What should I do if I have issues using Android Auto with SYNC?

Find possible solutions to your Android Auto™* issue(s) with the troubleshooting steps contained in this article.

Important: Before you begin troubleshooting, ensure:

  • Your vehicle is parked, running, and in an open, well-ventilated, and safe area.
  • Android Auto is not used wirelessly while your device is connected to the Wi-Fi® hotspot**.
  • Your phone software is up to date. These steps may vary based on your phone's manufacturer and model. If you need assistance, refer to the manufacturer's website.
  • Android Auto is updated to the latest version. While most Android phones now have Android Auto built in, verify there are no updates available by searching for “Android Auto” in the Play Store™. If an update is available, tap Update to install.

Troubleshooting Android Auto for SYNC 4

If your vehicle is equipped with SYNC®† 4, ensure your mobile device is properly connected to your vehicle either wirelessly or with a USB cable. If the connection steps do not resolve your concern, follow the steps in Step 2 - Resolve Your Android Auto Issue.

Note: If you need assistance identifying your SYNC generation, refer to the SYNC Visual Reference Guide.

Step 1 - Ensure Your Mobile Device is Connected Properly

Ensure your mobile device is properly connected to SYNC via a USB cable or wirelessly, as shown in the table below.

Connection TypeRequisitosIndicaciones
USB Cable

A USB connection requires: 

Complete the following:

  1. Plug a USB cable into your vehicle’s USB port, then plug the other end into your phone.  
  2. Follow the on-screen instructions to set up Android Auto.

    Note: Your phone may ask you to update Android Auto before you continue.

If there is still an issue with Android Auto, proceed to Step 2 - Resolve Your Android Auto Issue below.

Inalámbrico

Wireless connection requires: 

  • A Google or Samsung™ phone with Android 10.0.
  • A Samsung Galaxy S8, Galaxy S8+, or Note 8 with Android 9.0.
  • Android 11.0 or newer for all other Google or Android phones.
  • Location enabled in Google Maps. The device will prompt you to select Always or While using.
  • An active data plan.

Importante: 

  • Wireless connection capability can vary by model.
  • For the first time using a wireless connection, you must pair your phone and vehicle via Bluetooth®.
  • For best results, keep Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Location Services enabled on your mobile device while you complete the setup.

Complete the following:

  1. Confirm your vehicle's Wireless App Projection is on.
    1. Busca Configuraciones en la pantalla de SYNC de tu vehículo.
    2. Tap Connectivity.
    3. Turn Wireless App Projection on.
  2. Pair your phone to your vehicle using Bluetooth. 

Once your phone is paired with your vehicle via Bluetooth, Android Auto should start within a few seconds. If not, follow the on-screen prompts to start Android Auto. You may need to tap Android Auto on your vehicle's display.

If Android Auto does not launch, try connecting with a USB cable. 

If you are still experiencing issues, proceed to Step 2 - Resolve Your Android Auto Issue.

Step 2 - Resolve Your Android Auto Issue

Complete the steps below in order and test after each one to see if Android Auto is working properly.

  1. Use another manufacturer-approved USB 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 (Google Play™, Spotify, etc.).  

    Note: If there is no sound, the USB hardware may have failed. Schedule an appointment with your preferred Lincoln Retailer for a diagnosis. 
     
  4. Perform a key cycle.
  5. Perform a SYNC module reset.
  6. Check for any software updates needed for your phone. These steps may vary based on your phone's manufacturer and model. If you need assistance, refer to the manufacturer's website.
  7. Ensure that there are no limitations on your phone. These steps may vary based on your phone's manufacturer and model. If you need assistance, refer to the manufacturer's website.
  8. Perform a soft reset on your device. After performing a soft reset, you will be redirected to the Home screen. These steps may vary based on your phone's manufacturer and model. If you need assistance, refer to the manufacturer's website.
  9. Delete your device from the vehicle's SYNC menu.
    • Comandos de voz
      1. Press the Voice button on your steering wheel. SYNC will ask for a command.
      2. Say, "Delete <Insert Name of Phone>. "
      3. Tap Delete.
    • Manually
      1. Tap the Settings or the Home icon on your vehicle's SYNC screen.
      2. Choose Phone List. 
      3. Select Phone. 
      4. Press the Delete symbol (trash can). 
      5. Tap Yes.
  10. Delete SYNC from the device's Bluetooth® menu. If you do not know how to disconnect SYNC from your phone's Bluetooth menu, refer to the manufacturer's website as instructions vary by phone model.
  11. Pair your phone to your vehicle using Bluetooth.

Once pairing is complete, you should be able to use Android Auto.

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

Troubleshooting Android Auto for SYNC 3

If your vehicle is equipped with SYNC 3, follow the instructions below to resolve your Android Auto connection issue. If the connection steps do not resolve your concern, follow the steps offered in Step 2 - Troubleshoot Android Auto Not Showing or Unable to Hear Incoming Calls.

Note: If you need assistance identifying your SYNC generation, refer to the SYNC Visual Reference Guide.

Step 1 - Remedy Your Android Auto Connection

If you have experienced a concern with Android Auto and your vehicle is equipped with SYNC 3, complete the steps below in order and test after each one to see if the issue is resolved.

