How to Update FORD SYNC 3 to the Latest Version! (USB)

[@alandreynolds]

The dealership wanted $160 to do this. One hour and I am done with your help. Thanks!

[@spasticnapjerk]

My mom told me that the dealership quoted her $1000 to do this

[@terrablader]

200 they wanted here

[@thomaswanderer6022]

2025 update here 88$ for me. For just the part 150$ to 200$ for the installation and everything i think

[@RubyredS550]

I appreciate your video! Mine actually took 2+ hours, it said it was updating and I just gave up. Turned off the car and 2 hours later came to start my car and it showed the 3.0 version. Appreciate your video. Super easy, great step by step!

[@cameronboultinghouse6184]

did you take the usb out when you gave up or leave it in. i’ve been waiting awhile so im abt to turn my truck off 😂

[@thomaswanderer6022]

So i can turn the car off! Good to know! Just leave the stick

[@RubyredS550]

@@cameronboultinghouse6184 I actually only did the update first before I got the part. When it got updated I then bought the part on Amazon. Sorry for the late reply!

[@RubyredS550]

@@thomaswanderer6022 I would say so. Mine never told me it was done until I turned off the car and I saw the version 3.0 upgrade.

[@playboiiismoove8623]

Finally got it to work it makes big difference on drives

[@pedrobetancourt9976]

3 years later still helpful thank you man

[@andrewmcqueen7646]

It’s been more than an hour and mine is still updating so I got aggravated and turned it off😭

[@TeufelHunden605]

@@andrewmcqueen7646 Might be due to the file size being larger. This video shows the zipped file being only 1.5 GB, when I downloaded it 15 mins ago, it was 12.5 GB, 10x bigger....so it's gonna take awhile.

[@patriciopaez7559]

@@andrewmcqueen7646bruhhh, same here:(

[@thomaswanderer6022]

HOW!! IM STILL STRUGGLING TWO MONTHS IN HERE!!

[@DazzasProductReviews]

Thanks for the video. Ford's instructions did not indicate that the USB Drive had to be inserted before you turned the car on. Working great now. Thanks again!

[@brandyconnell8684]

OMG! You saved me! After 4 tries on my own with the instructions from Ford, I got no where. Watched your step by step video and got it on the first try! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU

[@romagrigorenko]

Awesome! My pleasure

[@primetime6283]

Awesome video, thank you! For some reason I could not get it to work with my Mac. Tried with Windows and made sure to drag the files out of the unzipped folder the same way you did. It worked like a charm.

[@almostfamous1996]

If anyone is struggling with it not finishing downloading... It finally worked for me. I gave up waiting and just left the USB in. The car has been off and on periodically throughout the day just doing my normal errands and it randomly said it was completed.

[@zakarialagmis7129]

You left it plugged in while driving and while the car was off and everything?

[@almostfamous1996]

@@zakarialagmis7129 yeah I was tripping out when it worked

[@rtstubb]

Thank you Roman. Your video instructions worked out perfect for me. I did need to borrow a larger capacity thumb drive as my 1GB wasn't large enough to copy the downloaded zip files.. Luckily my 2016 F-150 didn't need a new USB connector so I saved $50. I now have SYNC 3 software version 3.0 . Much appreciated sir !

[@romagrigorenko]

rtstubb my pleasure! The usb connector is for the ability to use Apple CarPlay and Android auto. Are you able to use those with your current usb connector?

[@westtexassaxophone]

Honestly thank you for this. Just got a '16 f-150 and I couldn't find help anywhere and ford was super unclear. Huge thanks!!!

[@romagrigorenko]

Jesse Urquieta np man, glad it helped!

[@WHATEVER956]

Does this work for a Ford Edge 2016?

[@theoblongbox4909]

Thank you for making it clear in the video that you have to actually remove the files from the unzip folder for it to work. I just put the when unzip folder on there on my first try because the directions on the Ford website were unclear.

[@Gerling2day]

I was going to give you shit about doing a video with a less than perfectly clean car, but then I saw the car seat and completely understand.

[@romagrigorenko]

Jeff G lmao

[@franciswise1183]

I just did this 1-Apr-20, and it was very easy, now my system is up to date thank you for saving me about $100 from a dealer stealing from me!

