How to play music through Bluetooth Ford SYNC 2013?

Yes—if your 2013 Ford SYNC system supports Bluetooth audio (A2DP), you can stream music from a paired phone; if not, you’ll need a wired connection such as USB or an auxiliary input.

The 2013 Ford SYNC lineup includes variants with and without Bluetooth audio streaming capability. This guide explains how to check compatibility, pair your device, select the correct audio source, and troubleshoot common problems. Steps can vary slightly by model and software version, so consult your owner’s manual for specifics related to your vehicle.

What you need to know before you start

Before attempting to stream music, confirm that your SYNC system supports Bluetooth audio (A2DP) and that your phone is capable of streaming audio over Bluetooth. If Bluetooth audio isn’t available on your vehicle, you’ll have to use a wired connection or a different source option.

How to connect and start playing

To get started, you typically pair your phone with SYNC and then select Bluetooth as the audio source. The exact menu labels may vary by vehicle, firmware, and screen type (MyFord Touch vs. standard SYNC).

1. Turn on the car and ensure SYNC is active. On your phone, enable Bluetooth and make it discoverable.


2. On the phone, select the car’s Bluetooth name (often something like “Ford SYNC” or the vehicle’s name) to pair. If prompted, accept the pairing request and allow access to contacts and media if offered.


3. On the SYNC touchscreen or controls, press Media or Source and choose Bluetooth (or Bluetooth Audio) as the audio source.


4. Play music on your phone using your preferred app. The sound should route through the car speakers.


5. Use the steering wheel controls or the SYNC interface to pause, play, skip tracks, or adjust volume as needed.

After a successful pairing, the connection should auto-reconnect on subsequent starts. If it doesn’t, re-pair the device or check the Bluetooth settings on both the phone and SYNC.

Troubleshooting and tips

If Bluetooth audio isn’t appearing as an option or the sound doesn’t come through, try the following steps to restore streaming capability.

• Make sure the phone is not connected to another Bluetooth device that could be taking the audio role. Disconnect other devices if needed.


• Restart both the phone and the car’s SYNC system, then re-pair the phone.


• Confirm that the SYNC software supports A2DP for your specific model and firmware version. Some early SYNC iterations may not support audio streaming.


• Check for available SYNC updates from Ford or your dealer; a software update can enable or improve Bluetooth audio support.


• If Bluetooth audio is not supported on your unit, use USB or 3.5 mm AUX as an alternative source for music playback.

With the right configuration, music streaming should work smoothly. If problems persist, consult the owner’s manual or contact Ford Support for model-specific guidance.

Model variations and practical notes

Depending on whether your 2013 Ford came with standard SYNC or MyFord Touch, and depending on software updates, the exact steps or available options can differ. Some vehicles may label the source as “Bluetooth Audio,” “A2DP,” or simply “Bluetooth” in the media menu. If you still don’t see a music streaming option, your vehicle may require a firmware update or may not support Bluetooth audio streaming at all.

Summary

Streaming music via Bluetooth on a 2013 Ford SYNC system hinges on A2DP compatibility and proper pairing. If supported, pair your phone, select Bluetooth Audio as the source, and start playback from your phone. If Bluetooth audio isn’t available, rely on USB or AUX inputs, or check for SYNC software updates to enable streaming. Always consider model-specific instructions and safety guidelines when operating in a vehicle.

Why is my car connected to Bluetooth but not playing music?

Your car may not be playing music despite being connected to Bluetooth because the audio source is set incorrectly, there's a volume issue, or the device's media audio profile isn't enabled. To fix this, check that media audio is selected on your phone and your car's stereo, and ensure the volume is up on both devices. You can also try restarting both your phone and car, and if problems persist, re-pairing the devices. 
Check and adjust settings
This video demonstrates how to enable media audio on your phone's Bluetooth settings: 56sTrevor NaceYouTube · Sep 30, 2022

• Car stereo input: Make sure your car's audio system is set to "Bluetooth" or "Media" and not, for example, "Radio" or "CD". 
• Phone media audio: On your phone, go to the Bluetooth settings, find your car in the list of connected devices, and ensure "Media audio" is enabled. Sometimes it can be toggled off and needs to be re-enabled. 
• Volume: Turn up the volume on both your phone and your car's stereo. The volume on the phone may be separate from the car's volume control for the Bluetooth connection. 

