Android Auto navigation doesn't work in your Ford: How to fix it

If the Android Auto navigation stops working properly on Ford, you can use the instructions below to fix the problem.

Who will benefit from this manual

This manual will be helpful to drivers of the following vehicle models manufactured after 2016.

• Ford Mustang
• Ford Focus
• Ford F-150
• Ford Escape
• Ford Explorer
• Ford Edge
• Ford Fusion
• Ford Expedition
• Ford EcoSport
• Ford Fiesta

Sync infotainment system is out of date

How to update the Sync infotainment system, step-by-step instructions:

1. Check the version of Sync. Go to the system settings on your vehicle. You can usually do this through the "Settings" or "System" menu. Find the "About" or "System Information" section. Make a note or remember the current version of Sync. You can also check the version through the official ford website by visually examining all systems.
2. Connect the device to the Internet.
3. Visit the manufacturer's website again to update. Open a web browser on your computer or mobile device and go to the official ford website.
4. Find the updates section. On the Ford website, it's called "Software Updates." Find this section and click on it, and then check to see if new updates are available using the VIN number.
5. Check compatibility. Make sure your current version of Sync is compatible with the latest updates.
6. Download the update. If your current version of Sync is compatible with the latest updates, find the link to download the appropriate update on the manufacturer's website. Follow the on-screen instructions to download the update to your computer or mobile device. There are two ways to download the updates: using a flash drive(8 GB) or wi-fi.

If you choose the second way and the installation of the update is interrupted in the middle, it is better to prepare a flash drive and follow the above instructions:

1. Prepare a flash drive with enough memory to download the update. Make sure it is formatted FAT32 or ExFAT.
2. Transfer the update to the flash drive. Copy the downloaded update to the flash drive. Make sure that the update files are located in the root directory of the flash drive and not inside another folder.
3. Return to the vehicle. Go inside the car and remove the flash drive.
4. Plug the flash drive into the car. Insert the flash drive into a free USB port that supports media playback or system updates.
5. Start the update. Turn on the vehicle's ignition and wait for the Sync system to detect the flash drive with the update. Usually the system will prompt to run the update process itself and the user only needs to click "yes".
6. Wait for the update to complete. The update may take some time. Do not turn off the ignition or remove the flash drive until the update is complete. Follow the instructions on the screen if your intervention is required.
7. When the update is complete, the Sync system will reboot. Verify that all features are working properly and check to see if the infotainment system has been updated to the new version.

If the update did not solve your problem - try changing the type of USB connection.

The wrong type of USB connection is being used

To change the connection type in your vehicle, follow the step-by-step instructions:

1. Disconnect the current USB cable from head unit. If you currently have a connected cable in your vehicle, disconnect it from the port and from your device.
2. Check the available ports. Your vehicle may have more than one USB port. Open the console or port panel and check which ones are available.
3. Check the type of USB ports. Cars have different types of ports: Type-A, Type-C. To determine which type of port in your car, study the owner's manual.
4. Plug in a new cable or select a different port. If you have a new cable that matches the type of USB port in your car, plug it in instead of the old one. If you do not have a new cable, check the other USB ports and plug your device into that port.
5. Check the connection. Make sure everything is plugged in and working. Turn on your car and see if your device is recognized by the Sync Infotainment system.

If the problem persists, it is recommended to visit a car service or check the latest system updates.

Missing system update

If Android Auto used to work like clockwork, but has stopped functioning properly, it may be all about updates. Or the lack thereof. To fix the update problem, follow the instructions:

1. Go to Settings > System > Advanced > System Update to check for Android updates and install.

2. Then go to the Google Play Store to check for app updates. Tap your own profile image in the top right corner and select "Manage apps and device" from the list. You will see that all apps are updated if everything is fine, and if some of them are missing, you will be offered options for updates. When the list appears, you can select the update you want.

3. If you notice Android Auto on the list, click "Update" to install it. While you're at it, you should also update other major system apps like Google and Google Play if they have updates available. This will help fix issues such as Android Auto voice commands not working.

After downloading the updates, you should open the Android Auto app on your smartphone. There may be a user agreement update or similar that you will need to accept before continuing to use it. If you don't accept the terms of the agreement, the system simply won't work properly.
Once you've given your consent, you'll be able to use Android Auto again.
If you have successfully updated the system but the problem remains, you should check your Bluetooth connection.

