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Why wont my CarPlay work on my Ford Bronco?

If you're having trouble getting your CarPlay to work on your Ford Bronco, there could be a few potential reasons. In this article, we'll explore the common issues that can prevent CarPlay from functioning properly in your Bronco and provide some troubleshooting steps to help you get it up and running.


Compatibility Issues


One of the most common reasons for CarPlay not working in a Ford Bronco is compatibility issues. CarPlay is a feature that requires specific hardware and software integration between your vehicle and your iPhone. The Bronco must have the necessary hardware and software support for CarPlay to function correctly. Check your Bronco's model year and trim level to ensure it's compatible with CarPlay. Older Bronco models or lower trim levels may not have the required technology. 4


Wiring and Connection Problems


Another potential issue could be with the wiring or connection between your iPhone and the Bronco's infotainment system. Make sure the USB cable you're using is compatible and in good condition. Damaged or incompatible cables can prevent a proper connection and disrupt CarPlay functionality. 1 2


Software and Firmware Updates


Outdated software or firmware in either your iPhone or the Bronco's infotainment system can also cause CarPlay issues. Check for available updates for both your iPhone and the Bronco's infotainment system, and install any updates that are available. This can help resolve compatibility problems and ensure that CarPlay is working as intended. 7 8


Troubleshooting Steps


If you're still experiencing problems with CarPlay in your Ford Bronco, try the following troubleshooting steps:



  • Ensure your iPhone is compatible with CarPlay and that you're using the latest version of iOS.

  • Check that your Bronco's infotainment system is compatible with CarPlay and that the necessary hardware and software are installed.

  • Try using a different USB cable to connect your iPhone to the Bronco.

  • Restart both your iPhone and the Bronco's infotainment system.

  • Check for any available software or firmware updates for your iPhone and the Bronco's infotainment system, and install them if available.

  • If the issue persists, contact your local Ford dealer or the Ford customer support team for further assistance.


By following these troubleshooting steps, you should be able to identify and resolve the issue preventing your CarPlay from working properly in your Ford Bronco.

Why is my CarPlay not working in my Bronco?


If your Bronco's CarPlay isn't working, try a soft reset of the Sync system by holding the power and skip forward buttons until the screen goes black. If that doesn't work, restart your iPhone, check your iPhone's Siri and CarPlay settings (make sure Siri is enabled and that "Allow CarPlay While Locked" is on), try a different or Apple-approved USB cable, or perform a full reset by deleting the phone from both your iPhone's CarPlay settings and the car's Bluetooth/Sync list, then re-pairing them.
 
Quick fixes
This video demonstrates how to perform a soft reset on a Ford Sync system: 49sDIY WISCOYouTube · Jun 20, 2025

  • Restart your iPhone and the Sync system. 
  • Restart the Sync system: Press and hold the power and skip forward buttons on the stereo control until the screen goes black, then wait for it to reboot. 
  • Use a different USB cable: Try an Apple-approved cable, as some third-party or older cables may not support CarPlay. 
  • Ensure Siri is enabled: Go to your iPhone's Settings > Siri & Search and make sure "Allow Siri" is enabled. 
  • Check CarPlay settings on your iPhone: Go to Settings > General > CarPlay, tap your car, and ensure "Allow CarPlay While Locked" is toggled on. 

Comprehensive troubleshooting 
This video shows how to perform a comprehensive reset of your Ford Sync system and reconnect your iPhone: 1mRed5ohYouTube · Jan 13, 2025
  1. Delete the pairing on both devices: 
    • On your iPhone: Go to Settings > General > CarPlay. Tap your car and then tap "Forget This Car". 
    • On your Bronco's SYNC screen: Go to Settings, find your phone in the list, and delete it. 
  2. Delete the vehicle from your phone's Bluetooth list: Go to your iPhone's Bluetooth settings and remove your Bronco from the list of devices. 
  3. Reboot your phone: Turn your iPhone completely off and then back on. 
  4. Re-pair your phone: Plug your iPhone into the USB port and follow the on-screen prompts on your phone and the SYNC screen to set up CarPlay again. 
  5. Allow CarPlay while locked: When prompted, make sure to allow CarPlay while locked. 

Other potential solutions
  • Update software: Check for and install any available updates for both your iPhone's iOS and your vehicle's SYNC software. Outdated software can cause issues. 
  • Perform a SYNC Master Reset: If the above steps fail, go to your SYNC screen's settings and perform a master reset. This will erase all settings and data, so you will have to set up your vehicle from scratch. 
  • Check Screen Time restrictions: Go to your iPhone's Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions. Make sure that CarPlay is not restricted. 



How to fix Apple CarPlay in Ford?


Black. Once the screen goes black your infotainment center will reboot don't worry if it takes a little while it's. Okay. As it boots. Up you can get ready to start plugging your phone.



Why is my Apple CarPlay suddenly not working?


Your Apple CarPlay may suddenly stop working due to an issue with your cable, outdated software, a poor connection, or a settings restriction. To fix it, try restarting your phone and car, checking or replacing the USB cable, ensuring both your iOS and car's firmware are updated, and verifying that Siri is enabled and CarPlay is not restricted in your iPhone's settings. 
Basic checks and restarts

  • Restart everything: Turn both your iPhone and your car off and then on again. 
  • Check Siri: Make sure Siri is enabled on your iPhone, as it is required for CarPlay to work. 
  • Verify compatibility: Ensure your iPhone is compatible with CarPlay and that your car's system isn't experiencing a known software glitch. 

This video demonstrates how to restart your iPhone and car's infotainment system: 40sTalkingTechTrendsYouTube · Apr 21, 2025
Connections and cables
  • Check the cable: If using a wired connection, try a different, high-quality USB cable and a different USB port in your car. 
  • Check Bluetooth and Wi-Fi: For wireless CarPlay, make sure both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are turned on and that your phone is connected to your car's Wi-Fi network. 

This video explains how to check your iPhone's connection settings and the importance of using a certified cable: 56sNick O'LearyYouTube · Sep 27, 2024
iPhone settings
  • Allow CarPlay: Go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > Allowed Apps and make sure CarPlay is enabled. 
  • Forget and re-pair: Go to Settings > General > CarPlay, select your car, and choose "Forget This Car" to set it up again. 
  • Check Auto-Join: Ensure "Auto-Join" is turned on for your car's network in your Wi-Fi settings. 

You can watch this video to see how to forget your car from your iPhone and reconnect it: 55sCars With SteveYouTube · Jul 16, 2024
Car's system
  • Check firmware: Make sure the infotainment system in your car is updated to the latest firmware by checking your car's manual or the manufacturer's website. 
  • Reset car's system: If other options fail, you may be able to reset the car's infotainment system. Refer to your car's manual for instructions, as some systems require a specific button to be held down. 



How to reset bronco CarPlay screen?


So all you're going to do is press and hold. You can see there screen's turned. Off. It's going to take a second in order to come back on again you can see it reloading. There.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.