FWIW, I have a 3rd gen iPhone SE, running iOS 18.3, and it is not having any issues with pairing to SYNC on my 2013 Ford. The only potential difference in my case is the version of SYNC on the Ford ... which, I'm sure is an early edition and not updateable.
Regardless, here a few things you can try:
- Forget and re-pair the connection between your iPhone and your car. Go to Settings > Bluetooth. If your Ford SYNC appears in the list (even as a previously connected device), tap the (i) next to it and select Forget This Device. Restart your iPhone and try pairing again.
- Reset the phone's network settings: Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Select Reset Network Settings. Restart the iPhone and try connecting again.
- Check to see if the version of SYNC is up to date. You should be able to do so by visiting this Ford website: https://help.ford.com/
- With the newer security features of iOS 18, verify that Bluetooth sharing is enabled: Settings > Privacy & Security > Bluetooth. Ensure that SYNC or Ford-related apps are allowed to use Bluetooth.
