How to Add Ford SYNC 2 For Android Auto

If you own an older Ford with the 8-inch SYNC 2 touchscreen, you may be searching for a practical way to get SYNC 2 Android Auto without completely changing your dashboard.

The key fact is simple: Ford SYNC 2 does not natively support Android Auto. SYNC 2, also known as SYNC with MyFord Touch, can handle Bluetooth calls, music, USB media, navigation on equipped vehicles, and some vehicle controls, but Android Auto was introduced with later Ford infotainment systems.

The good news is that Android Auto can still be added to many SYNC 2-equipped Ford vehicles using compatible hardware. In this guide, we will look at the main upgrade options, how SYNC 2 compares with SYNC 3, and where tools such as AAStore fit into the setup.

What Is Ford SYNC 2?

SYNC 2 is Ford's older touchscreen infotainment platform, widely known as MyFord Touch.

It was fitted to many Ford vehicles before SYNC 3 became common.

A typical SYNC 2 system provides features such as:

• Bluetooth phone calls
• Bluetooth music
• USB media
• Factory navigation on some models
• Climate controls on supported vehicles
• Steering-wheel controls
• Vehicle settings

The system was useful for its time, but it was developed before Ford added Android Auto support.

That is why Bluetooth may work perfectly with your Android phone while Android Auto does not appear on the screen.

Does SYNC 2 Support Android Auto?

No. The original SYNC 2 system does not have native Android Auto support.

Android Auto is more than a Bluetooth connection. It allows supported phone apps to be projected onto the vehicle's infotainment display.

With Android Auto, you can normally access features such as:

• Google Maps
• Calls
• Messaging
• Music
• Podcasts
• Voice controls

SYNC 2 was not designed to provide that projection functionality.

This means there is no hidden Android Auto setting that can simply be activated.

How to Add Android Auto to SYNC 2

There are three main ways to get Android Auto in a vehicle originally equipped with SYNC 2.

1. Install an Android Auto Interface Module

For many owners, this is the simplest option.

A compatible third-party interface can work alongside the original infotainment system and display Android Auto through the existing factory screen.

Depending on the kit, you may be able to retain:

• Factory touchscreen
• Steering-wheel controls
• Backup camera
• Original sound system
• Climate controls
• Factory dashboard appearance

This approach is useful if you want to keep the vehicle looking as close to stock as possible.

However, compatibility is important. Before buying a SYNC 2 Android Auto interface, check the exact Ford model, model year, audio system, screen type, factory camera, and navigation configuration.

A module advertised for "Ford SYNC 2" is not automatically compatible with every Ford that uses SYNC 2.

2. Upgrade SYNC 2 to SYNC 3

A SYNC 3 retrofit is another popular solution.

This is not a software update. It involves replacing SYNC 2 hardware with compatible SYNC 3 components.

Depending on the vehicle, a retrofit may require:

• SYNC 3 display
• APIM module
• USB hub
• Wiring
• GPS hardware
• Vehicle-specific programming

The advantage is that SYNC 3 was designed to support Android Auto on compatible systems.

For drivers who prefer a factory-style setup, this is often the most OEM-looking solution.

3. Install an Aftermarket Android Auto Head Unit

The third option is replacing the original infotainment unit with an aftermarket receiver.

A modern aftermarket system may offer:

• Wired Android Auto
• Wireless Android Auto
• Apple CarPlay
• Larger touchscreen
• Improved audio controls
• Additional camera support

The downside is that you may need extra adapters to retain factory functions such as steering-wheel controls, climate information, parking sensors, or the factory amplifier.

SYNC 2 vs SYNC 3 for Android Auto

Here is a simple comparison:

The main difference for smartphone users is Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support.

If your main goal is modern phone integration, SYNC 3 provides a much better foundation.

Wired vs Wireless Android Auto

When choosing a retrofit, check whether the system supports wired or wireless Android Auto.

Wired Android Auto

Wired Android Auto connects through USB.

Its advantages include:

• Stable connection
• Phone charging while connected
• Usually simpler setup

The main drawback is having to plug the phone in.

Wireless Android Auto

Wireless Android Auto connects without a USB cable.

This is more convenient, especially for short trips, but it may use more phone battery and depends on the quality of the wireless connection.

Also remember that a wireless Android Auto adapter normally requires Android Auto to already exist in the vehicle. It usually cannot add Android Auto to stock SYNC 2 by itself.

2015 Ford F150 SYNC 2 Android Auto

The 2015 Ford F150 SYNC 2 is a common vehicle for this upgrade.

If your 2015 F-150 has MyFord Touch, Android Auto is not supported by the original system.

Your practical options are:

• Android Auto interface
• SYNC 3 retrofit
• Aftermarket head unit

A SYNC 3 retrofit can be attractive because it retains a factory-style Ford interface, while an Android Auto interface may be a better choice if you want to keep more of the original hardware.

Before ordering parts, confirm your F-150's audio system, screen, navigation option, and camera configuration.

2016 Ford Explorer SYNC 2 Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

The same principle applies to a 2016 Ford Explorer SYNC 2 Apple CarPlay or Android Auto upgrade.

If the vehicle actually has SYNC 2/MyFord Touch, the original system does not gain Android Auto or Apple CarPlay through a standard software update.

Do not depend only on the model year when identifying your infotainment system. Check the actual interface installed in the vehicle.

Android Auto Ford Focus SYNC 2

If you are searching for Android Auto Ford Focus SYNC 2, the same rule applies.

A Ford Focus with SYNC 2 needs additional Android Auto-compatible hardware.

Depending on the specific Focus model and market, you may use:

• A compatible Android Auto interface
• A SYNC 3 conversion
• An aftermarket receiver

Compatibility varies, so check the exact model year and factory equipment.

Where Does AAStore Fit With SYNC 2 Android Auto?

Another option worth mentioning is AAStore, available through the AA Hacks ecosystem.

AAStore is intended for Android Auto users who want to explore additional Android Auto apps and software options.

A typical setup would look like this:

SYNC 2 → Android Auto interface / SYNC 3 retrofit / aftermarket unit → Android Auto → optional AAStore apps

In other words, AAStore is an optional software addition after Android Auto is already working.

This makes it useful for users who want more customization, but it should not be confused with a SYNC 2 hardware conversion.

You can learn more about the at AAStore by AA Hacks blog.

What to Check Before Buying a SYNC 2 Android Auto Upgrade

Before buying any retrofit, check your vehicle carefully.

I would confirm:

• Ford model
• Model year
• SYNC version
• Screen size
• Factory navigation
• Factory backup camera
• Audio system
• Factory amplifier
• Climate-control integration
• Wired or wireless Android Auto preference

Also confirm that the upgrade retains the factory features you use every day.

For example, an inexpensive Android Auto unit may not be a good upgrade if it disables your backup camera or steering-wheel controls.

If you are researching SYNC 2 Android Auto, the most important thing to know is that original Ford SYNC 2 does not natively support Android Auto.

There is no simple app, USB update, or hidden setting that enables it.

To get Android Auto, you will normally need a compatible Android Auto interface, a SYNC 3 hardware retrofit, or an aftermarket Android Auto head unit.

For drivers who want to preserve the original Ford appearance, a compatible interface or SYNC 3 retrofit is usually the best place to start. If you want the latest hardware features and do not mind changing the factory interface, an aftermarket receiver can provide more flexibility.

Once Android Auto is working correctly, AAStore can be considered as an optional software solution for users who want to explore additional Android Auto apps and customization.

The best approach is to identify your exact SYNC system first, choose hardware that matches your Ford, confirm that important factory features will remain functional, and then add any optional Android Auto software afterwards.

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