How do I connect Apple CarPlay to SYNC?

How do I connect Apple CarPlay®* to SYNC®**?

Using Apple CarPlay requires connecting your iPhone®† or iPad® to your vehicle's SYNC system. This can be done using the instructions below.

Connecting Apple CarPlay to SYNC

Important:

  • Ensure that your vehicle is on and running in a well-ventilated area and in Park (P).
  • A recent device update may impact its connection to your vehicle. If you are experiencing pairing issues after following the steps below, try turning your phone off, waiting 60 seconds, and turning it back on.

Select your SYNC generation from the drop-down options below to learn how to connect to Apple CarPlay.

Notes: 

  • If you need assistance determining the generation of your SYNC system, select the first drop-down option.
  • Actual screens may vary. See your Owner’s Manual for information specific to your vehicle.

Identifying Your Vehicle's SYNC Generation

Two resources to help you identify your vehicle's SYNC generation are the:

SYNC 4

To enable Apple CarPlay with SYNC 4, determine if your device is connected to SYNC.

If your phone is not already paired to SYNC4:

  1. Tap Phone on your vehicle's SYNC screen.
  2. Select Add Phone
  3. Go to Settings on your Apple device. 
  4. Tap Bluetooth
  5. Select your vehicle name on your Apple device's discovery list. A Bluetooth pairing request pop-up will appear on your device with a PIN. 
  6. Confirm that the PIN matches the code displayed on your vehicle's SYNC screen.
  7. Tap Yes when prompted. 
  8. Choose Pair on your Apple device. "Allow Contacts and Favourites Sync?" will appear on your device. 
  9. Tap Allow to download phone contacts to your vehicle's SYNC system. After a few seconds, "Use CarPlay with SYNC 4?" will appear on your device. 
  10. Select Use CarPlay. "Would you like to enable CarPlay?" will appear on your vehicle's SYNC screen.
  11. Press the Enable button. "Connecting to Apple CarPlay" will appear, and Apple CarPlay will launch on your SYNC screen. 

If your phone is already paired to SYNC4:

  1. Tap Settings on your vehicle's SYNC screen.
  2. Select the Phone List setting.
  3. Choose your Apple device from the displayed list.
  4. Select Enable.

SYNC 3

To enable Apple CarPlay with SYNC 3:

  1. Enable Siri in your Apple device settings. 
  2. Plug the device into the vehicle's USB port with an Apple Lightning cable.
  3. Tap Continue on the pop-up window on your vehicle's SYNC screen.
  4. Select Agree to accept the Privacy & Terms of Use on the next pop-up window. 
  5. Press Allow on the device for SYNC 3 to complete the Apple CarPlay setup.

Apple CarPlay will automatically launch on your SYNC 3 touchscreen.

Additional Information

What do I do if I am having issues with Apple CarPlay in my Lincoln?


*Requires a phone with active data service and compatible software. SYNC 3 does not control third-party products while in use. Third parties are solely responsible for their respective functionality.

**Don’t drive while distracted. Use voice-operated systems when possible; don’t use handheld devices while driving. Some features may be locked out while the vehicle is in gear. Not all features are compatible with all phones. 

iPhone, iPad, Apple CarPlay, and Siri are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.