I have been searching and can't find my answer.

2015 xlt, has the original large touch screen and the little cubby with 2 USB, SD card, and 3.5mm. What are the USB for? Just charging? I was hoping to connect my phone and get a direct connect for music that way for better quality but it keeps telling me device not recognized. It still charges the phone but that is all it seems to be good for.

 

Try swapping cords or possibly cleaning out the charge port on your phone. You'd be surprised how much lint can build up in there causing a bad connection. You should be connected to sync once plugged into the USB.

 

It is a brand new cord. and it is clean.

 

I know on my 2016 xlt with the 8 inch screen I had to update the software from ford owners website and also replace the usb hub with one from a Lincoln. I now have Apple CarPlay from the usb.

 

Have you owned this truck for a while and its always done this, or is the truck new to you? I would still try a different cord, also make sure you have an apple certified cord.
If all else fails, try pressing (and holding) the power button, while holding the "next track/ Fast forward" button for roughly 5-10 seconds. This should reset the sync system.

 

I've had the truck for a couple years but never tried the the usb before, just did bluetooth. No idea if it ever worked. It is the factory system for 2015.

 

Can 2015's even do that? 2015 is the old Sync 2 system.

 

I don't know, I was hoping that I could at least do audio. I know it won't do nav and android auto but I was hoping for at least direct connect audio
No way I am dumping over $1k to upgrade the sync

 

Well you're saying bluetooth isn't good enough so you want the cable, what kind of weapons grade audio system did you install? Because you sure as hell aren't going to notice a difference between Bluetooth compression and uncompressed direct loading on the $3 paper speakers Ford gives you from the factory.

 

My 2015 had sync 2 and I know for a fact that my phone would connect to sync through the USB in the cubby. I started the "Charge cord relocation" thread specifically for the reason I prefered the plugged in (USB) audio vs bluetooth audio, and I hated staring at the cord coming from the cubby. So yes, your phone should connect. Try another phone if the the other options don't work. Could also pop the usb's out and make sure they're connected from behind properly.

If all fails, I believe replacing the ports are relatively cheap.

Good luck