Support>SYNC>Getting Started with SYNC>Troubleshooting Apple CarPlay

What should I do if I am having issues with Apple CarPlay in my Ford?

If you are having issues using Apple CarPlay®* in your SYNC®** 4A-, SYNC 4-, or SYNC 3-equipped vehicle, use this article to assist with troubleshooting.

Apple CarPlay Troubleshooting

Select your SYNC generation from the drop-down options below for assistance 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:

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

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 Lightning® to USB Cable

Important: Connecting with an Apple-approved Lightning to 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 Lightning to USB cable. 
  4. Connect your iPhone to the lightning end of the cable, and connect the USB end of the cable to the USB port in the vehicle that is closest to your vehicle's SYNC screen. 
  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.  

Wireless

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 Lightning to USB cable instead. 

To use Apple CarPlay with SYNC:

  1. Verify 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. Tap 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.
    1. Tap Settings on your iPhone.  
    2. Select General. 
    3. Press CarPlay. 
    4. Choose Available Cars. 
    5. Select your vehicle.

      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 Lightning to 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.

  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 (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. Perform a soft reset on your phone. On iPhone models 11-16, a soft reset is be done by holding the volume down and sleep/wake button and then swiping on Slide to power off. Wait 30 seconds and then turn your phone back on. Refer to the device's manual for instructions specific to your phone. 
  6. 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 <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 (trash can).
      5. Tap Yes. 
  7. Delete SYNC from your device's Bluetooth menu.
    • iPhone
      1. Go to Settings. 
      2. Select Bluetooth.
      3. Press the i icon next to SYNC. 
      4. Choose Forget This Device.
    • All other Apple devices: Refer to the device's manual for instructions.
  8. Pair your device with SYNC. 

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

If the above troubleshooting did not resolve your issue, contact the Ford Customer Relationship Center 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 Lightning® to USB Cable

Important: Connecting with an Apple-approved Lightning to 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 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 Lightning to USB cable. 
  4. Connect your iPhone to the Lightning end of the cable, and connect the USB end of the cable to the USB port in the vehicle that is closest to your vehicle's SYNC screen. 
  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.

Wireless

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 Lightning to USB cable instead. 

To use Apple CarPlay with SYNC:

  1. Verify 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. Tap 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.
    1. Tap Settings on your iPhone.  
    2. Select General. 
    3. Press CarPlay. 
    4. Choose Available Cars. 
    5. Select your vehicle.

      Note: Some vehicles that support wireless CarPlay will allow you to pair your phone by plugging the phone into the vehicle's USB port with an Apple-approved Lightning to 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:

  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 (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. Perform a soft reset on your phone. On iPhone models 11-16, a soft reset is be done by holding the volume down and sleep/wake button and then swiping on the Slide to power off. Wait 30 seconds and then turn the phone back on. Refer to the device's manual for instructions specific to your phone. 
  6. 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 <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 (trash can).
      5. Tap Yes. 
  7. Delete SYNC from your device's Bluetooth menu.
    • iPhone
      1. Go to Settings. 
      2. Select Bluetooth.
      3. Press the i icon next to SYNC. 
      4. Choose Forget This Device.
    • All other Apple devices: Refer to the device's manual for instructions.
  8. Pair your device with 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 Ford Customer Relationship Center 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 and Apple CarPlay Frequently Asked Questions topics 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 Lightning® to USB cable must be used.

Connecting to Apple CarPlay

Connection PreferenceInstructions
Apple-approved Lightning® to USB Cable

Important: Connecting with an Apple-approved Lightning to 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 Lightning to USB cable. 
  3. Connect the iPhone to the Lightning end of the cable, and connect the USB end of the cable to the USB port in the vehicle that is closest to your vehicle's SYNC screen. 
  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.  

WirelessWireless connection is not supported.

Troubleshooting

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

  1. Verify your vehicle has the most recent SYNC software version.
  2. Try a different Apple-approved Lightning to 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 (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. Press Settings on your vehicle's SYNC screen.
    2. Tap 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 because it was accidentally deleted or it is no longer showing, perform a master/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 Lightning to USB cord.
  9. Follow any prompts that appear on your phone or SYNC screen.
  10. Perform a key cycle.
  11. Perform a soft reset on your phone.

    Note: On iPhone models 11-16, a soft reset is be done by holding the volume down and sleep/wake button and then swiping on Slide to power off. Wait 30 seconds and then turn your phone back on. Refer to the device's manual for instructions specific to your phone. 
     
  12. Turn your vehicle back on and plug phone in using the cord.
  13. Plug your phone back in with the cord and wait for Apple CarPlay to launch after the reset is complete.
  14. 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 <Name of Phone>." The screen will prompt for confirmation to delete.
      3. Tap Delete.
    • Manual Steps
      1. Press Settings.
      2. Select Bluetooth.
      3. Tap View Devices.
      4. Choose your phone.
      5. Press Delete.
  15. Delete SYNC from your device's Bluetooth menu.
    • iPhone
      1. Go to Settings. 
      2. Select Bluetooth.
      3. Press the i icon next to SYNC. 
      4. Choose Forget This Device.
    • All other Apple devices: Refer to the device's manual for instructions.
  16. Pair your device with SYNC. 

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

*Requires phone with active data service and compatible software. SYNC 3 does not control 3rd party products while in use. Third parties are solely responsible for their respective functionality.

**Don’t drive while distracted. Use voice-operated systems when possible; don’t use handheld devices while driving. 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 3 months or when 3GB of data is used, whichever comes first. To activate, go to www.att.com/ford.

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

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 is a trademark of the Bluetooth SIG, Inc.