My Lincoln Vehicle>SYNC>Troubleshooting>How do I perform a SYNC master/factory reset?

How do I perform a SYNC master/factory reset?

Master/factory resets are performed using the SYNC®*/Lincoln Digital Experience system in your vehicle and the instructions in this article.

Examples of reasons to perform a master/factory reset may include:

  • Before selling or transferring ownership.
  • After purchasing or leasing a pre-owned vehicle.
  • Before and after renting a vehicle.

Completing a SYNC Master/Factory Reset

A factory reset and a master reset are the same functions. The term "master reset" is used for SYNC Generations older than SYNC 4. 

Important:

  • Your vehicle must be in Park (P) in a well-ventilated area and running, not in accessory mode.
  • A master/factory reset erases all stored data, such as call history, text messages, previously paired phones, navigation favourites, Phone As A Key, keyless entry/door keypad codes, and modem activation. Your SYNC system is restored to the original factory settings.
  • A master/factory reset does not return your SYNC system to previous software versions.
  • Instructions may vary. See your Owner’s Manual for information specific to your vehicle.

Select your SYNC version from the drop-down options below to find the instructions on how to perform a master/factory reset. If you need assistance determining the generation of your SYNC system, select the first drop-down option.

Identifying Your Lincoln's SYNC Generation

Select a resource in the table below to help you identify your vehicle's SYNC generation.

ResourcesInstructions
The 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.

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

Digital Experience

Before performing a Digital Experience factory reset, attempt a module reset to restore functionality. A module reset does not delete stored data. 

Performing a Module Reset

Press and hold the Power button (center of the volume knob) for up to 10 seconds. Upon releasing the button, you may hear a pop sound from your vehicle's speakers. 

Performing a Factory Reset

Important:

  • Certain Connected Services subscriptions (Navigation, BlueCruise®**, etc.) may be unavailable for up to 10 business days after a factory reset. 
  • If you are unsure if you should complete a factory reset, contact a Lincoln Concierge at 1-800-387-9333 or select Chat Now on the Contact Us page of lincolncanada.com.
  • After the factory reset, you must re-activate your vehicle in the Lincoln Way™† App for remote features (remote start, lock, unlock, etc.) to be available again. Refer to how to activate Lincoln Connect®††.

On your Digital Experience screen:

  1. Tap the Apps icon or the Vehicle icon.
  2. Select Settings.
  3. Swipe up on the Settings menu and select System.
  4. Swipe up on the System menu and select Reset options. 
  5. Choose Factory reset. 
  6. Follow the prompts on the screen. 

The screen will go blank as the system performs its factory reset. Once the screen is back up, the factory reset is complete. 

SYNC 4

Before performing a factory reset with SYNC 4, try a system reset to restore functionality. The system reset does not delete any data you have stored.

Performing a System Reset

To reset the system, choose the option below that applies to your vehicle.

  • Vehicles equipped with a Power button: Press and hold both the Power button (centre of the volume knob) and the Seek Right button for 10 seconds.
  • Vehicles not equipped with a Power button: Press and hold both the Volume Down and Seek Right buttons on the steering wheel controls for 10 seconds.

If the system reset does not resolve the issue, continue with a factory reset.

Performing a Factory Reset

Important: 

  • This should not be performed unless you are directed to do so by an Engineer or per an escalation.
  • A factory reset will make all subscriptions (Navigation, Lincoln BlueCruise**, etc.) unavailable for up to 10 business days.
  • After the factory reset, you must re-activate your vehicle in the Lincoln Way™† App for remote features (remote start, lock, unlock, etc.) to be available again. Refer to how to activate Lincoln Connect®††.

On your vehicle's SYNC screen:

  1. Select Settings.
  2. Press Reset.
  3. Choose Factory Reset.
  4. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the factory reset.

​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.

SYNC 3

Before performing a master reset with SYNC 3, try a system reset to restore functionality. The system reset does not delete any data you have stored.

