How do I use SYNC AppLink with my iPhone?

Many of us want to be connected everywhere, all the time. SYNC® AppLink™ allows you to use your compatible iPhone® mobile apps while keeping your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel. 27,43,63

Here’s how to use SYNC AppLink* with your iPhone* or other iOS device.63 *SYNC AppLink works with iOS devices, such as iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch, iOS 6.0 and later. Apple® users must connect their devices via USB and have compatible apps running in background. 

Here’s how to get started:

Pair your phone with SYNC 3.

Download or update the latest version of your SYNC-compatible mobile apps on your iPhone. (See the SYNC-compatible apps catalog.)

Note: Make sure you have an active account for the app you just downloaded. Some apps will work automatically with no setup. Others will require you to configure your personal settings and personalize your experience by creating stations or Favorites. It’s best to complete configuration and personalization before connecting your device to SYNC.

Connect your iPhone using a USB cable to one of the SYNC USB ports. (For the exact location of USB ports, please check your Owner Manuals.)

Open the app on your iPhone and have the app running in the foreground.

Note: Apple iOS devices (such as iPhone®, iPad® and iPod® touch) use multitasking to allow you to quickly switch between apps. Multitasking allows some apps to run, some to run in the background, and some to be suspended. When your iOS device is connected to SYNC, apps that are not running will not appear. See Accessing apps that are not running, below.

Press the Apps icon in the Feature bar at the bottom of the SYNC 3 touchscreen.

  • Or Press the Voice button and say, “Mobile apps.”

Press the icon of the app you wish to use on the SYNC 3 touchscreen.

Note: You may be prompted with messaging asking you to enable mobile apps. Select Yes to enable mobile apps. When your choice has been confirmed, press Close, and re-select the app you wish to use.

Now you can use the SYNC 3 touchscreen, steering wheel controls, and voice commands to control the app.

Note: App-specific voice commands can be found in the SYNC AppLink catalog. After choosing an app listed in the catalog, click View SYNC Voice Commands.

You can also change apps in the Apps menu on the touchscreen or by voice command.

  • Or, you can access audio apps by pressing the Audio icon in the Feature bar at the bottom of the touchscreen, selecting Source, and then choosing the desired app.

Accessing apps on SYNC 3 when they’re not running

When your iOS device is connected to SYNC 3, apps that are not running will not appear.

To access apps that are not running:

  • Ensure your vehicle is running and your iOS device is plugged into one of the USB ports. Allow 10 seconds for the devices to begin communicating.
  • Open the AppLink compatible app that you wish to control via SYNC.
  • On the SYNC 3 touchscreen, press the Apps icon in the Feature bar and allow up to 10 seconds for SYNC to find the App.
  • Select the App once it appears on the touchscreen.
  • Repeat this process for each additional App you wish to access.

Access the desired app with voice commands.

Notes:

SYNC AppLink is available on select models and compatible with select smartphone platforms.

SYNC AppLink is not compatible with MyFord Touch®. Commands may vary by phone and SYNC AppLink software. Compatible apps must be installed and running on compatible devices.

In order to enable mobile apps, SYNC requires user consent to send and receive app authorization information and updates using the data plan associated with the connected device. The connected device sends data to Ford in the United States. The information is encrypted and includes your VIN, SYNC module number, anonymous usage statistics and debugging information. Updates may take place automatically.

Standard data rates apply. Ford is not responsible for any additional charges you may receive from your service provider, when your vehicle sends or receives data through the connected device. This includes any additional charges incurred due to driving in areas when roaming out of a home network.

App Permissions

The system organizes the App permissions into groups. You can grant these group permissions individually. You can change a permission group status any time when not driving, by using the settings menu. While in the settings menu, you can also see the data included in each group.
When you launch an app using SYNC, the system may ask you to grant certain permissions, for example Vehicle information, Driving characteristics, GPS and Speed, and/or Push notifications. You can enable all groups or none of them during the initial app permissions prompts. The settings menu offers individual group permission control.

Note: You are only prompted to grant permissions the first time you use an app with SYNC.