Understand how voice commands work

Nearly every SYNC^® with MyFord Touch^® feature can be activated simply with voice commands. You can use your phone, play music, change the temperature, and access many other SYNC services. Of course, you're still able to use the 8-inch touchscreen when you prefer it to voice commands.²⁷

Voice command modes

SYNC with MyFord Touch works like a remote control for systems in your vehicle and multiple external devices, such as a Bluetooth^®-enabled phone or USB media player. Because SYNC controls many systems, it needs to know which system you want to interact with. The part of a command that tells SYNC which system you need is the "mode."⁴⁸

With voice commands, you need to tell SYNC which mode you want and wait for the prompt before telling it the task you want to complete. Once you're in a mode, when you press Voice you'll hear the prompt "<Mode>, please say a command." If your next command is within the same mode, you don't need to repeat the mode, just give SYNC the task.

However, it is no longer necessary to identify the audio source when switching between USB, Radio, and SIRIUS radio (if equipped) modes. For example, when playing media via a USB source, you do not have to say “Radio” to begin listening to a radio station, just press the Voice button, and then tell SYNC the station (ex. “FM 107.7”). Similarly, when in Radio mode, you can now press the Voice button and say “Play <Track> by <Artist>”  (ex. “Play The Ninth Symphony by Beethoven”) to listen to a specific track that is stored on your USB-connected device.

Voice command formulas

Understanding how SYNC signals

SYNC uses four tones to signal important transitions in the voice dialogue.

Icons

SYNC also uses five icons to communicate the status of the dialogue (in lower left corner of touchscreen). 

Learn More

To learn more about having a successful voice dialogue with SYNC, see How to speak to SYNC

The best way to speak to SYNC

• Enter contacts into your phonebook with both first and last names to increase the system’s ability to select the correct contact. 
• Ensure the vehicle interior is quiet (e.g., windows are closed; passengers aren’t making noise).
• When you speak, tilt your head in the direction of the SYNC microphone.
• Speak in a smooth, confident, and natural voice, avoiding “ahhs” or “umms.” 
• Say all words in a command in the correct order; for example, say “Climate” before giving Climate commands.
• Say all names and titles exactly as they are listed on your devices; if your phonebook entries show last name first, say last names first when giving phone commands. 
• You may need to give more information to complete a command—SYNC will tell you what’s needed, and you can always look at the touchscreen to see a list of the exact phrases you can say. SYNC will also tell you when you should use the touchscreen rather than speak. 
• Note than some features are restricted when driving over five mph, and even a perfect voice command will not activate them if you're traveling above that speed.