Support>SYNC>Getting Started with SYNC>Troubleshooting Apple CarPlay

What do I do if I am having issues with Apple CarPlay®* in my Ford?

If you are having issues using Apple CarPlay on your SYNC®** 3 or newer SYNC system, use this article to assist with troubleshooting.

Apple CarPlay Troubleshooting Process

Select your SYNC generation from the drop-downs below. To identify your SYNC version, see the SYNC Visual Reference Guide. 

SYNC 4A

Troubleshooting Tips

  • Verify your SYNC software is up-to-date. Updating the SYNC software may correct issues with Apple CarPlay.
  • Upgrade to the latest iOS® software version that is available for your device.
  • Do not connect your device to your vehicle's Wi-Fi Hotspot while using wireless Apple CarPlay.
  • Ensure your device is an iPhone®*** 5 or later and is running iOS 7.1 or newer when connecting to a USB cable.
  • Ensure your device is running iOS 9 or newer when connecting wirelessly.
    Note: Wireless connection capability can vary by iPhone model. If at any point during troubleshooting, Apple CarPlay is not working wirelessly, try using a manufacturer-approved Lightning®-to-USB cable. 

Connect your phone to Apple CarPlay either wirelessly or via a manufacturer-approved Lightning-to-USB cable using the appropriate steps below:

Connection Method

  • If you are connected with a USB:
  1. Verify Siri is enabled on your device.
  2. Use a manufacturer-approved Lightning-to-USB cable.
  3. Connect your iPhone to the Lightning-end of the cable, and connect the USB end of the cable to the USB port in the vehicle that is closest to the SYNC screen.
  4. Follow the instructions on the device and the SYNC screen to set up Apple CarPlay.
    Note: Selecting Enable Wireless CarPlay on the iPhone will prepare the device for wireless CarPlay upon any future vehicle start-up.
  • If you are attempting to connect wirelessly, verify Siri, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth®**** are enabled on your device. 
    Note: Some vehicles that support wireless CarPlay will allow you to pair your phone by plugging the phone in the vehicle's USB port with a manufacturer-approved Lightning-to-USB cable. If your vehicle supports this, you will be asked if you want to connect wirelessly for future use after plugging your device in with the USB cable. 

Additional Troubleshooting   

If Apple CarPlay does not work, either by USB or wirelessly, use the steps below to ensure that it is connected to your vehicle's SYNC system. Continue until the issue is resolved.

  1. Use another cable if one is available.
  2. Use the SYNC USB port closest to the SYNC screen. 
  3. Set the audio source to USB and try playing music from any available source (e.g., iTunes, Spotify, etc.). 
    Note: If this does not work, it is possible the USB hardware has failed. Visit a Ford Dealer to have your vehicle diagnosed.
  4. Perform a SYNC module reset.
  5. Perform a soft reset on the phone. Refer to Apple Support for instructions for your specific device.​
  6. Delete the device from the vehicle's SYNC menu using one of the options below:
    • Voice Commands 
      1. Press the Voice button. SYNC will ask for a command.
      2. Say "Delete <Name of Phone>." The screen will prompt for confirmation to delete.
      3. Press Delete.
    • Manual Steps
      1. Press the Home icon on your vehicle's SYNC screen.
      2. Tap Settings.
      3. Touch Phone List.
      4. Select your phone.
      5. Press the Delete symbol (trash can).
      6. Tap Yes.
  7. Delete SYNC from the device's Bluetooth menu using one of the options below:
    • iPhone:
      1. Go to Settings on your iPhone.
      2. Select Bluetooth.
      3. Press the i icon next to SYNC.
      4. Choose Forget This Device.
    • All other Apple devices: Refer to the manual for instructions.
  8. Pair the device to SYNC.

Once the pairing is completed, you should be able to connect to and use Apple Carplay. If the issue is still not resolved, contact the Customer Relationship Center by calling 1-800-392-3673 or selecting LIVE CHAT.

SYNC 4

Troubleshooting Tips

  • Verify your SYNC software is up-to-date. Updating the SYNC software may correct issues with Apple CarPlay.
  • Upgrade to the latest iOS® software version that is available for your device.
  • Do not connect your device to your vehicle's Wi-Fi Hotspot while using wireless Apple CarPlay.
  • Ensure your device is an iPhone®*** 5 or later and is running iOS 7.1 or newer when connecting to a USB cable.
  • Ensure your device is running iOS 9 or newer when connecting wirelessly.

Note: Wireless connection capability can vary by iPhone model. If at any point during troubleshooting, Apple CarPlay is not working wirelessly, try using a manufacturer-approved Lightning®-to-USB cable. 

Connect your phone to Apple CarPlay either wirelessly or via a manufacturer-approved Lightning-to-USB cable using the appropriate steps below:

If you are connected with a USB:

  1. Verify Siri is enabled on your device.
  2. Use a manufacturer-approved Lightning-to-USB cable.
  3. Connect your iPhone to the Lightning-end of the cable, and connect the USB end of the cable to the USB port in the vehicle that is closest to the SYNC screen.
  4. Follow the instructions on the device and the SYNC screen to set up Apple CarPlay.

