How do I connect Apple CarPlay to SYNC?

You can set up Apple CarPlay®* with Ford Digital Experience**or SYNC®† by connecting to your iPhone® or iPad® via USB or Bluetooth® (if enabled).

Connecting to SYNC With Apple CarPlay 

Important: 

  • Your vehicle must be parked and running, and in an open, well-ventilated, and safe area.
  • A recent device update may impact its connection to your vehicle. If you are experiencing pairing issues after following the steps below, try turning your phone off, waiting 60 seconds, and turning it back on.

Select Ford Digital Experience or your SYNC generation from the drop-down options below to learn how to connect to Apple CarPlay. If you need assistance determining the generation of your SYNC system, select the first drop-down option. 

Identifying Your Vehicle's 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.

Ford Digital Experience

  1. Enable Bluetooth on your device.

    Note: Refer to your device's manual or the manufacturer's website, as instructions vary by manufacturer and model. 
     
  2. Select Start Apple CarPlay when the pop-up message appears on your vehicle's screen.

The initial setup is completed, and an Apple CarPlay icon will display on the left side menu of the touchscreen.

SYNC 4A

If your phone is already paired to SYNC 4A, and you would like to connect to Apple CarPlay:

  1. Tap the Settings or Home icon on your vehicle's SYNC screen.
  2. Select Phone List.
  3. Choose your iPhone from the displayed list.
  4. Press Enable.

If your phone is not already paired to SYNC 4A, and you would like to connect to Apple CarPlay:

  1. Tap the Settings or Home icon on your vehicle's SYNC screen.
  2. Select Phone.
  3. Press Add Phone.
  4. Go to Settings on your iPhone.
  5. Tap Bluetooth.
  6. Select your vehicle name on your iPhone's discovery list. A Bluetooth pairing request pop-up will appear on your iPhone with a Personal Identification Number (PIN).
  7. Confirm that the PIN matches the code on your vehicle's SYNC screen. Tap Yes when asked.
  8. Select Pair on your iPhone. A confirmation prompt will appear on your iPhone.
  9. Tap Allow to download phone contacts to your vehicle's SYNC system. After a few seconds, a confirmation prompt will appear on your iPhone.
  10. Select Use CarPlay. A confirmation prompt will appear on your vehicle's SYNC screen.
  11. Tap Enable. 

Apple CarPlay will launch on your SYNC screen. 

SYNC 4

If your phone is already paired to SYNC 4, and you would like to connect to Apple CarPlay:

  1. Tap Settings on your vehicle's SYNC screen.
  2. Select the Phone List setting.
  3. Choose your iPhone from the displayed list.
  4. Select Enable.

If your phone is not already paired to SYNC 4, and you would like to connect to Apple CarPlay:

  1. Tap Phone.
  2. Select Add Phone.
  3. Go to Settings on your iPhone.
  4. Press Bluetooth.
  5. Select your vehicle name on your iPhone's discovery list. A Bluetooth pairing request pop-up will appear on your iPhone with a PIN.
  6. Confirm that the PIN matches the code on your vehicle's SYNC screen. Tap Yes when asked.
  7. Choose Pair on your iPhone. A confirmation prompt will appear on your iPhone.
  8. Tap Allow to download phone contacts to your vehicle's SYNC system. After a few seconds, a confirmation prompt will appear on your iPhone.
  9. Select Use CarPlay. A confirmation prompt will appear on your vehicle's SYNC screen.
  10. Press Enable. 

Apple CarPlay will launch on your SYNC screen. 

SYNC 3

  1. Enable Siri in your iPhone settings. 

    Note: Refer to your phone's operating manual or the manufacturer's website as instructions vary by model.
     
  2. Plug your iPhone into the vehicle's USB port with an Apple Lightning® cable.
  3. Tap Continue on the pop-up window on your vehicle's SYNC screen.
  4. Read the Terms & Conditions in the next pop-up window and select Agree.
  5. Press Allow on your iPhone for SYNC 3 to complete the Apple CarPlay setup. 

Apple CarPlay will automatically launch on your SYNC 3 touchscreen.

Additional Information

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

*Compatible Android or iPhone with compatible active data plan and software required. Wireless use of Android Auto requires a compatible Android 11.0+ phone and compatible active data plan. Check g.co/androidauto/requirements for compatibility. SYNC®/Ford Digital Experience does not control third-party products while in use. Third parties are solely responsible for their respective functionality.

**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.

iPhone, iPad, and Apple CarPlay are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in Canada and other countries.

The Bluetooth word mark is a trademark of the Bluetooth SIG, Inc.