYNC Gen 1

Perform the following troubleshooting steps in order. Check after each step to see if the issue has been resolved.

  1. Turn the Bluetooth off and on with your device.
  2. Connect your device via Bluetooth from the vehicle's SYNC menu. If the connection works, perform a key cycle. If the phone automatically connects again, the issue is resolved.
  3. Perform a master reset.
  4. Perform a key cycle.

  5. Delete the device from the vehicle's SYNC menu using manual steps or voice commands. See the table below for steps:

    Manual StepsVoice Commands
    1. Choose Phone.
    2. Select Return.
    3. Choose Bluetooth.  
    4. Select Delete.
    5. Choose either All for all phones or the phone you wish to delete. 
    1. Select 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.
  6. Delete SYNC from the device's Bluetooth menu. Refer to your device's manual for instructions.
  7. Pair your phone with SYNC.
  8. Delete your device from within the SYNC menu.
  9. Delete SYNC from your device's Bluetooth menu. Refer to your device's manual for instructions.
  10. Perform a reverse pairing of your phone if the SYNC system allows it.
  11. Perform a soft reset on your device. Refer to your device's manual for instructions.
  12. Check for available SYNC updates and update your system if needed.

If you are still experiencing an issue after completing the above troubleshooting, contact your preferred Ford Dealer. 

Additional Information

How do I pair my phone with SYNC?
What do I do if I have sound issues with the radio in my Ford or my SYNC system?

*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. 

Google, Android, Android Auto, and other marks are trademarks of Google LLC. 

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