[@MohamedDN]

I have followed the same instructions but after the update completed. It still showing version 1.0

[@franciswise1183]

maybe you need to get a new USB and format it then try again

[@mitchanator0999]

I just purchased a 2017 ford escape titanium but I get it Thursday maybe Friday and when i checked out the car the android auto didn't work. As soon as I get the car I'm updating the radio. When you said the update adds apple carplay (and I assume android auto) I knew I wasn't crazy to think my car didn't have it. This video is super helpful.

[@mattkollenbroich5403]

Whats crazy about this is that it is free. And about a year and a half ago I tried to download it and it says it was corrupted. Flash forward to December 2020, my car was in an accident and I took it to ford to have them fix it (other persons fault they paid to have it fixed) and they were going to charge me $200 to do this which is ridiculous. Thanks for video. Helped me out a lot!

[@darrenrichardson3620]

Excellent. Recently bought a 2016 f150. Came with v2.2, following these steps updated the system to v3.0 in about 15 minutes once the files were on the thumb drive.

[@ericheisser9731]

Thanks so much for this perfectly detailed video, man. Really appreciated you laying it all out. Definitely right about the Firefox... didn’t even work on other browsers. Excited to get my car play going. Thanks a million!

[@romagrigorenko]

Awesome! Glad It worked for you

[@candacea.5162]

Did everything step by step, was a little different using a Mac, but generally the same, and just wanted to give a hugeee thanks, my system upgraded to the 3.0. For those who have a 2016 Ford Ecoboost, mine is premium package, idk if that matters, the update honestly took about 15 minutes for me. At first when I tried checking to see if it was updated but it kept saying, “Sync 3 Version 1.0” I turned off my car completely, checked again and still said “version 1.0”. I let my car sit overnight (probably doesn’t take that long) and the next morning checked again and it showed up as “Sync 3 Version 3.0”. Just waiting for the usb plug to come in to finish the CarPlay set up

[@MrConnorTubee]

What was the difference in Mac? I have a Mac and going to try it after work! Cheers

[@conwaysmith9271]

thanks Roman, i have a 2016 ford f150 followed your video to a T works flawless, thanks so much🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗

[@iamcalledbean]

took me almost 3 hours to download it.. but it said installation complete hope tomorrow morning it’s updated.. but thank you for the guide

[@DakotaTrucker]

I sat for hours and gave up. Still works and stuck on v1 says last checked for update in 2001 so idk what the heck Ford has going here

[@yuzisolt1774]

@@DakotaTrucker me 2

[@kolefosher1031]

Did this in my 2016 focus and it finished in about 10 minutes, new usb should come in a few hours. Thanks for the video!

[@josephforman492]

Worked like a charm on my 2016 F150. Thanks for this guide! Dealership tried saying I’d have to replace my whole console to get Apple CarPlay lol.

[@joshhaney9769]

Well this helped. Ford website said nothing about actually moving the zip to the harddrive. They really should update that. This is so much better than paying $90 to have Ford update it (I called and asked how much) Rediclously priced for just a update.

[@Axeldj4]

I just got 2015 and your videos are helping a lot thanks.

[@romagrigorenko]

Axeldj4 awesome! I’m glad

[@romagrigorenko]

Axeldj4 congrats on the car too

[@wasabi167]

Worked just like you said and by updating. It fixed my problem when I answer the phone while driving and receiving a call that did not allow me or the other person to hear each other while connected to Android Auto. Now it works perfectly. I have a 2018 Ford Explorer in case anyone is wondering. Thank you for sharing!!!

[@jdwht2455]

Very easy! Just turn on your vehicle's Settings auto updates, plug in your in range wifi router password and, VOILA!. 3.4 appears within minutes. I did my '19 F150 and it was beyond simple. My wife's '17 Escape Titanium with an early version of Sync 3 is struggling to do an update though so may need to revert to the thumb drive method. I'm an electronic Luddite so that may not happen real soon.

[@musicproducer469]

Hello I can't find the download, I clicked to the link, but it said when I checked my updates to go to dealer. Any one knows, where can I download it by myself?

[@bobbysonko]

Thank you so much my radio keep turning on even when i turn off the car. I did everything you said and know everything work well 😊😊😊

[@bz2471]

Thanks, the dealer told me about a year or so ago the head unit on the 2016 would not be compatible with new USB or Apple Car Play, it works fine! Thanks!!!!

