Sync 3.4 Mobile Apps Cannot Be Enabled

Ford Information
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Sync 3.4 Mobile Apps Cannot Be Enabled.

If you have updated your Sync 3 system lately you may notice in System Settings/Mobile Apps tab that the “Enable Mobile Apps” toggle greyed out and apps can only be enabled over USB. This appeared a few revisions ago in Sync 3.4 and is intended by design. Ford has begun to phase out the AppLink function and now rely on developers to support (or not) Sync 3, just as they do for Sync 4. This is obviously not the best decision for the Sync 3 owners, but that’s what we’ve got. There is nothing in FORScan to fix this, it’s a Ford side thing.

The Ford+Alexa app and FordPass should work as long as the phone is paired via Bluetooth and the apps are launched on the phone. However, in the case of the Ford+Alexa (and other apps) functionality, you must first connect the phone via USB to set up the app and permissions. This is intended by Ford as a security enhancement.

The following procedure to enable mobile apps in Sync 3 is focused on the Ford+Alexa app but applies to any authorized Sync 3 application.

Procedure:

  1. On your phone, install/update the Ford+Alexa app.
  2. Start the vehicle and connect the phone via USB. If CarPlay or Android Auto is enabled, turn these off. (In the case of the Ford+Alexa app, it is not intended to work thru CP or AA.)
  3. Start the app on the phone and go to the Apps tab in Sync 3.
  4. On the phone, follow the app instructions and prompts to set up Ford+Alexa app on Sync.
  5. Once finished, the Ford+Alexa app should display in the Apps tab.
  6. Go to the System Settings/Mobile Apps page in Sync. The “Enable Mobile Apps” toggle should be enabled. Select “All Mobile Apps” and “Select All” for the services.
  7. Turn off the ignition, disconnect the phone from USB, let Sync shut down.
  8. Turn on ignition, do not connect the phone via USB.
  9. Go back to the System Settings/Mobile Apps tab in Sync. The “Enable Mobile Apps” toggle should be enabled. Select “All Mobile Apps” and “Select All” for the services. This may be required for Bluetooth permissions additionally.
  10. Turn off the ignition and let Sync shut down.

Thanks to Frankpjr for assistance…

See the related thread here:
Mobile apps toggle button in sync3 greyed out now and cannot enable - Ford / Help & Support - CyanLabs Official Community

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