How does Android Auto work with my Ford?

Android Auto™* is a way to use Google Assistant™ while driving your vehicle. It provides access to mobile features and apps, such as on-screen navigation, text messaging, and more through your infotainment system.

Getting Started With Android Auto

Select a topic from the drop-down options below to learn more about Android Auto.

Android Auto Vehicle Availability

Refer to the table below for Android Auto availability based on your vehicle model year and infotainment system.

Model YearAvailability
2017 and newerVehicles equipped with Ford Digital Experience®**, SYNC®† 4A, SYNC 4, or SYNC 3 (except SYNC 3 systems without a touchscreen)
2016Vehicle equipped with SYNC 3 at software version 3.0 or greater (except SYNC 3 systems without a touchscreen). See the What SYNC version do I have in my Ford vehicle? topic for assistance in identifying your SYNC software version.
2000 and newerVehicles equipped with SYNC with MyFord Touch®, SYNC with MyFord, SYNC with Next-Generation Navigation, SYNC Generation (Gen) 1.1 and SYNC Gen 1 are not compatible with Android Auto.

Android Auto Device Requirements

Android Auto requires an Android™ device running Android 8.0 and up with a data plan and the latest version of Android Auto from the Google Play™ store. 

Not all devices may be compatible. 

Launching Android Auto

  1. Download Android Auto from the Google Play store.
  2. Connect your phone to Ford Digital Experience/SYNC.
    • Ford Digital Experience, SYNC 4A, and SYNC 4: The phone should be connected via Bluetooth®.

      Note: Ford Digital Experience, SYNC 4A, and SYNC 4 Bluetooth connections vary by the phone manufacturer. In cases where a wireless connection is not working, connect using a high-quality USB cable.
       
    • SYNC 3: The phone must be paired with SYNC and connected to the vehicle using a high-quality USB cable.

Once connected, Android Auto will appear on your vehicle's screen.

Using Android Auto

Instructions for performing Android Auto functions like making calls, using navigation, asking Google™ questions, and listening to music can be found on the Android Auto help page.

Enabling or Disabling Android Auto

Ford Digital Experience

  1. Press the Apps Drawer (six dots) icon on your vehicle's Ford Digital Experience screen.
  2. Tap Settings.
  3. Select Bluetooth.
  4. Find the device, and select the Android Auto button.

SYNC 4A

  1. Tap the Settings or the Home icon on your vehicle's SYNC screen.
  2. Select Phone List.
  3. Press:
    • Connect Android Auto to enable if Android Auto is not already enabled.
    • Disable Android Auto to disconnect Android Auto.

SYNC 4

  1. Select Phone on your vehicle's SYNC screen.
  2. Press Phone List.
  3. Select your phone from the Phone List.
  4. Press:
    • Connect Android Auto to enable if Android Auto is not already enabled.
    • Disconnect to disable Android Auto.

SYNC 3

  1. Select Settings.
  2. Swipe to Android Auto Preferences.
  3. Choose your phone from the list of devices.
  4. Press:
    • Enable to connect to Android Auto.
    • Enable, then select Disable from the available options to disconnect from Android Auto.

Android Auto Compatible Apps

Visit the Google Play website to learn more about compatible apps.

Android Auto Troubleshooting

If you are experiencing a concern while using Android Auto, refer to the What should I do if I am having issues with Android Auto? topic.

More SYNC Information

For more detailed information on SYNC features and functions, visit our Ford support page and browse by your preferred topic.

Helpful SYNC Support Categories

*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 4 and Ford Digital Experience do not control third-party products while in use. Third parties are solely responsible for their respective functionality.

**Some Ford Digital Experience features require a Connectivity 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.

Android, Android Auto, Google Maps and other marks are trademarks of Google LLC.

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.