Support>Ford Technology>Software Updates - General Information>How do I accept Software Updates using SYNC?

How do I accept Software Updates using SYNC®*?

You can accept SYNC 4A and SYNC 4 Software Updates through your SYNC status bar or the System Updates menu.

If either the  SYNC Update Download icon or  SYNC Download icon with Lock symbol  icon appears on your vehicle's SYNC screen, you need to accept a Software Update.

Accepting Software Updates

Select your SYNC generation from the drop-down options below to learn how to accept Software Updates:

Note: If you need assistance determining the generation of your SYNC system, select the first drop-down option. 

Identifying Your Vehicle's SYNC Generation

Two resources to help you identify your vehicle's SYNC generation are the:

  • SYNC and Navigation Updates page. Either:
    • Enter your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and select Check for update.

    • Log in with your Ford credentials, choose a vehicle from your garage, and select Check for updates.

      Note: Your SYNC generation will appear on the right-hand side of the page.

  • SYNC Visual Reference Guide, which provides example images of SYNC generations that Ford has offered.

SYNC 4A

There are two ways to accept a Software Update with SYNC 4A:

Option 1

  1. Press the Update Available icon in the status bar on your vehicle's SYNC screen.
  2. Tap Update to accept the update.

Option 2

  1. Tap Settings or the Home icon (varies by software version) on your vehicle's SYNC screen.
  2. Select System Updates.
  3. Press Update Details.
  4. Tap Update to accept the update.

Important: If Automatic Updates and Notifications are off, your vehicle will not receive any updates. This means your vehicle will not receive any new features or critical updates via Software Updates.

SYNC 4

There are two ways to accept a software update with SYNC 4:

Option 1

  1. Press the Update Available icon in the status bar on your vehicle's SYNC screen.
  2. Choose Update Available.
  3. Tap Update to accept the update.

Option 2

  1. Tap Settings on your vehicle's SYNC screen.
  2. Press System Updates.
  3. Tap Update Details.
  4. Tap Update to accept the update.

Important: If Automatic Updates and Notifications are off, your vehicle will not receive any updates. This means your vehicle will not receive any new features or critical updates via Software Updates.

Additional Information

What are software updates?
How do I change my SYNC Automatic Updates?

*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.