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

If you are having issues using Apple CarPlay®* in your SYNC®** 4, or SYNC 3-equipped vehicle, use this article to assist with troubleshooting.

Checking Software and Device Requirements

Make sure the following requirements are met based on the method you are using to connect to Apple CarPlay and your SYNC generation:

Wireless (SYNC 4) USB (SYNC 4/SYNC 3)

Ensure you have:

  • The latest version of SYNC software. Updating the SYNC software may correct issues with Apple CarPlay.
  • The latest iOS® software version available for your device.
  • A device running iOS 9 or newer.
  • Not connected your device to your vehicle's Wi-Fi Hotspot.

Ensure you have:

  • The latest version of SYNC software. Updating the SYNC software may correct issues with Apple CarPlay.

    Note: 2016 vehicles with SYNC software version 2.0 or greater will need to visit a Lincoln Retailer for a hardware and software update to add Apple CarPlay functionality.

  • The latest iOS software version available for your device.
  • An iPhone® 5 or later running iOS 7.1 or newer when connecting to a USB cable.

Troubleshooting Apple CarPlay

If you have experienced a concern with Apple CarPlay, complete the steps below in order and test after each one to see if the issue is resolved.

  1. Connect your phone to Apple CarPlay using the appropriate steps below:
Wireless (SYNC 4) USB (SYNC 4, and SYNC 3)
  1. Verify Siri, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth® are enabled on your device. 
  2. Pair your device with SYNC. If pairing is unsuccessful:
    1. Press and hold the voice command button on your steering wheel until you see the Lincoln emblem.
    2. Verify the vehicle is in wireless or Bluetooth pairing mode.
      1. Enable Bluetooth on your smartphone.
      2. Press Settings or the Home icon on your vehicle's SYNC screen.
      3. Tap Add a Phone.
    3. Using your iOS device, go to Settings > General > CarPlay > Available Cars, then select your vehicle.

Notes: 

  • Some vehicles that support wireless CarPlay will allow you to pair your phone by plugging the phone in the vehicle's USB port with an Apple-approved Lightning-to-USB cable. If your vehicle supports this, and after plugging the device in with the USB cable, you will be asked if you want to connect wirelessly for future use.
  • Wireless connection capability can vary by iPhone model. If Apple CarPlay does not work wirelessly during troubleshooting, try using a manufacturer-approved Lightning-to-USB cable. 
  1. Verify Siri is enabled on your device.
  2. Use a manufacturer-approved Lightning-to-USB cable.
  3. Connect your iPhone to the Lightning end of the cable, and connect the USB end of the cable to the USB port in the vehicle that is closest to the SYNC screen.
  4. Follow the instructions on the device and the SYNC screen to set up Apple CarPlay.

Note: Selecting Enable Wireless CarPlay on your iPhone will prepare the device for wireless CarPlay upon any future vehicle start-up.
  1. Try using a different 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 (e.g., iTunes, Spotify, etc.). 

    Note: If this does not work, contact your preferred Lincoln Retailer for diagnosis.

  4. Perform a SYNC module reset.
  5. Perform a soft reset on your phone. Refer to Apple Support for instructions for your specific device.​
  6. Delete the device from the vehicle's SYNC menu using one of the options below:
    • Voice Commands 
      1. Press the Voice button. SYNC will ask for a command.
      2. Say "Delete <Name of Phone>." The screen will prompt for confirmation to delete.
      3. Press Delete.
    • Manual Steps
SYNC 4 SYNC 3
  1. Tap Settings on your vehicle's SYNC screen.
  2. Press Phone List.
  3. Select your phone.
  4. Tap the Delete symbol (trash can).
  5. Press Yes.
  1. Tap Settings.
  2. Choose Bluetooth.
  3. Press View Devices.
  4. Select your phone.
  5. Tap Delete.
  1. Delete SYNC from the device's Bluetooth menu using one of the options below:
    • iPhone:
      1. Go to Settings on your iPhone.
      2. Select Bluetooth.
      3. Press the i icon next to SYNC.
      4. Choose Forget This Device.
    • All other devices: Refer to the device's manual for instructions.
  2. Pair your device with SYNC.

If the above troubleshooting did not resolve your issue, contact a Lincoln Concierge at 1-800-521-4140, or by selecting Live Chat at the bottom right of lincoln.com/support.

*Apple CarPlay is a trademark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.

**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.

iPhone, iOS, iPad, and iPod touch are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.

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