Ford Sync Bluetooth Audio Won’t Work? Here’s What To Do

Having trouble connecting your phone to your Ford vehicle? Is your music not playing like it’s supposed to? You’re certainly not alone. There’s no denying it would be fantastic if all of our current day technology would work the way it is supposed to, both in the vehicle and outside of it. However, it unfortunately doesn’t always shake out that way. Bluetooth phone connections to vehicles have a reputation for being particularly difficult to work with. In this short guide, we are going to provide you with some advice on finally getting that connection to work correctly. Read through what we have to say and you should have a much easier time connecting in the future to take full advantage of your phone audio and vehicle Sync system. This will allow you to get on the road right away without having to fiddle with your phone and radio for 10 minutes first. That’s something we think anyone can appreciate.

1. Full System Reset

The first thing to do if you run into Ford Sync Bluetooth audio not working is to completely restart the vehicle’s system. This means turning the ignition off, and opening and closing the door to reset the computer. Wait for the system to fully shut down, and then wait an additional 30 seconds. This will ensure that the computer system gets a full reset. From there, turn your vehicle back on and wait for the computer system to fully boot back up. Once it has, try to connect your phone via Bluetooth once again.

This is one of the most common fixes for Ford Sync Bluetooth audio system that won’t work. Chances are, once you turn ignition off and back on, you’ll be able to easily connect your phone to the vehicle. However, if this does not fix your problem, there’s still some more advice we have to share with you.

2. Retry Connection

One of the issues that can commonly pop is a faulty connection between the phone and vehicle computer. The way to reset this is by turning Bluetooth off on your phone and then back on. Then do the same thing on the Sync computer. To do this, you’ll have to navigate to the Phone button, then System Settings. Go to Bluetooth Devices and turn the system off, and then back on once again. Reset Bluetooth to see if things are working as intended and you could find all your problems have gone away. This is actually one of the most common fixes, though it can get quite annoying if you have to do it over and over again.

After you’ve finished this step, try connecting the phone to the Bluetooth system again. Do this in the Sync system and then again in the Bluetooth settings of your phone. If everything is working correctly, your phone will connect to the vehicle now and will automatically connect whenever you turn the vehicle on in the future.

3. Reset Phone Pairing

If neither of our other tips helped fix your connection, this next thing might do the trick. Go into your phone’s Bluetooth settings and see if you can find the Ford Sync system on your phone’s list. If you do see it but your connection still isn’t working, click on the connection and have your phone forget it. You can also delete your phone from the Ford Sync system by going to Phone, System Settings, and then Delete Device.

From there, you’ll have to re-connect via the pairing system, which your vehicle’s computer should be able to walk you through. You’ll usually have to just click on the Phone button on your Ford Sync system. This will send out a Bluetooth signal, which your phone should pick up. Use the Bluetooth settings screen to select the Ford system’s signal, and your phone and the vehicle computer should walk you through the rest of the process.

4. Full Phone Restart

It is possible that the problem you’re having is on your phone’s end and not the Ford Sync system. Phones are typically easier to work with compared to Sync, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have problems of their own from time to time. One thing you can try is to fully reset your phone. Turn the power off and even take out the battery if you are able to. Waiting 30 seconds before turning your phone back on. From there, go ahead and attempt to connect to the Ford Sync system once again.

If you’re still dealing with Ford Sync Bluetooth audio not working, don’t give up on your Sync system or Bluetooth just yet. Keep on troubleshooting until you find a fix. As much of a pain as it can be, these problems are nearly always fixable through one of these processes rather than having to take the vehicle in to a professional technician.

5. Master Reset

Finally, if none of the other steps are helping with your Ford Sync Bluetooth audio not working, there’s something else you can try. It should be used only as a last resort, because it will reset any personal information from your Ford Sync system. In order to perform a master reset, turn your vehicle on but make sure it is in park. From there, go to Settings, then General. In this list, you should see an item titled Master Reset. Click on it and hit continue if you’re sure you want to go through with it. Then the computer system will reset itself, which will probably take a few minutes. Once it has gone through this process, we encourage you to try and set up your phone connection once again, hopefully with better results. While a master reset can be obnoxious, it will often fix your issues with Sync.

