Ford SYNC® Connection via Android Auto™ Guide

Android Auto puts Google Maps, calls, messages and music from your Android phone on your Ford's SYNC® touchscreen so you can use them with fewer distractions. If your Ford has SYNC 3, SYNC 4 or SYNC 4A, setup is quick. You plug in your phone or pair it once over Bluetooth, and Android Auto takes it from there. Watch the video, then follow the steps that match your Ford.

How to Set Up Android Auto in Your Ford

Before you start

 
1. Start your Ford and leave it in Park.
 
2. Check your phone. Android 9 or newer works over USB, and wireless needs Android 11 or newer. Android Auto is built into Android 10 and newer. On Android 9, install the Android Auto app from Google Play first.
 
3. Have a high-quality USB cable ready, and make sure your phone has an active data plan.

Choose your connection type

Not sure which SYNC system your Ford has? On the SYNC screen, go to Settings > General > About SYNC, or check the list of compatible models below and your owner's manual. SYNC 3 connects with a USB cable. SYNC 4 and SYNC 4A can connect over Bluetooth, and a USB cable always works as a backup.

Option A: SYNC 3 (USB cable)

 
1. Pair your phone with SYNC over Bluetooth.
 
2. On the SYNC screen, select Settings, swipe to Android Auto Preferences, choose your phone and press Enable.
 
3. Connect your phone to your Ford's USB port with a high-quality USB cable.
 
4. When SYNC asks, press Continue and agree to the terms. Accept any prompt on your phone too.
 
5. Android Auto appears on the SYNC 3 touchscreen.

Option B: SYNC 4 or SYNC 4A (USB cable)

 
1. Connect your phone to your Ford's USB port with a high-quality USB cable. Use the port closest to the SYNC screen.
 
2. When the pop-up appears on the SYNC screen the first time, select Continue.
 
3. Agree to the terms on the SYNC screen and on your phone.
 
4. Android Auto appears on the SYNC screen.

Option C: SYNC 4 or SYNC 4A over Bluetooth (wireless)

 
1. Turn on Bluetooth and Wi-Fi on your phone, and make sure Wireless Android Auto is on in your phone's Android Auto settings.
 
2. Pair your phone with your Ford over Bluetooth. On the SYNC screen, tap Phone and select Add Phone, then choose your Ford in your phone's Bluetooth settings.
 
3. When the pop-up appears on the SYNC screen the first time, select Continue.
 
4. Agree to the terms on the SYNC screen and on your phone.
 
5. Android Auto should start within a few seconds. If it doesn't, connect with a USB cable.

Option D: Your phone is already paired

 
1. On SYNC 4, tap Phone, then Phone List. On SYNC 4A, tap Settings or the Home icon, then Settings and Phone List.
 
2. Select your phone from the list.
 
3. Select Connect Android Auto.

Using Android Auto in Your Ford

Once you're connected, press and hold the voice command button on your steering wheel, or say "Hey Google," and ask for what you need. You can also use the touchscreen.

From the touchscreen or by voice, you can:

 
• Get directions with Google Maps, including real-time traffic
 
• Make phone calls and send texts hands-free
 
• Listen to music, podcasts and audiobooks

Many third-party navigation, messaging and music apps also work with Android Auto. Android Auto needs an active data plan on your phone.

Turn Android Auto Off

 
• SYNC 3: Select Settings, swipe to Android Auto Preferences, choose your phone and select Disable.
 
• SYNC 4: Tap Phone, then Phone List, choose your phone and select Disconnect.
 
• SYNC 4A: Tap Settings or the Home icon, then Settings and Phone List, and select Disable Android Auto.

Android Auto Not Connecting? Try These Fixes

If Android Auto won't connect or keeps disconnecting, go through these one at a time and test after each. They follow guidance from Google and Ford.

 
• Restart your phone and turn your Ford off and on again.
 
• Try a different high-quality USB cable. On SYNC 4 and SYNC 4A, use the USB port closest to the SYNC screen. A worn or charge-only cable is a common cause of wired problems.
 
• Unplug your phone, plug it back in and wait for Android Auto to launch.
 
• Update your phone's software and the Android Auto app in Google Play.
 
• Delete SYNC from your phone's Bluetooth menu, then pair your phone with your Ford again.
 
• Connecting wirelessly? Make sure Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are on, your phone runs Android 11 or newer, and Wireless Android Auto is on in your phone's settings. If it still won't connect, use a USB cable.
 
• If you turned Android Auto off in SYNC before, turn it back on from the Phone List or Android Auto Preferences.
 
• Check for a SYNC software update on Ford's software updates page.
 
• Still stuck? Resetting the SYNC system can help, and your owner's manual has the steps for your vehicle. You can also schedule a service appointment with AutoNation Ford Scottsdale and our team will take a look.

Ford Models With Android Auto

These models support Android Auto. Features vary by model year and trim, so confirm what your Ford includes. SYNC 3 systems without a touchscreen don't support it.

Looking for a Ford with Android Auto? Browse all new vehicles or our used inventory at AutoNation Ford Scottsdale.

View New Ford Inventory

Android Auto FAQs

How do I set up Android Auto in my Ford?

Start your Ford, then plug your Android phone into the USB port with a high-quality cable. On SYNC 3, pair your phone first and enable Android Auto in the settings. On SYNC 4 or SYNC 4A, pair your phone over Bluetooth and select Continue when the pop-up appears. Agree to the terms on both screens.

Does my Ford have Android Auto?

Many Fords from 2017 on do, including the F-150, Explorer, Escape, Bronco, Mustang and Maverick. Android Auto works with SYNC 3 systems that have a touchscreen, SYNC 4, SYNC 4A and Ford Digital Experience. Check the model list on this page, since features vary by model year and trim.

Does Ford SYNC 3 have Android Auto?

Yes, on SYNC 3 systems with a touchscreen. Pair your phone with SYNC, connect it with a high-quality USB cable, and turn on Android Auto in SYNC 3 settings.

Can I use Android Auto wirelessly in my Ford?

Yes, on SYNC 4, SYNC 4A and Ford Digital Experience vehicles. You need a phone with Android 11 or newer, an active data plan and Bluetooth. If wireless doesn't connect, use a high-quality USB cable. SYNC 3 connects with a USB cable.

Why won't Android Auto connect in my Ford?

Start with the basics. Try a different high-quality USB cable and the USB port closest to the SYNC screen, restart your phone and your Ford, and update your phone and the Android Auto app. Then delete SYNC from your phone's Bluetooth menu and pair again.

Why does Android Auto keep disconnecting?

Start with the cable, since a worn or low-quality cable is a common cause. Unplug your phone, plug it back in and wait for Android Auto to launch. If it keeps dropping, delete SYNC from your phone's Bluetooth menu, pair again, and check for a SYNC software update.

How do I turn off Android Auto in my Ford?

On SYNC 3, go to Settings, swipe to Android Auto Preferences, choose your phone and select Disable. On SYNC 4, tap Phone, then Phone List, choose your phone and select Disconnect. On SYNC 4A, tap Settings or Home, then Settings and Phone List, and select Disable Android Auto.

Which Android phones work with Android Auto in a Ford?

A USB connection needs a phone with Android 9 or newer. Wireless needs Android 11 or newer and an active data plan. Android Auto is built into Android 10 and newer, and Android 9 phones need the Android Auto app from Google Play.