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

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

Using Apple CarPlay requires connecting your iPhone®† or iPad® to your vehicle's SYNC system. This can be done using the instructions below.

Connecting Apple CarPlay to SYNC

Important: 

  • Ensure that your vehicle is on and running in a well-ventilated area, and is in Park (P).
  • A recent device update may impact its connection to your vehicle. If you are experiencing pairing issues after following the steps below, try turning your phone off, waiting 60 secs, and turning it back on.

Select your SYNC generation from the drop-down options below to learn how to connect Apple CarPlay to SYNC. 

Notes: 

  • If you need assistance determining the generation of your SYNC system, select the first drop-down option.
  • Apple CarPlay may need to be disabled to use some FordPass®†† App functions. 
  • Actual screens may vary. See your Owner’s Manual for information specific to your vehicle.

Identifying Your Vehicle's SYNC Generation

Two resources to help you identify your vehicle's SYNC generation are the:

Note: Your SYNC generation will appear on the right-hand side of the page.

SYNC 4A

To enable Apple CarPlay with SYNC 4A, determine if your device is connected to SYNC.

If your phone is not already paired to SYNC 4A:

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

If your phone is already paired to SYNC 4A:

  1. Tap Settings or the Home icon (varies by software version) on your vehicle's SYNC screen.
  2. Select Phone List.
  3. Choose your Apple device from the displayed list.
  4. Press Enable.

SYNC 4

To enable Apple CarPlay with SYNC 4, determine if your device is connected to SYNC.

If your phone is not already paired to SYNC4:

  1. Tap Phone on your vehicle's SYNC screen.
  2. Select Add Phone. 
  3. Go to Settings on your Apple device. 
  4. Tap Bluetooth. 
  5. Select your vehicle name on your Apple device's discovery list. A Bluetooth Pairing Request pop-up will appear on your device with a PIN. 
  6. Confirm that the PIN matches the code displayed on your vehicle's SYNC screen.
  7. Tap Yes when prompted. 
  8. Choose Pair on your iPhone. "Allow Contacts and Favourites Sync?" will appear on your Apple device.
  9. 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 Apple device. 
  10. Select Use CarPlay. "Would you like to enable CarPlay?" will appear on your vehicle's SYNC screen.
  11. Press the Enable button. "Connecting to Apple CarPlay" will appear, and Apple CarPlay will launch on your SYNC screen. 

If your phone is already paired to SYNC4:

  1. Tap Settings on your vehicle's SYNC screen.
  2. Select the Phone List setting.
  3. Choose your Apple device from the displayed list.
  4. Select Enable.

SYNC 3

To connect your vehicle to Apple CarPlay with SYNC 3:

  1. Enable Siri in your Apple device settings. 
  2. Connect the device to the vehicle's USB port with an Apple Lightning® cable.
  3. Tap Continue on the pop-up window on your vehicle's SYNC screen.
  4. Select Agree to accept the Terms & Conditions on the next pop-up window. 
  5. Press Allow on the device 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.

Additional Information

How do I troubleshoot issues with Apple CarPlay?

*Requires phone with active data service and compatible software. SYNC does not control third-party products while in use. Third parties are solely responsible for their respective functionality.

**Do not drive while distracted or while using handheld devices. Use voice-operated systems when possible. 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 Canada and other countries.

††The FordPass App, compatible with select smartphone platforms, is available through a free download. Message and data rates may apply.