  1. Confirm you have:
    • Connected the Android device to SYNC via a manufacturer's approved USB cable.
    • Android Auto installed on your smart device.
  2. Ensure your phone settings are correct using Google's™ Set Up Android Auto instructions.
  3. Attempt to use another manufacturer's approved cable if one is available.
  4. Set the audio source to USB and try playing music from any available source (Google Play™, Spotify, etc.).

    Note: If there is no sound, the USB hardware may have failed. Schedule an appointment with your preferred Lincoln Retailer for a diagnosis. 
     
  5. Perform a soft reset on your phone. These steps may vary based on your phone's manufacturer and model. If you need assistance, refer to the manufacturer's website.
  6. Perform a key cycle.
  7. Perform a SYNC module reset.
  8. Check for any software updates needed for your phone.  These steps may vary based on your phone's manufacturer and model. If you need assistance, refer to the manufacturer's website.
  9. Ensure that there are no limitations on your phone. These steps may vary based on your phone's manufacturer and model. If you need assistance, refer to the manufacturer's website.
  10. Delete your device from the vehicle's SYNC menu.
    • Comandos de voz
      1. Press the Voice button on your steering wheel. SYNC will ask for a command.
      2. Say, "Delete <Insert Name of Phone>. "
      3. Tap Delete.
    • Manually
      1. Tap the Settings or Home icon on your vehicle's SYNC screen.
      2. Choose Phone List. 
      3. Select Phone. 
      4. Press the Delete symbol (trash can).
      5. Tap Yes.
  11. Delete SYNC from the device's Bluetooth® menu. These steps may vary based on your phone's manufacturer and model. If you need assistance, refer to the manufacturer's website.
  12. Pair your phone to your vehicle using Bluetooth.

Once pairing is complete, you should be able to use Android Auto.

If Android Auto has disappeared from your SYNC screen, or you cannot hear incoming calls while connected to Android Auto, proceed to Step 2 - Troubleshoot Android Auto Not Showing or Unable to Hear Incoming Calls.

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

Step 2 - Troubleshoot Android Auto Not Showing or Unable to Hear Incoming Calls

Refer to the table below for the different scenarios and their troubleshooting instructions.

Symptom

Indicaciones

Android Auto is not showing or has disappeared from the SYNC screen.

Complete the following:

  1. Unplug your phone cable from the USB port.
  2. Perform a master/factory reset, and allow the master reset to finish.
  3. Plug the manufacturer's approved cable into the USB port.
  4. Confirm your vehicle's SYNC system loads. You may see a vehicle, the Lincoln emblem, or the word "Welcome," depending on your vehicle line.

    Note: Once you have completed the previous steps, test whether the issue is resolved. If SYNC is displaying Android Auto, no further action is required. If not, proceed to step 5. 
     
  5. Perform a key cycle.
  6. Re-enter your vehicle and turn it on.
  7. Confirm your vehicle's SYNC system loads. You may see a vehicle, the Lincoln emblem, or the word "Welcome," depending on your vehicle line.
  8. Wait for the Home screen to show.
  9. Insert the USB cable, plug in your phone, and wait for Android Auto to launch.

If the issue remains, contact your preferred Lincoln Retailer for further assistance.

You cannot hear the incoming call audio when connected to Android Auto.

Complete all the following steps and then test:

  1. Connect your phone to Bluetooth.
  2. Presiona Configuración en la pantalla de SYNC de tu vehículo.
  3. Select Phone.
  4. Choose Set Phone Ringtone.
  5. Press Use Phone Ringtone.
  6. Insert the USB cable, plug your phone in, and wait for Android Auto to launch.

If the issue remains, contact your preferred Lincoln Retailer for further assistance.

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

More SYNC Information

For more detailed information on SYNC features and functions, visit our Lincoln support page and browse by your preferred topic.

Helpful SYNC Support Categories

Información adicional

¿Cómo activo o desactivo Android Auto con SYNC?
Preguntas frecuentes sobre Android Auto

*Compatible Android with compatible active data plan and software required. El uso inalámbrico de Android Auto requiere un teléfono Android 11.0 o más nuevo compatible y un plan de datos activos compatible. Check g.co/androidauto/requirements for compatibility. SYNC® 4 no controla los productos de terceros, mientras están en uso. Los terceros son responsables de sus respectivas funcionalidades.

**Wi-Fi® hotspot includes complimentary wireless data trial that begins upon AT&T activation and expires at the end of three months or when 3GB of data is used, whichever comes first. To activate, go to www.att.com/Lincoln. No conduzcas distraído o mientras tienes un dispositivo en la mano. Usa controles de voz.

†Do not drive while distracted or while using handheld devices. Usa sistemas operados por voz cuando sea posible. Algunas funciones pueden estar bloqueadas mientras el vehículo esté en cambio.  No todas las características son compatibles con todos los teléfonos.

Android Auto and Android are trademarks of Google LLC.

Wi-Fi es una marca comercial registrada de Wi-Fi Alliance®.

Google, Play Store, Google Maps, and Google Play are trademarks of Google LLC.

El emblema de Bluetooth es una marca registrada de Bluetooth SIG, Inc.