[@romagrigorenko]

Glad that helped! Apple CarPlay is pretty awesome

[@bambamnj]

I have a 2018 Ford F-150 XL. It came to me with Sync3 V 2.1 - I had no problems with the Ford Owner site using Chrome, so I assume it is something with your settings on your computer. I downloaded the update file from the Ford Owner site, unzipped the file, took a blank USB stick. Moved the three items that were unzipped (I believe there was one folder and two files) over to my blank USB. Plugged the USB into my truck USB (while the truck was running) and immediately got the message on the screen that it was updating the software. I left the USB plugged in the whole time. It took about 30 mins and then I got a message that the update was complete and I could remove the USB, which I did. The instructions then said to turn off the truck , open and close the door. Leave the truck off for a few mins and then restart the truck and I should get a "System Updated" message. Which I did. Now when I look at the Sync Information on my truck, it tells me I am now on Sync3 v 3.0. I uploaded the update log file to my Ford Owner Account and it now tells me I am up to date. My question is: Why did it not update my Sync3 to version 3.4? Why is Ford telling me my Sync is up to date even though I know that versions 3.3 and 3.4 are out there? Is there something about my truck that does not allow me to get the latest versions? Do I have to do something special to get the latest version on my system or is it just not possible for me for some reason. I understand that some really nice changes took place in 3.3 and 3.4. If I can get them I would really like to. Can anyone explain?

[@swamibeyond6382]

Very helpful, thanks. Just find it so incredible that the car has to IDLE for 30 minutes...really?! Been idling for 45 minutes now, "updating"...nice going Ford :(

[@mdzali]

ive been idling for 1hour and 10min already -.- "ford fiesta st 2016"

[@isaiahflores3319]

@@mdzali did it ever update ?

[@mdzali]

@@isaiahflores3319 no :/ I had to do it another way.

[@sdude44]

@@mdzali can you please share what you did?

[@mdzali]

@@sdude44 to complicated to explain sorry

[@brenthuebner483]

Wow!!! This worked perfect! Thank you so much!

[@terrablader]

engine needs to be running?

[@agents977]

Can use cyan labs as well. After I got the files, it only took 30 minutes to install. 2019 Edge ST

[@williamoconnor9647]

Awesome content, I was going crazy trying to update. 👌👌

[@classeaadventures6381]

Followed instructions went through update but when I looked at the SYNC 3 version still shows 1.0 any thoughts?

[@robtim6553]

One of the few really helpful videos out there

[@nimravus01]

Excellent video! I recently bought a 2016 Escape that was running version 1.0 and now I've got the latest and greatest. I was able to immediately start using Android Auto without the need to change USB ports. Now I can use Google Maps right on the big screen! Thanks!

[@tb8810]

I have the same vehicle but I am clearly doing something wrong. I have tried multiple times to no avail. At least it's proven it works because all you guys have been successful.

[@neilmurphy845]

Thank you I did not know you have to format the drive to exfat how do you do that on Windows 11 I wonder I thought you could just use any old drive.

[@Suenalo]

have you tried 3.4?

[@hectormaldonado9953]

Look man imA just lay it out flat I have a 2016 mustang gt with sync 3 version 1.0 and I tried the method you did and It just wont update I left it there for hours and nothing anything you can help me with

[@thomaswanderer6022]

Im stuck as well. I thought o figured it out but it's not working. Saying a bad file or something

[@danfl777]

I just updated my sync 3 with the help of you, thank you! Can I use the same download on another Ford using the same USB with the same software as I used on my other Ford?

[@ryants1]

Is it ok jumping straight from sync 3 V.1 to V.3 ? I’ve been reading that you’re supposed to go from 1.0 to 2.0 to 3.0. Seems silly.

[@Theseymorecrew]

Mine says updating but never does

[@amandacalderon4568]

Dude i needed this so bad.. I hope it works for me

[@ahmadmorrow2749]

Does it matter which USB port you use?

[@bigmikexxxxxxxxxx]

Hey wanted to comment in 2024 to see how your 16’ mustang is doing with that piece, assuming you still have the stang. Does the 3.0 and CarPlay usb swab work fine now ?

[@miguelangelmartinez2020]

Thanks bro i just did it on my 2016 ford edge. Is this usb hub working for edge too? Greetings from mexico

[@stom1963]

Just updated sync 3 1.0 to 3.0 on a 2016 CMax. Installed new usb port. Took about 20 mins to update Sync and 10 mins to install new usb port. Apple Car Play was available immediately when i plugged in. Thanks for the tips!

