Ford App User Guide

Ford Motor Company of Australia Pty Limited

Version date: November 2025

THE FORD APP USER GUIDE

Before you get started, we want you to know how the Ford app works, including how it works with Connected Vehicles (described below).

1. Getting Started

To make use of your Connected Vehicle, you need to download the Ford app, create an account and, similar to the concept of Bluetooth pairing, link the two together to create a ‘fully activated’ vehicle. Once fully activated, in addition to the standard services offered in the Ford app, a range of Connected Services are available to you including those below.

The Ford app can be used as a standalone app, to see limited information about a given vehicle. Do not download and install the Ford app on a jailbroken or rooted device. Using a jailbroken or rooted device may expose your mobile device to risks, including but not limited to security vulnerabilities, stability issues and crashes.

This account will also allow you to access services on Ford’s website, including Subscription Services, subject to acceptance of applicable terms.

In addition, through the Ford app you can authorise other Ford app users to have access to your Connected Vehicle. All authorised users associated with your Connected Vehicle have the same access, functionality and views to information as you, including vehicle location.

1. Deleting Ford App

If you no longer choose to use the Ford app, you can uninstall the Ford app from your mobile device. If you uninstall the Ford app, this will not delete your Ford Account information. If you wish to delete your Ford Account, this can be done in the Account Settings of the Ford app, or please contact our Guides (Guides@ford.com) and provide them with the email address you used to set up your account.

If your vehicle has a modem, your vehicle will continue transmitting data to Ford even if you uninstall the Ford app. You can turn off ‘Vehicle Connectivity’ via the in-vehicle SYNC system, in the Settings menu and therefore, the sending of data from your vehicle’s modem will cease.

2. Subscription Services

• Registering for Subscription Services. You may select Subscription Services for your Connected Vehicle using the function available in the "Connected Services" section in your Ford Account.
• Cancellation of Subscription Services. Cancel your access to a Subscription Service by using the function available in the "Connected Services" section in your Ford Account or by contacting one of our customer service representatives and notifying us that you want to cancel that Subscription Service.
• Sale, Transfer or Disposal of your Connected Vehicle. You must complete an in-vehicle Master Reset to cancel all of your Subscription Services and to return your Connected Vehicle to its default settings.
• Subscription Fees and Payment Processing. Ford will outline the recurring Subscription Fees for each Subscription Service in your Ford Account.
• Modification of Subscription Fees. Any changes to the Subscription Fees will be visible in your Ford Account and communicated to you by email.
• Ordering Subscription Services. The following steps have to take place before we agree to provide you with a Subscription Service:
  
  
  • (i) Ordering: you place your order by pressing the 'Confirm Purchase' button at the end of the check-out process and submitting your payment details to us.
  • (ii) Reviewing order: Before placing your order, the check-out process will give you the opportunity to review and, if necessary, to change your selection and/or correct any errors in your order information. Please take the time to read and check your order at each page of the order process.
  • (iii) Accepting our terms: You will be asked to click to confirm that you accept the terms presented to you. If you do not wish to be bound by the terms presented to you, you should not place an order.
  • (iv) Acknowledgement of your order: Once you have submitted your order details, you will see an on-screen acknowledgement that your order has been placed. However, please note that this does not mean that your order has been accepted. Our acceptance of your order will take place as described below.
  • (v) Our acceptance of your order: We will confirm our acceptance of your order by sending you an email confirmation. If we are unable to accept your order, we will inform you as soon as possible.

3. System Requirements, Updates and Cancellations

• 3.1 The Ford App

  The Ford app can only work when connected to the telecommunications network. It may be unavailable or particular services interrupted from time to time for a variety of reasons, for example due to poor signal strength or Ford app infrastructure changes.

• 3.2 Connected Vehicles

  Connected Vehicles contain in-vehicle systems. From time to time these systems may require updating. System updates can range from small adjustments through to extensive software upgrades or changes, for example to introduce a new feature. These updates can be made in multiple ways, physically when you take your vehicle to be serviced or remotely through over-the-air transmission using your vehicle’s embedded modem. If not updated, some vehicle features or services may not operate as intended or may cease to work.

