How do I use SYNC AppLink with my Android smartphone?

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Man driving a Lincoln vehicle

Many of us want to be connected everywhere, all the time. SYNC® AppLink™ allows you to use your compatible Android™ mobile apps while keeping your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel. 12 ,33 ,53

SYNC AppLink is available on select models and compatible with select smartphone platforms. SYNC AppLink is not compatible with MyLincoln Touch® . Commands may vary by phone and SYNC AppLink software. Compatible apps must be installed and running on compatible devices.

Here’s how to use SYNC AppLink with your Android* device.33

* SYNC AppLink works with most devices with Android OS 2.1 or later.

Quick Tip

Here’s how to get started:

Pair your phone with SYNC 3.

Download and install or update the latest version of your SYNC 3-compatible mobile apps on your Android smartphone. (See the SYNC 3-compatible apps catalog.)

Note: Make sure you have an active account for the app you just downloaded. Some apps will work automatically with no setup. Others will require you to configure your personal settings and personalize your experience by creating stations or Favorites. It’s best to complete configuration and personalization before connecting your device to SYNC.

Connect your Android phone to SYNC 3 by Bluetooth®.18,33

  • To connect a phone via Bluetooth for the first time, press the Phone icon in the Feature bar and press Add a Bluetooth device. 

  • To connect a phone that has been previously paired, press the Phone icon in the Feature bar and select the device you wish to connect.

  1. Press the Apps icon in the Feature bar at the bottom of the SYNC 3 touchscreen. 

  2. Press the icon of the app you wish to use.

    Note: You may be prompted with messaging asking you to enable mobile apps. Select Yes to enable mobile apps. When your choice has been confirmed, press Close, and re-select the app you wish to use.

    Now with a quick tap or swipe of the SYNC 3 touchscreen, or by speaking a command, you can view and control compatible mobile apps on your smartphone.

    Note: App-specific voice commands can be found in the SYNC 3 AppLink catalog. After choosing an app listed in the catalog, click View SYNC Voice Commands.

  3. You can also change apps in the Apps menu on the touchscreen or by voice command.

    Or, you can access audio apps by pressing the Audio icon in the Feature bar at the bottom of the touchscreen, selecting Source, and then choosing the desired app.

Notes: In order to enable mobile apps, SYNC requires user consent to send and receive app authorization information and updates using the data plan associated with the connected device.

The connected device sends data to Lincoln in the United States. The information is encrypted and includes your VIN, SYNC module number, anonymous usage statistics and debugging information. Updates may take place automatically.

Standard data rates apply. Lincoln is not responsible for any additional charges you may receive from your service provider, when your vehicle sends or receives data through the connected device. This includes any additional charges incurred due to driving in areas when roaming out of a home network.

App Permissions
The system organizes the App permissions into groups. You can grant these group permissions individually. You can change a permission group status any time when not driving, by using the settings menu. While in the settings menu, you can also see the data included in each group.

When you launch an app using SYNC, the system may ask you to grant certain permissions, for example Vehicle information, Driving characteristics, GPS and Speed, and/or Push notifications. You can enable all groups or none of them during the initial app permissions prompts. The settings menu offers individual group permission control.

Note: You are only prompted to grant permissions the first time you use an app with SYNC.

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