How do I use my Phone As A Key™* Backup Code to start my vehicle?

To use Phone As A Key with FordPass®**, you must:

  • Have the app downloaded to your device.
  • Have an active FordPass account and be logged in.
  • Have a properly equipped vehicle added to the app.
  • Have either facial recognition, fingerprint recognition, or a passcode set up on your mobile device. 
  • Enable your Customer Connectivity Settings (CCS).
  • Authorize your embedded modem.
  • Enable your phone's Bluetooth®.
  • Bluetooth version must be 4.2+.
  • Supported mobile device running Android™ 8.0+ or iOS 13.0+.

  1. Enter your vehicle's door code to enter the vehicle.
  2. Depress the brake pedal and press the Push to Start button.
  3. Your instrument cluster will display No Key Detected.
  4. A prompt will display on your SYNC®*** console to enter your backup code. If SYNC does not prompt you to enter your backup code after the welcome animation, press the Push to Start button again.
  5. Enter your backup code, and tap Enter. Selecting Enter must be done within 30 seconds of inputting your password. 
  6. Your vehicle will notify you that the code has been accepted.
  7. Depress the brake and Push to Start button to start your vehicle. This must be done within 20 seconds. 

Note: The system will lock after five attempts of trying to enter a Backup Start Passcode, resetting a current passcode, or entering an incorrect Valet Mode passcode.

If you have forgotten your backup code, please contact a Guide for assistance. 

Additional Information

How do I create a backup code?
How do I set up Phone As A Key? 
How do I troubleshoot my Backup Start Passcode?

*Available on select vehicles. Requires feature activation. Not compatible with all smartphones.

**The FordPass App, compatible with select smartphone platforms, is available through a free download. Message and data rates may apply.

***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. 

Apple, iOS, and iPhone are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Android is a trademark of Google Inc. The Bluetooth word mark is a trademark of the Bluetooth SIG, Inc.