Support>SYNC>Getting Started with SYNC>How do I activate Android Auto with SYNC?

How do I activate Android Auto™* with SYNC®**?

Android Auto with SYNC allows you to access your phone, make calls, send and receive messages, or listen to music in your vehicle. To activate Android Auto, identify which generation of SYNC you have, then select the appropriate drop-down menu below.

Important: Some SYNC features, such as the optional navigation system, will not be available when using Android Auto.

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.

Activating Android Auto with SYNC

SYNC 4A

To activate Android Auto with SYNC 4A:

  1. Confirm the following:
    • The latest version of the Android Auto App is installed on your Android™*** device.
    • Your Android device is paired to the vehicle's SYNC system via Bluetooth®****. For assistance with this process, see Pairing a Phone with SYNC.
      Notes: 
      • SYNC 4A can be connected wirelessly via Bluetooth depending on your Android device's capability. If pairing your device wirelessly does not work, use a manufacturer-provided USB cable.
      • Wireless connections require:
        • An active data plan.
        • 5GHz Wi-Fi connection.
        • Google™*** or Samsung®***** smartphones with Android 10.0 (or newer).
        • Samsung Galaxy S8®*****, S8+®*****, or Note 9®***** smartphones with Android 9.0 (or newer).
        • Any other Android smartphone with Android 11.0 (or newer).
      • USB connections require:
        • Android smartphones.
        • Android 6.0 or higher.
  2. Enable Android Auto from your vehicle's SYNC screen.
    1. Select Settings.
    2. Press Android Auto Preferences.
    3. Select Enable Android Auto.
  3. Press Continue.
  4. Read the Terms & Conditions and select Agree to accept.

Note: If 911 Assist®****** is not yet enabled, an additional screen will display asking you to enable it. Press Skip This Step or use the toggle to turn 911 Assist on, then select Continue.

  1. Accept the Terms & Conditions on your smartphone.
  2. Select Yes or Accept on any prompts that appear on your phone when accepting the connection.

Android Auto will now appear as a tile on your vehicle's SYNC screen.

SYNC 4

To activate Android Auto with SYNC 4:

  1. Confirm the following:
    • The latest version of the Android Auto App is installed on your Android device.
    • Your Android device is paired to the vehicle's SYNC system via Bluetooth. For assistance with this process, see Pairing a Phone with SYNC.
      Notes: 
      • SYNC 4 can be connected wirelessly via Bluetooth depending on your Android device's capability. If pairing your device wirelessly does not work, use a manufacturer-provided USB cable.
      • Wireless connections require:
        • An active data plan.
        • 5GHz Wi-Fi connection.
        • Google or Samsung smartphones with Android 10.0 (or newer).
        • Samsung Galaxy S8, S8+, or Note 9 smartphones with Android 9.0 (or newer).
        • Any other Android smartphone with Android 11.0 (or newer).
      • USB connections require:
        • Android smartphones.
        • Android 6.0 or higher.
  2. Enable Android Auto from your vehicle's SYNC screen.
    1. Select Settings.
    2. Press Android Auto Preferences.
    3. Select Enable Android Auto.
  3. Press Continue.
  4. Read the Terms & Conditions and select Agree to accept.

Note: If 911 Assist is not yet enabled, an additional screen will display asking you to enable it. Press Skip This Step or use the toggle to turn 911 Assist on, then select Continue.

  1. Accept the Terms & Conditions on your smartphone.
  2. Select Yes or Accept on any prompts that appear on your phone when accepting the connection.

Android Auto will now appear as a tile on your vehicle's SYNC screen.

SYNC 3

To activate Android Auto with SYNC 3:

  1. Confirm the following:
    • The latest version of the Android Auto App is installed on your Android device.
    • Your Android device is paired to your vehicle's SYNC system using a manufacturer-provided USB cable. For assistance with this process, see Pairing a Phone with SYNC.
      Note: USB connections require:
      • Android smartphones running Android 6.0 or higher.
      • An active data plan.
  2. Enable Android Auto from your vehicle's SYNC screen.
    1. Select Settings.
    2. Press Android Auto Preferences.
    3. Select Enable Android Auto.
  3. Press Continue.
  4. Read the Terms & Conditions and select Agree to accept.

Note: If 911 Assist is not yet enabled, an additional screen will display asking you to enable it. Press Skip This Step or use the toggle to turn 911 Assist on, then select Continue.

  1. Accept the Terms & Conditions on your smartphone.
  2. Select Yes or Accept on any prompts that appear on your phone when accepting the connection.

Android Auto will now appear as a tile on your vehicle's SYNC screen.

Additional Information

How do I disable Android Auto?

*Requires phone with active data service and compatible software. SYNC 4 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.

***Android, Android Auto, and Google are trademarks of Google LLC.

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

*****Samsung, Galaxy S8, Galaxy S8+, and Note 9 are trademarks of Samsung.

******The vehicle's electrical system (including the battery), the wireless service provider's signal, and a connected mobile phone must all be available and operating for 911 Assist to function properly.  These systems may become damaged in a crash. The paired mobile phone must be connected to SYNC, and the 911 Assist feature enabled, in order for 911 to be dialed. When the feature is ON, 911 Assist uses your paired and connected mobile phone to assist occupants to contact emergency services by dialing 911 if your airbag deploys or, on certain vehicles, if the emergency fuel pump shut-off is activated.
Aftermarket on-board diagnostic devices may interfere with various vehicle systems including Vehicle Health Report and 911 Assist. To avoid interference, remove the device or contact the device maker for more information on compatibility.