Why is UConnect not showing up?

UConnect not appearing can stem from simple Bluetooth pairing glitches, software or account issues, or broader service changes that affect remote features. Start with quick resets and updates, then check subscriptions and network status if problems persist.

In this guide, we explore the most common reasons UConnect fails to show up—from your phone not seeing the system to remote services not appearing in the UConnect app. We also explain how changes to connected services and network sunsets in recent years can affect visibility, and provide practical steps tailored to different UConnect generations (3, 4, and 5). The aim is to help you diagnose whether the issue is hardware, software, or service-related.

1. Bluetooth Pairing: When UConnect Doesn’t Appear on Your Phone

Before attempting this list, ensure the vehicle is in a safe state (Park/Ready) and you are following the on-screen prompts for Bluetooth pairing. If the system never shows up as a discoverable device, try the following steps.

What to try before you call for help:

• Confirm the vehicle is in a ready state and that the UConnect screen is in pairing mode (often labeled Add Device or Pairing). Some models require navigation to Settings > Bluetooth and then selecting Pairing.


• On your phone, turn Bluetooth on, keep it visible, and stay within a few feet of the vehicle while the pairing window is open.


• Remove any existing pairing for the vehicle from your phone, and also remove the phone from the UConnect system’s list of paired devices.


• Try pairing with a second phone or device to determine whether the issue is the vehicle or the original phone.


• Update software: install the latest OS updates on your phone and check for any UConnect/infotainment system updates at the dealership or via the vehicle’s Settings > System Update menu.


• Perform a soft reset of the UConnect head unit (often hold the Power/Volume knob for about 10 seconds until the screen restarts).


• If a PIN or passkey is required, follow the on-screen instructions; defaults vary by model, and some systems don’t require a PIN at all. If you see a code, refer to your owner’s manual for the exact procedure.

Concluding note: If Bluetooth pairing still fails after these steps, there may be a hardware fault or a deeper software issue that a dealer should diagnose under warranty or service plan.

2. UConnect App and Remote Services: Not Showing or Connecting

When the UConnect mobile app or remote services don’t appear or fail to connect, the problem is often tied to account setup, service status, or carrier/network changes rather than the car’s hardware alone.

Steps to troubleshoot app and service issues:

• Verify that UConnect Services (or UConnect Access, depending on model year) are active and correctly linked to the vehicle VIN in the app. Some features require an active subscription or activation of services by a dealer.


• Ensure you are signed in with the correct account and that the vehicle VIN matches the one associated with your UConnect account. Check for any account verification emails or notices about service changes.


• Confirm that the vehicle is present in the app (VIN, model year, and trim line can affect compatibility). If necessary, re-link the vehicle in the app’s settings.


• Check for any reported outages or service notices from UConnect (and your regional carrier) to see if the issue is system-wide rather than device-specific.


• Update the UConnect app to the latest version and review required app permissions (location, notifications, etc.).


• Ensure your phone’s operating system is compatible with the latest UConnect app and that permissions required by the app are granted.


• Be aware that some older or regional implementations of UConnect relied on cellular networks that have been sunset (notably 3G). If your vehicle relies on outdated connectivity for remote services, you may see the app fail to function even when it appears on the screen. In such cases, you may need to migrate to newer services or hardware supported by your dealer.

Concluding note: If app access or remote features remain unavailable, contact your dealer or UConnect support to re-activate or re-link services, and confirm whether any regional service changes require you to switch to updated UConnect Services plans.

3. Infotainment System and Vehicle Network: The Head Unit Isn’t Showing UConnect Options

If the car’s display or head unit isn’t presenting UConnect options, or if the system can’t see UConnect networking features, you’re likely facing a system-level issue rather than a single-device pairing problem.

Actions to take when the head unit isn’t behaving:

• Restart or reset the infotainment system. A softer approach is to reboot the head unit; a full reset can be done via Settings, but note this may erase saved preferences.


• Check for and install any available infotainment software updates through the vehicle’s Settings > System Update menu, with ignition in the On position as required by your model.


• If the issue persists, perform a factory reset of the head unit if advised by the manual. Be aware this clears saved settings and preferences.


• Inspect fuses related to the infotainment system; a blown fuse can disable the head unit, causing UConnect features to disappear from the menu.


• Verify that Apple CarPlay or Android Auto (if used) is configured correctly. If you rely on wireless CarPlay/Android Auto, ensure the vehicle and phone are properly paired and within range; you can also try a wired connection to test.


• Check for hardware-related faults or module failures. If the head unit continues to fail to display or access UConnect features, a dealer diagnostic is recommended, particularly if the vehicle is under warranty or a service plan.

Concluding note: Persistent display or connectivity problems often require a dealer diagnostic to determine whether a software update, a module replacement, or a hardware fault is at fault.

