Sync 3.0 USB vs Wifi update
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Cross-Country
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 64
Likes: 8
Sync 3.0 USB vs Wifi update
I updated the truck Sync to 3.0 via WIFI connection from the truck. When I go to the actual Ford Sync Website to check for updates. It shows avail 3.0 update via USB download for my specific truck. Am i missing something here. My previous truck (2013 F350 Dually) I had to update Sync via USB install. Am i to ignore the website and perform updates via WIFI only?
Thank in advance.
Thank in advance.
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 14,285
Likes: 2,195
There was a big woop to do a few months ago about USB this and that for the update and I jumped in and said why not just let it update via WiFi and not mess with the USB and an avalanche came down upon me as I was told that the WiFi updates I am observing was not SYNC3 update...it was something else.
I remain confused.
I remain confused.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 247
Likes: 23
I have WiFi updates turned on, but it does not update the Sync 3.0 software itself. Not sure what it updates, and the "date" of my last update is still stuck on October 2019. My Sync 3.0 build version is not the "latest", and I've read that the only way to actually update the Sync 3.0 software is with a USB stick. So while Ford says that updates can be done via WiFi, it doesn't work that way in my experience.
Ford's website shows that updates are done via USB:
https://owner.ford.com/tools/account...p-to-date.html
Before you start:
Ford's website shows that updates are done via USB:
https://owner.ford.com/tools/account...p-to-date.html
Software update SYNC3 v3.0 is available!
What's in this update?Before you start:
- You will need access to your computer and vehicle for this update.
- You will need to be parked in an open area.
- You will need a USB storage drive that:
- Has at least 8 GB capacity; actual downloads may vary as maps are included
- Is not currently password protected
- Is formatted to exFat
What is exFAT?
How do I format my USB?
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 5,650
Likes: 243
From: GA
I updated the truck Sync to 3.0 via WIFI connection from the truck. When I go to the actual Ford Sync Website to check for updates. It shows avail 3.0 update via USB download for my specific truck. Am i missing something here. My previous truck (2013 F350 Dually) I had to update Sync via USB install. Am i to ignore the website and perform updates via WIFI only?
Thank in advance.
Thank in advance.
It might actually take several days or weeks before the SYNC website actually shows your vehicle has been updated via WiFi whereas with USB, it’s right away.
Tuned
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 324
Likes: 115
If its not broke, what are you trying to fix?
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Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 5,650
Likes: 243
From: GA
It’s not a matter if an app isn’t broken but there might be something in the background that needs to be fixed.
Do you have a cell / smartphone and if so, have you ever updated it when Apple or Android says there’s an update for the OS even though the phone is working fine?
Case in point.......SYNC 3 version 3.0 works fine but 3.4 adds new features and gives the GUI a new look.
In other words, it’s better to be up to date and SYNC 3 version 3.0 is better than version 1.0 and I’ve used both on my 2016 Lariat.
Do you have a cell / smartphone and if so, have you ever updated it when Apple or Android says there’s an update for the OS even though the phone is working fine?
Case in point.......SYNC 3 version 3.0 works fine but 3.4 adds new features and gives the GUI a new look.
In other words, it’s better to be up to date and SYNC 3 version 3.0 is better than version 1.0 and I’ve used both on my 2016 Lariat.
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Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,288
Likes: 19
From: Plainville, MA
Gabar hit the "Nail on the Head"! If you're simply content with what you've got, that's fine, but the updates usually bring "new functionality or bug fixes" - in the case of 3.4, it's more of a "Wow" situation! I will admit, it was a PITA to do though! Lots of folks had issues getting the proper files to extract properly to the THREE separate USB sticks needed to do the upgrade. I'm experienced with PC and Android "side door" updates, and even I had a couple of issues before I got the files set up correctly on the sticks. I think it was because of the host site - once finished though, nice new interface, new camera functionality, stereo changes...
2nd point - If you were doing an update via WiFi and lost your signal, mid-update, your Sync System would become a "brick", just like a cellphone with a failed update! That's WHY USB!
2nd point - If you were doing an update via WiFi and lost your signal, mid-update, your Sync System would become a "brick", just like a cellphone with a failed update! That's WHY USB!
Tuned
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 279
Likes: 14
You update the trucks computer just llike you would install a new patch pushed by Apple or Microsoft. These are to correct deficiencies (bugs), provide updates and stability to software along with closing security issues.
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