Troubleshoot connection and software 
You can watch this video to learn how to reset the Bluetooth connection on your iPhone: 59sGauging GadgetsYouTube · Jun 10, 2024

• Restart everything: A simple restart can fix many glitches. Turn both your phone and your car's infotainment system off and then on again. 
• Re-pair the connection: Forget the connection on both your phone and your car. Then, go through the pairing process again as if you were connecting for the first time. 
• Check for updates: Ensure both your phone's operating system and your car's infotainment system have the latest updates installed. 

Advanced troubleshooting

• Test with another device: Try connecting a different phone or a different Bluetooth audio source (like a speaker) to see if the issue is with your phone or the car. 
• Clear old pairings: If your car has a long list of paired devices, try deleting all of them and pairing your phone again. Sometimes the car will prioritize an older connection. 
• Check for conflicts: If you have other connected devices or apps running, such as Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, try disabling them or disconnecting them to see if they are causing an interference. 
• Reset network settings: As a last resort, you can reset your phone's network settings. Be aware that this will also erase saved Wi-Fi passwords and other network configurations. 

Why is my music not playing through SYNC?

If Sync is not playing music, first check your phone and car volumes, then try restarting both devices and re-pairing the Bluetooth connection. If the issue continues, perform a full system reset by turning your car off, opening the door, waiting 60 seconds, and then turning it back on. As a last resort, you can try performing a master reset of the Sync system, updating the system, or resetting the Bluetooth fuse, which can be found in your car's manual. 
This video demonstrates how to reboot the Ford Sync system: 54sMr Fred’s DIY Garage SchoolYouTube · Jul 21, 2023
Basic troubleshooting steps

• Check volume levels: Ensure the volume is turned up on both your phone and the car stereo. 
• Restart devices: Turn your phone's Bluetooth off and on, then restart the phone itself. Also, ensure your car stereo is set to the correct Bluetooth or auxiliary input. 
• Unpair and re-pair: On your phone, "forget" the Sync system from your Bluetooth settings. Then, delete your phone from the Sync system's list of paired devices. 
• Restart the system: Turn your car off, open the driver's door, and wait for 60 seconds before turning the car back on. This allows the system to fully reset. 

Advanced troubleshooting steps

• Perform a soft reset: For some models, you can perform a soft reset by holding the power button on the Sync screen and the "Seek Right" button for 10 seconds. This is designed to restore functionality without deleting data. 
• Check for updates: Make sure both your phone's operating system and the Sync system itself are up to date. 
• Factory reset: Perform a master reset of the Sync system. The exact steps vary by model, so consult your owner's manual for the correct procedure. 

This video shows how to reset the Sync system by pulling the fuse: 57sDIY Tips, tricks and hacksYouTube · Sep 8, 2024
Potential causes

• Outdated software: Ensure both your phone and the Sync system are updated to the latest versions. 
• Incorrect connection: Make sure the correct audio source (Bluetooth or auxiliary) is selected on your car stereo. 
• Connectivity issues: Some issues can be caused by multiple Bluetooth devices being connected at once. Try disconnecting other devices and pairing your phone again. 
• Hardware problems: In rare cases, a hardware issue with the Sync unit or a blown fuse may be the cause. 

How do I play music through Bluetooth Ford Sync?

Press the "Voice" button on the steering wheel. Say "Bluetooth® Audio" and then "Play"

How to play Bluetooth music on a 2013 Ford F150?

And 2014 F-150 is hit the phone button. Here. Then you go down here in the center hit. This okay button. Press okay to begin pairing ing a device.