How do I pair my phone and other Bluetooth® wireless technology enabled devices with the Ford Digital Experience?

Pair your phone, video game controllers, and other Bluetooth wireless technology* enabled devices to your Ford vehicle with the Ford Digital Experience.** We’ll walk you through it.

Ford Digital Experience Availability

The Ford Digital Experience is currently available on the 2025 Ford Explorer® SUV and 2025 Ford Expedition® SUV.

Not sure if you’ve got the Ford Digital Experience or SYNC Technology? There are two resources to help:

  • Our Visual Reference Guide, which has sample images of each in-vehicle technology.
  • The Navigation Updates page, which allows you to enter your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or log in with your Ford credentials, and select Check for Update. If you have SYNC, your current SYNC version will appear on the right-hand side of the page.

Pairing Instructions

Important: Ensure that your vehicle is on and running in a well-ventilated area, and it is in Park (P).

A passenger in a Ford Explorer is playing video games on the center touchscreen using a third-party gaming controller.

Phone pairing:

  1. On the Home screen, select the Add Phone tile to add device. Or you can also select the App Drawer, then the Phone icon.
  2. On the phone, turn Bluetooth® On and select your vehicle name.
  3. Select your phone on the in-vehicle display from the Available Devices list.
  4. Ensure the one-time PIN shown on the in-vehicle display and on the phone match.
  5. Select Pair on the phone and then on the touchscreen in-vehicle.
  6. When “Use contact names to improve calling and texting” appears, select Continue.
  7. Now the phone is connected. Discover features that are enabled.

NOTES

  • The pairing process can be different on each phone. Watching both the phone and the in-vehicle screen for any messages is the best way to successfully pair a phone.
  • Two phones can be connected and active simultaneously via Bluetooth to the Ford Digital Experience. Two phones cannot be connected to Apple CarPlay†† or Android Auto††,‡ at the same time.
  • When using the in-vehicle Phone app, the currently connected smartphone is shown or can be switched. Keep in mind that two phones cannot call or conference at the same time.
  • Connecting a phone via USB will prompt for pairing a device if no other devices are currently paired and the device has never been paired.
  • Under the Phone tile, settings can be adjusted or phones removed. If a phone is deleted/removed from your vehicle, or your vehicle is deleted/removed from a device, a new pairing will be required.
  • You can use these instructions to pair other Bluetooth wireless technology enabled devices.

Video game controller pairing:
On the in-vehicle display, navigate to the Bluetooth pairing screen. Pairing instructions can vary based on the type of controller you’re using. You’ll want to follow the pairing steps you normally follow with your gaming console.

Gaming controllers compatible with the Ford Digital Experience include many of the ones used with current gaming consoles.

For more information specific to your vehicle, refer to your Owner’s Manual.

 

Related Topics

What do I do if I am having issues with text messaging?

*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. Other trademarks and trade names are those of their respective owners.

**Some Ford Digital Experience features require a Connected Services plan. 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.

†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.

††Requires phone with active data service and compatible software. Ford Digital Experience does not control third-party products while in use. Third-parties are solely responsible for their respective functionality.

‡Wireless use of Android Auto™ requires a compatible Android 11.0+ phone and compatible active data plan. Check g.co/androidauto/requirements for compatibility.