SYNC3 not connecting apple play to vehicle

[chris1710]

Hello.
I've just bought a 2020 Custom Mk8 v362 2.0 ecoblue with the SYNC 3 big screen, installed.
My question is:
How do I get my iphone 16 pro max to connect to apple car play?
So far I have connected via Bluetooth, the phone, and can stream music from my phone no problems. The screen doesn't appear, when phone connected, to give an option for "car play". I've also Connected the WiFi through Hot spot to try and update the software, however, it connects to the hot spot, but wont manually search for new software. ( it says last checked September 2025) pushing the " Check for update" just does nothing.
I've disconnected / re connected iphone, "forgot" device on both Sync and Phone, Cycled SYNC with the key, and by Pulling Fuse, Master reset from touch screen, Re started the iphone, ( at same time as master reset), Connected the phone by USB through both ports, but only charges the phone.-
Any Ideas please??
Does it matter that I have my Car play attached to my wife's Toyota?? ( although both vehicles not started together...) I did disconnect from the Toyota, but It made no difference.

So far this is the only issue which I've been playing with for about 2 hours!

Any help would be appreciated.
Thank you in advance.
Chris

[Frag]

As you’ve already tried master reset and pulling the fuse,next thing I would do is a battery disconnect.
There’s a 10mm nut holding the main lead to battery negative connector which is the easiest way.(under drivers seat,under a removable cover towards passenger seat)

I’m fairly sure apple car play only works when connected using the lead to usb port.

If it still doesn’t work,google Ford sync update,enter your vin and it will tell you if sync or map updates are available.
You’ll need a 32gb empty usb formatted to exFat,it will take around 30 mins to update sync and you’ll need to have van running really to keep battery state of charge up.
There’ll be instructions to help on the sync update website.
If you go to the ‘about sync’ screen in van first and note the software level and build
These should change after updating

[2tall]

Apple Carplay only works via USB on Sync 3.

[Maco1994]

Just wondering if you managed to sort this? I’m having the exact same issue.