All About Apple CarPlay Ford F-150

Apple CarPlay in Ford F-150 has been available since 2017. It is a feature that allows iPhone users to integrate their devices with the vehicle’s infotainment system. There are multiple ways to set up Apple CarPlay in F-150 based on the SYNC version available on the Truck. You can connect this feature to your truck either wirelessly or with a wire. And, you can even disable the CarPlay from your F-150 if you want to.

Are you satisfied with the above information? I don’t think so. That’s why I wrote this entire content regarding Apple CarPlay Ford F-150. Keep reading the content to find out everything.

What is Apple CarPlay In Ford F-150?

Apple CarPlay in Ford F-150 is a feature that allows iPhone users to integrate their devices with the vehicle’s infotainment system.

Through Apple CarPlay, You can access various iPhone functions. These include making phone calls, sending and receiving messages, using maps and navigation, playing music, and using Siri voice commands, all through the vehicle’s display screen or voice control system.

It provides seamless integration of iPhone features into the vehicle’s infotainment system, allowing users to stay connected while keeping their eyes on the road and hands on the wheel.

Note that Apple CarPlay requires a compatible iPhone model and a compatible vehicle with CarPlay support.

However, it’s important to note that vehicle manufacturers may offer different features and capabilities with Apple CarPlay, so it’s always best to consult the owner’s manual or contact the vehicle manufacturer for specific details about Apple CarPlay integration in a Ford F-150 or any other vehicle model.

What Year Of Ford F-150 Has Apple CarPlay?

Apple CarPlay has been available on F-150 models from 2017 to the present day (2023).

This means that if you’re looking for a truck that can seamlessly integrate with your iPhone, you have plenty of options to choose from. And it’s not just limited to the F-150, any 2017 or newer Ford vehicle equipped with SYNC® 3 or SYNC 4/4A comes with Apple CarPlay.

Furthermore, If you happen to have a 2016 Ford vehicle with SYNC 3 and software version 2.0 or greater, you are in luck as well.

How to Set Up Apple Car Play in Ford F-150?

To link your Apple CarPlay with SYNC, you will need to determine which generation of SYNC you have.

So, how to identify the SYNC generation in your F-150?

You can use two different resources to determine your vehicle’s SYNC generation.

The first option is to visit the SYNC and Navigation Updates page, where you can either enter your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or log in with your Ford credentials, and select “Check for update.” This will display your current SYNC generation on the right-hand side of the page.

Another helpful resource is the SYNC Visual Reference Guide, which includes sample images of each SYNC generation that Ford has offered.

Now you’ve figured out the SYNC version you have. So, let’s follow the steps to set up Apple CarPlay in your Ford F-150.

Connecting Apple CarPlay to SYNC 4A/4

Follow the steps to set up Apple CarPlay if your F-150 has SYNC 4A or SYNC 4:

Step 1: Ensure your vehicle is parked and running in a safe, well-ventilated area.

Step 2: Press the Home icon on your vehicle’s SYNC screen. 

Step 3: If your phone is already paired to your SYNC system, select Settings -> Phone List, and then touch the applicable iPhone from the displayed list. Select Enable. If your phone is not already paired to your SYNC system, go to step 4.

Step 4: Select Phone -> Add Phone on your vehicle’s SYNC screen.

Step 5: Go to Settings -> Bluetooth on your iPhone.

Step 6: Select your vehicle name on your iPhone’s discovery list. Confirm that the PIN matches the code displayed on your vehicle’s SYNC screen. Tap Yes when prompted.

Step 7: Select Pair on your iPhone. “Allow Contacts and Favorites Sync?” will appear on your iPhone. Tap Allow to download phone contacts to your vehicle’s SYNC system.

Step 8: After a few seconds, “Use CarPlay with SYNC 4?” will appear on your iPhone. Select Use CarPlay.

Step 9: “Would you like to enable CarPlay?” will appear on your vehicle’s SYNC screen. Tap the Enable button.

Step 10: “Connecting to Apple CarPlay” will appear and Apple CarPlay will launch on your SYNC screen.

Connecting Apple CarPlay to SYNC 3

Follow the below steps to set up Apple CarPlay if your F-150 has SYNC 3:

Step 1: Make sure you’re in a safe and well-ventilated area and start your vehicle.

Step 2: Enable Siri in your iPhone settings.

Step 3: Plug your iPhone into your vehicle’s USB port using an Apple Lightning cable.

Step 4: When the pop-up window appears on your vehicle’s SYNC screen, tap “Continue.”

Step 5: On the next pop-up window, select “Agree” to accept the Terms & Conditions.

Step 6: Click “Allow” on your iPhone to complete the setup process for SYNC 3 and Apple CarPlay.

Step 7: Once the connection is established and the Terms and Conditions are accepted, Apple CarPlay will automatically launch on your SYNC 3 touchscreen.

So, that was all on how to set up Apple CarPlay on the Ford F-150 regardless of the SYNC version.

However, you may face some connection issues in your Apple CarPlay from time to time. Here’s a guideline for your assistance.

Apple CarPlay Connection Issues

When it comes to connecting your phone with CarPlay in an F-150, you’ve got a couple of options. You can either connect it with a wire or go wireless.

However, keep in mind that just as there are two ways to connect, there are also two ways it can fail to work.