Note: Selecting Enable Wireless CarPlay on the iPhone will prepare the device for wireless CarPlay upon any future vehicle start-up.

If you are attempting to connect wirelessly:

Verify Siri, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth®**** are enabled on your device.

Note: Some vehicles that support wireless CarPlay will allow you to pair your phone by plugging the phone in the vehicle's USB port with a manufacturer-approved Lightning-to-USB cable. If your vehicle supports this, you will be asked if you want to connect wirelessly for future use after plugging your device in with the USB cable.

Additional Troubleshooting   

If Apple CarPlay does not work, either by USB or wirelessly, use the steps below to ensure that it is connected to your vehicle's SYNC system. Continue until the issue is resolved.

  1. Use another cable if one is available.
  2. Use the SYNC USB port closest to the SYNC screen. 
  3. Set the audio source to USB and try playing music from any available source (e.g., iTunes, Spotify, etc.). 

Note: If this does not work, it is possible the USB hardware has failed. Visit a Ford Dealer to have your vehicle diagnosed.

  1. Perform a SYNC module reset.
  2. Perform a soft reset on the phone. Refer to Apple Support for instructions for your specific device.​
  3. Delete the device from the vehicle's SYNC menu using one of the options below:
    • Voice Commands 
      1. Press the Voice button. SYNC will ask for a command.
      2. Say "Delete <Name of Phone>." The screen will prompt for confirmation to delete.
      3. Press Delete.
    • Manual Steps
      1. Press the Home icon on your vehicle's SYNC screen.
      2. Tap Settings.
      3. Touch Phone List.
      4. Select your phone.
      5. Press the Delete symbol (trash can).
      6. Tap Yes.
  4. Delete SYNC from the device's Bluetooth menu using one of the options below:
    • iPhone:
      1. Go to Settings on your iPhone.
      2. Select Bluetooth.
      3. Press the i icon next to SYNC.
      4. Choose Forget This Device.
    • All other Apple devices: Refer to the manual for instructions.
  5. Pair the device to SYNC.

Once the pairing is completed, you should be able to connect to and use Apple Carplay. If the issue is still not resolved, contact the Customer Relationship Center by calling 1-800-392-3673 or selecting LIVE CHAT.

SYNC 3

Troubleshooting Tips

  • Verify your SYNC software is up-to-date. Updating the SYNC software may correct any issues with Apple CarPlay.
  • Upgrade to the latest iOS® software version that is available for your device.
  • Ensure your device is an iPhone 5®*** or later and is running iOS 7.1 or newer.
  • Confirm your phone is connected with a manufacturer-approved Lightning to USB cable. Wireless Apple CarPlay is not available.

Note: 2016 vehicles with SYNC software version 2.0 or greater will need to visit a Ford Dealer for a hardware and software update to add Apple CarPlay functionality.

If you are still having issues:

  1. Try using a different cable. 
  2. Use the SYNC USB port closest to the SYNC screen. 
  3. Set the audio source to USB and try playing music from any available source (e.g., iTunes, Spotify, etc.). 

Note: If this does not work, the USB hardware may have failed. Contact the Customer Relationship Center by calling 1-800-392-3673 or selecting LIVE CHAT.

  1. Perform a SYNC module reset.
  2. Perform a soft reset on the phone. Refer to Apple Support for instructions for your specific device.​
  3. Delete the device from the vehicle's SYNC menu using one of the options below:
    • Voice Commands 
      1. Press the Voice button. SYNC will ask for a command.
      2. Say "Delete <Name of Phone>." The screen will prompt for confirmation to delete.
      3. Press Delete.
    • Manual Steps
      1. Tap Settings on your vehicle's SYNC screen.
      2. Touch Phone List.
      3. Select your phone.
      4. Press the Delete symbol (trash can).
      5. Tap Yes.
  4. Delete SYNC from the device's Bluetooth®**** menu using one of the options below:
    • iPhone:
      • Go to Settings on your iPhone.
      • Select Bluetooth.
      • Press the i icon next to SYNC.
      • Choose Forget This Device.
    • All other devices: Refer to the device's manual for instructions.
  5. Pair the device to SYNC.

Once the pairing is completed, you should be able to connect to and use Apple CarPlay. If the issue is still not resolved, contact the Customer Relationship Center by calling 1-800-392-3673 or selecting LIVE CHAT.

SYNC 3 Non-Touchscreen

Apple CarPlay is not supported.

Additional Information

Apple CarPlay Vehicle Availability

*Requires phone with active data service and compatible software. SYNC 3 does not control 3rd party products while in use.  3rd Parties are solely responsible for their respective functionality.

**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. 

***IPhone, iOS, iPad, and iPod touch are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.

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