Ford Over-the-Air Software Update Frequently Asked Questions

Software updates are updates that can be automatically downloaded to equipped vehicles through cellular LTE or Wi-Fi networks. Software updates introduce new features and updates, ensuring you are always enjoying the best version of your vehicle.

Software updates occur on a rolling basis. By default, your vehicle will start the update process as soon as a new version becomes available. Keep an eye out for software update icons to show up on your vehicle's SYNC^®* screen for information about your update.

Yes. You will be notified if an update is pending and requires your permission to continue. If an update does not require action and can happen in the background, you will be notified once the update completes.

You will be notified via the SYNC 4 system, Ford Support website, and in the FordPass^®** App. 

• The SYNC 4 screen will display a message in the top banner area if updates are available, in progress, the update was successful, or if the update was unsuccessful.
• You can also check the update status on your vehicle's SYNC screen by selecting System Updates under Settings.
• You will receive push notifications to the device you use to access the FordPass App. FordPass will have additional information about a software update in your account's Message Center.
• If you are enrolled for software updates, but do not use FordPass, you will get email notifications about software updates with additional details.

You can check your SYNC system for an Update Details screen when an update becomes available. You can also visit the FordPass App and your Ford Account dashboard to view the update details.

It depends. Some updates require your vehicle to be non-drivable for a short period of time (parked with the ignition off). If that is the case, we will notify you ahead of time, so you can prepare. See the "Will I be notified when a software update is available?" FAQ. To ensure you will not need your vehicle during your scheduled update time, it is best to set your recurring schedule at a time when you know you will not need your vehicle (e.g., overnight, during work, etc.). Other updates complete seamlessly in the background and will not require a schedule.

You can find this information in your vehicle and by logging in to your FordPass App or Ford Account.

• On your vehicle's SYNC screen, go to the Settings menu and tap on System Updates to learn more. 
• In the FordPass App, you will get an alert on your Home screen where you can view the most recent successful software update details.

Some updates require your vehicle to be non-drivable for a short period of time (parked with the ignition off), with only a two-minute window to cancel, should you need it. When you set a recurring schedule, you can ensure that these types of updates will occur when you will not be driving (e.g., overnight, during work, etc.). You’ll get an in-vehicle reminder before the update takes place. 

You will get an in-vehicle reminder up to 24 hours before your scheduled installation time. You will have the ability to change your scheduled time up to two minutes before the update starts. You will also see a reminder in your FordPass App and on your Ford Account dashboard.

Yes, but it is not recommended. With Automatic Updates on, you will have a seamless update experience, and you will receive the latest features and enhancements without missing a step.

No, you cannot cancel a software update once it has started.

You will be notified in your vehicle as well as in your FordPass App and on your Ford Account dashboard. You will see a "Success" icon on your vehicle's SYNC screen.

When it is required for the update, connecting your vehicle to Wi-Fi can help you download software updates faster. You can check in your FordPass App and on your Ford Account dashboard if Wi-Fi is required for a pending update.

Not at this time.

When updating your vehicle, Wi-Fi helps ensure the fastest download process. Some updates might only be able to download to your vehicle via Wi-Fi, so for the most seamless experience, keep Wi-Fi on and connected wherever available. If Wi-Fi connectivity is spotty, there are some updates that are available for download via your cellular connection. Your System Update Status on your Ford Account and in the FordPass App will let you know if Wi-Fi is required.

We recommend setting a recurring schedule and connecting your vehicle to a frequently used and in-range private Wi-Fi network in order to get updates as soon as they become available

There could be a few reasons you did not recieve a software update:

• Your vehicle may not support software updates. Refer to your Owner’s Manual to double-check.
• If you have turned Automatic Updates off, you must have Notifications turned on in order to get software updates.
• You need to take action to progress the update. Check your vehicle's SYNC screen, your Ford Account dashboard, or the FordPass App to see if you have an update pending.

Three potential scenarios could cancel an update:

• Automatic Updates are turned on, but a schedule is not set. When this happens, you will be notified on your vehicle's SYNC screen. Setting a schedule will trigger the update again.
• Automatic Updates are turned offg and Notifications are turned on, but a one-time consent was required and not provided. You will not be notified if this happens. Turning on Automatic Updates will trigger the update again. Contact your Ford Dealer if you think you have missed an update.
• Automatic Updates are turned on but the additional consent window has passed. When this happens, you will not be notified. Setting a schedule will prevent this from happening again. Contact your dealer if you would still like to update.

There are a couple of things that may be going on:

• Automatic Update Notifications are not turned on. Change your System Update settings.
• An update may not be available yet.
• Your vehicle may not be equipped with software updates.
• Your vehicle is out of Wi-Fi or cell range.

Most likely, the requirements for the update were not met. Typically, this means the vehicle was not off, in park or the doors were open. You will be notified in-vehicle if the conditions were not met. 

Some software updates can be minor bug fixes, which may not result in any noticeable changes to your driving experience.

If you are unable to connect your vehicle to Wi-Fi, some updates can download through your vehicle’s cellular network. However, Wi-Fi helps ensure the fastest download process, so for a seamless experience, keep Wi-Fi on and connected wherever available.

Note: Full map updates will only be available via Wi-Fi.