Apple Carplay Not Working When Connected With Wire

If you’re experiencing issues when trying to connect Apple CarPlay in your Ford F-150 using a wire, you may come across one or more of the following problems:

1. CarPlay not connecting to the infotainment system in your truck
2. Your iPhone not showing up as connected to CarPlay
3. CarPlay disconnecting or dropping out during use

Reasons

There could be several reasons why you’re experiencing issues when trying to connect CarPlay with a wire. These include:

1. An outdated version of the iOS operating system on your iPhone
2. An outdated version of the software on the infotainment system in your truck
3. A loose or faulty connection between your iPhone and the infotainment system
4. A software glitch on either your iPhone or the infotainment system

Solutions

To solve the problem of CarPlay not working when connected with a wire, you can try the following solutions:

1. Check that your iPhone’s iOS operating system is up to date and that the software version of the vehicle is updated.
2. Ensure that both ends of the lightning cord are firmly plugged into your iPhone and the infotainment system.
3. Restart both the infotainment system in your truck and your iPhone.
4. Try removing and adding your phone to the system again.
5. Make sure that the “Do Not Disturb” mode is not enabled on your iPhone and that the “Airplane” mode is not active on your phone.
6. Check your iPhone’s settings and make sure that the “CarPlay While Locked” option is allowed.
7. Verify that you’re connecting the right car to the right phone and that CarPlay and “Siri & Search” are enabled.

If none of the above solutions work, there could be an infotainment system hardware or software issue with the truck. Contact your Ford dealer for more support.

Apple Carplay Not Working When Connected Wirelessly

If you’re facing difficulties connecting your iPhone wirelessly to Apple CarPlay in your Ford F-150, you might experience the following problems:

1. CarPlay not connecting wirelessly to the infotainment system in your truck
2. Your iPhone not showing up as connected to CarPlay wirelessly
3. CarPlay disconnecting or dropping out during use

Reasons

There could be several reasons why you’re experiencing issues when trying to connect CarPlay wirelessly. These include:

1. Your iPhone not supporting wireless CarPlay (supported on iPhone 7 and subsequent models running iOS 9 or later)
2. Your iPhone not being Bluetooth-connected to the truck’s infotainment system
3. An outdated version of the software on the infotainment system in your truck
4. A software glitch on either your iPhone or the infotainment system

Solutions

To solve the problem of CarPlay not working wirelessly in your Ford F-150, you can try the following solutions:

1. Make sure your iPhone supports wireless CarPlay.
2. Verify that your iPhone is Bluetooth-connected to the truck’s infotainment system and that the software version of the vehicle and the phone is up-to-date.
3. Restart the infotainment system in the truck and your iPhone, as well as the vehicle itself.
4. Check your iPhone’s settings to ensure that the “Do Not Disturb” and “Airplane” modes are not enabled. In the infotainment system settings, make sure that “Wireless App Projection” is turned on.

If none of the above solutions work, there could be an infotainment system hardware or software issue with the truck. Contact your Ford dealer for more support.

In addition, you can troubleshoot Apple CarPlay to find specific problems and their solutions. 

How to Disable Apple CarPlay from Ford F-150?

There could be several reasons why you may want to disable Apple CarPlay from your Ford F-150. These may include:

1. Preference for Ford’s native infotainment system over CarPlay.
2. Technical issues or glitches with CarPlay that impact the driving experience.
3. Concerns about distractions from iPhone notifications and a preference for Ford’s system designed to minimize distractions.
4. Difficulty connecting iPhone to CarPlay, leading to a preference for Ford’s system.

Disabling Apple CarPlay:

For SYNC 4A

1. Tap the Home icon on your vehicle’s SYNC screen.
2. Select Settings and then tap on Phone List.
3. Press Disable Apple CarPlay.

When disabled, your in-vehicle screen will no longer show the Apple CarPlay option.

For SYNC 4

1. Tap on Settings on your SYNC screen.
2. Select Phone List and then choose your phone from the list of devices.
3. Tap on Disable.

Note that disabling Apple CarPlay may be necessary to use certain functions of the FordPass App.

For SYNC 3:

1. Select Settings on your SYNC 3 screen.
2. Swipe and press on Apple CarPlay Preferences.
3. Choose your phone from the list of devices and then select the drop-down arrow.
4. Press Disable to disconnect and disable Apple CarPlay.

Your SYNC system will return to normal functionality.

FAQs

Does F150 XL Have Apple CarPlay?

Yes, the Ford F-150 XL model for 2017 and newer comes with Apple CarPlay as a standard feature. However, it’s always recommended to double-check the specific features and options of the vehicle before purchasing.

Can I Get Apple CarPlay in My 2016 F150?

You can get Apple CarPlay by downloading and installing a software update on your 2016 F150. You can either take your vehicle to a Ford dealership and have them assist you with the update or do it yourself. Ford has made it possible for vehicle owners to download the update from their official website and install it using a USB drive.

Can Sync 2 Be Upgraded to Apple Carplay?

No, SYNC 2 cannot be upgraded to Apple CarPlay. Unfortunately, CarPlay is only compatible with newer versions of SYNC, such as SYNC 3, SYNC 4, and SYNC 4A. If you’re interested in using Apple CarPlay, you may want to consider upgrading your vehicle’s infotainment system to a newer version of SYNC or purchasing an aftermarket CarPlay-compatible head unit.

Conclusion

We hope this solves the queries regarding Apple Carplay in Ford F-150.

That’s the end of this article. Let us know what Ford F-150 topic you want to hear from us about in the future.

Until then, good luck with your Ford F-150!