User profile for user: j_harrington
j_harrington Author
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iOS 12 / Ford Sync v3.0 Bluetooth connectivity issues

Hi there - I updated my iPhone X to iOS 12 last week ( week of 09/17/18 - 09/21/18 ). I noticed over the weekend on a long drive that my bluetooth connection was dropping out. I was playing audio over bluetooth to my Ford Sync 3 (software v3.0), and repeatedly had the connection drop then reconnect. Could this be an issue with iOS 12?


Carplay worked fine for me as a work around, but I use bluetooth as my primary means of playing audio content from my phone to my vehicle. Can the community please help me? I am hoping this issue is related to the update to iOS 12 and not something to do with the infotainment system in my vehicle (which would represent a FAR more expensive repair).

iPhone X, iOS 12, Reference Ford Sync 3 (v3.0)

Posted on Sep 26, 2018 8:10 AM

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User profile for user: Joseph_S.
Joseph_S.
User level: Community Specialist

Posted on Sep 27, 2018 9:11 AM

Hey there, j_harrington!

I see from your post that you've been having trouble with your Bluetooth connection between your iPhone X and your Ford Sync system. Specifically, while CarPlay works as intended, the Bluetooth only connection seems to be disconnecting unexpectedly. I'm happy to help!

Apple releases iOS updates to improve your experience using the iOS devices, like your iPhone X. In order to maintain compatibility with the new iOS updates, it is possible your third party devices--like the Ford Sync system in your car--will also require a firmware update. If that is the case, the manufacturer of your device (in this case, Ford) can let you know if one is or will be available, and how to obtain one.

It is possible there are some other things going on unrelated to the iOS software itself or the car's system, though. Before you check into updating your Ford Sync, I recommend checking for updates to any apps you use on your iPhone X (especially those you use in and with your car) by going into the App Store > Updates > Update All. If you have installed all updates and still have trouble, the next thing I'd suggest is going through the following steps from If your iPhone, iPad, or iPod doesn't connect to or work in your car - Apple Support to troubleshoot:

If you connect using Bluetooth

  1. Restart your device.
  2. Go to Settings > Bluetooth, and turn off Bluetooth. Wait for 5 seconds, then turn Bluetooth back on.
  3. Check your car stereo's user manual for how to pair with a Bluetooth device. Most cars require a phone setup on the car display.
  4. If you've connected multiple phones to your car stereo, try renaming your device: Go to Settings > General > About > Name, and type a new name. Then try connecting again.
  5. Update your device.
  6. Install any firmware updates for your car stereo.
  7. If you still can't connect, contact Apple Support.



Cheers!
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User profile for user: Joseph_S.
Joseph_S.
User level: Community Specialist

Sep 27, 2018 9:11 AM in response to j_harrington

Hey there, j_harrington!

I see from your post that you've been having trouble with your Bluetooth connection between your iPhone X and your Ford Sync system. Specifically, while CarPlay works as intended, the Bluetooth only connection seems to be disconnecting unexpectedly. I'm happy to help!

Apple releases iOS updates to improve your experience using the iOS devices, like your iPhone X. In order to maintain compatibility with the new iOS updates, it is possible your third party devices--like the Ford Sync system in your car--will also require a firmware update. If that is the case, the manufacturer of your device (in this case, Ford) can let you know if one is or will be available, and how to obtain one.

It is possible there are some other things going on unrelated to the iOS software itself or the car's system, though. Before you check into updating your Ford Sync, I recommend checking for updates to any apps you use on your iPhone X (especially those you use in and with your car) by going into the App Store > Updates > Update All. If you have installed all updates and still have trouble, the next thing I'd suggest is going through the following steps from If your iPhone, iPad, or iPod doesn't connect to or work in your car - Apple Support to troubleshoot:

If you connect using Bluetooth

  1. Restart your device.
  2. Go to Settings > Bluetooth, and turn off Bluetooth. Wait for 5 seconds, then turn Bluetooth back on.
  3. Check your car stereo's user manual for how to pair with a Bluetooth device. Most cars require a phone setup on the car display.
  4. If you've connected multiple phones to your car stereo, try renaming your device: Go to Settings > General > About > Name, and type a new name. Then try connecting again.
  5. Update your device.
  6. Install any firmware updates for your car stereo.
  7. If you still can't connect, contact Apple Support.



Cheers!
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iOS 12 / Ford Sync v3.0 Bluetooth connectivity issues

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