SYNC is listening for your command
Nearly every SYNC® feature can be simply activated with voice commands. You can use your phone, play music, and access many other SYNC features. Of course, you're still able to use the buttons and knobs surrounding the screen when you prefer them to voice commands.27
Voice command modes
SYNC works like a remote control for multiple devices, such as your Bluetooth®-enabled phone or USB media player. Because SYNC controls many systems, it needs to know which system you want to interact with. To make it clear to SYNC which system you need, the first part of a command is the "mode."48
The command mode can be communicated to SYNC in different ways, for example which entertainment system is active. However, with some voice commands, you need to tell SYNC which mode you want and wait for the prompt before telling it the task you want to complete.
Voice command formulas
Category |
Modes and Tasks |
| Entertainment (AM/FM radio, SiriusXM satellite radio, USB/SD Card, Bluetooth Audio, CD player)34 |
If the system is playing, say only the task: Ex.: "Tune FM 107.7" Ex.: "Play artist Beethoven" If the system is not playing, say the mode and the task: Ex.: "Radio" | pause | "Tune FM 107.7" Ex.: "USB" | pause | "Play artist Beethoven" |
| Phone | For calls, say the task only: Ex.: "Call John at home." For text messages, say the mode "Messages": Ex.: "Messages" | pause | "Listen to text message" |
| Climate | Always say the mode, "Climate": Ex.: "Climate" | pause | "Temperature 68 degrees" |
| Information |
For SYNC Services say "Services," then follow the voice prompts129
To initiate a Travel Link connection, say "Travel Link," then follow the voice prompts
|
Understanding how SYNC signals
SYNC uses four tones to signal important transitions in the voice dialogue.
sound |
meaning |
| Chimes | SYNC acknowledges your request; the voice session has started |
| Single Tone | SYNC is ready for you to speak |
| High pitched, positive tone | SYNC had heard you successfully |
| Low pitched, negative tone | SYNC can't hear the command, or the command is invalid |
SYNC also uses five icons to communicate the status of the dialogue (in lower left corner of touchscreen).
SYNC couldn’t understand your command
SYNC has completed your command
SYNC didn’t hear a valid command in time and ended the voice session
To learn more about having a successful voice dialogue with SYNC, see How to speak to SYNC
The best way to speak to SYNC
- Enter contacts into your phonebook with both first and last names to increase the system’s ability to select the correct contact
- Ensure the vehicle interior is quiet (e.g., windows are closed, passengers aren’t making noise)
- When you speak, tilt your head in the direction of the SYNC microphone
- Speak in a smooth, confident, and natural voice, avoiding “ahhs” or “umms”
- Say all words in a command in the correct order, for example, say “USB” before giving USB commands
- Say all names and titles exactly as they are listed on your devices; if your phonebook entries show last name first, say last names first when giving phone commands