How do I perform a SYNC®* master/factory reset?

Master/factory resets are performed using the SYNC system in your vehicle. To perform a reset, identify your SYNC generation and follow the steps outlined below.

Examples of reasons to perform a master/factory reset may include:

  • Before selling or transferring ownership.
  • After purchasing or leasing a pre-owned vehicle.
  • Before and after renting a vehicle.

Identify Your Vehicle's SYNC Generation

Use these resources to help identify your vehicle's SYNC generation:

  • The SYNC and Navigation Updates page allows you to enter your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or log in with your Ford credentials and select Check for update. Your current SYNC generation will appear on the right-hand side of the page.
  • The SYNC Visual Reference Guide has example images of each SYNC generation.

SYNC Master/Factory Reset Instructions

Important:

  • A master/factory reset erases all stored data, such as call history, text messages, previously paired phones, navigation favorites, and modem activation.
  • Your vehicle must be in Park (P) and running, not in accessory mode.
  • Make sure you are in a well-ventilated area.

SYNC 4A

Before performing a SYNC 4A factory reset, try a system reset to restore functionality. The system reset does not delete any data you have stored.

Performing a System Reset

To reset the system, choose the option below that applies to your vehicle.

  • Vehicles equipped with a Power button: Press and hold both the Power button (center of the volume knob) and the Seek Right button for 10 seconds.
  • Vehicles not equipped with a Power button: Press and hold both the Volume Down and Seek Right buttons on the steering wheel controls for 10 seconds.

If the system reset does not resolve the issue, continue with a master/factory reset.

Performing a Factory Reset

Important:

  • A factory reset will make all subscriptions (Navigation, Ford BlueCruise, etc.) unavailable for up to ten business days.
  • After the factory reset, you must re-activate your vehicle in the FordPass®** App for remote features (remote start, lock, unlock, etc.) to be available again. Click here to see how to activate FordPass® Connect***.

On your vehicle's SYNC screen:

  1. Tap the Home icon.
  2. Press Settings.
  3. Press Reset.
  4. Press Factory Reset.
  5. Follow the prompts on the screen to complete the reset.

If you need further assistance, contact the Ford Customer Relationship Center at 1-800-392-3673 or choose our Live Chat option.

SYNC 4

Before performing a SYNC 4 factory reset, try a system reset to restore functionality. The system reset does not delete any data you have stored.

Performing a System Reset

To reset the system, choose the option below that applies to your vehicle.

  • Vehicles equipped with a Power button: Press and hold both the Power button (center of the volume knob) and the Seek Right button for 10 seconds.
  • Vehicles not equipped with a Power button: Press and hold both the Volume Down and Seek Right buttons on the steering wheel controls for 10 seconds.

If the system reset does not resolve the issue, continue with a factory reset.

Performing a Factory Reset

Important:

  • A factory reset will make all subscriptions (Navigation, Ford BlueCruise, etc.) unavailable for up to ten business days.
  • After the master/factory reset, you must re-activate your vehicle in the FordPass App for remote features (remote start, lock, unlock, etc.) to be available again. Click here to see how to activate FordPass Connect.

On your vehicle's SYNC screen:

  1. Select Settings.
  2. Press Reset.
  3. Select Factory Reset.
  4. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the factory reset.

If you need further assistance, contact the Ford Customer Relationship Center at 1-800-392-3673 or choose our Live Chat option.

SYNC 3

Before performing a SYNC 3 master reset, try a system reset to restore functionality. The system reset does not delete any data you have stored.

Performing a System Reset

  1. Press and hold the Seek up and the audio unit Power buttons simultaneously until the screen goes black.
  2. Wait for the system reset to complete.
  3. Press the audio unit Power button to switch the system on.

If the system reset does not resolve the issue, continue with a master reset.

Performing a Master Reset

On your vehicle's SYNC screen:

  1. Select Settings.
  2. Choose General.
  3. Scroll down and press Master Reset. A message confirming that all system settings will be erased and reset to factory defaults will appear.
  4. Press Continue. A "Resetting to factory defaults" message will appear, the system will turn off, and the screen will go blank. It may take a few minutes for the system to reset and resume normal operation. 

If you need further assistance, contact the Ford Customer Relationship Center at 1-800-392-3673 or choose our Live Chat option.

