Why is my activation pending in FordPass?

Why is my activation pending in FordPass®*?

Your FordPass activation can go into a pending status for multiple reasons, including signal strength and approval status. Use the steps below for more details.

Note: If you need to approve a request, visit the Authorize Another User topic for steps. 

Access Pending in FordPass

To view related activation and access troubleshooting steps, confirm your version of FordPass, and select from the drop-down options below for more steps. 

FordPass App 5.X Experience

If your access is pending in FordPass and:

Situation Steps
You are the primary user, complete the vehicle connection.
  1. Safely enter your vehicle.
  2. Ensure that your vehicle is on, running, parked, and in a well-ventilated safe area.
  3. Confirm that your in-vehicle connectivity settings are on.
  4. Open the FordPass App.
  5. Tap the Connect to Vehicle tile.
  6. Select I've Started My Vehicle.
  7. Read and accept the prompt on your vehicle screen. 
  8. Press Check Connection Status once you accept the in-vehicle prompt.

FordPass will route you back to the Vehicle screen and the remote commands (if available) should appear below your vehicle image.

Note: The connection may take up to two minutes to complete. 

You receive a message advising your Connectivity Settings are Off:
  1. Open the FordPass App
  2. Tap the Connect to Vehicle tile. 
  3. Follow the instructions to enable connectivity settings on your vehicle screen.
  4. Select I've Enabled Connectivity in FordPass. 
  5. Read and accept the prompt on your vehicle screen. 
  6. Press Check Connection Status once you accept the in-vehicle prompt.
You are a secondary user, check your access status.
  1. Open the FordPass App.
  2. Tap the Access Pending tile.
  3. Select Check My Access Request.

One of the following options will appear:

  • Access Pending: This means an authorized driver has not approved your request. 
  • Access Denied: This means your request has been denied. 

If you need additional assistance, contact a Guide using the Account > Contact Help options. 

FordPass App 4.X Experience

If your activation is pending in FordPass:

Action Steps
Complete the in-vehicle acceptance prompt
  1. Safely enter your vehicle.
  2. Ensure that your vehicle is on, running (not in Accessory mode), parked, and in a well-ventilated safe area.
  3. Read and accept the prompt that appears on your vehicle screen. 

    Note: If the activation prompt does not appear in your vehicle:

    1. Check your cellular strength and or Wi-Fi® connection.
      • Wi-Fi connection 
        • If Wi-Fi is turned off, turn Wi-Fi on and attempt to connect.
        • If Wi-Fi is turned on, turn Wi-Fi off and attempt to connect using cellular data.
      • Cellular connection 
        • If cellular data is turned off, turn cellular data on and attempt to connect.
        • If cellular data is turned on, turn cellular data off and attempt to connect using Wi-Fi.
    2. Ensure you are not connected to Bluetooth®** in your vehicle.
    3. Wait at least 90 seconds for your vehicle to show the on-screen prompt.
Confirm whether your vehicle has already been activated
  • Yes, but I am the only user - You may have another email address that contains your authorized vehicle. Log out of FordPass and log in with your other email address.
  • Yes, but I am a secondary user - You will need approval from an authorized user
    1. Go to the Home screen of FordPass.
    2. Tap Request Authorization.

      Note: Your request will be sent to all current activated users via an in-app message. Once approved, you will have command access. 

Confirm you were able to use commands in the past
  • If you were able to use commands before, but no longer have access, ensure you did not create a second account after deleting FordPass or attempting to log in. 
  • If you had access before, you may have another email address that contains your authorized vehicle. Log out of your current account and log in with your initial email address.

If you attempted/confirmed the steps above and your vehicle did not activate, contact a guide using the Account > Help options for additional assistance.

More FordPass Information

For more detailed information on FordPass features and functions, visit our FordPass support page and browse by your preferred topic.

Helpful FordPass Support Categories

Additional Information 

How do I request FordPass vehicle access?


*FordPass® App, compatible with select smartphone platforms, is available via a download. Message and data rates may apply. 

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