  Where a small adjustment is administered, it does not alter the vehicle software nor its function, rather it will fine tune the operation of an existing feature. Where the embedded modem in your Connected Vehicle is on, your vehicle will receive these small adjustments remotely, without any further action from you and without disruption to you, your vehicle usage or your driving experience.

  Where a system update involves an upgrade or change to software, some of these changes can be delivered over-the-air to your Connected Vehicle. Software changes will be deployed differently depending on the SYNC system your vehicle is equipped with, as explained below:

  • For SYNC3 equipped Connected Vehicles, software updates can be made over-the-air to the modem. Where the vehicle’s embedded modem is on, Ford, our affiliates and/or service providers may remotely check and deliver software updates, upgrades, supplements, or changes without any further notice to you.
  • SYNC4 equipped Connected Vehicles contain an ‘Automatic Updates’ setting. Information on Automatic Updates can be viewed via the SYNC system in your vehicle by selecting Settings, then System Updates. You will see Automatic Updates with a slide bar indicating whether it is set to ‘On’ or ‘Off’.
  • Where Automatic Updates is set to ‘On’ in your vehicle, you agree that Ford, our affiliates and/or service providers may remotely check and deliver software updates, upgrades, supplements, or changes without any further notice or additional consent from you. For SYNC4 equipped Connected Vehicles, software updates can be delivered over-the-air to in-vehicle systems including certain vehicle modules, SYNC and modem modules. These updates may include vehicle enhancements and updates to improve vehicle quality, vehicle capability and to add vehicle features or software security updates.
  • Where Automatic Updates is set to ‘Off’ in your vehicle, it can still receive these updates however you will need to accept each update.
     
• 3.3 Connected Services

  Below you can find a description of the services which are currently available in the Ford app or require a fully activated vehicle to function and the terms you should be familiar with when using those services.

  The Ford app can be used as a standalone app, to see limited information about a given vehicle (requires a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)).

  If you have a Connected Vehicle, the Ford app can be linked to create a fully activated vehicle, and you can then access Connected Services described below. These services will vary between vehicle model and level of specification. Details of what services are available on your vehicle are displayed in the Ford app.
   

  • (a) Connected Services
    
    
    • Remote Start: Prior to departure, you can start your vehicle’s engine from your mobile device in order to heat or cool the cabin. For this function to work, the automatic transmission must be in Park and the bonnet must be closed. This may take up to 4 minutes. The vehicle is ready to be driven once you arrive with your vehicle key. It cannot be driven without the key.

      Note:

      • Always ensure your keys are with you and not in the vehicle when you perform a Remote Start, or while the Remote Start command is in process, as the vehicle will lock even if a key is present inside the vehicle.
      • When a Remote Start command is performed and the cabin doors are closed, the vehicle will ensure it is locked (confirmation of single stage locking), before starting the engine.
      • Should a cabin door be ajar when Remote Start is activated, the vehicle will attempt the locking cycle, and the Remote Start function will still operate successfully.
      • When the Remote Start command is activated (and the cabin doors are closed), the alarm system is active but in a reduced guard mode to avoid false alarms. The perimeter alarm remains fully active, however vehicles capable of double locking will revert to single stage central locking.
      • After a Remote Start is performed, the vehicle will remain locked.
      • As a safety precaution, the Ford app will only successfully Remote Start the vehicle twice in a row. On the third attempt, you will receive an error message requiring you to start the vehicle manually.
      • Remote Start is not compatible with manual transmissions and therefore not available on manual models.
      • Please use Remote Start responsibly, only in well ventilated areas, and where you are aware of your vehicle’s surroundings.
         
    • Remote Lock and Unlock: You can lock and unlock your Ford remotely, meaning you don’t have to rush back to your vehicle to check if you’ve remembered to lock the doors. This also allows you to let passengers into your vehicle regardless of whether you are there or not. This may take a few minutes.

