So I just traded my 2010 for a 2021. The jump from Sync (1) to Sync 4 is, to say the least, interesting. As the internal manual and downloadable ones are somewhat space I have questions.. I see that an WiFi hot spot can be created using Sync but is an additional cost. My Android phone can also become a hotspot. Is there some way to use my phone as such?

 

Yes. Go through the settings screen.

 

Not sure what golden is talking about, but no you cannot use your phone as the data source for the truck hotspot. The truck hotspot only works with the AT&T modem built into the truck. You can connect your truck’s WiFi to your phone, but that doesn’t offer many benefits aside from using your phone data to check for software updates.

There is no real use for the hotspot ability in the truck unless you get the plan with AT&T. I used it for a while since I got in on the deal AT&T offered a year or so ago for $15/mo for the Unlimited plan for vehicle data plans, but recently switched to using my own Verizon Hotspot instead because the AT&T one is speed capped and even with the $15/mo deal it was pretty lame.

 

Thanks for the insight. Now, how does one go about using someone other that ATT.? I have Xfinity mobile, which runs on Verizon. I've been stepping thought the menus, and there are a lot. Perhaps Ford may one day grace us with a simulator where we can go through all the options. It wouldn't matter if I actually had the option.

 

You don’t. The modem is tied to ATT. If you want a hotspot while in your truck and your phone supports being a hotspot, use your phone.

Otherwise, I’m unclear from your posts of what you’re trying to accomplish.

 

Can only use AT&T with Ford vehicles. The modem is registered to AT&T only, it isn't an "unlocked" device where you could activate it anywhere as long as the bands are supported (like most major cell phones are capable of, at least the higher tier ones). I think I read someone looked into what it might take to swap the modem, but don't know that it got anywhere. You would both need to find a modem that could be connected to the truck, and luck into tricking the truck into thinking it was still talking to the AT&T one.

I just bought a Verizon 5G Hotspot and put it in the center console and connected it to one of the USB ports in there. It still costs only $15/mo since we have Verizon service, but the speed is waaaaaaaayyy better, and I can take the hotspot out of the truck for other purposes.

The biggest advantage of the F-150 Hotspot is that the modem antenna is outside the truck (one of the black boxes on the roof), and seems to get great signal even in places where people in the truck with AT&T can't get signal on their cellphones.

I liked having it when we did, since we could use hotspot on our phones for the kid's ipads where Verizon was best, and when we ran into a couple situations where the AT&T signal was actually better, could use the truck hotspot.

 

Thanks again.. I'm looking to continue using some of the features that require internet connectivity. My phone supports tethering, it this an option? (Sorry about being a noob but like I said the manuals are lacking and Google searches are returning not much) On another tangent: with Android Auto I have access to Waze (kind of addicted to it.) is there some detailed documentation on configuring Waze. I'm not unhappy with the out of box operation just looking to tweak some stuff.

 

Features that require internet connectivity are NOT tied to your activation of the Hotspot plan. But they may be tied to other options you have. You get lifetime OTA updates through the modem, I think, I am not 100% on that. But you only get 3 years of Connected Navigation included with the truck (which uses the modem), but even that is only there if you got the Connected Navigation option when you ordered/bought the truck, or on some trims it is standard. I think it was standard on my Lariat, or was maybe part of another package I got. If you did not get Connected Navigation for 3 years when you got the truck, I don't believe the modem offers much aside from OTA updates and FordPass features "Free". Tethering the truck to your phone or other Wifi does not change that, the truck only uses Wifi for checking for updates to on-board software, and even then I think it will only be certain updates that are larger than some Ford specified size for OTA (Cellular) connection.

I am not entirely sure on Android Devices and Waze. I know with my iPhone I get the option to use either onboard Nav or Waze, but my one time trying Waze that way was not amazing. I just use Waze in Carplay if needed. So unfortunately I can't tell you much more on what is available there. I believe I read somewhere that Ford is aware of the Waze performance issues and is working on it, but that is a vague recollection I may have read here or heard in a meeting or something. Not to be taken as fact or give any timeline.

 

I continue to explore the options. I have a sneaking suspicion that the phone Waze configuration is used by SYNC . Probably will take 1/4 tank of gas to walk through the options. On a fun note I loaded the Ford Pass app. Lo and behold I can remote start without a remote start key fob. Which is interesting but one still has to insert the key and go to the "on" position. Guess it would be usen nful in cold climate but not so much in Florida.

 

yes. Just like using the remote start from the keyfob. You still have to put the key in the ignition to drive the car. Unless you have the push button start, then you just need to have the key on you.

remote start could still be useful in Florida to cool down the interior on a hot day so it’s not blazing hot when you get in. But yes. It’s very handy in the winter time for us that deal with snow and freezing temps.