Lincoln Digital Experience Frequently Asked Questions

With the Lincoln Digital Experience,* you can access your digital life, including your favorite apps and services from Google and Amazon, through the new integrated native experience, as well as with Apple CarPlay® powered by iPhone, and Android Auto™ through other compatible devices.

See the frequently asked questions (FAQs) below for more information.

Contents

Digital Experience General FAQs
Digital Experience Connected Features FAQs

Digital Experience General FAQs

Select from the questions below.

What are the ways you can have connectivity in your vehicle?

Upon purchase of your vehicle, you will receive 1 year of included Lincoln Premium Connectivity**, which will provide data to several apps in the vehicle. Upon the conclusion of the 1-year included, you can purchase Lincoln Premium Connectivity through the Connected Services tile within your Lincoln Account. 

You can also connect your vehicle to the internet through a Wi-Fi® hotspot such as your phone, or a stationary Wi-Fi source such as your home internet when parked.

How is the Lincoln Digital Experience updated?

The Lincoln Digital Experience will update through over-the-air software updates. Examples of these updates are system enhancements, design changes, bug fixes, etc.

Apps that you have downloaded on Google Play will be updated automatically when updates are available.

Note: Updates to the Google Play Store and downloaded apps will only happen if the vehicle is connected to Lincoln Premium Connectivity or Wi-Fi.

What functionalities do I lose when my Lincoln Premium Connectivity**subscription ends?

If connectivity is no longer available, some features within the Lincoln Digital Experience will no longer function or will not function the same as when connected.

Without connectivity, the following changes will happen to in-vehicle features:

  • Google Maps will not provide real-time traffic data or have the ability to download new offline maps.
  • With Google Assistant, you can only manage local vehicle controls, such as playing the radio and adjusting the climate controls while keeping your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel.
  • Google Play will not be available.
  • Alexa Built-in† will still be available for use if you are within the complimentary 3-year trial of Alexa Built-in. Enhanced Alexa functionality, such as flash briefings, long-form news, and in-vehicle games through Alexa will not be available.

Once your Lincoln Premium Connectivity subscription ends, you can continue your connected experience by connecting your vehicle to the internet through a Wi-Fi hotspot such as your phone, or a stationary Wi-Fi source such as your home internet when parked.

Can I manually download maps in my vehicle?

Yes. In Google Maps:

  1. Select Settings.
  2. Choose Offline Maps.

Within Offline Maps, you can view the auto-downloaded map or select one to download.

Note: Downloaded maps are available for 1 year unless updated. Once you have downloaded a map, you can see it and its expiration date in Offline Maps.

Digital Experience Connected Features FAQs

Which voice assistants are available in the vehicle, and how do I switch between them?

Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa are integrated into the Lincoln Digital Experience. You can also use Siri when Apple CarPlay® is enabled in-vehicle.

Google Assistant

Google Assistant is the default voice assistant.

Amazon Alexa

If you prefer to use Alexa, follow these steps to make Alexa your default voice assistant:

  1. Open the App Drawer on the touchscreen.
  2. Press Settings.
  3. Scroll down on the left side of the screen and press Assistant and Voice.
  4. Press Digital Assistant app.
  5. Select Alexa.
  6. Press the get started button.
  7. Connect your Amazon account to the vehicle.
  8. Accept permissions.
  9. Change the default assistant and enable a wake word.

Siri

Siri can be used while Apple CarPlay is enabled. It can control features within the Apple CarPlay experience.

How can I activate the different voice assistants?

Depending on your selected voice assistant, each one can be activated in different ways. To talk to Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa, that voice assistant must be selected as your default.

Google Assistant

Google Assistant can be activated in three ways:

  • Say “Hey, Google.”
  • Press the voice command button on the steering wheel.
  • Press the Google Assistant icon button from the App Drawer.

Amazon Alexa

Amazon Alexa can be activated in three ways:

  • Say “Alexa.”
  • Press the voice command button on the steering wheel.
  • Press the Alexa icon button from the App Drawer, then press the tap-to-talk button in the app to issue a command.

Siri

Siri can be activated in two ways while Apple CarPlay is enabled:

  • Say “Hey, Siri.”

