Ford Phone As A Key Not Working – Facts You Must Know In 2023!

One such innovation is the Ford phone as a key, allowing you to unlock and start your vehicle with a smartphone. However, encountering issues where your Ford phone key is not working can be frustrating.

The issue of Ford phone as a key not working is caused by many factors, including a Bluetooth connectivity issue, dead battery, app malfunctioning, outdated softwares, vehicle not compatible to this facility, etc. By solving all of them individually, you can quickly resolve this issue.

But there’s nothing to worry about. We will explain the causes behind the “Ford phone as a key not working” phenomenon and practical solutions to keep your off-road adventures running smoothly.

Solutions To Resolve The Ford Phone As A Key Not Working – Detailed Guide For Beginners!

1. Bluetooth Connectivity Troubleshooting:

Ford Bluetooth Connectivity Troubleshooting
Source: Youtube

The Ford phone key relies on Bluetooth technology for communication. To troubleshoot key issues, 

  • start by checking your smartphone’s Bluetooth status.
  • Swipe down from the top of your phone’s screen and look for the active Bluetooth icon.
  • If it’s inactive, activate Bluetooth to connect with your vehicle.

As an owner of a Ford car, I troubleshoot the Bluetooth option. By doing this simple step, I quickly resolved the issue of the phone key not functioning.

2. Do Battery Management:

  • Charge your smartphone regularly.
  • Activate power-saving modes.
  • Carry a backup power bank.

3. Check For Software Updates:

To optimize your Ford phone key’s performance, stay proactive with software updates. Regularly check for system updates on your smartphone, visit your local Ford dealership for vehicle software updates, and enable automatic app updates. 

Sometimes, a simple reboot can resolve many software-related issues. If your Ford phone key is not responding as it should, try restarting your smartphone.

4. Also, explore the compatibility options:

To address this concern, checking your Ford model’s compatibility with phone key technology is crucial. You can typically find information about your vehicle’s compatibility in the owner’s manual or by contacting your local Ford dealership. 

If you discover that your current Ford model does not support phone key technology, exploring options for upgrading to a compatible vehicle may be necessary. 

Ford offers a range of models with varying levels of technological features, including phone key support. Upgrading to a compatible vehicle ensures you can enjoy the convenience and benefits of using your smartphone as a key.

5. App Maintenance:

To resolve the issue of the app errors, you must follow the given steps:

  • Clear the app cache and data.
  • Uninstall and reinstall the Ford Pass app.
  • Ensure app permissions are granted.

Now that you have understood the troubleshooting steps, let’s explore some common reasons for this issue.

Why Is My Ford Phone As A Key Is Not Working? – Explore The Reasons!

1. Connectivity Issues Are Too Concerning:

If your smartphone cannot establish a stable connection with your Ford vehicle, it can lead to key functionality issues. This might result from Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity problems, disrupting the communication between your phone and the vehicle

2. App Malfunction:

 malfunctioning of the Ford Pass app
Source: cars

Another potential cause is the malfunctioning of the Ford Pass app, which bridges your smartphone and the vehicle. If the app encounters errors or fails to function correctly, it can disrupt your ability to use your phone as a key.

Diagnosing and addressing app-related problems, including updates and reinstallation, can help restore proper functionality.

3. Dead Batteries Are Also The Leading Cause:

One common but important reason your phone key might not work is if your smartphone battery is dead or running very low. When your phone doesn’t have enough power, it can’t properly connect with your Ford vehicle. Charge your phone regularly and use power-saving settings when needed to avoid this issue.

4. Software Updates Are Essential:

The most significant factor that can lead to Ford phone key problems is the presence of outdated software versions on both your smartphone and your vehicle.

These software components serve as the backbone for the smooth operation of the phone key technology. When these components become outdated, they may need more compatibility, resulting in key-related issues.

5. Vehicle Compatibility:

It’s important to note that not all Ford vehicle models support the phone key feature. This can be a significant issue if your key needs to be fixed.

The phone key technology is designed to function seamlessly with specific Ford models equipped with the necessary hardware and software to support this feature.

Finally, you have completely learned the troubleshooting guide of the “Ford phone as a key not working” issue and explored the common reasons that created this issue. For further details, visit the community-based website.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Is the Ford phone key secure?

Yes, Ford takes security seriously. The phone key uses encryption and authentication to protect your vehicle. It employs advanced security measures to prevent unauthorized access.

2. Can I use multiple phones with my Ford phone key?

A: You can connect multiple smartphones to the Ford phone key. This feature is particularly convenient for households with multiple drivers, allowing each person to use their phone as a key.

3. What should I do if I lose my phone?

If you lose your phone, acting quickly is crucial. Contact Ford’s customer support immediately to disable the phone key associated with your lost device. This prevents unauthorized access to your vehicle.

4. Can I use the phone key in areas with no network signal?

The Ford phone key can function in areas with no network signal. It relies on Bluetooth for communication with your vehicle, so as long as Bluetooth is active on your phone and the car is within range, you can use the phone key.

5. Are there alternative ways to unlock my Ford vehicle if the phone key malfunctions?  

Yes, Ford provides traditional key fobs as a backup in case your phone key malfunctions or you encounter issues. Keep your key fob in a safe place to use as a secondary means of accessing your vehicle.

In A Nutshell:

When your Ford phone-as-a-key isn’t working, first check for smartphone compatibility. Ensure Bluetooth is on and properly connected to your phone and the vehicle. Keep your FordPass app and smartphone’s OS up to date, and grant necessary permissions. Make sure your phone has sufficient battery life, and try restarting the app or the vehicle.

If the issue remains constant, consider resetting and reconfiguring the phone-as-a-key feature in the app settings for a possible fix and better performance.