How to do a Ford Sync Master Reset
Ford and Microsoft joined forces to provide a first-class experience for drivers via Ford Sync. The enhanced capabilities let drivers receive hands-free calls and audible text messages, as well as easy voice access to maps, music, and more. An added bonus: if you get into an accident that triggers airbags, the vehicle automatically notifies 911.
However, from time-to-time, we all experience issues with our SYNC System! It's just how technology works, right? Luckily, performing a Master Reset can help alleviate operational issues you might be experiencing with SYNC. When you "pair" your phone to your Ford vehicle, another layer of technological "do's and don'ts" gets thrown into the mix. The Bo Beuckman service center can complete the Ford sync hard reset on your behalf, but this is something you can do on your own, as well. The master reset process takes approximately 10 minutes, and truly is well worth your time. Though it may seem overwhelming, keep breathing...the answers lie below!
What Does a Ford Sync Master Reset Accomplish
A Master Reset completely erases all information stored on your SYNC System, but NEVER, NEVER, NEVER from your paired phone. A Master Reset will remove phone book info, call history, text messages, paired devices, saved addresses and navigation history on your SYNC System ONLY. Once you "re-pair" your phone back to the system, almost all information is restored excluding previously navigated or stored destinations.
How to Know When It's Time for a Ford Sync Master Reset
Did You Get a NEW Phone? A Master Reset is Best Practice but Not Necessary
Folks getting a new phone will want to perform a MASTER RESET on the vehicle's SYNC System before pairing your new phone. Although not a necessary evil, Ford recommends it as a "Best Practice." After all, why would you want your new phone paired to a "dirty" SYNC system?
Recently UPDATE Your Phone? A Ford Sync Master Reset is Necessary
Has your phone had an update recently? If so, it is a necessary evil and you MUST remember to perform the MASTER RESET. A Master Reset to SYNC cleans out stored phone(s) and resets the system to factory defaults. This leaves you with a blank canvas, and ready to pair with your up-to-date phone!
Instructions on How to Reset Ford Sync
Instructions on How to Reset Ford Sync1. Press the "Settings" button
2. Swipe or scroll to the right
3. Tap on "General"
4. Scroll down to the bottom
5. Select "Reset"
6. Choose "Master Reset"
7. Confirm by tapping "Continue"
8. Allow the system to reset; wait patiently
9. The screen will temporarily go blank
10. The screen will display a rebooting graphic
11. Reset is complete!
How to Remove the Old Sync from Your Phone
While SYNC system is resetting, you can remove the old SYNC from your phone and give phone a cold boot (reset) by following these steps:Instructions for Android Users
1. On your phone, go to SETTINGS in the menu
2. Find the BLUETOOTH menu option and touch to open it
3. Once SYNC appears, touch the GEAR (right side of screen)
4. You will see UNPAIR. Touch UNPAIR and the sync will be removed from phone
5. Take out the battery, wait 30 seconds, replace, and power phone back on
Instructions for iPhone Users
1. On iPhone - Go to SETTINGS in the menu
2. Navigate to the BLUETOOTH menu item and touch to open
3. Once the word SYNC appears - touch the BLUE ARROW or BLUE CIRCLE marked with the lower-case letter L
4. Touch the ARROW and/or CIRCLE to open new screen
5. Touch FORGET THIS DEVICE to begin removing the sync from phone
6. Press and hold at the same time the ON/OFF button and the HOME button. Continue to hold until the apple appears and then release - let the phone restart itself.
7. Wait for the word SYNC to appear in white letters and allow progression bar (below the word SYNC) to completely fill in.
8. Once the system returns to the HOME (4-corners) screen and the radio begins playing again - Reset is almost complete
9. Turn the vehicle off
10. Open door and leave open for at least 5 seconds
You are NOW ready to pair your Phone back to the SYNC system.
1. Make sure your vehicle is in running, In park and the radio is on
2. Touch ADD PHONE in the Phone Quadrant. FIND SYNC appears on the screen, and instructs you to begin the pairing process from your device.
3. Bluetooth must be set to ON and your mobile phone is in the proper mode
4. A message will appear on the touch screen indicating that your device is trying to pair with SYNC
5. A 6-digit PIN will appear on your device. If phone does not support secure simple pairing, you will manually enter the PIN showing on SYNC Screen. Otherwise the phone and SYNC system will both display a matching number - you need to touch PAIR on Phone & YES on SYNC Screen
6. The display will indicate when the pairing is successful
7. Turn 911 Assist to ON
8. Allow SYNC to DOWNLOAD your contacts
ANDROID ONLY: A box will appear one or two times on the phone asking if you would like SYNC to access your contacts. Make sure to CHECK THE BOX "DO NOT ASK AGAIN"(BOTH TIMES-if applicable). Otherwise it SYNC will ask this every time you enter the vehicle. iPhone ONLY: Pair phone according to the instructions above. Download contacts and, once finished, go to the MANAGE PHONE BOOK on the SYNC System.
Additional Steps for the Ford Sync Hard Reset
Follow these steps to avoid headaches down the road. Not turning this feature off will add an entire phone book every time you sync the Ford to your phone. This will cause the system to freeze!
1. In the phone menu, open the phone quadrant on the sync system
2. Click SETTINGS at the bottom tab of phone menu
3. Scroll to page 2 to find manage the phone book
4. Wait for screen to inform you that your Phone book Contacts have been downloaded.
5. Turn the auto phone download to OFF
You Don't Have to Complete Your Ford Sync Hard Reset Alone
Got questions or are you struggling to successfully finish the hard reset? Bo Beuckman has answers. To set up an appointment with our service center to complete the Ford sync, call 636-227-5700.
By Brent FaronBrent Faron is the Sales & Fixed Operations Lead at Bo Beuckman Quality Ford, where he has worked in nearly every role since 2006 and now leads the Used Car division. He lives in Wildwood, Missouri with his wife and three kids.
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Bo Beuckman Quality Ford
15675 Manchester Road
Ellisville, MO 63011
- Sales: 636-227-5700
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