What should I do if I am having issues with Android Auto™?

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

Android Auto Troubleshooting

Important: 

  • Ensure that your vehicle is on and running in a well-ventilated area and is in Park (P).
  • Android Auto cannot be used while your device is connected to your Wi-Fi hotspot.

Select your SYNC®** generation from the drop-down options below to learn how to modify your SYNC connectivity settings.

Note: If you need assistance determining the generation of your SYNC system, select the first drop-down option. 

Identifying Your SYNC Generation

Two resources to help you identify your vehicle's SYNC generation are the:

  • SYNC and Navigation Updates page. Either:
    • Enter your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and select Check for update.
    • Log in with your Lincoln credentials, choose a vehicle from your garage, and select Check for updates.

      Note: Your SYNC gen will appear on the right-hand side of the page.

  • SYNC Visual Reference Guide, which provides example images of SYNC generations that Lincoln has offered.

SYNC 4

Confirm your device is connected with a USB cable or wireless connection, and consult the table below:

Connection Type

Handling

USB Cable

A USB connection requires: 

  • A device with Android™ 8.0 (Oreo) or newer. 
  • An active data plan.

Complete the following:

  1. Plug a USB cable into your vehicle’s USB port, and then plug the other end of the cable 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 Android Auto Troubleshooting within this accordion.

Wireless

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. 
  • Google Maps location must be allowed. The device will prompt you to select "always" or "while using."
  • An active data plan.

Important: 

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

Complete the following:

  1. Confirm your vehicle's Wireless App Projection is on.
    1. Go to Settings on the SYNC screen. 
    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 car 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 car display.

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

If there is still an issue with Android Auto, proceed to Android Auto Troubleshooting within this accordion.

Android Auto Troubleshooting

Complete the following:

  1. Confirm that both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are enabled on your device.  
  2. Pair the device to SYNC via Bluetooth. 

    Note: If the pairing is unsuccessful:

    1. Press and hold the voice command button on your steering wheel.
    2. Verify the vehicle is in wireless or Bluetooth pairing mode.
    3. Perform the following from your device: 
      1. Tap Settings.
      2. Go to General.
      3. Select Android Auto
      4. Choose Available Cars.
      5. Select your vehicle. 

        Note: Some vehicles that support wireless Android Auto will allow you to pair your phone wirelessly by first plugging the phone into the vehicle's USB port with a manufacturer-approved USB cable. After plugging the device in with the USB cable, you will be asked if you want to connect wirelessly for future use.

A successful pairing should allow Android Auto to start working. If it does not, try the troubleshooting steps below:

  1. Use another 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 (iTunes, Spotify, etc.).  

    Note: If this does not work, the USB hardware has failed. End troubleshooting and visit your Lincoln Retailer to inspect the USB port.   

  4. Perform a key cycle
  5. Perform a SYNC Module Reset.
  6. Perform a soft reset on the phone.

    Notes: 

    • If you do not know how to perform the soft reset, visit the manufacturer's website, as instructions will vary by phone model.
    • After performing a soft reset, you will be taken back to the "Home" screen. The screen's appearance will be different if you have an active navigation route.
       
  7. Delete the device from the vehicle's SYNC menu using one of the options below:
    • Voice Commands steps: 
      1. Press the Voice button on the steering wheel. SYNC will ask for a command.
      2. Say: Delete <Name of Phone>.
      3. Press Delete.
    • Non-Voice Steps: 
      1. Select Settings on the SYNC screen. 
      2. Tap Phone List. 
      3. Select Phone. 
      4. Choose the "Delete symbol" (trash can). 
      5. Tap Yes.  
  8. Delete SYNC from the device's Bluetooth menu.
  9. 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 Lincoln Concierge at 1-800-521-4140, or by selecting Live Chat at the bottom right of lincoln.com/support.

SYNC 3

Perform the following steps:

  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 support website.
  3. Attempt using another cable if one is available.
  4. Test to see if the USB functions as an audio source outside of Android Auto.

    Notes:

    • Example: Set the audio source to USB and try playing music from any available source, such as Google Play, Spotify, Pandora, etc.
    • If this does not work, the USB hardware has failed. Contact your Lincoln Retailer for further assistance.
       
  5. Perform a soft reset on the device.
  6. Perform a key cycle.
  7. Attempt a SYNC module reset

If issues persist, see the following table: 

Issue or Error

Handling

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

Complete the following:

  1. Unplug the phone cable from the USB port.
  2. Perform a master/factory reset, and allow the master reset to finish completely. 
  3. Plug the phone cable into the USB port.
  4. Confirm the "Welcome" animation appears.
  5. Shut the vehicle off completely by going through the following sequence:
    1. Shut the vehicle off.
    2. Open the door.
    3. Leave the vehicle.
    4. Shut the door.
    5. Lock the vehicle.
    6. Walk away for 5 minutes.
  6. Re-enter the vehicle and turn it on.
  7. Confirm the "Welcome" animation.
  8. Wait for the Home screen to show.
  9. Insert the USB cable, plug the phone in, and wait for Android Auto to launch.

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

You are unable to hear incoming call audio while connected to Android Auto.

Complete the following:

  1. Connect the phone to Bluetooth®.
  2. Select Settings on the SYNC screen. 
  3. Select Phone
  4. Select Set Phone Ringtone
  5. Select Use Phone Ringtone
  6. Connect to Android Auto. 

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

You are experiencing other issues with Android Auto.

Contact your Lincoln Retailer for further assistance.

Additional Information

How do I disable or enable Android Auto with SYNC?
Android Auto Frequently Asked Questions


*Requires phone with active data service and compatible software. SYNC® 3/SYNC® 4 does not control 3rd party products while in use. 3rd Parties are solely responsible for their respective functionality.

**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.

Android is a trademark of Google LLC.

The Bluetooth word mark is a trademark of the Bluetooth SIG, Inc.