Learn all about Sync3 in the 2021 Ford Ranger - Setting up Apple Car Play, Android Auto and more!

The 2021 Ford Ranger has a media screen that supports both Android Auto and Apple Car Play. There are options for voice command prompts, climate control and more!
In this video you'll learn all about the Sync3 media screen including how to connect a phone, using navigation and more!
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In this video, the vehicle used had the following specs:
- 500a package
- SuperCrew Lariat
- Running Boards
- Trailer Tow Package
MSRP of driven vehicle:
$46,038 Canada
$41,755 USA
Link to this build:
Canada - carswithsteve.com/2021-Ford-R...
USA - carswithsteve.com/2021-Ford-R...
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Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction
00:40 - Sync3 Intro
01:30 - Audio Tab
02:30 - Climate Control
03:20 - Connecting a phone
05:00 - Setting up Apple Car Play
07:55 - Setting up Android Auto
10:05 - Sound Settings
10:30 - Clock Settings
11:05 - Radio and SiriusXM
12:00 - General Settings
12:35 - Vehicle Settings and Safety
14:15 - Display Settings
14:50 - Voice Control
15:45 - Valet Mode and Ambient Light
16:40 - Conclusion
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The content of this channel is for entertainment purposes only. You should confirm vehicle features, availability, payload and towing capacity, pricing and options with your local dealer. Steve, nor any of his employees, officers or representatives accept responsibility for any loss or damage, costs or liabilities whatsoever that may result from accessing or relying on information found in the video contents or comment section of this channel.
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#2021fordranger #formulafordlincoln #2021fordrangerlariat

[@phl40]

Very informative and to the point. Good job

[@CarsWithSteve]

Thank you

[@JGD185]

I just got my Ranger and I love it, this helps a lot thanks

[@CarsWithSteve]

Thanks James, glad it helped! Glad you're loving the Ranger

[@jimmylawrence8415]

Thank you for this video. It will really help me with my new ranger. I love all the information you put in your videos.

[@CarsWithSteve]

You’re welcome Jimmy, glad it’ll help! When are you picking yours up?

[@jimmylawrence8415]

@@CarsWithSteve I got it this week, so you released your video at a great time for me. Thanks again, Steve!

[@CarsWithSteve]

@@jimmylawrence8415 Great timing.. Hope you enjoy the new Ranger!

[@SharonSmith-im9ph]

I just bought a new Ford and this video is allot of help.

[@CarsWithSteve]

Good to hear! What model did you end up going with?

[@HawkeyeOnaMission]

Fantastic overview. Thank you!

[@CarsWithSteve]

You're welcome!

[@smittysmitty481]

Excellent review!!

[@murphers1095]

Great video as usual Steve! Any chance you can do a review on the new Ford Maverick and Ford Lightning when they are available. Really interested in the Maverick. Thanks!

[@CarsWithSteve]

Thanks Joe! I'm working on a video going over the trim options on the Lightning and will post one one the Maverick once some more details are released. The Maverick is looking like it may be hybrid so there are some exciting things coming

[@TommyG11814]

Outstanding video,,,,thank you

[@CarsWithSteve]

Thanks and you're welcome!

[@tomislavrimac7875]

Nice vid Steve! Do you happen to know is it possible(when listening mp3 music from USB drive) to switch between folders using arrows on steering wheel? Recently i bought Mondeo with Sync3 and every time when want to go folder up/down i have to deal with touchscreen. I try to avoid that as much as possible because typing on touchscreen is making me lose focus on the road.

[@jmlr5190]

Great video. Thx.

[@CarsWithSteve]

Glad you liked it!

[@FootageFactory]

My god. Made it to the 7:00 thank you for showing me how to fix the issue!

[@CarsWithSteve]

HAHA glad the video helped!

[@Smooth1167]

Thank you for this video. I assumed my 21 Ranger xl had navigation. I panicked when i realized it didn't. (Wtf!) Now I have it learning how to use the android auto features.

[@CarsWithSteve]

Ah it's unfortunate that factory nav doesn't come standard with this screen. Hopefully you learned enough from the video to help you out though!

[@emilianobairos1083]

great video when in Android Auto play does the usb cord need to be plugged in at all times?

[@CarsWithSteve]

Thanks Emiliano! Yes you’d need to be connected via USB for either Car Play or Android Auto in the 21 Ranger

[@trentryan3293]

Hey Steve do you happen to know if you can change the background into a custom background through the the USB ports?

[@CarsWithSteve]

I wish you could customize the screen wallpaper.. not an option unfortunately

[@jamestien6761]

Hi Steve, planning to upgrade from Sync2 to Sync 3. Does Sync 3 support individual Rear AC controls like set Lock controls on Rear, Temp, Fan speed?