Performing a System Reset

  1. Press and hold the Seek up and the audio unit Power buttons simultaneously until the screen goes black. Wait for the system reset to complete.
  2. Press the audio unit Power button to switch the system on.

If the system reset does not resolve the issue, continue with a master/factory reset.

Performing a Master Reset

On your vehicle's SYNC screen:

  1. Select Settings.
  2. Choose General.
  3. Scroll down and press Master Reset. A message confirming that all system settings will be erased and reset to factory defaults will appear.
  4. Press Continue. A "Resetting to factory defaults" message will appear, the system will turn off, and the screen will go blank. It may take a few minutes for the system to reset and resume normal operation.

​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.

SYNC with MyLincoln Touch®

Before performing a master reset with SYNC with MyLincoln Touch, try a system reset to restore functionality. The system reset does not delete any data you have stored.

Performing a System Reset

  1. Press and hold the Seek up and the audio unit Power buttons simultaneously until the screen goes black. Wait for the system reset to complete.
  2. Press the audio unit Power button to switch the system on.

If the system reset does not resolve the issue, continue with a master reset.

Performing a Master Reset

On your vehicle's SYNC screen:

  1. Press the Gear icon.
  2. Tap Settings.
  3. Select System.
  4. Scroll down and press Master Reset. A warning screen will pop up.
  5. Disconnect all USB devices, Bluetooth® devices, and any SD cards.
  6. Press Yes to complete your master reset.

​​​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.

SYNC with Voice-Activated Navigation

  1. Press the Phone hard button. The screen may read "No Phone Connected."
  2. Tap the Settings tab on your vehicle's SYNC screen.
  3. Select Advanced.
  4. Press the Down Arrow until Master Reset appears on the screen.
  5. Choose Master Reset. SYNC will ask you to confirm the master reset.
  6. Select Yes to continue. SYNC will confirm when the master reset is complete.

​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.

SYNC Gen 1.1

  1. Press the Menu hard button.
  2. Select the SYNC Settings option and press Ok.
  3. Press the Down Arrow until Master Reset appears on the screen, and press Ok.
  4. Select Yes to continue. SYNC will confirm when the master reset is complete.

​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.

SYNC Gen 1

  1. Press the Phone hard button. 
  2. Tap the Down Arrow until System Settings or Return appears on the screen, and press Ok.
  3. Press the Down Arrow until Advanced appears on the screen, and press Ok.
  4. Tap the Down Arrow until Master Reset appears on the screen, and press Ok. SYNC will ask you to confirm the reset.
  5. Select Ok to confirm. The system will display "Reset Completed".

​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.

Additional Information

How do I pair my phone with SYNC?
How do I contact a Lincoln Way Concierge?
Where can I find my Lincoln's keyless entry code?
How do I program a personal keyless entry code for my Lincoln?

*Don't 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.

**Available Feature. Equipped Lincoln vehicles come with either a complimentary BlueCruise trial period or an included BlueCruise connected service plan duration, after which purchase is required. Modem activation through the Lincoln Way™ App is required for subscription purchase and for initial activation of BlueCruise (for pre-2024 model year vehicles). See your Lincoln retailer for details. BlueCruise is a driver-assist feature and does not replace safe driving or driver’s attention, judgment or need to control the vehicle. Only remove hands in a Hands-Free Blue Zone. Always watch the road and be prepared to resume control. See Owner’s Manual for details and limitations.

†Lincoln Way™ App, compatible with select smartphone platforms, is available via a download. Message and data rates may apply.

††Lincoln Way Connect® (optional on select vehicles), the Lincoln Way™ App, and Complimentary Connected Service are required for remote features (see Lincoln Way Terms and Conditions for details). Connected Service and features depend on compatible Bell network availability. Evolving technology/cellular networks/vehicle capability may limit functionality and prevent the operation of connected features. Connected Service excludes Wi-Fi® Hotspot.

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