Set up iPhone as a key

[bernie]

Hi,

Has this been disabled as an option?

I have tried everything and the option of using the phone as a key does not flash up on the phone or the cars screen when I add the vehicle to the Ford app.

Also any top tips on getting the welcome pony lights to come on from the wing mirrors when you walk up to the vehicle? It’s only happened once.

Any help would be appreciated.

Ive even had a Ford man in a van come out to help and he can’t work out how to do it either.

2024 Premium AWD

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[PharaohHound138]

I bought my first and last iPhone when I bought my 2022 Mach-E. The phone as a key was wildly unreliable as was carplay. In fairness, maybe an update somewhere changed something but, no issues with my Pixel.
So based on MY experience alone........iphones suck. They just have great marketing

 

[Kamuelaflyer]

I’ve been using PAAK for 5 years with only a very occasional glitch. What type phone are you using and model @bernie ?

Welcome light. Are the outside rearview mirrors folded in? They wont work otherwise.

 

[schuman1048]

Hi,

Has this been disabled as an option?

I have tried everything and the option of using the phone as a key does not flash up on the phone or the cars screen when I add the vehicle to the Ford app.

Also any top tips on getting the welcome pony lights to come on from the wing mirrors when you walk up to the vehicle? It’s only happened once.

Any help would be appreciated.

Ive even had a Ford man in a van come out to help and he can’t work out how to do it either.

2024 Premium AWD

I've been using PAK on my iPhone 16 without any issues, other than an occasional odd message on the dashboard about no key found after the car started. I had problems with an earlier iPhone.

There are instructions here for setting it up: https://www.ford.com/support/how-to...79E2DNcRDqcU6s-jRTkGWWtWqN2WKomBS1ZPqmeNDUw1e.

The Brave AI gives these instructions:
Step-by-Step Setup Process

1. Prepare Your Phone and Car:
   • Ensure your phone has Bluetooth enabled and is connected to a strong cellular or Wi-Fi network.
   • Delete the FordPass app and remove all previous Bluetooth pairings between your phone and the Mach-E.
   • Reset PAAK in the car: Go to Settings > General > Reset > FordPass Connect Reset, then confirm to erase all PAAK data and backup start codes.
2. Install and Log In to FordPass:
   • Reinstall the FordPass app from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android).
   • Log in with your Ford.com account and set a 4-digit FordPass PIN.
3. Initiate Setup in the Car:
   • Start your Mach-E and sit inside with your key fob nearby.
   • On the SYNC® 4A touchscreen, go to Settings > FordPass Connect > Set Up Phone as a Key.
   • Tap Yes to confirm activation. The car will prompt you to set up your phone via the app.
4. Complete Setup in the FordPass App:
   • On your phone, open FordPass and tap "Set Up Phone as a Key".
   • If prompted, ignore "Device not supported" and tap Continue, I Understand.
   • Name your phone (e.g., "My iPhone") and tap Copy and Continue.
   • Paste the 6-digit temporary code into the Bluetooth pairing prompt on your phone.
   • Once paired, the car will ask to set a Backup Start Passcode — create a strong 8+ character code (not just numbers) for emergency use if your phone fails.
5. Re-pair Your Regular Phone:
   • Go to Settings > Phone List > Add Phone on the car’s touchscreen.
   • Re-pair your primary phone (e.g., for CarPlay or regular Bluetooth).
6. Test the System:
   • Exit the car with your key fob and phone.
   • Approach the car — the driver door should unlock automatically.
   • Press the Start/Stop button (after the animation finishes) to start the vehicle.
   • If PAAK fails, use the Backup Start Passcode on the touchscreen.

Important Notes:

• PAAK may not be available in all regions (e.g., UK due to Thatcham regulations).
• If the "Set Up Phone as a Key" option is missing, contact Ford support with your VIN — it may require a software update.
• For Android users, some models (e.g., Android 9) have compatibility issues; resetting both phone and car often resolves it.
• Always keep a physical key fob as a backup for reliability.

Troubleshooting Tips

• If setup fails, delete the app, reset the car, and start over.
• Some users report the option appears 24 hours after a reset.
• If using a custom Android ROM, you must re-enable PAAK and Android Auto after every flash.

With PAAK, you gain keyless entry, remote start, and a backup code — but it’s optional. The physical fob remains fully functional at all times.

