iPhone PAAK not reliable

[J&S K]

I have a 2021 MACH-E and have used an Android phone for many years with fairly good success. I recently up graded to iPhone 17 PRO and having a number of intermittent issues. It works correctly around 25% of the time.
Sometimes it wouldn't open the door, but starts the EV (so working), sometimes a huge delay on opening the door (have to press the door button 5-6 times), sometimes I have to go to the Ford app and unlock the Mach-e there (and then everything works, starts Mach-e).

I have tried to re-install PAAK a few times via the Ford portal. It seems to me that PAAK is setup okay, as works most of the time. I was wondering is there an iPhone setting that maybe incorrect? Anyone having simular experience and fixed it? Thoughts?

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[Mach-E GT PE Jim]

I have used similar strategies, it works for me when the app is open and is in the foreground on my iphone (15 Pro Max). I have used the "climate button and left the app in the foreground and don't have a problem anymore. I will try the unlock feature and see if that works too. If I am close to home, I will use my PAAK, but otherwise I will bring my keyfob. Just isn't worth it to be fiddling around PAAK is nice and in all but once case has worked for me. Back in 2022, I had to get a ride home to get my keyfob.

 

[Kamuelaflyer]

I’ve rarely had PAAK issue with my iPhone 15 Pro Max.

It is occasionally slow to connect to the car while approaching the Mach-e. This is usually a phone location issue. After nearly 5 years with the car it’s been fairly consistent in that if the phone is in my right rear pocket, where it usually resides when I’m not driving, it won’t connect until shortly after I’m at the car door. If you’re doing the machine gun button push, you’re actually compounding the issue. If the button light isn’t illuminated when I get to the door, I take out the phone and that change in location almost always works for entry with the first push.

The majority of issues with the iPhone and this car, whether PAAK or wireless CarPlay, are squarely due to Apple. They have a proclivity for changing things for the sake of change and to not share that change with others until after the fact. The mess known as iOS 26.2 has been notoriously bad for many forum members in connecting to the car and staying that way. It’s not your Father’s Apple anymore.

 

[AliRafiee]

No issues with my iPhone 16 PRO. (Sometimes, I have to take the phone out of my pocket though)

When you have issues, why use the app to unlock the door instead of the keypad on the door? The app uses cell service, takes way too long.

 

[Rigatoni]

I also have a 17 Pro, got it last October, and it's never failed to unlock my car. Do you manually kill the Ford app or something? There's got to be something specific to your phone, either the setup or usage, because it only working 25% isn't right. People would be howling.

 

[J&S K]

Thank you for the replies and help. Seems since I turned on location tracking to always be on and stopped pressing the button multiple times when the Mach-e doesn't respond immediately access has improved.
Maybe the Android has a stronger signal (near field?), so the MACH-e responded quicker and more reliably. And got used to the quicker response. Need to be a bit more patient with the iPhone 17 pro.

 

[RoyHobbs]

I’ve had an iPhone 17 Pro & an iPhone 16 Pro since having my Mach E … zero issues.

Zero issues with my daughters iPhones (15 & 16 pro) or my wife’s (14 and 16)

 

[Maui]

i have noticed that the position of the iPhone in relation to the door and my body seems to matter. If the iPhones is in my pocket, and the door button does nothing, I rotate slightly to get it closer and that seems to work. The iPhone is using the UWB to coordinate this activity. My little opening the door dance might be all in my head but I’ve convinced myself it works.

• UWB (Ultra-Wideband) → super precise distance + direction (inches, not feet)

 

[J&S K]

i have noticed that the position of the iPhone in relation to the door and my body seems to matter. If the iPhones is in my pocket, and the door button does nothing, I rotate slightly to get it closer and that seems to work. The iPhone is using the UWB to coordinate this activity. My little opening the door dance might be all in my head but I’ve convinced myself it works.

• UWB (Ultra-Wideband) → super precise distance + direction (inches, not feet)

Thank you. I'll try this.. Joe

 

[scott_77]

I have a 2021 MACH-E and have used an Android phone for many years with fairly good success. I recently up graded to iPhone 17 PRO and having a number of intermittent issues. It works correctly around 25% of the time.
Sometimes it wouldn't open the door, but starts the EV (so working), sometimes a huge delay on opening the door (have to press the door button 5-6 times), sometimes I have to go to the Ford app and unlock the Mach-e there (and then everything works, starts Mach-e).

I have tried to re-install PAAK a few times via the Ford portal. It seems to me that PAAK is setup okay, as works most of the time. I was wondering is there an iPhone setting that maybe incorrect? Anyone having simular experience and fixed it? Thoughts?

Its been an issue for me from time to time… usually at the most inopportune and/or embarrassing times (hands full, weather bad, driving friends or family member).

Works most of the time. Enough for me to still not cave and carry that hunk’n FOB. And worse case has been open phone or use door code.

iPhones 14 and 16. iOS 18-26.2

Usually unlock car on way now using the ability from lock screen when leaving work or stores.

 

[markboris]

i have noticed that the position of the iPhone in relation to the door and my body seems to matter. If the iPhones is in my pocket, and the door button does nothing, I rotate slightly to get it closer and that seems to work. The iPhone is using the UWB to coordinate this activity. My little opening the door dance might be all in my head but I’ve convinced myself it works.

• UWB (Ultra-Wideband) → super precise distance + direction (inches, not feet)

As with RoyHobbs a few posts above, I have zero issues with my iPhones (currently on a 17 Pro. I've always used the public beta software so right now I am on iOS 26.3.3

You mentioned the position of the phone in relation to the door is important and I think it is. Not that you have to have the phone in a particular pocket but it does help. The bluetooth antenna in the drivers door that picks up the signal from the phone is located below the speaker in the door which obviously is in the front part of the door. I keep the phone in my left front pocket and I have no issues unlocking/opening the door. If the phone is in my right rear pocket it can be erratic. As far as the rear doors, the antenna is not in the door but behind the rear quarter panel just below the retractable seat belt buckle. Opening the rear doors, can be easier if your phone is in the right front pocket.

 

[TheRiddler314]

If it makes you feel better, I have an Android and it completely stopped working when the software updated about a month ago. Even before then, there was some OTA update that made it so I had to press the lock button 3-4 times, or wait at least 5 seconds after getting out of the car for it to work.

I gave up and use the key fob now.

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