Support>SYNC>Troubleshooting>How do I perform a SYNC master reset?

How do I perform a SYNC®* master reset?

The steps to perform a master reset on your SYNC system can be found below.

A SYNC master reset erases all stored data, such as call history, text messages, previously paired phones, navigation favorites, and modem activation. We recommend that you perform a master reset:

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

Identifying Your Vehicle's SYNC Generation

There are two resources to help you identify your vehicle's SYNC generation:

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

SYNC Master Reset Instructions

Select your SYNC generation from the list below to learn how to perform a master reset:

SYNC 4A

Important:

Before you start:

  • Your vehicle must be in park and running, not in accessory mode.
  • Make sure you are in a well-ventilated area.
  1. Tap the Home icon on the left-hand side of their vehicle's SYNC 4A screen.
  2. Press Settings.
  3. Press Reset.
  4. Press Master Reset.
  5. Follow the prompts on the screen to complete the reset.

SYNC 4

Important:

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

Before you start:

  • Your vehicle must be in park and running, not in accessory mode.
  • Make sure you are in a well-ventilated area.
  1. Tap Settings on their vehicle's SYNC screen.
  2. Press Reset.
  3. Press Master Reset.
  4. Follow the prompts on the screen to complete the reset.

SYNC 3

Performing a System Reset

Before performing a master reset, try resetting the system to restore functionality that has stopped working. The system reset does not delete any data you have stored. 

Before you start:

  • Your vehicle must be in park and running, not in accessory mode.
  • Make sure you are in a well-ventilated area.
  1. Simultaneously press and hold the Seek up and the audio unit Power buttons until the screen goes black.
  2. Wait three minutes to allow the system to complete the reset.
  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

  1. Start your vehicle. Ensure your vehicle is in park and running, not in accessory mode.
  2. Press Settings on your vehicle's SYNC screen.
  3. Choose General.
  4. Scroll down and press Master Reset. A message confirming that all system settings will be erased and reset to factory defaults will appear.
  5. 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. 

SYNC 3 4-Inch Non-Touchscreen

Before you start:

  • Your vehicle must be in park and running, not in accessory mode.
  • Make sure you are in a well-ventilated area.
  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.

SYNC® with MyFord Touch®

Before you start:

  • Your vehicle must be in Park and running, not in Accessory mode.
  • Make sure you are in a well-ventilated area.
  1. Press the Gear Icon on your vehicle's SYNC screen.
  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

SYNC with MyFord

Before you start:

  • Your vehicle must be in Park and running, not in accessory mode.
  • Make sure you are in a well-ventilated area.
  1. Press the AUX hard button.
  2. Press the MENU hard 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. For specific information to your vehicle, refer to your Owner's Manual.

SYNC with Voice-Activated Navigation

Before you start:

  • Your vehicle must be in park and running, not in accessory mode.
  • Make sure you are in a well-ventilated area.
  1. Press the PHONE hard 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.

SYNC Gen 1.1

Before you start:

  • Your vehicle must be in park and running, not in accessory mode.
  • Make sure you are in a well-ventilated area.
  1. Press the MENU hard button.
  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.

SYNC Gen 1

Before you start:

  • Your vehicle must be in Park and running, not in accessory mode.
  • Make sure you are in a well-ventilated area.
  1. Press the PHONE hard 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 read "Reset Completed."

*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 Service 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.