[@SushiPonzu]

Thanks so much! Needed this on my 16 escape titanium

[@romagrigorenko]

Chloe B. Awesome! Glad I could help

[@ShanizHaniz]

Do ya know how to do this on 2015???

[@GeorgetownRider80]

Was this free?

[@gsheverything_2716]

Great video bro

[@romagrigorenko]

GSHeverything _27 thanks bro

[@gsheverything_2716]

@@romagrigorenko glad to see you still putting out vids, and I will bid on this upcoming auction on this 2017 GT next week, fingers crossed 🤞🏾 lol 😂

[@romagrigorenko]

@@gsheverything_2716 Thanks awesome man! best of luck...lmk if you get it

[@gsheverything_2716]

@@romagrigorenko Yes sir

[@thaniasotomartinez8693]

Thanks alot cant believe i was going to pay to have this done.

[@fabiuslp]

I tried to do that. I wait more than 1 hour and haave not been updated. Do you have any tip?

[@el9dnyt]

I'm in the UK and I've tried this method and its been longer than 30 mins. Still stuck using SYNC version 2.3. Just stays on "updating system software..." 😡

[@GraemeChapman-s1u]

Do you have a link to the exact USB adapter that you used? The link shows a product that is no longer available. I ordered a different part and installed it, but it did not work. Thanks in advance!

[@kristinaparker5597]

This was SUPER helpful!!! Thank you!!

[@2-WayThreeLevelScoringThreat]

Hey man, I’ve got a 2016 fusion and it is stalling out at 4 of 9 files any tips to help get this update complete?

[@CommandoMaster]

Do u need to turn on engine for the software update or can u just turn on accessory mode?

[@patriciopaez7559]

You shouldn’t let the system turn off, so its better if you just turn on your engine

[@MRSELDOMSEENKID]

Thanks for this straight to the point tutorial man.

[@mayplace1961]

Nice detailed instruction. Helped me a lot!! Thsnks

[@Luca-oo5os]

Does the USB need to be empty or will the car locate the download file?

[@fherzhodakid]

thanks bro! you explain it really easy, i just did on mi mustang 2015 🤙🏻🤙🏻

[@ngaithang6724]

Does it auto turn off the screen once done updating ? Cuz one took like an hour and screen still saying that updating system

[@dashtyATG]

hy very good video thank you. quick question you know when you register from the ford website and you have to put the vin is it ok to use the downloaded file to another ford vehicle?

[@aymanalfayez]

is the car need to be switched on the whole time

[@tvelicia]

Thank you so much for this video - it was very helpful!

[@romagrigorenko]

Tobi-Velicia Johnson my pleasure, glad it helped!

[@jasminsalihi4707]

Hi there i did everything showed at the video but when i plug the usb its show connecting and that was :(

[@eduardomota6383]

if mine show's the installing update prompt on the top of the screen do I still need the USB connector? the reason I as is i am having trouble installing it its taken more than and 1hr 20 min I had to pull the plug and hope for the best of not bricking my head unit which I got lucky it didn't.

[@MohamedDN]

I followed the same exact steps , and after the update finish, and the car reboot . It still shows for me version 1.0 ... is there anything wrong with my files ? Can anybody upload these files on a link for download

[@moncilmims2396]

Does this update your navigation map as well?

[@Itzzrafa03]

I did everything the video instructions told me to do and once I finished downloading and installing was complete nothing changed

[@bigledesmauno]

Morning from Michigan, Can I use the same download for another truck or will I have to download it again?

[@marioskontelatsidis5675]

Very nice instructive video. Extra helpful. 👌🏻

[@thomasking2741]

Did you drive while it was updating or just wait?

[@SemSeraph]

didn't work for me,, mine is stuck on updating system software

[@mgudaad]

Now that I have version 3, do you have a video on updating the maps? Your video was easy to follow and easy to do. Thanks!

[@earnersa]

did it work?

[@mgudaad]

@@earnersa yes :D

[@earnersa]

@@mgudaad yeah i tried today and it worked

[@ptuck10]

I have a 2013 Ford Fusion with SYNC 2. Is it possible to get SYNC 3 and Apple Carplay on my car?

[@MrBrian198]

Great video. Updated mine no problem

[@TeufelHunden605]

You placed a Folder and 2 files into the USB drive, but when you came back to the USB drive, there was only the SyncMyRide folder without the other 2 files. What happened to those?

[@garrettk7107]

After 4 tries I still cannot get this to work. Any reason you think that may be?