      Note:

      • Remote Lock and Unlock attends to the vehicle cabin doors, bonnet, boot or tailgate. It does not include sunroof where fitted. In other words, if you have left your sunroof open, and lock your vehicle remotely, it will not close your sunroof.
      • The Remote Lock feature will work even if you leave your key or key fob in the car.
      • Always take your key or key fob with you when you leave your vehicle.
         
    • Live Traffic Updates (Selected SYNC 3 equipped Connected Vehicles): Where fitted with embedded satellite navigation, maps were loaded onto your vehicle’s SYNC 3 system at the factory. As you drive, your Connected Vehicle provides Live Traffic updates and displays these over your embedded map along your route. It includes comprehensive traffic information and offers an alternate route when detecting congestion and heavy traffic conditions.

      Note:

      • Live Traffic is only available on vehicles equipped with embedded satellite navigation.
      • Live Traffic is offered for 1 year a trial period, commencing on the Ford Express New Vehicle Warranty start date, after which time the service will cease to be available.
      • You must have SYNC Location set to ‘on’ to use this feature in your Ford.
         
    • Connected Built-In Navigation (Selected SYNC4 equipped Connected Vehicles): Where available, Connected Built-In Navigation comprises an embedded map loaded onto your vehicle’s SYNC system at the factory. As you drive, your Connected Vehicle downloads latest map information together with real-time information including traffic and weather updates, along your route, to provide you a seamless navigation experience. For Electric Vehicles, this service includes charge stations which can be filtered based on network type, plug type and availability as well as other information. There is no reliance on your own smart device for this service.

      Note:

      • Connected Built-In Navigation is only available on vehicles equipped with embedded satellite navigation.
      • Connected Built-In Satellite Navigation is offered for a period of one year commencing on the Ford Express New Vehicle Warranty start date, after which time the service is available as a Subscription Service.
      • You must have SYNC Location set to ‘on’ to use this feature in your Ford.
         
    • Trailer Light Check (Selected SYNC4 equipped connected Ranger/Everest models only): Trailer Light Check provides the ability to check the operation of your trailer lights when connected to your vehicle. Trailer Light Check will a run a sequence of 5 light activations from the vehicle, allowing you to conveniently check the correct operation of the lights at the rear of the trailer. It can be controlled via the SYNC4 touchscreen or Ford app.

      Note:

      • Trailer Light Check has been designed to operate with a factory fit or Genuine Ford Accessory tow bar.
      • Trailer Light Check can only operate when the system detects adequate vehicle battery charge.
         
    • Vehicle Locator: You can see your vehicle’s location in the Ford app, which is particularly useful if you share your vehicle with one or more members of your household or if you have forgotten where you parked it. You must have SYNC Location set to ‘on’ to use this feature.
    • Vehicle Status: Through the Ford app’s Vehicle Status feature, you can check your vehicle’s key variables including fuel level, distance to empty, odometer and tyre pressures (where a digital read-out Tyre Pressure Monitoring System is fitted). This can be helpful when planning your day’s journey.

      Note:

      • For Electric Vehicles, this service adds additional Vehicle Status items. On a PHEV, a combined Distance to Empty (DTE) measure made up of both battery range and Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) range, in addition to displaying the separate DTEs and charge level. On a BEV, it displays the DTE and battery range.
         
    • Vehicle Health Alerts: Where your vehicle identifies and triggers certain fault or warning codes, it will send these to your Ford app as a Vehicle Health Alert, foreshadowing service needs. An example of such an alert, is informing you that your vehicle has a low washer fluid level. These may include promotion of available Ford dealer services.

      Note:

      • These notifications should not be used or relied upon in place of normal vehicle maintenance.
      • if at any time you believe there may be an issue or problem with your vehicle, consult with a professional for diagnosis and required maintenance.
         
