How do I transfer my phonebook to SYNC?

The phonebook transfer process varies, depending on your vehicle model and year. Once you transfer contacts from your device's contact list to SYNC®*, you can say the person's name to make a phone call inside your vehicle.

Important: 

  • The vehicle must be parked and running, and in a safe and open location (e.g., free of overhead foliage, ceilings, etc.).
  • You can download up to 2,000 entries. This process can take a few minutes, depending on the number of your contacts.

Transferring Your Contacts to SYNC

Refer to the table below for instructions based on the model and year of your vehicle.

Included VehiclesPhonebook Download Instructions
2025 model-year vehicles equipped with Digital Experience
  1. Tap the Vehicle icon on your Digital Experience screen.
  2. Select Settings.
  3. Press Bluetooth.
  4. Tap Add device. A prompt alerts you to search for your vehicle on your cell phone.
  5. Select your vehicle on your cell phone. A number appears on your in-vehicle screen and on your cell phone.
  6. Confirm the numbers match. The Digital Experience screen will indicate you have successfully paired your phone.
  7. Approve the phonebook download request on your cell phone.
  • All 2017 model year and newer vehicles equipped with SYNC
  • 2016 Ford Escape, Explorer, Edge, F-150, Focus, and Mustang vehicles equipped with SYNC
  • 2015 Ford Edge, F-150, Focus, and Mustang vehicles equipped with SYNC
  1. Pair your phone to SYNC.
  2. Press the Phone button on your vehicle's SYNC screen. 
  3. Scroll to Phone Settings.
  4. Select OK.
  5. Scroll to Phone Pref. 
  6. Choose OK.  
  7. Tap OK under Auto-Download.
  8. Scroll to Download Now. 
  9. Press OK. 

A pop-up will display "Phonebook Downloading". When completed, it will display "Download Completed". 

Note: If the vehicle's automatic phonebook downloading feature is enabled, each time the customer pairs their phone with SYNC, SYNC will copy any changes to their phone's phonebook.

Most 2016 model year and older vehicles
  1. Pair your phone to SYNC.
  2. Press the Phone button on your vehicle's SYNC screen. 
  3. Scroll to Phone Settings.
  4. Select OK.
  5. Scroll to Download Phonebook. 
  6. Tap OK. 
  7. Choose OK under Confirm Download. 

When the download is finished, "Downloaded" will be displayed. 

Note: If the vehicle's automatic phonebook downloading feature is enabled, each time the customer pairs their phone with SYNC, SYNC will copy any changes to their phone's phonebook. 

Additional Information

Why am I unable to download my phonebook to 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.