    Note: This command will be received by the phone’s microphone and could be unreliable depending on where the phone is located.
     
  • Press and hold the voice command button on the steering wheel.

Can I use Apple CarPlay and talk to Google Assistant at the same time?

Yes, just say, “Hey, Google,” or press the voice control button on your steering wheel to talk to Google Assistant while Apple CarPlay is active. Talking to Google Assistant will take you out of Apple CarPlay.

To activate Siri, long-press the voice control button on your steering wheel. Apple CarPlay will display on the screen.

Can I use Google Play without a Google Account?

No, a Google Account is required to use Google Play.

If my vehicle is not connected to the internet, which Google Assistant, Google Maps, and Google Play features will still function?

Google Assistant

You can ask Google Assistant to complete certain vehicle functions, such as playing the radio.

Google Maps

When you have auto-download enabled, and connectivity is present, maps are automatically downloaded based on the vehicle's current location and where the vehicle thinks you will go. You will then have access to this offline map data to use navigation features. To ensure map data is always available, turn on auto-download in the Privacy Center.

Google Play

Google Play cannot be used to download or update apps if connectivity is not available. Some apps could be used without connectivity if they were downloaded when connectivity was available.

Can I use my controller to play games in-vehicle?

Yes, you can bring devices such as controllers into the vehicle to play gaming apps when the vehicle is in Park (P). They can be connected via USB or Bluetooth.

*Some Lincoln Digital Experience features require a Connected Services plan. Don’t drive while distracted or while using handheld devices. Use voice-operated systems when possible. Some features may be locked out while the vehicle is in gear. Not all features are compatible with all phones.

**Eligible vehicles receive either three or four years of complimentary access to Alexa Built-in. Lincoln Premium Connectivity offered on eligible vehicles as a one-year or four-year complimentary trial. Don’t drive while distracted or while using handheld devices. Use voice-operated systems when possible. Some features may be locked out while the vehicle is in gear. Not all features are compatible with all phones. Trials begin upon new vehicle warranty start date. Access to Alexa Built-in requires an Amazon account, Lincoln Digital Experience, and Lincoln Connect® activated through the Lincoln Way® App (see Lincoln Way Terms for details). Some Google Assistant, Google Maps, Google Play, and Alexa Built-in features require Lincoln Premium Connectivity connected service plan or Wi-Fi® network. Connected service and features depend on compatible AT&T network availability. Evolving technology/cellular networks/vehicle capability may limit functionality and prevent operation of connected features. Lincoln Way® App, compatible with select smartphone platforms, is available via a download. Message and data rates may apply.

†Eligible vehicles receive either three or four years of complimentary access to Alexa Built-in. Lincoln Premium Connectivity offered on eligible vehicles as a one-year or four year complimentary trial. Don’t drive while distracted or while using handheld devices. Use voice-operated systems when possible. Some features may be locked out while the vehicle is in gear. Not all features are compatible with all phones. Certain Alexa functionality is dependent on smart home technology. Trials begin upon new vehicle warranty start date. Access to Alexa Built-in requires an Amazon account, the Lincoln Digital Experience, and Lincoln Connect®, activated through the Lincoln Way® App (see Lincoln Connect Terms for details). Some Google Assistant, Google Maps, Google Play, and Alexa Built-in features require Lincoln Premium Connectivity Connected Service Plan or Wi-Fi® network. Connected services and features depend on compatible AT&T network availability. Evolving technology/cellular networks/vehicle capability may limit functionality and prevent operation of connected features. Lincoln Way App, compatible with select smartphone platforms, is available via a download. Message and data rates may apply.

†Feature is available on select vehicles. Features may vary based on model year, trim, options, packages, and supply availability. Use the Build and Price tool to view feature availability on current models. If you have questions or need more information, reference your Owner’s Manual or contact your Lincoln Retailer. Driver-assist features are supplemental and do not replace the driver’s attention, judgment, and need to control the vehicle. Refer to your Owner’s Manual for details and limitations.

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

Android is a trademark of Google LLC.

Wi-Fi is a registered trademark of Wi-Fi Alliance®.

Amazon, Alexa, Fire, and all related marks are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

Google Play is a trademark of Google Inc. Data rates may apply.

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