Support>SYNC>SYNC Updates>How do I format my Universal Serial Bus drive to exFAT or FAT32 for SYNC updates?

How do I format my Universal Serial Bus drive to exFAT or FAT32 for SYNC®* updates?

To perform a SYNC software update, the Universal Serial Bus (USB) drive, also known as a flash or thumb drive, must be properly formatted for your vehicle's SYNC generation.

Formatting Requirements

  • For SYNC, SYNC with Voice-Activated Navigation, and SYNC with MyLincoln Touch updates, the USB drive must be formatted to FAT32.
  • For SYNC 3 updates, the USB drive must be formatted to exFAT.
  • SYNC 4 does not use a USB drive for updates.

Select from the options below:

PC Users with Windows 10

  1. Insert the USB drive into your computer's USB port.
  2. Select Start (Windows Icon).
  3. Open File Explorer.
  4. Click on This PC.
  5. Right-click on your USB drive and select Format.
  6. Under File System, select FAT32 or exFAT.

PC Users without Windows 10

  1. Insert the USB drive into your computer's USB port.
  2. Open My Computer.
  3. Right-click on your USB drive and select Format.
  4. Under File System, select FAT32 or exFAT.

Mac Users

  1. Insert the USB drive into your computer's USB port.
  2. Open Finder.

  3. Navigate to Applications and Utilities > Disk Utility. 

    Note: You can also select the Mac Launchpad in the Dock, and search for/select Disk Utility.

  4. Select your flash drive.
  5. Click the Erase button on the top right of the screen.

    Note: This will permanently erase all current data stored on your flash drive.
     
  6. Name your flash drive.
  7. Under Format, select FAT32 or exFAT.
  8. Select Master Boot Record as the formatting scheme.

If you need further assistance, contact a Lincoln Concierge at 1-800-521-4140, or by selecting Live Chat at the bottom right of lincoln.com/support.

Additional Information

How do I check for SYNC updates?

*Don’t drive while distracted. Use voice-operated systems when possible; don’t use handheld devices while driving. Some features may be locked out while the vehicle is in gear. Not all features are compatible with all phones.