Support>SYNC>Getting Started with SYNC>How do I connect Apple CarPlay to SYNC?

How do I connect Apple CarPlay®* to SYNC®**?

Apple CarPlay helps you control some apps from your iPhone®*** using Siri®, your vehicle's touchscreen, or steering wheel controls.

To connect Apple CarPlay to SYNC, identify which SYNC generation you have using the resources below, and then select the appropriate drop-down menu.

Identifying Your Vehicle's SYNC Generation

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

  • SYNC and Navigation Updates page allows you to enter your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or log in 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 has example images of each generation of SYNC Ford has offered.

Connecting Apple CarPlay to SYNC

SYNC 4A

If your phone is already paired to your SYNC system, then:

  1. Ensure your vehicle is parked and running in a safe, well-ventilated area.
  2. Press the Home icon on your vehicle's SYNC screen.
  3. Tap Settings.
  4. Select Phone List.
  5. Touch the applicable iPhone from the displayed list.
  6. Select Enable.

If your phone is not already paired to your SYNC system, then:

  1. Ensure your vehicle is parked and running in a safe, well-ventilated area.
  2. Press the Home icon on your vehicle's SYNC screen.
  3. Tap Phone.
  4. Select Add Phone. 
  5. Go to Settings on your iPhone. 
  6. Tap Bluetooth. 
  7. Select your vehicle name on your iPhone's discovery list. A Bluetooth pairing request pop-up will appear on your iPhone with a PIN. 
  8. Confirm that the PIN matches the code displayed on your vehicle's SYNC screen. Tap Yes when prompted. 
  9. Select Pair on your iPhone. "Allow Contacts and Favorites Sync?" will appear on your iPhone. 
  10. Tap Allow to download phone contacts to your vehicle's SYNC system. After a few seconds, "Use CarPlay with SYNC 4?" will appear on your iPhone. 
  11. Select Use CarPlay. "Would you like to enable CarPlay?" will appear on your vehicle's SYNC screen.
  12. Tap the Enable button. "Connecting to Apple CarPlay" will appear and Apple CarPlay will launch on your SYNC screen. 

SYNC 4

If your phone is already paired to your SYNC system, then:

  1. Ensure you are in a safe, well-ventilated area and start your vehicle.
  2. Tap Settings on your vehicle's SYNC screen.
  3. Select the Phone List setting.
  4. Touch the applicable iPhone from the displayed list.
  5. Select Enable.

If your phone is not already paired to your SYNC system, then:

  1. Ensure you are in a safe, well-ventilated area and start your vehicle.
  2. Tap Phone on your vehicle's SYNC screen.
  3. Select 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 PIN. 
  7. Confirm that the PIN matches the code displayed on your vehicle's SYNC screen.
  8. Tap Yes when prompted. 
  9. Select Pair on your iPhone. "Allow Contacts and Favorites Sync?" will appear on your iPhone. 
  10. Tap Allow to download phone contacts to your vehicle's SYNC system. After a few seconds, "Use CarPlay with SYNC 4?" will appear on your iPhone. 
  11. Select Use CarPlay.  "Would you like to enable CarPlay?" will appear on your vehicle's SYNC screen.
  12. Tap the Enable button. "Connecting to Apple CarPlay" will appear and Apple CarPlay will launch on your SYNC screen. 

SYNC 3

  1. Ensure you are in a safe, well-ventilated area and start your vehicle.
  2. Enable Siri in your iPhone settings. 
  3. Plug the iPhone into the vehicle's USB port with an Apple Lightning cable.
  4. Tap Continue on the pop-up window on your vehicle's SYNC screen:
    Apple CarPlay continue screen
  5. Select Agree to accept the Terms & Conditions on the next pop-up window:
    Apple CarPlay terms and conditions screen
  6. Click Allow on the iPhone for SYNC 3 to complete Apple CarPlay setup.

Once the connection is made and the Terms and Conditions are accepted, Apple CarPlay will automatically launch on your SYNC 3 touchscreen.

*Requires phone with active data service and compatible software. SYNC 3 does not control third-party products while in use. Third 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, Apple CarPlay, and Siri are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.