How to install SYNC 3 updates with Wi-Fi

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Add the latest SYNC® 3 software capabilities and performance enhancements to your Lincoln.

This latest version of SYNC 3 enables you to access Waze navigation and Alexa skills on your in-car display, provides access to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for even more Lincoln owners, plus overall performance improvements. Learn what's included in this SYNC update.

If your vehicle is equipped with SYNC 3 with navigation, you can install updates via Wi-Fi. To install via Wi-Fi, the first thing you’ll need to do is make sure this SYNC 3 updates via Wi-Fi article is right for you. You’ll know if the Wi-Fi button is available on your vehicle’s settings screen, as pictured above. Don’t have navigation? Look here for instructions on how to update SYNC 3 without Navigation via a USB drive.

Having connectivity issues? Owners of vehicles with navigation can also update via USB. Learn how to update via USB here.

Before you start

  • Park your vehicle in a well-ventilated area

    Ensure that your vehicle is parked within range of the Wi-Fi network to which you’d like to connect.

  • Make sure you have an excellent connection

    For this reason, a mobile hotspot isn’t recommended, due to the lack of internet signal stability. Additionally, Wi-Fi networks that have a web browser landing page, such as one you might find at a local coffee shop or set up for a guest network, cannot be accessed through this feature.

  • Note that your Lincoln vehicle will stay connected to a Wi-Fi network for up to 30 minutes after you turn it off

    It doesn’t need to be running while the latest software version of SYNC 3 downloads.  The SYNC 3 Wi-Fi software update files are large and the update process may take multiple key cycles to complete.

Update SYNC 3 via Wi-Fi

  1. Turn on the SYNC 3 system
    If this is the first time you’ve turned on SYNC 3, or you’ve recently performed a master reset, you may be prompted to enable automatic updates.

  2. Connect to a trusted Wi-Fi network by going into Settings > Wi-Fi.

  3. Select your network and enter your password. 

  4. Once connected, go back to the Settings screen and select the "General" button. 

  5. On the General Settings screen, tap the "Automatic System Updates" bar.

  6. Tap the "Automatic System Updates" slider to turn them on.

  7. A confirmation message will then appear: "Automatic System Updates: On." Press Close.

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