The Apple device cannot be accessed via USB at the moment.

Ford SYNC 3 Support CyanLabs Update Support
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Hi everyone,

I’m having an issue with Apple CarPlay on my 2018 Ford Focus equipped with SYNC 3.

Every time I connect my iPhone via USB, the screen shows the message:
“The Apple device cannot be accessed via USB at the moment.”
The phone charges normally, but CarPlay never starts.

Here’s my setup and what I’ve already tried:

  • SYNC version: 3.4.14 (build 23188) — updated from 3.0 using a USB flash drive
  • iPhone: latest iOS version
  • Cable: original Apple Lightning cable (tested and works for data transfer on PC)
  • Tried on another iPhone: same result
  • Android Auto works perfectly, the issue happens only with CarPlay
  • USB flash drives work normally
  • The system even shows the prompt to accept CarPlay, and CarPlay is enabled in SYNC settings
  • Wireless CarPlay adapters also fail and show the same message
  • I’ve reset SYNC to factory defaults, reset network settings on iPhone, and checked “Allow USB accessories” — none of that helped

So the only persistent issue is this message:

“The Apple device cannot be accessed via USB at the moment.”

Has anyone else experienced this on version 3.4.14 build 23188?
Any tips or confirmed fixes would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance!

SYNC Region: ANZ

Navigation Variant: Nav

Manufacturer Year: Pre MY20

Install Type: OEM

Old SYNC Version: 3.0

New SYNC Version: 3.4

Do you have a error message, if so what is it?
Unable to connect to the Apple device at the moment.

Update Method: CyanLabs Syn3 Updater

Syn3 Updater Version: .

Syn3 Updater Documentation Read: yes

Syn3 Updater Log File

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Tried a different USB port?

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Don’t assume that the USB hub is CP compatible just because it is a 2018 vehicle. Check the part number.

2 Likes
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Can you try Carplay on another Ford to see if you get the same message?

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yes…

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Yes, I tested in ecoSport 2018 and function all right

7

Sounds like a bad USB media hub

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It’s not that

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Last guy that responded with those words to me found out that was his problem.

How do you know that is not the problem?

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Brother, it doesn’t make sense for it to be the USB hub because the flash drive works and Android Auto works too. If it were the USB hub, none of this would work. :confused: I don’t know what to do anymore.

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Honest question here: what’s the point of asking for help and then dismissing what others are saying?.

You have been asked to check for the hub part number, you have dismissed/omitted that.
You haven been told that seems to be a HUB issue, you have dismissed that.
You have replied in a somewhat “condescending” way:

And that’s where you are wrong: that’s a totally expected behavior, Android Auto is more “forgiving” than Car Play. You can totally get AA functionality but not CP on the same HUB.

So what about an attitude change from your side and actually start helping us helping you?.

Check and share the USB HUB part number with us. Or if you feel brave enough, swap that hub with the other vehicle’s you mentioned has CP working and see how things go.

I’m not saying that will solve your issue, but it’s part of the troubleshooting process and needs to take place.

1 Like
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Okay, thanks for the tip.

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The part number on the hub must start with H, or it’s not compatible with CP. (Some exceptions with Lincoln…)

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