 

[bernie]

Hi yes they are folded in and it’s double locked.

I’ve got an iPhone 13 Pro and my work one is a normal 13 they are both on the latest firmware and it works on neither.

According to Ford it should say use this phone as a key? when you add the vehicle to the app but it does not give me that option.

 

[bernie]

I've been using PAK on my iPhone 16 without any issues, other than an occasional odd message on the dashboard about no key found after the car started. I had problems with an earlier iPhone.

There are instructions here for setting it up: https://www.ford.com/support/how-to...79E2DNcRDqcU6s-jRTkGWWtWqN2WKomBS1ZPqmeNDUw1e.

The Brave AI gives these instructions:
Step-by-Step Setup Process

1. Prepare Your Phone and Car:
   • Ensure your phone has Bluetooth enabled and is connected to a strong cellular or Wi-Fi network.
   • Delete the FordPass app and remove all previous Bluetooth pairings between your phone and the Mach-E.
   • Reset PAAK in the car: Go to Settings > General > Reset > FordPass Connect Reset, then confirm to erase all PAAK data and backup start codes.
2. Install and Log In to FordPass:
   • Reinstall the FordPass app from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android).
   • Log in with your Ford.com account and set a 4-digit FordPass PIN.
3. Initiate Setup in the Car:
   • Start your Mach-E and sit inside with your key fob nearby.
   • On the SYNC® 4A touchscreen, go to Settings > FordPass Connect > Set Up Phone as a Key.
   • Tap Yes to confirm activation. The car will prompt you to set up your phone via the app.
4. Complete Setup in the FordPass App:
   • On your phone, open FordPass and tap "Set Up Phone as a Key".
   • If prompted, ignore "Device not supported" and tap Continue, I Understand.
   • Name your phone (e.g., "My iPhone") and tap Copy and Continue.
   • Paste the 6-digit temporary code into the Bluetooth pairing prompt on your phone.
   • Once paired, the car will ask to set a Backup Start Passcode — create a strong 8+ character code (not just numbers) for emergency use if your phone fails.
5. Re-pair Your Regular Phone:
   • Go to Settings > Phone List > Add Phone on the car’s touchscreen.
   • Re-pair your primary phone (e.g., for CarPlay or regular Bluetooth).
6. Test the System:
   • Exit the car with your key fob and phone.
   • Approach the car — the driver door should unlock automatically.
   • Press the Start/Stop button (after the animation finishes) to start the vehicle.
   • If PAAK fails, use the Backup Start Passcode on the touchscreen.

Troubleshooting Tips

• If setup fails, delete the app, reset the car, and start over.
• Some users report the option appears 24 hours after a reset.
• If using a custom Android ROM, you must re-enable PAAK and Android Auto after every flash.

With PAAK, you gain keyless entry, remote start, and a backup code — but it’s optional. The physical fob remains fully functional at all times.

Legend cheers I’ll give this a try

 

[bernie]

That’ll be why. I’m in the UK. Just another highlight of living in the UK these days.

 

[Rob-Mach-E]

I have been using phone as a key for 2.5 years now. It has worked very reliably with my last two iPhones with only small glitches here and there.

If I go on a trip, I do bring the key fob "just in case" but never had to use it.

 

[Kamuelaflyer]

That’ll be why. I’m in the UK

Yeah, that’s why. Sorry, i didn’t look at your profile or I’d have figured it out.

 

[ChasingCoral]

Hi,

Has this been disabled as an option?

I have tried everything and the option of using the phone as a key does not flash up on the phone or the cars screen when I add the vehicle to the Ford app.

Also any top tips on getting the welcome pony lights to come on from the wing mirrors when you walk up to the vehicle? It’s only happened once.

Any help would be appreciated.

Ive even had a Ford man in a van come out to help and he can’t work out how to do it either.

2024 Premium AWD

I had my PaaK glitch on me a few weeks ago and was able to delete my iPhone 16 and set it up again with no issues.

 

[PeterLavoie]

I’ve been using PaaK consistently with a iPhone for a couple of years with no problem.

But the Apple CarPlay almost never connects over BlueTooth so I just USB it in. (This is a different connection than PaaK.)

Since my first car had the option to start with a crank, I consider being able to connect a phone a great leap forward.

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