    • Service Reminders: You will receive in-app service reminders tailored to your usage of the vehicle. These are designed to give you a more accurate indication of when your vehicle may require servicing, rather than relying on the standard scheduled service intervals. These may include promotion of available Ford dealer services.
    • Ownership Experiences: You will receive in-app messages alerting you to resources available to you to, such as our learning hub or Expert support services. These may be considered promotional in nature.
    • Deep Sleep Mode: Your Connected Vehicle includes a protective feature known as Deep Sleep mode. Deep Sleep mode is triggered on a Connected Vehicle after approximately 14 days of inactivity if a low battery state of charge is detected in your vehicle. Starting the Connected Vehicle with the key is the only way to exit Deep Sleep mode. During Deep Sleep, Connected Services cannot operate.
       
  • (b) Unique Electric Vehicle (EV) Connected Features
    
    
    • Charge Programming: This feature comprises a range of tools for planned charging. It can be controlled via the SYNC touchscreen or Ford app.
    • Charge scheduling allows you to schedule your preferred charge times, for example in order to take advantage of when electricity rates are at lowest peak.
    • Departure Times allows you to establish a departure time and distance of trip required, and then allow the vehicle to determine when it needs to commence charging to meet this deadline.
    • Battery Preconditioning (BEV only), is an automatic part of Charge Programming. In colder climates, it ensures the vehicle’s battery reaches an operating temperature that optimises efficiency, before commencing a drive.
    • Cabin Conditioning: Similar to Remote Start, minutes before leaving you can use the Remote Start function on your Ford app, to precondition (that is heat or cool), your cabin. For this function to work, the automatic transmission must be in Park and the bonnet must be closed. The vehicle is ready to be driven once you arrive with your vehicle key. It cannot be driven without the key.

      Note:

      • For BEVs, where the vehicle is not connected to an external electricity supply and where a low battery state of charge is detected in your vehicle, this may not operate.
      • For PHEVs, the vehicle will determine which power source to use to Remote Start. If plugged in to a power source, it is likely to use mains electricity to precondition the cabin. If battery charge is inadequate, it will use the internal combustion engine.
      • As a safety precaution, the Ford app will only successfully Remote Start (precondition) the vehicle twice in a row. On the third attempt, you will receive an error message requiring you to start the vehicle manually.
         
    • Global Start/Stop Charging: This feature allows you to use your Ford app to remotely start or stop your EV charging. This means you can override any existing charging schedules without physically accessing the vehicle.
    • Dealer Services: The Ford app allows you to connect with Ford dealers, including information about their locations and the services they offer.
    • Ford Guides: The Ford Guides feature allows you to connect with a Guide via phone or email (Guides@ford.com) if you need any support using the various Ford app services.
    • Roadside Assistance: Within the Ford app, you can make a voice call to a roadside assistance service centre via the ‘Roadside Assistance’ function. Roadside assistance services will be provided by your State AutoClub. The fees/costs resulting from Roadside Assistance will be charged directly to you by the roadside assistance provider. If you are a State AutoClub Roadside Assistance member through Ford, the costs of roadside assistance services accessed through this function may be included in your membership. The full terms and conditions of State AutoClub Roadside Assistance membership through Ford is available here. You are responsible for any communication costs charged by a third party (including mobile telephone/device fees and internet access fees).

4. Connected Operations

• 4.1 How the Ford App and Vehicle Modem 'talk' to each other

  In simple terms, when you select a command, for example Remote Start, the Ford app sends a signal via a telecommunications carrier to Ford’s cloud located in the USA, where, after validation, it is sent back down to the vehicles modem in your vehicle and the command is carried out. Your vehicle then sends a signal to confirm it has carried out the ’Remote Start’ command via the telecommunications carrier to Ford’s cloud, where it is then on-sent to the Ford app on your mobile device.

  It may take up to 4 minutes between issuing a remote command and vehicle response to occur. This variation may be caused by a variety of factors including cellular signal strength, internet and cloud infrastructure congestion.

