How do I perform a SYNC master/factory reset?
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How do I perform a SYNC master/factory reset?

Master/factory resets are performed using the SYNC®* system in your vehicle. To perform a reset, identify your SYNC generation and follow the steps outlined below.

Examples of reasons to perform a master/factory reset may include:

  • Before selling or transferring ownership.
  • After purchasing or leasing a pre-owned vehicle.
  • Before and after renting a vehicle.

Identifying Your Vehicle's SYNC Generation

Select a resource in the table below to help you identify your vehicle's SYNC generation.

ResourceInstructions
SYNC and Navigation Updates page

Either:

Your SYNC generation will appear on the right side of the page under the “SYNC Current Version” heading.

SYNC Visual Reference GuideView example images of SYNC generations that Lincoln has offered.

Completing a SYNC Master/Factory Reset

Important:

  • A master/factory reset erases all stored data, such as call history, text messages, previously paired phones, navigation favorites, personalized keyless entry codes, and modem activation.
  • A master/factory reset does not return your SYNC system to previous software versions.
  • Your vehicle must be parked and running, and in an open location (e.g., free of overhead foliage, ceilings, etc.). 

Select your vehicle's SYNC generation from the drop-down options below to learn how to complete a master/factory reset.

Digital Experience

Before performing a Digital Experience factory reset, attempt a module reset to restore functionality. A module reset does not delete stored data.

Performing a Module Reset

To perform a module reset, press and hold the Power button (center of the volume knob) for up to 10 seconds. Upon releasing the button, you may hear a pop sound from your vehicle's speakers.  

Performing a Factory Reset

Important:

  • Certain Connected Services subscriptions (Navigation, BlueCruise®**, etc.) may be unavailable for up to 10 business days after a factory reset. 
  • If you are unsure if you should complete a factory reset, contact Lincoln Concierge at 1-800-521-4140 or by selecting Live Chat at the bottom right of lincoln.com/support.
  • After the factory reset, you must re-activate your vehicle in the Lincoln Way®† App for remote features (remote start, lock, unlock, etc.) to be available again. Refer to the How to activate Lincoln Connect®†† article to learn how.

To do a factory reset on your Digital Experience screen:

  1. Tap the Apps icon or the Vehicle icon.
  2. Select Settings.
  3. Swipe up on the Settings menu and select System.
  4. Swipe up on the System menu and select Reset options. 
  5. Choose Factory reset. 
  6. Follow the prompts on the screen. 

The screen will go blank as the system performs its factory reset. Once the screen is back up, the factory reset is complete. 

SYNC 4

Before performing a master/factory reset, try a system reset to restore functionality. The system reset does not delete any data you have stored.

Performing a System Reset

To reset the system, choose the option below that applies to your vehicle.

  • Vehicles equipped with a Power button: Press and hold both the Power button (center of the volume knob) and the Seek Right button for 10 seconds.
  • Vehicles not equipped with a Power button: Press and hold both the Volume Down and Seek Right buttons on the steering wheel controls for 10 seconds.

If the system reset does not resolve the issue, continue with a master/factory reset.

Performing a Master/Factory Reset

Important:

  • This should not be performed unless you are directed to do so by an Engineer or per an escalation.
  • A master/factory reset will make all subscriptions (Connected Navigation, Lincoln BlueCruise**, etc.) unavailable for up to ten business days.
  • After the master/factory reset, you must re-activate your vehicle in the Lincoln Way®† App for remote features (remote start, lock, unlock, etc.) to be available again. Refer to the How to activate Lincoln Connect®†† article to learn how.

On your vehicle's SYNC screen:

  1. Select Settings.
  2. Press Reset.
  3. Select Master/Factory Reset.
  4. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the master/factory reset.

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

SYNC 3

Before performing a master reset, try a system reset to restore functionality. The system reset does not delete any data you have stored.

Performing a System Reset

  1. Press and hold the Seek up and the audio unit Power buttons simultaneously until the screen goes black. Wait for the system reset to complete.
  2. Press the audio unit Power button to switch the system on.

If the system reset does not resolve the issue, continue with a master reset.

Performing a Master Reset

On your vehicle's SYNC screen:

  1. Select Settings.
  2. Choose General.
  3. Scroll down and press Master Reset. A message confirming that all system settings will be erased and reset to factory defaults will appear.
  4. Press Continue. A "Resetting to factory defaults" message will appear, the system will turn off, and the screen will go blank. It may take a few minutes for the system to reset and resume normal operation. 

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

SYNC with MyLincoln Touch®

Before performing a master reset, try a system reset to restore functionality. The system reset does not delete any data you have stored. 

Performing a System Reset

  1. Press and hold the Seek up and the audio unit Power buttons simultaneously until the screen goes black. Wait for the system reset to complete.
  2. Press the audio unit Power button to switch the system on.

If the system reset does not resolve the issue, continue with a master reset.

Performing a Master Reset

On your vehicle's SYNC screen:

  1. Press the Gear Icon.
  2. Tap Settings.
  3. Select System.
  4. Scroll down and press Master Reset. A warning screen will pop up.
  5. Disconnect all USB devices, Bluetooth devices, and any SD cards.
  6. Press Yes to complete your master reset.

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

SYNC with Voice-Activated Navigation

  1. Press the Phone button. The screen may read "No Phone Connected."
  2. Tap the Settings tab on your vehicle's SYNC screen.
  3. Select Advanced.
  4. Press the Down Arrow until Master Reset appears on the screen.
  5. Select Master Reset. SYNC will ask you to confirm the master reset.
  6. Press Yes to continue. SYNC will confirm when the master reset is complete.

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

SYNC Generation 1.1

  1. Press the Menu button.
  2. Select the SYNC Settings option and press OK.
  3. Press the Down Arrow until Master Reset appears on the screen, and press OK.
  4. Press YES to continue. SYNC will confirm when the master reset is complete.

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

SYNC Generation 1

  1. Press the Phone button.
  2. Tap the Down Arrow until System Settings or Return appears on the screen, and press OK.
  3. Press the Down Arrow until Advanced appears on the screen, and press OK.
  4. Tap the Down Arrow until Master Reset appears on the screen, and press OK. SYNC will ask you to confirm the reset.
  5. Press OK to confirm. The system will display Reset Completed.

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

Additional Information

How do I pair my phone with SYNC?
How do I set favorite locations with SYNC?
How do I contact a Lincoln Way Concierge?
Where can I find my Lincoln's keyless entry code?
How do I program a personal keyless entry code for my Lincoln?

*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.

**Available Feature. Equipped Lincoln vehicles come with either a complimentary trial period or an included duration, after which purchase is required. Modem activation is required for subscription purchase and for initial activation of BlueCruise (for pre-2024 model year vehicles). See your Lincoln retailer for details.  BlueCruise is a driver-assist feature and does not replace safe driving or driver’s attention, judgment or need to control the vehicle. Only remove hands in a Hands-Free Blue Zone. Always watch the road and be prepared to resume control. See Owner’s Manual for details and limitations.

†Lincoln Way® App, compatible with select smartphone platforms, is available via a download. Message and data rates may apply.

††Lincoln Connect®, the Lincoln Way® App., and complimentary Connected Services are required for remote features (See Lincoln Way Terms for details). 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. Connected service excludes Wi-Fi® hotspot.