SYNC 3 Without Touchscreen

To perform a master reset on SYNC 3 without a touch screen:

  1. Press the Menu button.
  2. Scroll down and select General.
  3. Scroll down and select Master Reset.
  4. This will prompt a confirmation screen to appear. Scroll down and select Continue.

If you need further assistance, contact the Ford Customer Relationship Center at 1-800-392-3673 or choose our Live Chat option.

SYNC® with MyFord Touch®

Before performing a SYNC with MyFord Touch master reset, try a system reset to restore functionality. The system reset does not delete any data you have stored. 

Performing a System Reset

  1. Press and hold the Seek up and the audio unit Power buttons simultaneously until the screen goes black.
  2. Wait for the system reset to complete.
  3. Press the audio unit Power button to switch the system on.

If the system reset does not resolve the issue, continue with a master reset.

Performing a Master Reset

On your vehicle's SYNC screen:

  1. Press the Gear Icon.
  2. Tap Settings.
  3. Select System.
  4. Scroll down and press Master Reset. A warning screen will pop up.
  5. Disconnect all USB devices, Bluetooth devices, and any SD cards.
  6. Press Yes to complete your master reset.

If you need further assistance, contact the Ford Customer Relationship Center at 1-800-392-3673 or choose our Live Chat option.

SYNC with MyFord

To perform a master reset with SYNC with MyFord:

  1. Press the AUX button.
  2. Press the MENU button.
  3. Select SYNC Media on the screen and press OK.
  4. Press the Down Arrow until System Settings displays on the screen and press OK.
  5. Press the Down Arrow until Advanced displays on the screen and press OK.
  6. Press the Down Arrow until "Master Reset" appears on the screen and press OK. SYNC will ask you to confirm the reset.
  7. Press OK to confirm. The system will display Reset Completed. 

Note: Instructions may vary. Specific information for your vehicle can be found in your Owner's Manual.

If you need further assistance, contact the Ford Customer Relationship Center at 1-800-392-3673 or choose our Live Chat option.

SYNC with Voice-Activated Navigation

To perform a SYNC with Voice-Activated Navigation master reset:

  1. Press the PHONE button. The screen may read "No Phone Connected."
  2. Press the Settings tab on your vehicle's SYNC screen.
  3. Select Advanced.
  4. Press the Down Arrow until Master Reset appears on the screen.
  5. Select Master Reset. SYNC will ask you to confirm the master reset.
  6. Press Yes to continue. SYNC will confirm when the master reset is complete.

If you need further assistance, contact the Ford Customer Relationship Center at 1-800-392-3673 or choose our Live Chat option.

SYNC Gen 1.1

To perform a SYNC Gen 1.1. master reset:

  1. Press the MENU button.
    SYNC Gen 1.1 console with MENUbutton
  2. Select the SYNC Settings option and press OK.
  3. Press the Down Arrow until Master Reset appears on the screen, and press OK.
  4. Press YES to continue. SYNC will confirm when the master reset is complete.

If you need further assistance, contact the Ford Customer Relationship Center at 1-800-392-3673 or choose our Live Chat option.

SYNC Gen 1

To perform a master reset with SYNC Gen 1:

  1. Press the PHONE button.
    SYNC Gen 1 console with Phone button.
     
  2. Press the Down Arrow until System Settings appears on the screen, and press OK.
  3. Press the Down Arrow until Advanced appears on the screen, and press OK.
  4. Press the Down Arrow until Master Reset appears on the screen, and press OK. SYNC will ask you to confirm the reset.
  5. Press OK to confirm. The system will display Reset Completed.

If you need further assistance, contact the Ford Customer Relationship Center at 1-800-392-3673 or choose our Live Chat option.

Additional Information

How do I pair my phone with SYNC?
How do I set favorite locations with SYNC?

*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. 

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

***FordPass Connect (optional on select vehicles), the Ford Pass App, and Complimentary Connected Service are required for remote features (see FordPass Terms and Conditions for details). Connected Services and features depend on compatible AT&T network availability. Evolving technology/cellular networks/vehicle capability may limit functionality and prevent the operation of connected features. Connected Service excludes Wi-Fi hotspot.

 

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