  If your vehicle’s modem or your Ford app cannot connect to the telecommunications network (for example, due to poor signal strength or data service interruptions), the Connected Services cannot operate.

• 4.2 Telecommunications carrier

  The SIM card contained in all Ford vehicle modems is a global SIM card which will roam to an available signal from one of the three telecommunications carriers (Telstra, Optus, Vodafone).

  You cannot access nor change the SIM card in your vehicle’s modem.

  The modem fitted to your vehicle, will only work with the 3G/4G/5G telecommunications networks it could use at time of manufacture. When all compatible networks for your vehicle are no longer available, the modem will stop functioning and the Connected Services and all data transmission via the modem will cease.

• 4.3 Fully Activated Vehicle

  As described in the introduction, when you link your Ford app account to your Connected Vehicle, your vehicle is ‘fully activated’ and allows you to access the Connected Services described earlier.

  In this fully activated state, your modem will be transmitting certain Connected Vehicle data to Ford’s servers and cloud service providers in order to provide some of the Connected Services, such as transmitting real-time traffic information.

  Your vehicle will continue transmitting to and receiving data from Ford even if:

  • You disable ’Location Services’;
  • Some but not all users with a Ford app account associated with a VIN have removed the VIN from their Ford app; or
  • You uninstall the Ford app.

  You can turn off ‘Connectivity’ via the in-vehicle SYNC system, in the Settings menu and therefore, the sending of data from your vehicle’s modem and Connected Services will cease.

• 4.4 How to identify if a Connected Vehicle is transmitting data

  In Connected Vehicles you will see icons displayed on the SYNC screen which indicate that Connected Vehicle data is being transmitted by the vehicle. These appear as:

  •  shows that the modem is activated and that Connected Vehicle data excluding location is being transmitted;
  • shows that the vehicle’s location is being transmitted; and
  • shows the modem is activated, and that both Connected Vehicle data and the vehicle’s location are being transmitted.
     
• 4.5 How to control the data that is sent from a Connected Vehicle

  You can change the data you send from your Connected Vehicle’s modem or de-activate the modem via the SYNC system in your vehicle. In SYNC, select Settings, select Connectivity, and choose the options that are right for you.

• 4.6 Sharing your Connected Vehicle, or driving a shared vehicle

  You can invite other users to share access to your Connected Vehicle by authorising them in the Ford app. This is particularly useful in a household setting where multiple members use the same vehicle. However, it is important to understand how the data moves in this situation.

  In summary, if you are driving a Connected Vehicle, with a Ford app account connected to it, the user(s) of the Ford app may, depending on the connectivity settings selected in the vehicle, have access to:

  • the vehicle's location;
  • services which allow the vehicle to be remotely started, locked and unlocked;
  • services which show information about the vehicle's status (for example, its fuel level); and
  • notifications such as service reminders or useful tips.

  The Ford app allows you to invite and authorise other users to access your vehicle. The rules for this are:

  • Initially, the first user must authorise their own access via the vehicle’s SYNC infotainment system. This means that the first user must have physical access to the vehicle to complete this authorisation step.
  • The first user can then invite others to share access to their vehicle via the Ford app. After the first user is ‘linked’ to the vehicle, any subsequent users can be added solely via the Ford app - physical access to the vehicle is not required.
  • For a second user to be added to the vehicle, the first user sends an invitation (via the Ford app) to the second user’s email address. If the second user has a Ford account, clicking ‘accept’ in this email on a mobile device will complete the process. If they do not have a Ford account, they will need to sign up.
  • The invitation email is only valid for 24 hours.
  • Once approved, the second user has same access to information and services as the first user, including the ability to invite a third or subsequent user.
  • All authorised users can see the list of authorised users for that vehicle.

  If you share your Connected Vehicle with others, please tell them about your connectivity settings. For example, let them know where they can find the information needed to turn off location and other data sharing in the Settings menu in SYNC. You are responsible for ensuring that anyone you share your vehicle with is aware of the connectivity settings and consents to our collection and use of data when they are using your vehicle.