Improperly configured Bluetooth connection

To properly set up Bluetooth in your vehicle, follow the step-by-step instructions:

1. Make sure your car and smartphone meet the requirements. Check if your car supports the Android Auto function and if it has the appropriate software. Also make sure your smartphone runs Android 6.0 or later and supports Android Auto.
2. Prepare your phone. Install the Android Auto app on your smartphone from the Google Play Store if it is not already installed. Make sure that Bluetooth is enabled on your smartphone.
3. Start the engine and set up Bluetooth. Start the car and enter Bluetooth setup mode on your car's infotainment system.
4. From the vehicle's Bluetooth menu, find the "Pairing" or "Add Device" function. Activate pairing mode on your smartphone (usually done through the settings) and find your car in the list of available devices. Select your vehicle for pairing.
5. Check the permissions. After pairing your smartphone with your car, you may be prompted to grant permissions to access contacts, messages, media files, and other features. Make sure that permissions are granted so that Android Auto can access the data you need.
6. Connect your smartphone via USB. Once you have successfully set up Bluetooth, connect your smartphone to the USB port in your car using the cable. Make sure that you are using an original or quality USB cable.
7. Start Android Auto. On your vehicle's infotainment system, find the Android Auto feature or button that activates the connection to Android Auto. Tap that feature or button.
8. Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the Android Auto setup process. You may have to grant permissions to do certain things on your smartphone.
9. 9. Test the app. Once you've finished setting up Android Auto, check to see if the app is working.

If the system and the app are still not working correctly, you need to check the quality of your connection and internet connection.

Wi-Fi connection in your car is slow or weak

Follow the instructions to troubleshoot WiFi problems:

1. Reboot your devices. Try rebooting both your smartphone and the in-car infotainment system.
2. Check the Wi-Fi signal. Make sure that you are in a Wi-Fi area with a good signal. If the signal is weak, try parking closer to the router or access point.
3. Unplug unnecessary devices. If there are other Wi-Fi devices connected in the car that you don't use for Android Auto, disconnect them. 4 Update the software. Make sure your smartphone and the in-car infotainment system have the latest software updates. Sometimes updates can help fix a connectivity problem.
4. Check your power-saving settings. Make sure your smartphone or infotainment system settings do not have a power-saving mode enabled, which can limit Wi-Fi performance.
5. Try using mobile data. If Wi-Fi is still not working well, use mobile data to connect to Android Auto.

If the problem has not been resolved, contact an auto service center or call the hotline number.

AA wireless connection doesn't work since last update

If the Android Auto wireless connection stopped working after the last update, we recommend switching to a USB connection. Here are step by step instructions:

1. Prepare a USB cable. Make sure you have a cable that you can use to connect it.
2. Connect one end of the cable to the port on your smartphone and the other end to the port in the car. Make sure it is securely attached.
3. Allow access. You may need to grant access to the vehicle's infotainment system. Follow the instructions on the screen to grant the necessary permissions.
4. Start Android Auto. After connecting your smartphone via USB, on the vehicle's infotainment system, locate the Android Auto feature or button that activates the connection. Tap this feature or button to start Android Auto on your vehicle's screen.
5. After launching via USB connection, check if everything works correctly.

If the problem with the Android Auto wireless connection cannot be resolved, it is recommended to reset the settings.

Reset Sync system settings

To reset the Sync car system settings in Ford, follow these steps:

1. Start the vehicle and turn on the Sync system.
2. On the main Sync system screen, locate the "Settings" or "Settings" section. It usually has a gear icon or similar symbol.
3. Inside the Settings menu, find the "Reset" or "Factory Reset" option.
4. Click on the option and confirm your choice by following the instructions on the screen.
5. Wait for the reset process to complete.
6. After the Sync system reset is complete, the vehicle interface will return to the factory settings. All of your user data and settings will be deleted.

Note that resetting the vehicle's Sync system settings may vary depending on the model and year of your Ford vehicle.

Clear Android Auto cache

To reset the Android Auto cache on your phone and clear the storage, follow these steps:

1. open the settings on your phone.
2. Scroll down and find the "Apps" or "Apps and Notifications" section. The name may vary slightly depending on the version of your Android operating system.
3. Inside the "Apps" section, find and tap on "Android Auto".
4. Select the "Storage" or "Storage and Cache" option.
5. Click on "Clear Cache" and confirm your selection.
6. Then click on "Clear Data" or "Clear Storage" and confirm your selection.
7. After that, close the settings and restart the Android Auto app.

Resetting the cache and clearing the Android Auto storage will help remove temporary data and app settings, which may solve some system-related issues. If even the reset doesn't help you get rid of the problem, you need to forcibly stop Android Auto and restart your smartphone.

Forcibly stop Android Auto

To forcibly stop the system and reboot your smartphone, follow these steps:

1. Go to Settings.
2. Scroll down and find the "Apps" or "Apps and Notifications" section.
3. Inside the "Apps" section, locate and tap on "Android Auto".
4. On the app information page, tap the "Stop" or "Force Stop" option. This will stop the Android Auto app from running.
5. Confirm stopping the app, if necessary.

After forcibly stopping Android Auto, it is recommended that you restart your phone.
To do this:

1. Hold down the power button on your phone.
2. On the menu that appears, select the "Reboot" or "Restart" option.
3. Confirm the action and wait for the reboot.

After completing all the steps, check that Android Auto works correctly.