[@CarsWithSteve]

Great you're able to find a screen to make that happen! Sync3 doesn't have support for rear climate controls - the Ranger only has a blower in the 2nd row and not individual climate controls

[@andywrites2141]

Do I need a special cable?

[@jimglancy8251]

I have red x across antenna Dealer said I need new radio module. Can I upgrade? I have speech icon on steering wheel. 4" screen thanks Jim

[@CarsWithSteve]

You should be able to upgrade from the older Sync screen to this Sync3. Just need to find the updated modules and if it's one with factory navigation it needs to be programmed to your VIN. Check out Infotainment - carswithsteve.com/Infotainment

[@bomccormackhall3586]

Love the content.but I still sync my apps to my 21 ranger

[@CarsWithSteve]

Thanks Bo! How are you liking the Ranger so far?

[@jimglancy8251]

I have a 2021 ranger, Only limited display clock and big red slash though wifi?? icon far right top.I tried updating though usb.

[@CarsWithSteve]

The base XL has the smaller 4" sync screen that will look nothing like the one featured in this video. If yours is this larger 8" Sync 3 screen you can try a soft reset by pressing and holding the volume power button and seek right buttons at the same time for 5 - 10 seconds. If a soft reset doesn't work on this larger screen then you'd have to book it in for a service appt to get looked at

[@philipfoster6889]

Thanks, I have 2021 fx4 lariat . Having intermittent issues with usbs not working and apple CarPlay rarely connects. I have iphone8

[@CarsWithSteve]

Easiest thing to try would be to replace the USB cable. Sometimes older or off brand cables won't work. Make sure you pick up an Apple branded USB cable from Apple, Walmart, Best Buy etc

[@arthurb8631]

Thanks . Once I connect my phone via Ian it is no longer allowing me to use the trucks navigation while still charging the phone. Is there a way to fix that?

[@CarsWithSteve]

anytime! Not as far as I know.. once the phone is connected via Android Auto or CarPlay it's going to default to the phone app that was opened last

[@solomonmule3414]

Can you make another video about connecting an Android phone to display Mobile apps, following your steps to connect didn't work for the Ford ranger thunder 2020,it didn't bring the android auto option on the car screen

[@CarsWithSteve]

Android Auto is odd in the Ranger.. I've noticed that sometimes simply switching to the other USB port has connected it immediately. If that doesn't work then try replacing the USB cable with an OEM cable - so if you have a Samsung get one of those USB cables.

[@jeffsarra5395]

I just got a new phone and my old one would connect with the Apple CarPlay no problem when plugged in, but the new one keeps giving me the same prompts at 5:19 every time I plug it in (even after agreeing to them before). Is there anyway to fix this or make it stop asking every time I plug in?

[@CarsWithSteve]

I've had that happen with Android Auto before and switching to the other USB port seems to have fixed it. If switching the USB ports doesn't work, try changing to a new Apple USB cable

[@devarshbhoodoo6675]

Hi, this really helped me ,but I want to know if you can watch movies on my 2022 ford ranger XLT via Android auto

[@CarsWithSteve]

Glad it helped! Unfortunately no ways I've found so far to watch videos through the media screen

[@devarshbhoodoo6675]

@@CarsWithSteve thanks for the info

[@CarsWithSteve]

@@devarshbhoodoo6675 anytime

[@bevislau3707]

Hi, thank you for your video. Can you please tell me how to delete/undo preset fm?

[@CarsWithSteve]

You're welcome! There's no way to delete a preset but you can overwrite it by switching to another station and then pressing/holding that preset to replace it

[@bevislau3707]

@@CarsWithSteve Thank you for your reply. Another question is how to switching to another station?

[@CarsWithSteve]

@@bevislau3707 You can press the voice command prompt on the steering wheel, manually type one in under the audio screen in "Direct Tune" or use the tuning rocker under the media screen

[@bevislau3707]

@@CarsWithSteve Thank you so much

[@CarsWithSteve]

@@bevislau3707 anytime!

[@kennyjoe81]

I recorded music on a usb. How do I play music from the usb? Also, when using your phone for navigation do you stand a chance of losing connection due to dead zone?

[@CarsWithSteve]

Should just be a plug and play as long as you have a supported audio format. Insert the drive into the USB port and USB audio should pop up

[@kennyjoe81]

Yes it worked. I am concerned about using navigation with my phone. Will I lose everything if I go through a dead zone.

