Download the SYnc app for Windows or Mac. Access, share and upload files from your mobile device.

Ford Sync 3 Update Download

The V3.0 Sync update took around half an hour to install, Meanwhile the F8 maps update took around an hour and 40mins but was in two parts, after about an hour it prompted me to turn off the car (left my usb stick plugged in), opened the door and waited 10 seconds, shut the door, started it up and it continued for another 40ish minutes. I was slightly worried when I initially plugged the stick into my RS because nothing seemed to happen for a few minutes. But the stick got warm and eventually it promoted me to commit to updating or notified me it was updating depending on which update i was doing/the progress of the update.

I used a 64GB SanDisk Ultra Fit USB ‘Gigstick’ brought from amazon for ~£15 https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B077VYCV37/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00__o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

This Gigstick comes formatted to exFat out the box so the only fight on your hands is the vacuum plastic wrap and inserting it the right way into your computer.

I used WinRAR to extract the files from the ***.zip file downloaded from Fords website after putting in my VIN and them prompting me of an update, This can be done by double clicking on the file you just downloaded, this automatically opened WinRAR up with the files contained in the .zip, Highlighted these files and drag and dropped them onto my Gigstick. took half an hour to finish extracting and copying the files across because i only had access to the slower USB2 ports on my computer.

Once the files where on the stick, Safely ejected the drive from my PC and went for a couple hour long drive, I unplugged my lightning cable from the USB port in the armrest and plugged the Gigstick into the port located below the head unit.

I was able to use the SatNav and radio while the update was underway, However I think I read somewhere you cant use CarPlay/Android Auto while updating.

Once the update is complete leave the Gigstick plugged in, Restart the car as the headunit won’t show the update till the next time its booted, The headunit will read the Gigstick again, After ~10 minutes it prompted me the update was completed, removed the Gigstick from my car and plugged it into my PC, On Fords website it then asks to upload a .XML files, If this process was successful and all the stars align the file your looking for will be in the “SyncMyRide” folder of your USB drive.

I say if the stars align because at first Ford’s website didn’t accept the .XML file, So I wiped my USB drive and copied the update over again, plugged it in and after 10 minutes my car prompted me the update was complete, Uploaded the new .XML file and their website accepted it this time.

Also when I updated the Maps to F8 it never generated the .XML file…

Another thing to note once I updated Sync to V3.0 it took 2 weeks for Fords website to acknowledged my update and allow me to download the map update.

Updating the headunit using Wifi seems like a complete waste of time because it always errors while “checking for update”, even when connected to my phones wifi hotspot so it seems the less broken method is using Ford’s website and a Gigstick.

This is the final screen from the v3.6 MyFord Touch self-installation process.

Vincent Hennigan
Ford Sync Specialist

It’s here!!! The MyFord Touch version 3.6 is available by going to the new website support.ford.com — and from initial quick tests… everything seems to work seamlessly and smoothly.

How Large Is The Ford Sync Update Download Windows

The new software update for SYNC with MyFord Touch systems includes all the improvements from previous updates, plus additional benefits, such as:

Improved system performance

Improved Home Screen

Increased Touch Zones on Home Screen

Improved screen interactions while using voice

Updated support for phones and media players

Improvements to System Installation

Quicker install – less than 30 minutes

Persistence of Navigation Favorites during installation

Ford Motor Company periodically releases SYNC^® software updates to deliver the most advanced technology and this version was designed to hit some of the issues that have been out there — especially with ease of use.

Updates are tailored to your SYNC with MyFord Touch^® system, and will vary based on your system’s current software level. The best way to find out what’s available is to log in to your SYNC Owner account at support.ford.com If you haven’t opened an account at this site, then open one up. The site will tell you if you need the update and guide you through the entire process.

Here is a quick overview of the steps to start the software upgrade:

Step 1 – Connect a USB drive to your computer. Before you begin, please make sure your USB drive is empty, has at least 2GB of free space, and is not password protected.

Step 2 – Get the update. The software download process requires your browser to have Java installed and enabled. If your browser prompts you to run a Java application from Ford Motor Company, please click “Run” to continue. You may also receive a security warning. Please click “Don’t Block” to continue. Be patient.. it may take 10 minutes or more to download the software update. And, using other programs during the download will slow down the process.

Now, take the USB from your computer and go to your vehicle…

Step 3– Take the USB drive with the software updates to your vehicle. Turn on your vehicle, and then turn on the radio.

Make sure your car is in a well-ventilated area. Your vehicle will need to be turned on, with the engine running between 25 to 35 minutes. Make sure that your vehicle is not in Accessory mode.

Plug the USB drive in to your vehicle’s USB port. The system should start the download process within a few seconds…

With the MyFord Touch system, now let your vehicle run and the entire download process takes about 25 minutes. While the process is going on, remove the SYNC system from your phone or device. You will have to pair it again after the installation.

SYNC displays “Installing Application” during the process. Do not remove your USB drive or turn off your vehicle while this update is in progress. Shortly after installation has begun, SYNC says “Installation Complete.” Ignore this message. It refers to a specific phase of the installation, not the overall update process. While the update is loading, SYNC will not recognize your mobile phone or media device.You will notice the software upgrade goes through at least five “sessions” of installing software and then “rebooting.” Be patient. Let the system run through the process and, as stated, in about 25 to 30 minutes will bring up the screen pictured above and once you push OK the process will end.

Once you have installed the SYNC software updates, you’ll need to pair your phone again. To complete the process, take the USB drive to your computer to report the successful installation (at the support.ford.com website).

You will notice that the MyFord Touch system seems more intuitive after the update. You will see a reference page appear after you push the Voice button that will assist in using the Voice commands.

Best of all, you could be listening to the Radio, using the Climate control or the Destination features and you can simply say “Call (contact name) and the Sync system knows you want to make a call without having to first say “Phone.” However, you will have to refer first to the mode if you want to go from Audio to Climate, for example.

More on the use of the upgrade after some “field testing.” For now, grab an empty USB jump drive and take “new control” of your MyFord Touch system. For those who aren’t comfortable with the self-installation process, please contact your Ford Service Department or your Ford sales representative.