Connecting my iPhone to the radio via the USB port is an adventure. It typically takes two or three attempts for the radio and phone to sync.

I've got the Sirius radio app on the phone and often play it through the truck's sound system instead of buy another device subscription.

Any ideas as to why it takes multiple attempts to connect? I'd love to connect in seconds instead of minutes...

 

Short answer is Microsoft the maker of Sync hasn't historically gotten along with Apple. You can try updating the iphone but if you want the best results, get an Android phone.

EDIT: There may also be an update for your version of sync. Check that here, https://www.ford.com/support/how-tos...-sync-updates/

 

And I had to buy a double male cord to connect my phone to the radio, the USB didn't work on my Samsung either.

 

Sometimes it takes 2 times. I've had it take as many as 10. The only reliable way for me is with steering wheel voice button commanding USB. Usually the first or second time I can get audio to pay but no radio or steering wheel button control. Then it goes "no media detected" and sometimes "bad media." Eventually it works. Most days I find myself arguing with the truck and both of our first languages are English. This is all to control Spotify hands free from iPhone. You're not alone

 

Should just use Bluetooth, it's what I've always done with my Samsung and Motorola phones. Works flawlessly. iphones have a known history of issues with sync and USB.

Fwiw, sync has always been garbage. It's been called a "Polished Turd" by some, even Fords execs and engineers hated it. https://www.topspeed.com/cars/car-ne...inment-system/

 

Doesn't the use of bluetooth require a Sync account? Not a fan....

The Ford execs should call me. I came up through the technology world and have a lot of contacts. With a few phone calls I could assemble a team that could have a competing product, exclusive to Ford, available for demo in a month.

I've found a sequence that usually connects the first time, thought it's fairly well orchestrated. It's enough of a pain that I'm unlikely to keep Sirius radio on my phone.

1. Get in the truck (a 2014) and close the door.
2. Open the XM radio app on the phone. Do not begin play.
3. Connect the USB cable.
4. Turn the key to the "on" position. Do not start the truck.
5. If necessary, press the Aux button, then press the Select/OK button.
6. When the phone vibrates, press play in the app.
7. If the console shows "Initializing", press the AM/FM button, then press Aux.
8. The phone app should be playing through the truck's audio system. If not, continue.
9. Turn the key off and remove the key.
10. Open and close the door.
11. Insert the key and turn to the ON position.

That's just too much work to listen to XM radio every time I get into the truck.

 

Bluetooth requires nothing to work except Bluetooth. Your stereo has a Bluetooth audio function for playback.

 

Strange. I've not been able to get the Bluetooth connected at all. Will have to try again, I guess....

 

Keep in mind mixing Microsoft and Apple is like mixing oil and water.

 

Mixing oil and water isn't that tough. You just end up with something completely useless....

 

I've never had an issue with my iphone and bluetooth connection!

 

The early versions of sync are notoriously buggy especially when it comes to iphones. FWIW I've never had an issue with my android phones and bluetooth either and that includes my wifes truck and her android phone.