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2020 ST infotainment Systems, Sync3, Apple CarPlay, etc. BEGINNER QUESTIONS

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8
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Location
Utah
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2020 Ford Explorer ST
#1
Question #1: What is considered the infotainment system? I figured I should start with basic understanding. I’ve tried to research this online, in the Ford website, etc., and I’m just confusing myself. Can someone please explain it to me like I’m a five year-old? Please…
 

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73
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Location
Dallas, TX
Vehicle
2023 Explorer ST
#2
Everything you access or connect to the touch screen, pretty much.

Honestly, I'd say get to reading. When I first came on here I was reading the sub forums back as far as they went. Lots of questions already asked and answered, lots of things you might read that you didn't even think to ask. Also, get to reading the owner's manual. Many of the new owner type questions that are asked here are answered in great detail in the owner's manual. Though, don't be discouraged from asking anyway, this is a friendly place and you'll get your answer.
 

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Location
Round Lake, IL USA
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'21 Explorer ST
#3
Question #1: What is considered the infotainment system? I figured I should start with basic understanding. I’ve tried to research this online, in the Ford website, etc., and I’m just confusing myself. Can someone please explain it to me like I’m a five year-old? Please…
2nd, little reading through the forum will net you a lot of useful information.

The infotainment is the center screen with the navigation. Because you get the information from navigation, settings, etc and then the entertainment refers to radio, satellite, anything you get from connecting your android or iPhone will show up as well.

If you're looking for specifics a quick search on youtube will have some walkthroughs, things to explore (no pun intended) and deeper settings you may like to tweak.
 

OP
Fear
Messages
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Location
Utah
Vehicle
2020 Ford Explorer ST
Thread Starter #5
Everything you access or connect to the touch screen, pretty much.

Honestly, I'd say get to reading. When I first came on here I was reading the sub forums back as far as they went. Lots of questions already asked and answered, lots of things you might read that you didn't even think to ask. Also, get to reading the owner's manual. Many of the new owner type questions that are asked here are answered in great detail in the owner's manual. Though, don't be discouraged from asking anyway, this is a friendly place and you'll get your answer.
Thank you, cheetoduster. I appreciate your straightforward answer. That is what I thought it meant.

YES, I am working on reading everything I can find. The reason I asked such a basic question first was to make sure that I was discussing apples to apples. With all of the technical terms / marketing names, I was getting myself confused. Thought I would start with the basics. Lol.
My vehicle has SYNC3 installed. It is capable of running Apple CarPlay. During our 24 hour Test Drive, we used the SYNC3 navigation system by itself before we managed to get CarPlay working. Apple‘s navigation interface is much easier for me to use as I am used to it.

I plan to use my iPhone hooked up through CarPlay for Navigation, Music, etc.

My REAL question is this… (and I can’t seem to find a straightforward answer)—

IF I PLAN TO USE APPLE CARPLAY, DO I REALLY NEED TO SUBSCRIBE YEARLY TO THE FORD SYNC3 SYSTEM??

I have seen posts from people that have both SYNC3 and CarPlay.
AND
Others indicate that they ONLY use CarPlay.

I understand SYNC3 to be Ford’s version of “CarPlay“ for people who do not have iPhone.

If this is correct, Why would anyone need both systems?
 

Messages
73
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Location
Dallas, TX
Vehicle
2023 Explorer ST
#7
Thank you, cheetoduster. I appreciate your straightforward answer. That is what I thought it meant.

YES, I am working on reading everything I can find. The reason I asked such a basic question first was to make sure that I was discussing apples to apples. With all of the technical terms / marketing names, I was getting myself confused. Thought I would start with the basics. Lol.
My vehicle has SYNC3 installed. It is capable of running Apple CarPlay. During our 24 hour Test Drive, we used the SYNC3 navigation system by itself before we managed to get CarPlay working. Apple‘s navigation interface is much easier for me to use as I am used to it.

I plan to use my iPhone hooked up through CarPlay for Navigation, Music, etc.

My REAL question is this… (and I can’t seem to find a straightforward answer)—

IF I PLAN TO USE APPLE CARPLAY, DO I REALLY NEED TO SUBSCRIBE YEARLY TO THE FORD SYNC3 SYSTEM??

I have seen posts from people that have both SYNC3 and CarPlay.
AND
Others indicate that they ONLY use CarPlay.

I understand SYNC3 to be Ford’s version of “CarPlay“ for people who do not have iPhone.

If this is correct, Why would anyone need both systems?
Sync3 is basically the operating system for the infotainment. It's not subscription based, it's just there installed on your vehicle. Think of it like Windows on your computer. CarPlay or Android Auto are like applications that run on Sync3. Sync3 does not support CarPlay or Android auto wirelessly, you have to plug your phone into the USB in that little cubby under the infotainment/hvac controls. At that point AA or CarPlay will launch.
 

Last edited:
OP
Fear
Messages
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Location
Utah
Vehicle
2020 Ford Explorer ST
Thread Starter #8
Sync3 is basically the operating system for the infotainment. It's not subscription based, it's just there installed on your vehicle. Sync3 does not support CarPlay or Android auto wirelessly, you have to plug your phone into the USB in that little cubby under the infotainment/hvac controls. At that point AA or CarPlay will launch.
Cool. The CarMax sales person told me it was something I HAD to subscribed to. SYNC3 is an operating system makes more sense.
thanks again.
 

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#10
one thing that has not been mentioned is to check what version of SYNC that you have. The newest is 23188. If you have an older version, go to the Ford owners website to check for updates. You would need to register your vehicle to do so.
 



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