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How to install SYNC® updates to your vehicle

Install the latest SYNC software updates to your vehicle. To get started, download the software updates to a USB drive. After you’ve installed the updates in your vehicle, be sure to report the successful installation.27

The method for installing your latest SYNC software update will vary, depending on your vehicle model and year.

If you have a 2017 model year SYNC-equipped vehicle or newer, or one of the 2016 and 2015 vehicles listed below, follow the first set of instructions.

  • 2016 model year, SYNC-equipped Edge, Escape, Explorer, F-150, Focus, Mustang.

  • 2015 model year, SYNC-equipped Edge, F-150, Focus, Mustang.

If you have an older vehicle that is not listed above, follow the second set of instructions.

First set of instructions

Before you start

There are a few things you should do before starting step 1:

  • Familiarize yourself with your vehicle’s USB port, controls, and display

  • Note any saved Navigation points. You’ll need to re-enter them after the installation is complete

  • To perform the following steps, you must first complete the previous procedure: How to download software updates to a USB drive

    Please Note: The USB drive should not contain other files, as they may affect the process.

  1. Turn on your vehicle as power must remain stable during the update.

    Make sure your vehicle is in a well-ventilated area as your vehicle will need to be turned on and running until the update is complete.

  2. Plug the USB drive into USB port in the vehicle. Be sure you are using the USB drive with the software updates you downloaded.

  3. Press Menu.

  4. Scroll to SYNC-Settings.

  5. Press OK.

  6. Scroll to Install on SYNC and press OK.

  7. Select Yes to the prompt that appears on your screen.

  8. You will hear an audio prompt explaining that SYNC will reboot and start the update.

    SYNC will now be unresponsive for the duration of the update, which may take up to 10 - 20 minutes.

  9. At the end of the installation your SYNC will say “Your SYNC system update is complete. The system will now reboot. Please wait a few moments before trying to use the system.”

  10. After this, SYNC will finish rebooting. You can verify the update was complete by scrolling to and selecting SYNC-Settings and then selecting Systems info.  The latest software version will display on screen.

  11. Once you’ve installed the updates in your vehicle, be sure to report the successful installation to complete the process.

Second set of instructions

Before you start

There are a few things you should do before starting step 1:

  • Familiarize yourself with your vehicle’s USB port, controls, and display

  • Note any saved Navigation points. You’ll need to re-enter them after the installation is complete

  • To perform the following steps, you must first complete the previous procedure: How to download software updates to a USB drive

    Please Note: The USB drive should not contain other files, as they may affect the process.

  1. Take the USB drive with the software updates to your vehicle. Turn on your vehicle, and then turn on the radio.

    Make sure your vehicle is in a well-ventilated area. Your vehicle will need to be turned on, with the engine running between ten and thirty five minutes. Make sure that your vehicle is not in Accessory mode.

  2. Turn off Bluetooth on your phone if it is in the vehicle.

  3. Plug the USB drive in to your vehicle’s USB port. Make sure it is completely plugged into the port.

  4. Press the Phone button in the vehicle.

  5. Scroll to Return.

  6. Press OK.

  7. Scroll to Advanced.

  8. Press OK.

  9. Scroll to Install Application.

  10. Press OK.

  11. SYNC automatically detects the files on your USB drive and then displays “Install Application?” Press OK to confirm.

  12. SYNC displays “Installing Application” during the process. Do not remove your USB drive or turn off your vehicle while this update is in progress.  Shortly after installation has begun, SYNC says “Your download is in progress and the system may reboot several times during the update. Please wait up to 10 min until you hear your SYNC system update was completed. You may then use SYNC.”  Ignore this message.  It refers to a specific phase of the installation, not the overall update process. While the update is loading, SYNC will not recognize your mobile phone or media device.

  13. In another approximately 10 minutes (timing may vary per update), SYNC says “Installation Complete.” SYNC may also say, “Your SYNC system update is complete. The system will now reboot. Please wait a few moments before trying to use the system.” The system then reboots, which takes several minutes. Do not attempt to use SYNC during this time.

  14. SYNC displays “Installation Complete.”  Press MENU to exit installation mode. 

    It is now safe to remove your USB drive.

  15. Once you have installed the SYNC software updates, you’ll need to pair your phone again. To complete the process, take the USB drive to your computer to report the successful installation.

Quick Tip

Need help installing SYNC software updates?

Your dealer can also install SYNC software updates. There may be a charge for this service, so check with your dealer first.