[@CarsWithSteve]

@@kennyjoe81 Amazing! The navigation with phone is an interesting one. It would be based on your cell phone data availability. If you lose service the map may still run but your location wouldn't be 100% accurate. I know that Google Maps has the option of downloading an offline map support.google.com/maps/answer/6291838?hl=en&co=GENIE.Platform%3DiOS

[@jonathanbrown127]

How do you activate android auto if my phone cord usb(note 10 plus) is not compatible with the USB port in my 2019 Ford Edge ST ?

[@CarsWithSteve]

That should just be USB type C which the Ford Edge has support for... If it's not working there are a few things you could try: 1. Make sure that Android Auto is installed on your phone and up to date. 2. Delete the phone from the vehicle and delete the vehicle connection from the phone. Try to re-connect and then plug in USB cable 3. Replace the USB cable with an OEM original - so in this case it would be a Samsung cable. I find that aftermarket cables don't always transfer data properly

[@jonathanbrown127]

Thanks Steve I got it to work. I found a cord that fits in the car. I only noticed Google maps but not waze or the music apps. I have to play with it more.

[@carelb9824]

I have 2018 Ford ranger. (no sync 3) It does connect to my iPhone and I can make and receive calls hands free. Can also listen to music from the phone on car audio, but cannot listen to voice messages from WhatsApp. When I select BT audio or USB it start to play music from the phone but pause when I play voice note on phone and a few second into the message without audio on radio the message will top playing and the music from phone will start again. any solution??

[@CarsWithSteve]

That's an interesting one.. I haven't been in a Ford vehicle with the older Sync screen in a while so honestly couldn't tell you why it might be doing that

[@honestreviewer7788]

How do I play music from a thumb drive in the USB ports?

[@CarsWithSteve]

As long as the file types are supported, plug into the USB port above the shifter, then select Audio --> Sources and USB should be there

[@ursulajones9603]

My apple iPhone is not connecting to CarPlay and I can’t use maps while driving. Is there something I can do to fix this? Thanks for an amazing video

[@CarsWithSteve]

Hmm that's odd. Few steps you can try: - Make sure the USB cable is firmly in the USB port - Check that Car Play is enabled (Settings --> Car Play) and bluetooth is turned on when connecting

[@bluehipcrip]

Is it an APPLE cord you are using Ursula? I was having issues as well and changed cables to a white APPLE cord and that worked. It may have been a bad cable to begin with IDK. I hope you get it sussed :)

[@CarsWithSteve]

@@bluehipcrip Ohh interesting! Did not even think about the potential for the USB cable being the issue. Such a better idea than taking it in for servicing first!

[@bluehipcrip]

@@CarsWithSteve my dad has a 2021 ranger and I am having fits trying to get his phone synced up. The cable is just one issue so far. I am about to try updating system version with flash drive method.

[@CarsWithSteve]

@@bluehipcrip I'm curious if the cable swap and then updating sync fixes the issue

[@rebeccamccall5208]

How can we program a signal to tell us if we leave our turn signal on too long?

[@CarsWithSteve]

unfortunately no way to do that.. but that would be a nice base safety setting

[@rathibalan6685]

Is there any possibility to watch videos in display?

[@CarsWithSteve]

Not natively through the screen unfortunately. I'm looking into devices that allow you to do it and will post a video once I find something that works!

[@AnthonyAlleva]

How do you change the tone / sounds of the warning alerts and / when the door is open?

[@CarsWithSteve]

The sounds can't be changed in the Ranger unfortunately

[@AnthonyAlleva]

@@CarsWithSteve that’s odd as they did have a nice tone but now all of sudden they sound like a small moped, only when the door is open and when the back up assist sounds

[@CarsWithSteve]

@@AnthonyAlleva Interesting.. what model year was the one where you liked the sound? And it's in the new 2021 that you aren't a fan of?

[@AnthonyAlleva]

@@CarsWithSteve 2021 Ford Ranger. It was a deep soothing sound and now all of a sudden it’s changed and now sounds like a moped horn

[@CarsWithSteve]

@@AnthonyAlleva Hmm if the sound changed on yours randomly there could be an issue with the horn. I'd have it looked at during your next service appointment

[@andywrites2141]

I have a new samsung 22, and a 2016 ford150, when I plug my phone into the USB port of my truck, I don't get the android auto screen on my display

[@CarsWithSteve]

Was it working with your previous phone?

[@andywrites2141]

@@CarsWithSteve I didn't have the truck then yet.

[@CarsWithSteve]

@@andywrites2141 Ah fair enough. As long as Android Auto is installed on your phone and isn't working here are a few things to try: 1. Remove the phone from the car and remove the car from your phone and reconnect 2. Try plugging into the 2nd USB port 3. Replace the cable with an OEM original, then retry both ports again

[@user-ct9fw3qd3f]

What would happen if i take the whole radio out to change it

[@CarsWithSteve]

It's doable for sure. Are you swapping for another Sync3 screen or a complete aftermarket system instead?