Navigating the Settings Menu

Having issues finding the right area in the menu? This aspect of troubleshooting your Sync setup can be tricky for some. The first thing we recommend doing is reading through the manual. This applies to both your phone as well as the Sync system. You should be able to find more information there, and remember to check online if you don’t have access to your original owner’s manual. Most modern phones make it easy to find the Bluetooth section when you first open up the setting menu.

Getting through the menu in the Sync system may be a little more complicated and, depending on the version of Sync you’re working with, the menu may look completely different. If you’re having trouble navigating to the right menu for Bluetooth, we encourage you to find out what version you have and look for more detailed instructions online, such as in a video tutorial. There are a number of helpful content creators online whose whole job is to help people through these technical problems.

What to Do If All Else Fails

A master reset should be enough to do the trick, but if you are still having problems with Sync, it is recommended that you visit an auto professional. If your vehicle is new, you should be able to take it back to the dealership for them to have a look, especially if you’re still under warranty. The process can be a bit more of a pain if you aren’t under warranty, but you should still seek out some assistance. You could also consider replacing your Ford SYNC system with another infotainment setup entirely, but more on that later.

While taking your vehicle to a professional about Sync can sometimes prove expensive, there is no more direct way to get things working again. There’s a very good chance they’ll be able to handle the problem in a matter of minutes, but we’d encourage you to call ahead of time wherever you decide to go. That should help you get in and out quickly, and hopefully with a working infotainment system, whether it’s Ford’s Sync or something else.

Ford Sync Device Operation Tips

Once you are able to get your Ford Sync system up and running, there are some tips we think you might find handy. These are for after you’ve solved your Ford Sync Bluetooth audio not working. Though it has impressive capabilities, it’s no secret that the Sync system is not always the easiest to deal with. This is especially true for older Sync versions. Take a look and you’ll have a head start on making the most of your vehicle entertainment!

Voice Operation Tips

Did you know that you can likely use voice commands to control your phone and Sync vehicle computer system? There are tons of different phrases that your Sync system will pick up on. For example, if you ask your Ford Sync system “What can I say?” it should respond with a list of common commands. Depending on your model year, you may be able to take control of your climate settings, phone commands, radio, navigation and more with the power of your own voice. Dig into these options and you won’t have to take your eyes off the road! Simply press the Voice button on the steering wheel and start talking away!

If you run into trouble with this aspect of your Sync system, your user manual should come in handy once again. Try reading through what it has to say on voice operation before you move on to looking online for assistance. You might be surprised at how helpful it can be for understanding the full capabilities of Sync.

Text Messages Read Aloud

Along with many other abilities, it’s possible for your Ford Sync system to read your text messages to you. This again depends on your version of Sync, but it should be available on most models outfitted with the system. When your phone is connected to the Sync system and it alerts you that you’ve received a message, simply press the Phone button on the steering wheel twice. From there, the system should read the text to you out loud. With voice commands, you even have the ability to respond to your texts without taking your eyes off the road! This lets you stay in touch with the world around you without putting yourself or others in harm’s way. That’s just another one of the many benefits of learning how to best utilize Sync in your Ford to your benefit.

Take Advantage of the Sync Website

One of the coolest features available with more recent editions of Sync is the ability to customize the system to your liking. If you visit the Ford Sync website, you’ll have the chance to set up a profile of your own. This can let your Ford Sync system know to alert you about certain weather conditions, let you pick favored settings, and so much more. You can even set up the system to give the latest updates on your favorite sports teams while you are out on the road. Many people never take advantage of these features, but we strongly encourage you to take a look at the Ford website and register. It could change the way you drive!

Benefits of Using Ford Sync

There are plenty of reasons why you’ll want to get your vehicle’s Ford Sync system back up and running as soon as possible. This section provides a breakdown of some of the standout features you’ll be able to take advantage of with this system.

Music Accessibility Features

The main thing drivers and passengers like to use Ford Sync for is playing their favorite music instead of relying on the radio. You can connect your phone via Bluetooth, and use your app of choice to play whatever music you’d like. If music isn’t your thing, perhaps audiobooks or podcasts are what fills up your library. Either way, the process should be easy for you!

Voice Commands

The system will give you control over a range of elements in your vehicle without lifting a finger. This may include air conditioning, music playback, phone calls and more.

