Support>SYNC>Troubleshooting>Why is my phone not connecting to SYNC?

Why is my phone not connecting to SYNC®*?

Your Bluetooth®**-enabled phone lets you make hands-free calls, connect to a 911 Assist Operator, stream audio, and more. If you have issues connecting your phone or other mobile device to SYNC, follow the troubleshooting steps below.

Important: Ensure your vehicle's SYNC software is up-to-date.

Bluetooth Troubleshooting Steps

Follow the tips one at a time, starting with the first, until your device pairs with SYNC. Select from the drop-down options below:

Tip 1: Reset the Bluetooth Connection

To reset the Bluetooth connection between SYNC and your phone or other mobile device:

  1. Turn Bluetooth off on your device, then turn it back on.
  2. Turn Bluetooth off on your SYNC system, then turn it back on.
  3. Manually connect SYNC to the device.
    1. Touch Phone.
    2. Press Settings.
    3. Tap Bluetooth Devices.
    4. Select your device.
    5. Touch Connect.
  4. Manually connect your device to SYNC.
    1. Find your phone's Bluetooth menu.
    2. Tap SYNC to connect.
  5. Verify that your phone automatically connects to SYNC. If it does not, proceed to Tip 2.

Tip 2: Key Cycle Your Vehicle

To key cycle your vehicle:

  1. Turn the vehicle completely off. The vehicle engine should not be running, and the vehicle should not be in accessory mode. Many newer vehicles will keep the radio on, even when the car is turned off, until a door is opened.
  2. Open the driver’s door and lock the door.  

    Note: If your vehicle is equipped with an Intelligent Access System with push-button start, exit the vehicle with your keys before locking the door.
     
  3. Close the driver’s door.  
  4. Wait 2 minutes and ensure the radio display turns off completely.
  5. Restart the vehicle.
  6. Verify that your phone automatically connects to SYNC. If it does not, proceed to Tip 3.

Tip 3: Perform a Soft Reset in SYNC

To perform a soft reset:

  1. Determine what SYNC generation you have by using the SYNC Visual Reference Guide or visiting the SYNC and Navigation Updates page and entering your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).

  2. Perform a key cycle (see Tip 2).
  3. Verify that your device automatically connects to SYNC. If the device does not connect, proceed to Tip 4.

Tip 4: Delete the Device From SYNC

To delete the device from the vehicle's SYNC menu, use one of the options below:

  • Voice Commands
    1. Press the Voice button. SYNC will ask for a command.
    2. Say: Delete <Name of Phone>. You will receive a prompt for confirmation to delete.
    3. Press Delete.
  • Manual Steps
    • Gen 1: Phone > Return > Bluetooth > Delete (Delete All to delete all phones) > Select phone (Delete All if you selected the Delete All option)
    • MyTouch: Gears > Settings > Phone > Bluetooth > Select phone > Delete
    • Gen 1.1: Phone > BT Devices > Select phone > Delete
    • SYNC 3: Settings > Bluetooth > View Devices > Select phone > Delete
    • SYNC 4: Settings> Phone List > Select phone > Delete symbol (trash can) > Yes


Verify that your phone automatically connects to SYNC. If it does not, proceed to Tip 5.

Tip 5: Delete SYNC From Your Device

To delete SYNC from your device's Bluetooth menu:

  1. Unpair your device using one of the options below:
    • iPhone†: Go to Settings > select Bluetooth > press the i icon next to SYNC > choose Forget This Device.
    • Most Androids††: Go to Settings > select Bluetooth > select the small icon next to SYNC (the icon can vary depending on the device) > choose Unpair or Delete (will vary depending on the device).
    • All other devices: Refer to the device's manual for instructions.
  2. Delete the device from within the SYNC menu (Tip 4) and delete SYNC from the device's Bluetooth menu again.
  3. Verify that your phone automatically connects to SYNC. If it does not, proceed to Tip 6.

Tip 6: Reverse Pair Your Device

To reverse pair your phone:

  1. Follow the steps in the reverse pairing article as it varies by SYNC generation.
  2. Verify that your phone automatically connects to SYNC. If it does not, proceed to Tip 7.

Tip 7: Soft Reset Your Device

To perform a soft reset on your phone:

  • iPhone:
    • iPhone 8 or later: Press and quickly release the Volume Up button. Press and quickly release the Volume Down button. Then, press and hold the Side button until you see the Apple logo (at least 10 seconds).
    • iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 Plus: Press and hold both the Side and Volume Down buttons until you see the Apple logo (at least 10 seconds).
    • iPhone 6s and earlier, iPad, or iPod touch: Press and hold the Home and the Top (or Side) buttons until you see the Apple logo (at least 10 seconds).
  • Phones with a removable battery: Remove the battery for 20 seconds. Replace the battery and start the phone.
  • Phones without a removable battery: Refer to the device manual for instructions. On most Android devices, press and hold the Power and Volume Down buttons simultaneously.

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?
How do I perform a key cycle on my Lincoln?
How do I remove a paired device from SYNC?
How do I pair my phone with SYNC?
How do I reverse pair a phone with SYNC?

*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. 

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

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

††Android is a trademark of Google LLC.