[@careylee5951]

How do you know you have a SYNC 3 system?

[@CarsWithSteve]

Depends on your car. All 2020 Ford or Lincoln vehicles have Sync3. For the 2021 model year it’s only the F150, Mustang Mach E, Edge and Nautilus

[@jimesposito1442]

Can I remove Sirius radio from my ranger? I do not want Sirius and it's annoying.

[@CarsWithSteve]

No way to remove SiriusXM unfortunately. You could overwrite those presets though

[@michaellamsen7291]

How about i used samsung android? Can carplay be used?

[@CarsWithSteve]

You can use Android Auto on Samsung and other Android devices - CarPlay can be used on Apple Devices

[@wandanatal2670]

How to change the name

[@soniaboudreau3151]

I do not have a phone….shall I get a garmin? A gps?

[@CarsWithSteve]

If you don't have a phone or navigation included in the screen it's cheaper to go for a GPS. Garmin has some great options!

[@noahg6024]

Apple CarPlay doesn’t connect whenever I connect my phone via USB. What am I doing wrong?

[@CarsWithSteve]

Try using an authentic Apple charging cable. I find that aftermarket ones don’t work all the time

[@noahg6024]

@@CarsWithSteve interesting, I’ll try that tomorrow.

[@brianlewis5360]

Still need to know how to add apps not within Apple Car Play. You mention that if apps are available they’d show up but you don’t say how to make them available.

[@CarsWithSteve]

Not all phone apps for iPhone/Android are available through CarPlay and Android Auto. The ones installed on your phone that will work will show up when you've connected. There's an independent app screen that lets you use a limited number of apps when you're connected over USB through either device while not connected to CarPlay/Android Auto but you still need the app installed on your phone. Once you're connected over USB then click on the Apps button on the screen to see which ones are available based on what's on your phone

[@brianlewis5360]

@@CarsWithSteve Thank you so much for your quick and helpful reply. One other question. I know this sounds dumb but I can’t find the APP in the store. Can you tell me the exact name and where I can find it.

[@CarsWithSteve]

Anytime! Which app are you searching for?

[@85296jwd]

Very clear, very concise. Thank you. The presenter might want to back down on the caffeine intake.

[@CarsWithSteve]

If only the presenter drank coffee.. Just a zest for life I guess

[@marcuskingsley355]

Yesterday. It is way better than Toyota. 6 gutless cylinders with cramped categories. Ford is pretty good but its 4 cylinders. Be nice to it. Straight 6 is the best motor ever made.

[@CarsWithSteve]

The inline 6 is definitely a simpler design and more refined with the same displacement. Too bad gas engines are on the way out but EV is starting to show more potential

[@delbertvoss9193]

Good video but you talk a little to fast.

[@CarsWithSteve]

Working on that my friend. My upcoming videos in the next month or so are easier to follow

[@tylerbonezjonez]

Pause button works wonders.

[@mattkampf2335]

Sync3 is such a POS. "Limit of devices" error on a brand new system that doesn't have any devices attached.

[@CarsWithSteve]

First time I've heard of that one. Have you already tried a factory reset and bringing it in to the dealer to diagnose or replace modules?

[@tammygeoffrey960]

I have this on my IPhone when I plug it into my Ford Ranger 2021. It started at (3) then jumped to (8) now it’s at (62) what the heck is going on??? How do I fix it? file:///var/mobile/Library/SMS/Attachments/ad/13/1192695F-9B37-460C-9090-1E922A32CED5/IMG_0238.jpeg

[@tammygeoffrey960]

Sorry I can’t get the picture to load. When my iPhone is plugged in, on the right hand side of the screen under where it says IPhone there is the number (62). Like I said above it started at (3) and went up from there. I have no idea what it is and it’s making me nervous. Thanks

[@CarsWithSteve]

KZbin doesn't let images load up in comments unfortunately. Send the pic through on Instagram - @RealCarsWithSteve - I'll have a look and see if I know what it is

[@tammygeoffrey960]

@@CarsWithSteve I sent it

[@CarsWithSteve]

It’s a weird bug that iPhones have that has to deal with the way it names connections. Nothing to worry about but you can change it back to iPhone by going to Settings -> General -> About -> Name Then just change the name to something different!

[@tammygeoffrey960]

@@CarsWithSteve actually I wanted to know what the (62) was. It started out as (3) then jumped to (8) and now it’s(62)