[@dan04153]

How do we know we need the different USB connection? Are we stating we need a different USB to use Car Play? What's the part ID of this improved USB??

[@philipfm]

I have replaced the USB ports for Apple car play. Can I still install the Ford NAV updates using the same USB ports? BTW Mustang exhaust sounds awesome

[@Tee_Why777]

Thanks for the video! Do we have to upgrade the USB port after the update or is it just an option?

[@romagrigorenko]

Tyesha Alexander my pleasure and thats just if you want to use Apple CarPlay

[@darkpondz]

Yes sir just updated mine thank you for this video!

[@charbelsaadeh8922]

I've followed all the instructions and the update was succesful.After restarting my vehicle and checking the software version, it was still the 1.0. Any suggestions?

[@MohamedDN]

I am facing the same problem exactly!! Did you figure it out ?

[@exploreandthriftwithmario]

@@MohamedDN I am having the same problem, and now voice commands are not working. The "last checked for updates" now shows 2001.

[@seyywhatt]

@@MohamedDN didn’t let it finish all the way, I made the same error, it said update complete, and so I pulled the drive out. It probably only completed the first phase of the update, it should legitimately take 30 mins

[@seyywhatt]

@@exploreandthriftwithmario replied to another comment , pulled the drive too early, it should take a full 30 minutes

[@MohamedDN]

yes, Thank you @@seyywhatt , it actually needs time to fully complete. it works for me now

[@itz_ya_boinub7920]

Do you still have to get the USB hub for android auto?

[@maryjanemangrum4232]

I went by directions to locate Sync serial number and it wasn’t where it was said to be. The screen like yours came up. How do yo find it

[@chipboy1155]

Do I need to use a usb with nothing on it or could I use one that already has stuff on it?

[@NAG3]

Thank you for making it simple ...did it today 👍

[@chyaart9197]

can update at driving

[@VIRIIBeautyVLOGS]

Mine doesn’t even have the climate section all I have at the bottom of the screen is 4 icons

[@ffmedic1638]

I keep running into a problem about 39 seconds into the process when the screen suddenly displays a message about a "key cycle required" and then says it is restarting the system. Then the screen goes black, then the Ford logo reappears, and shortly after the screen comes back and says "updating system software". However, at about the 4:20 mark, I get a "installation failed" message that pops up with an error code: MEM_ERR03 This has happened several times and no one (at Ford support) has been able to figure out why!

[@islamiman1552]

Thanks for this informative video 💪🏼. You made my day👌

[@huguinelectronix]

Nice video bro ! I’m from Mexico but I think it’s what I need; I have a question do I need buy a new ford controller ? Or just I need download the update ?

[@romagrigorenko]

Depends what you want. If you just want the newest software then just update it. But if you want andriod auto or Apple CarPlay and it still doesn’t work then you need that new usb module

[@markharsh5497]

does it make a difference if you use windows 7 or 10 I have 7

[@Autopsygurl]

Great video, but I've done everything as supposed to but when plugging the flash drive (in the correct exfat format) to the usb in the car, it just doesn't do anything... I have only the files on the card, nothing else. It just doesnt do anything and I'm desperate as my android auto stopped working and there isn't even an option in the main menu on the car display for it..... Very annoying!!

[@noobovsky420]

Mine is taking way longer than 27 min

[@behtseemillman2382]

This video is wonderful, thank you for making it! I have a 2016 Ford Edge and while I followed your instructions, it did not work. I put my usb loaded with the software into my usb drive and started the car. I let it wait to find it for 10 minutes but it never showed that it found it/was downloading so I took my usb out. when I took it out it said Installation failed - the installation has run out of space or does not work with this version. is there a way to work around that? prior to this I did a master reset. I'm going to turn the car off, turn it back on and retry but leaving it in for the 30 minutes. I hope I can still update it somehow from software 1.0.

[@ajyauger6822]

Same thing here. Any solution??

[@PraiseTheLord95]

I had some issues as well but I tried a couple of things and got to the updating system ... First Tip when I downloaded it was a zip file. I then extracted that file. What was left was a Folder. I tried to put that in my car and it didn't work. My second attempt I moved the unzipped files from inside the main folder to by themselves. Then I deleted that empty folder. I tried again by first inserting the USB Drive before starting my vehicle. After starting ... success ... Updating System Software

[@ginacartwright5688]

What if I can drag the file like you did with two computers. I only have one computer