The FordPass App in 2025: A Complete Guide for Ontario Drivers

Original Publication Date: July 1, 2019
Updated: May 14, 2025

As vehicles become more connected and digitally integrated, the FordPass® App continues to be a key tool for Ford owners, offering remote vehicle control, diagnostics, and a host of advanced features that go far beyond the basics. Since its launch, FordPass has grown into a full ecosystem of remote connectivity, convenience, and security—especially for drivers in Ontario navigating cold winters, busy commutes, and multi-vehicle households.

This updated guide breaks down how the FordPass App works in 2025, what features are available depending on your Ford vehicle, and how to get the most from this evolving technology

What Is the FordPass App?

The FordPass App is a free smartphone application that allows you to connect directly to your Ford vehicle, access remote commands, monitor health alerts, receive recall notifications, and manage charging for electrified vehicles. When used with an activated FordPass Connect modem, it offers real-time vehicle interaction whether you’re across the street or across the province.

It is available for download on both iOS and Android, and supports all 2020 and newer Ford vehicles equipped with FordPass Connect. Selected vehicles from 2017 onward also support limited functionality.

What Can FordPass Do?

Once your vehicle is paired with the app and the modem is activated, FordPass unlocks a wide range of connected services:

Remote Vehicle Controls

You can:

• Start and stop your vehicle remotely
• Lock and unlock the doors
• Schedule remote starts for specific times (useful for pre-heating or cooling)
• View your vehicle’s location and get walking directions to it

Remote controls function via your phone or even a smartwatch, and do not require line-of-sight.

Vehicle Health Monitoring

FordPass provides real-time updates on:

• Fuel levels
• Oil life
• Tire pressure
• Battery charge (for electric or hybrid models)
• Maintenance alerts and diagnostic trouble codes

Recall Notifications

If a safety recall is issued for your vehicle, FordPass will notify you instantly and guide you through the process of scheduling service.

Wi-Fi Hotspot Access

Most 2020+ Ford vehicles include the ability to create a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot for up to 10 devices, perfect for road trips or keeping passengers connected. A subscription with a mobile carrier is required for data access.

Phone as a Key

Certain Ford models now support Phone As A Key technology. This allows your smartphone to replace your key fob. You can unlock, start, or secure the vehicle directly from your phone, and even share access with other drivers through digital invitations.

How Do I Know If My Vehicle Has FordPass Connect?

You can check your vehicle’s eligibility in several ways:

1. View your vehicle’s window sticker for “FordPass Connect” or “SYNC Connect.”
2. On your vehicle’s SYNC screen:
• Tap Settings > Vehicle
• If “FordPass Connect” appears, your modem is active
• If “Onboard Modem Serial Number” appears, the modem is installed but not activated

All 2020 and newer Ford vehicles include FordPass Connect, but modem activation is required to use the full suite of features.

How Do I Activate FordPass Connect?

To activate your modem:

1. Ensure your vehicle is in a well-ventilated area and has cellular reception
2. Open the FordPass App and log in or create an account
3. Add your vehicle using the VIN or by scanning a QR code
4. Select Connect to Vehicle and follow on-screen instructions
5. Accept the pairing prompt on your vehicle’s SYNC screen

Once complete, remote commands and all compatible features will be enabled.

Using Remote Start in FordPass

FordPass allows you to start your vehicle remotely through the app, smartwatch, or key fob. You can configure how long the vehicle runs before shutting off (5, 10, or 15 minutes), and schedule starts to occur at specific times.

Remote start is available on gasoline and hybrid models. For battery electric vehicles (BEVs), the app instead activates pre-conditioning to warm or cool the cabin.

Remote Start Tips:

• Always use remote start in a safe, ventilated location
• Ensure the modem is activated and your vehicle is added in FordPass
• Scheduled starts can be managed under Vehicle Controls > Start Schedule

FordPass and Vehicle Security: Stolen Vehicle Services

Introduced on the 2024 Ford F-150 (excluding Lightning), Stolen Vehicle Services is a connected protection system that alerts you to suspicious activity and helps authorities recover your vehicle in case of theft.

With push notification alerts, 24/7 assistance, and GPS tracking through FordPass, this service offers:

• Theft Protection Alerts (e.g., unauthorized entry or tampering)
• Factory reset locks to prevent thieves from wiping your system
• Direct communication with law enforcement

Activation is done through your Ford Account or the FordPass App. A 1-year plan is included on supported vehicles at no additional cost.

Sharing Vehicle Access with Other Drivers

FordPass now allows the primary owner to invite other drivers to access vehicle features remotely. This is ideal for families or shared vehicles.

To share access:

1. Open the FordPass App
2. Navigate to Vehicle > Settings > Vehicle Access
3. Tap Invite Driver(s) and enter their email
4. The invited user will receive an invitation via email
5. Once accepted, they can access full controls

Note: All users must be on FordPass version 5.11 or higher.

Phone as a Key and Valet Mode

Newer Ford models offer Phone as a Key integration with Valet Mode, allowing temporary passcodes to be used by valet attendants to start and drive your vehicle.

To enable Valet Mode:

1. Go to your SYNC screen > Controls > Valet Mode
2. Create a PIN or use a temporary passcode sent via Bluetooth
3. Provide the valet with the code and instructions

To exit Valet Mode, either re-enter the PIN or reconnect your Phone as a Key device.

Trailer Checklists for Ford Truck Owners

Drivers of 2021+ Ford F-Series trucks with FordPass Connect can use the app’s Trailer Checklist feature to walk through preparation steps for:

• Gooseneck trailers
• Fifth-wheel trailers
• Conventional trailers

Each list includes steps such as:

• Locking couplers
• Electrical connections
• Brake controller settings
• Chock removal

Users can mark off completed steps and skip ahead if needed—especially helpful for less experienced towers.

FordPass for Plug-In and Electric Vehicles

For owners of Ford plug-in hybrid and electric models, the app offers:

• Charge monitoring and scheduling
• Driving trend analysis
• Departure time programming
• Charging station locator
• Trip and battery usage logs

Electric owners can also receive charge level alerts and precondition their cabin temperature using FordPass.

Map and Navigation Features

If your Ford is equipped with SYNC 3 and navigation, FordPass’s Map feature lets you:

• Search points of interest and send directions to your vehicle
• View your parked location and walking directions to it
• Navigate from your phone back to your car

Apple CarPlay or Android Auto must be turned off to use in-app navigation functions.

Summary

The 2025 FordPass App is more than just a remote start tool—it’s a gateway to smarter, safer, and more convenient vehicle ownership. From real-time health checks to advanced theft protection and seamless control from your smartphone, FordPass connects you to your vehicle like never before.

Whether you drive a Mustang Mach-E, an F-150, or a plug-in Escape, the app helps tailor your driving experience, save time, and stay informed. Best of all, it’s included at no cost with most new Ford models. Just activate the modem, connect your vehicle, and start exploring everything FordPass has to offer.