Summary

UConnect not showing up can result from a mix of device-level issues (Bluetooth pairing, app permissions), account and service status (subscription activation, regional service changes), and head-unit or network problems (software updates, module faults, or 3G sunset effects). Start with basic resets, then verify pairing and app settings, and finally check for service status or dealer-assisted diagnostics if the problem persists. Being aware of updates to UConnect Services and network infrastructure in your region will help you navigate whether the issue is temporary, model-specific, or tied to broader service changes.

How to make Uconnect discoverable?

To put Uconnect in pairing mode, turn on Bluetooth on your phone, and then on the Uconnect touchscreen, select the Phone button and choose Add Device or Paired Phones. The system will then become discoverable, and you can select the Uconnect system from your phone's Bluetooth device list to complete the pairing process. 
This video demonstrates how to put Uconnect in pairing mode and connect your phone: 47sMoparYouTube · Jun 17, 2023
Step 1: Prepare your phone and vehicle

• Park the vehicle and ensure the ignition is in the ON or ACC position. 
• On your smartphone, go to Settings and make sure Bluetooth is turned on. 

Step 2: Start the pairing process on Uconnect 

• On the Uconnect touchscreen, tap the Phone icon. 
• Navigate to the pairing menu by selecting options such as Paired Phones and then Add Device. 
• Depending on your system, you may need to press the voice activation button and say commands like "Set-up" or "Pair a Phone". 

Step 3: Connect your phone to Uconnect 

• Your Uconnect system will now be visible in your phone's Bluetooth device list. 
• Tap on the Uconnect system's name to begin the connection. 
• Confirm that the passkey or PIN displayed on both the Uconnect screen and your phone's screen match. You may need to confirm the connection on both devices. 

Why is my phone not finding my Uconnect?

The 'Uconnect phone not available' error usually stems from Bluetooth module glitches or outdated software. Start by restarting the vehicle's infotainment system and your phone's Bluetooth. Clear paired devices in Uconnect settings, then re-pair your phone.

How do I get my Uconnect to work?

To get Uconnect to work, pair your phone via Bluetooth by enabling Bluetooth on your phone and selecting the "Phone" or "Settings" option on the Uconnect touchscreen, then "Add Device". Follow the on-screen prompts to confirm the passkey on both your phone and the car. If issues persist, try deleting the old pairing, restarting both devices, or resetting the Uconnect system itself by holding down the volume and tune knobs. 
Step 1: Pair your phone via Bluetooth 
This video demonstrates how to pair your phone with the Uconnect system: 56sMoparYouTube · Aug 1, 2022

1. Enable Bluetooth on your phone: Go to your phone's settings and turn on Bluetooth. 
2. Start the pairing process in the vehicle: Park the car and turn the ignition to the "Run" or "ACC" position. On the Uconnect touchscreen, select "Phone," then "Settings," and "Paired Phones" or "Add Device". 
3. Find your car on your phone: Select "Uconnect" from the list of available Bluetooth devices on your smartphone. 
4. Confirm the pairing: The car's screen and your phone will show a passkey. Confirm that they match on both devices. You may be asked to enter a PIN displayed on the car's screen onto your phone. 
5. Allow permissions: Allow your phone to share contacts and messages if prompted to fully use all features. 

Step 2: Troubleshoot connection problems 

• Delete and re-pair: If the connection fails, remove your phone from the Uconnect's list of paired devices and delete the Uconnect from your phone's Bluetooth list. Then, repeat the pairing process. 
• Restart both devices: Turn your phone off and then back on. For the car, a hard reset can sometimes help. For many systems, this involves holding the volume and tune knobs for 10-20 seconds until the system reboots. 
• Check for updates: Ensure that your phone's operating system and the Uconnect system have the latest updates installed, as this can resolve connectivity issues. 

Step 3: Activate Uconnect services (if applicable) 
You can watch this video to learn how to activate Uconnect services: 41sEXPLORE MOREYouTube · Apr 17, 2020

• Download the app: Download the Uconnect app from your smartphone's app store. 
• Create an account: Register for an account using the same email you provided to your dealer. 
• Follow the in-app instructions: Follow the steps in the app to connect your vehicle and activate the services. 
• Grant permissions: Grant the app the necessary permissions (like location and Bluetooth) to function correctly. 

How to fix Uconnect unavailable?

Uconnect Phone Not Available – How to Fix It

1. Try A Different Phone. The first thing we recommend is trying to pair a different phone with the Uconnect system.
2. Delete Bluetooth Profile and Re-Pair.
3. Reset Bluetooth System Software (Soft Reset)
4. Reset Bluetooth Hardware (Hard Reset)
5. Contact Uconnect Support.