Smartphone Integration

You’ll be able to safely talk and even send text messages on the go with some versions of Ford Sync. There may be steering wheel buttons that give you extra control, or it may rely entirely on voice command. Whichever it is, you can safely stay in touch with the outside world while keeping your attention where it should be.

Automatic Emergency Assistance

In the event of an accident, Ford Sync will automatically reach out to 911 services and let them know. This happens when your airbag deploys, but you will have an opportunity to cancel the call if you aren’t in need of any assistance.

Easy-to-Use Navigation

Do you have a hard time finding the way to your destination sometimes? With the available navigation system from some Ford Sync versions, you won’t have to worry about this in the future. Just remember that navigation isn’t available with every Sync system, so contact the seller if you’re curious before buying any Ford vehicle to see if it’s featured.

Get in Touch with Ultimate Rides for a Custom Vehicle!

When you eventually decide to buy your next vehicle or upgrade your current one, you’ll be able to count on Ultimate Rides to help. We sell custom vehicles and have the ability to ship them across the country. Our vehicles are all customizable, and it will be less than a week before it arrives once your vehicle is ready. Give us a call at 815-634-3900 to get started. Those of you in the Chicago area can also come see us at 38 W. Division St., Coal City, IL 60416. A member of our team will be more than happy to sit down with you and discuss options for your next vehicle! Our customer service is out of this world, and we truly believe you will find a vehicle you love right here.

How to Update Ford Sync System

The process of updating your vehicle’s infotainment system isn’t quite as simple as we wish it was. Start by finding the latest update online. We’d recommend checking the Sync software updates page to see the most recent download. You will need a USB drive to put the update on, and you’ll also need to register your vehicle with Ford Sync if you haven’t done so already. Make sure your USB drive has enough room for the full update file. Once you are ready, simply get the latest update downloaded onto your USB drive and head out to the vehicle.

Now here is where things may differ depending on your specific vehicle. Ford vehicles with a 2017 or newer model year will have one process, while most older models will instead follow a different process. We’ll begin with the instructions for modern vehicles. Plug your USB drive into the port and turn your vehicle on. Go to menu, SYNC settings, and then press OK. Touch the option that says “Install on SYNC” and confirm it. From there, your system should start updating. It’s possible that it could take up to 20 minutes, and you won’t be able to use the system while the install is in progress. Ford then encourages you to report the successful installation, which you can do from your vehicle if you have voice-activated navigation installed!

Those of you driving Ford models from 2016 and before, you should make sure to turn off any Bluetooth devices before starting the update process. When you’re ready, insert the USB, press the Phone button, navigate your way to the Advanced Settings, and press Install Application. The system should ask you to confirm, which we encourage you to do. While the opening steps are a little clunky, the rest of the process should be exactly the same as it was for modern vehicles.

Alternatives to Ford Sync

If you aren’t happy with your vehicle’s infotainment system, it is possible to make a change. Spend some time thinking about what you’re after. Some drivers may want to keep the hardware and only change out the software, but this is actually more difficult and can void your warranty or cause other issues. In order to make sure your vehicle is working with the right hardware for the software you want, we encourage you to look into an aftermarket infotainment system.

There are plenty of options out there for drivers, and you can even find a pretty big range of prices. If you need something with navigation included, you’ll be able to find it. Drivers could also opt for a sound system upgrade at the same time, and the whole package could flow seamlessly together. These days, there are even options for a heads-up display system, which can project useful information right into your eyeline. Companies like Crutchfield offer plenty to select from, and remember that you can count on Ultimate Rides for installation in the Chicago area.

Two Brothers With a Dream, Building The Best Ultimate Rides

Ultimate Rides consists of two brothers who have been buying and selling custom vehicles for over ten years. Selling lifted trucks by day and writing these awesome reviews by night! They started their Ultimate Rides journey with a third brother Jake, who was a big part of building the business they have today. In 2016 Jake passed away and losing their brother was the hardest thing they ever had to deal with. Even though they had a tragic loss they plan to continue to set a new trend for the auto industry, keeping customers number one. Pushing the envelope on the lifted truck market, these guys love researching and learning about everything in the auto industry!

 — Nick and Alex Bulanda, Founders of Ultimate Rides