How do I connect Apple CarPlay to my Ford vehicle?

You can set up Apple CarPlay®* with Ford Digital Experience**or SYNC®† by connecting your iPhone® or iPad® via USB or Bluetooth® (if enabled).

Connecting your Vehicle to Apple CarPlay 

Important: 

  • Your vehicle must be parked and running, and in an open, well-ventilated, and safe area.
  • 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 device off, waiting 60 seconds, and turning it back on.

Select Ford Digital Experience or your SYNC generation from the drop-down options below to learn how to connect to Apple CarPlay. If you need assistance determining the generation of your SYNC system, select the first drop-down option.

Note: Instructions may vary. Refer to your Owner's Manual for information specific to your vehicle. 

Identifying Your Vehicle's SYNC Generation

Select a resource in the table below to help you identify your vehicle's SYNC generation.

ResourceInstructions
SYNC and Navigation Updates page

Either:

Your SYNC generation will appear on the right side of the page under the “SYNC Current Version” heading.

SYNC Visual Reference GuideView example images of SYNC generations that Ford has offered.

Ford Digital Experience

  1. Enable Bluetooth on your device.

    Note: Refer to your device's manual or the manufacturer's website, as instructions vary by manufacturer and model. 
     
  2. Select Start Apple CarPlay when the pop-up message appears on your vehicle's screen.

The initial setup is completed, and an Apple CarPlay icon will display on the left side menu of the touchscreen.

SYNC 4A

If your device is already paired to SYNC 4A, and you would like to connect to Apple CarPlay:

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

If your device is not already paired to SYNC 4A, and you would like to connect to Apple CarPlay:

  1. Tap the Settings or Home icon on your vehicle's SYNC screen.
  2. Select Phone.
  3. Press Add Phone.
  4. Go to Settings on your device.
  5. Tap Bluetooth.
  6. Select your vehicle name on your device's discovery list. A Bluetooth pairing request pop-up will appear on your device with a Personal Identification Number (PIN).
  7. Confirm that the PIN matches the code on your vehicle's SYNC screen. Tap Yes when asked.
  8. Select Pair on your device. A confirmation prompt will appear on your device.
  9. Tap Allow to download phone contacts to your vehicle's SYNC system. After a few seconds, a confirmation prompt will appear on your device.
  10. Select Use CarPlay. A confirmation prompt will appear on your vehicle's SYNC screen.
  11. Tap Enable. 

Apple CarPlay will launch on your SYNC screen. 

SYNC 4

If your device is already paired to SYNC 4, and you would like to connect to Apple CarPlay:

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

If your device is not already paired to SYNC 4, and you would like to connect to Apple CarPlay:

  1. Tap Phone.
  2. Select Add Phone.
  3. Go to Settings on your device.
  4. Press Bluetooth.
  5. Select your vehicle name on your 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 on your vehicle's SYNC screen. Tap Yes when asked.
  7. Choose Pair on your device. A confirmation prompt will appear on your device.
  8. Tap Allow to download phone contacts to your vehicle's SYNC system. After a few seconds, a confirmation prompt will appear on your device.
  9. Select Use CarPlay. A confirmation prompt will appear on your vehicle's SYNC screen.
  10. Press Enable. 

Apple CarPlay will launch on your SYNC screen. 

SYNC 3

  1. Enable Siri in your Apple device settings. 

    Note: Refer to your device's manual or the manufacturer's website, as instructions vary by model. 
     
  2. Plug the device into the vehicle's USB port with an Apple-manufactured cable.
  3. Tap Continue on the pop-up window on your vehicle's SYNC screen.
  4. Read the Terms & Conditions in the next pop-up window and select Agree.
  5. Press Allow on your device for SYNC 3 to complete the Apple CarPlay setup. 

Apple CarPlay will launch on your SYNC screen.

Additional Information

What should I do if I am having issues with Apple CarPlay in my Ford?
How do I turn off Apple CarPlay with SYNC? 
What Ford vehicles are compatible with Apple CarPlay?

*Requires a phone with an 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.

**Some Ford Digital Experience features require a Connected Services plan. Don’t 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.

†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, iPad, and Apple CarPlay are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in Canada and other countries.

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