My Lincoln Vehicle>SYNC>Troubleshooting>What do I do if I am having issues with Android Auto?

What should I do if I am having issues with Android Auto?

Find possible solutions to your Android Auto™ issue(s) with the troubleshooting steps contained in this article.

Important: 

  • Ensure that your vehicle is on and running in a well-ventilated area, and is in Park (P).
  • Android Auto cannot be used while your device is connected to your Wi-Fi hotspot*.

Identifying Your Vehicle'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.

Note: Your SYNC generation will appear on the right-hand side of the page.

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

Troubleshooting Android Auto for SYNC 4

If your vehicle is equipped with SYNC 4, ensure your mobile device is properly connected to your vehicle either wirelessly or by USB cable. If the connection steps do not resolve your concern, follow the steps provided in the section "Step 2 - Remedy Your Android Auto Connection" to find a solution.

Step 1 - Ensure Your Mobile Device is Connected Properly

Ensure your mobile device is connected to SYNC using the table below, based on whether you are connected with a USB or wirelessly.

Connection Type

Requirements

Instructions

USB Cable

A USB connection requires: 

Complete the following:

  1. Plug a USB cable into your vehicle’s USB port, and then plug the other end of the cable into your phone.  
  2. Follow the on-screen instructions to set up Android Auto. 

    Note: Your phone may ask you to update Android Auto before you continue.

If there is still an issue with Android Auto, proceed to Step 2 - Remedy Your Android Auto Connection below.

Wirelessly

Wireless connection requires: 

  • A Google or Samsung® phone with Android 10.0
  • A Samsung Galaxy® S8, Galaxy S8+, or Note 8 with Android 9.0
  • Android 11.0 or newer for all other Google or Android phones. 
  • Google Maps location must be allowed. The device will prompt you to select "always" or "while using."
  • An active data plan.

Important: 

  • Wireless connection capability can vary by model. 
  • For the first time using a wireless connection, you must pair your phone and car via Bluetooth®.
  • For best results, you should keep Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Location Services enabled on your mobile device while you complete the setup.

Complete the following:

  1. Confirm your vehicle's Wireless App Projection is on.
    1. Go to Settings on the SYNC screen. 
    2. Tap Connectivity. 
    3. Turn Wireless App Projection on. 
  2. Pair your phone to your vehicle using Bluetooth. 

Once your phone is paired with your car via Bluetooth, Android Auto should start within a few seconds. If not, follow the on-screen prompts to start Android Auto. You may need to tap Android Auto on your car display.

If Android Auto does not launch, try connecting with a USB cable. 

If you are experiencing further issues, proceed to Step 2 - Remedy Your Android Auto Connection.

Step 2 - Remedy Your Android Auto Connection

If you are still experiencing issues with Android Auto after ensuring your phone meets the requirements and performing the connection instructions above:

  1. Use another manufacturer-approved cable.  
  2. Use the SYNC USB port closest to the SYNC screen.  
  3. Set the audio source to USB and try playing music from any available source (Google Play, Spotify, etc.).  

    Note: If this does not work, the USB hardware might have failed. End troubleshooting and visit your Lincoln Retailer to inspect the USB port. If a retailer is not available in your area, visit your preferred Ford Dealer.
     
  4. Perform a key cycle. 
  5. Perform a SYNC Module Reset.
  6. Perform a soft reset on the phone. After performing a soft reset, you will be redirected to the "Home" screen. 
    • Removable Battery: Remove the battery for 20 seconds, and then replace it and start the phone.
    • Non-Removable Battery: Refer to the manufacturer's website as instructions vary by phone model.

      Note: On most Android devices, press and hold the Power and Volume Down buttons at the same time for a soft reset.
       
  7. Delete the device from the vehicle's SYNC menu. 
  8. Delete SYNC from the device's Bluetooth menu.

    Note: If you do not know how to disconnect SYNC from your phone's Bluetooth menu, refer to the manufacturer's website as instructions will vary by phone model.
     
  9. Pair your phone to your vehicle using Bluetooth.

Once pairing is complete, you should be able to use Android Auto.