  Your vehicle may tell a new driver that it is sharing data via pop-up notifications in-vehicle to alert drivers of data sharing settings. Drivers without a mobile device or with an unrecognised mobile device will see a pop-up displayed in-vehicle alerting them to the current vehicle data or location sharing settings. A mobile device is “recognised” if it has been paired with the SYNC system. This way if someone is new to your vehicle, or not driving it enough to pair their mobile device, the vehicle will notify them of its current connectivity settings.

  So don’t forget, when putting back your seat position or adjusting your mirrors, you might also need to check your connectivity settings. Please note that disconnecting the vehicle, or changing data sharing settings, may impact the availability of certain Connected Services.

• 4.7 The importance of Reset

  There are two types of Reset which may display in your Connected Vehicle.

  Because your vehicle’s SYNC system will store your connectivity preferences and any data you import, like your address book, and may have associated Ford app accounts, please perform a Master Reset if you ever sell your vehicle or buy a used Ford vehicle equipped with a modem. This is much like wiping your mobile phone memory when you upgrade to a new device.

  • Ford Modem Reset Instructions

    A Ford vehicle modem reset will reset the modem settings to the factory default. It will delete all authorised users, removing access to the vehicle via any linked Ford app account.

    All other SYNC settings, such as paired devices, phone book, and stored addresses will be retained.

    To perform: In SYNC, select Settings, select General, select Reset, and select Ford Modem Reset.

  • Master Reset Instructions

    A Master Reset will reset both SYNC and modem to factory settings.

    For the modem, this means returning it to the factory default. This will delete all authorised users, removing access to the Connected Vehicle via any linked Ford app account.

    For the SYNC system, this means erasing all mobile phone and navigation data imported from all mobile devices that had been previously linked to your vehicle via Bluetooth. It also includes the deletion of addresses entered manually into the SYNC navigation system.

    Completing this process is particularly important if you are not the first owner or if you are selling your vehicle.

    To perform: In SYNC, select Settings, select General, select Reset, and select Master Reset.

• 4.8 Vehicle Safety

  WARNING: Driving while distracted can result in loss of vehicle control, crash and injury. Do not access or use the Ford app on a hand-held device while driving. Please note that the use of a hand-held device while driving is prohibited under road traffic laws and regulations. The Ford app may send messages or push notifications to your hand-held device. Do not read messages on hand-held devices while driving. Make sure you comply with all applicable laws and regulations that relate to the use of electronic devices while driving.

5. Google Maps Services and Google APIs

The Ford app uses Google Maps services and Google Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) to provide essential functionality for the Ford app features with maps, address information, and searches for places or points of interest, including features like the Ford app Location (to help locate a vehicle in your Ford app garage), Public Charging (if available for your vehicle), and Roadside Assistance.

Google requires your consent to use the Google Maps services and Google APIs, which involves sharing the following categories of personal information with Google:

• Precise location - depending on the Ford app feature or the functionality being used, this could be the precise location of a vehicle, your mobile device, a charging station, or another place or point of interest you search for;
• Identifiers (such as device IP address, a unique Maps Software Development Kit (SDK) identifier, a generic Ford app identifier);
• Technical device information (such as device type, operating system version number, SDK version number, screen size, colour theme, etc);
• Maps performance and interaction events data (such as panning, zooming, and abnormal termination/crash metrics); and
• Your search queries.

Google uses the personal information it collects through use of the Google Maps services and Google APIs:

• to provide the Google Maps services and other services supported by the Google APIs;
• to troubleshoot and provide technical support;
• to maintain Google Maps platform security and capacity;
• to improve Google Maps and other Google APIs, products, and services; and
• for other purposes described in Google’s Privacy Notice.

You have the opportunity to provide consent before using a Ford app feature that includes the Google Maps services or Google APIs. You can withdraw your consent at any time in your Privacy Settings, located under the “Account” tab. If you decline, you will not be able to use the Ford app features that rely on Google Maps services or Google APIs for essential functionality.