My Lincoln Vehicle>SYNC>Getting Started with SYNC>How do I play music with SYNC using a USB?

How do I play music with SYNC®* using a USB?

You can use your vehicle's SYNC screen or the "USB" voice commands. 

Using a USB With SYNC

When a device is connected to the vehicle's USB port, SYNC will try to read the contents and determine if any supported music files are found. Once music files are found and indexed, the SYNC system will attempt to build speech commands. 

Refer to the vehicle's Owner's Manual for specific playing instructions using the SYNC screen, as they vary by SYNC generation and vehicle model and year.

See the SYNC Voice Commands article for specific information on USB playback and voice commands.

Requirements and Troubleshooting

Select from the drop-down options below to view requirements for playing music from a USB or troubleshooting.

Note: If you need assistance determining the generation of your SYNC system, select the first drop-down option.

Identifying Your Lincoln's SYNC Generation

Refer to the table below for assistance with identifying your SYNC generation:

ResourceInstructions
SYNC and Navigation Updates page

Either:

  • Enter your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and select Check for update. 
  • Log in with your Lincoln credentials, choose a vehicle from your garage, and select Check for updates. 

Your SYNC generation will appear on the right side of the page under the “SYNC Current Version” heading.

SYNC Visual Reference GuideSelect the link to view example images of SYNC generations that Lincoln has offered.

Requirements

To play music with SYNC using a USB: 

  • Metadata must be accurate.
  • Music files must be formatted to a supported type such as ".mp3", ".wma", ".wav", and ".aac".

  • SYNC 3 vehicles must use USB drives that are formatted to FAT32 for media playback.

    Note: Only software updates need to be formatted to exFAT for SYNC 3. 

  • SYNC Gen 1, Gen 1.1, and Gen 2 must use USB drives that are formatted to FAT32 and non-password protected for music or other audio playback.

See Formatting a USB Drive for additional formatting help, if needed. 

Troubleshooting

Refer to the table below for potential troubleshooting steps:

IssuesInstructions
Media player device issues (iPod®**, Zune†, etc.)

Complete the following:

  1. Power cycle your device.
  2. Use the original cord or a known working aftermarket cord. 
  3. Try another device.
  4. Use a basic USB drive for troubleshooting.
  5. Place some supported files on the USB drive and verify the operation.

If these troubleshooting steps do not resolve the concern, refer to your preferred Lincoln Retailer. If a retailer is not available in your area, contact a Ford Dealer.

SYNC is not playing music in the correct order

Use your device’s instructions to ensure you have the correct settings for USB music or other audio playback.

Playlists can be created using media players such as Windows® Media Player† or iTunes®**.

Note: For specific program questions, use the software developer's support website.

If you need further assistance, contact a Lincoln concierge at 1-800-387-9333 or select Chat Now on the Contact Us page of lincolncanada.com.

*Do not drive while distracted or while using handheld devices. Use voice-operated systems when possible.  Some features may be locked out while the vehicle is in gear.  Not all features are compatible with all phones.

**iPod, iTunes, and Apple are trademarks of Apple Inc.

†Zune, Windows Media Player and Microsoft® are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.