If your concern persists, contact a Lincoln Concierge at 1-800-387-9333 or select Chat Now on the Contact Us page of lincolncanada.com.

Troubleshooting Android Auto for SYNC 3

If your vehicle is equipped with SYNC 3, follow the instructions below to remedy your Android Auto connection. If the connection steps do not resolve your concern, follow the steps provided in the section "Step 2 - Troubleshoot for Different Scenarios" to find a solution.

Step 1 - Remedy Your Android Auto Connection

Perform the following steps:

  1. Confirm you have:
    • Connected the Android device to SYNC via a manufacturer's approved USB cable. 
    • Android Auto installed on your smart device.
  2. Ensure your phone settings are correct using Google's Set Up Android Auto instructions.
  3. Attempt to use another manufacturer's approved cable if one is available.
  4. Set the audio source to USB and try playing music from any available source (Google Play, Spotify, etc.).

    Note: If this does not work, the USB hardware might have failed. End troubleshooting and visit your Lincoln Retailer to inspect the USB port. If a retailer is not available in your area, visit your preferred Ford Dealer.
     
  5. Perform a soft reset on the device.
    • Removable Battery: Remove the battery for 20 seconds, and then replace it and start the phone.
    • Non-Removable Battery: Refer to the manufacturer's website as instructions vary by phone model.

      Note: On most Android devices, press and hold the Power and Volume Down buttons at the same time for a soft reset.
       
  6. Perform a key cycle.
  7. Perform a SYNC Module Reset.
  8. Delete the device from the vehicle's SYNC menu. 
  9. Delete SYNC from the device's Bluetooth menu.

    Note: If you do not know how to disconnect SYNC from your phone's Bluetooth menu, refer to the manufacturer's website as instructions will vary by phone model.
     
  10. Pair your phone to your vehicle using Bluetooth.

Once pairing is complete, you should be able to use Android Auto.

If Android Auto has disappeared from your SYNC screen, or you cannot hear incoming calls while connected to Android Auto, proceed to Step 2 - Troubleshoot Different Scenarios.

If you are not experiencing one of the above symptoms and Android Auto is still not working properly, contact a Lincoln Concierge at 1-800-387-9333 or select Chat Now on the Contact Us page of lincolncanada.com.

Step 2 - Troubleshoot for Different Scenarios

Refer to the table below for the different scenarios and their troubleshooting instructions.

Issue or Error

Instructions

Android Auto is not showing or has disappeared from the SYNC screen.

Complete the following:

  1. Unplug the phone cable from the USB port.
  2. Perform a master/factory reset, and allow the master reset to finish completely.
  3. Plug the manufacturer's approved cable into the USB port.
  4. Confirm the "Welcome" animation appears.
  5. Perform a key cycle.
  6. Re-enter the vehicle and turn it on.
  7. Confirm the "Welcome" animation.
  8. Wait for the Home screen to show.
  9. Insert the USB cable, plug the phone in, and wait for Android Auto to launch.

If the issue persists, contact your Lincoln Retailer or Ford Dealer for further assistance.

You are unable to hear incoming call audio while connected to Android Auto.

Complete the following:

  1. Connect the phone to Bluetooth.
  2. Select Settings on the SYNC screen. 
  3. Tap Phone. 
  4. Choose Set Phone Ringtone. 
  5. Select Use Phone Ringtone. 
  6. Connect to Android Auto. 

If the issue persists, contact your Lincoln Retailer or Ford Dealer for further assistance.

You are experiencing other issues with Android Auto.

Contact your Lincoln Retailer or Ford Dealer for further assistance.

If your concern persists, 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 disable or enable Android Auto with SYNC?

*Wi-Fi hotspot includes complimentary wireless data trial that begins upon Bell activation and expires at the end of 3 months or when 3GB of data is used, whichever comes first, but cannot extend beyond the complimentary subscription period for remote features. To activate, go to www.bell.ca.

**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.

Android Auto and Android are a trademark of Google LLC.

Google, Google Maps and Google Play are trademarks of Google LLC.

Samsung and Samsung Galaxy are trademarks of Samsung.

The Bluetooth word mark is a trademark of the Bluetooth SIG, Inc.