Ford Premium Connectivity is a paid subscription that adds remote vehicle controls and real-time traffic to your Ford
Ford Premium Connectivity is Ford's subscription service that lets you lock and unlock your vehicle remotely, start the engine from your phone, and see live traffic on your navigation system. It costs money per month or year — the price varies depending on your vehicle model year and which Ford dealer or service center you use. The service requires a compatible Ford vehicle with built-in cellular connectivity and a FordPass account.
This is different from the basic FordPass app, which is free and lets you view some vehicle information. Premium Connectivity adds the remote control features and real-time data that the free version does not include.
Key Takeaways
- Ford Premium Connectivity is a paid monthly or annual subscription that enables remote locking, engine start, and live traffic features through the FordPass app.
- Your vehicle must have built-in cellular connectivity (available on most 2017 and newer Ford models) to use the service.
- Subscription costs vary by model year and dealer, so you should contact your Ford dealer or check your FordPass account for your specific price.
- The service requires an active FordPass account and a compatible smartphone with the FordPass app installed.
What Features Come With Premium Connectivity
Remote vehicle controls are the main feature. You can lock and unlock your doors, pop the trunk, and start the engine from the FordPass app on your phone, as long as your vehicle is within cellular range. This works whether you are across the street or across the country.
Live traffic and real-time navigation updates appear on your vehicle's in-dash screen. This helps you avoid congestion and find faster routes while driving. The service also includes vehicle status alerts — you can get notifications if your doors are unlocked, the windows are open, or the fuel level drops below a set point.
Some model years and trim levels include additional features like remote climate control (heating or cooling the cabin before you get in) and the ability to set geofences that alert you when your vehicle enters or leaves a specific area. Check your vehicle's manual or the FordPass app to see which features your specific model supports.
Which Ford Vehicles Support Premium Connectivity
Most Ford vehicles from 2017 onward come with the built-in cellular modem required for Premium Connectivity. This includes the F-150, Mustang, Explorer, Edge, Escape, and Fusion, though not every trim level of every year includes the hardware.
Older vehicles or base trim levels may not have the embedded cellular connection, even if they have the FordPass app. The easiest way to confirm your vehicle is compatible is to open the FordPass app and look for the Premium Connectivity option in the menu. If it is not there, your vehicle does not have the required hardware.
If you are shopping for a used Ford, ask the dealer or seller whether the vehicle has the embedded modem. This is sometimes called "connected vehicle hardware" or "embedded modem" in the vehicle's specifications.
How Much Premium Connectivity Costs
Ford does not publish a single national price for Premium Connectivity. The cost depends on your vehicle model year, your location, and which Ford dealer manages your subscription. Prices typically range from around $5 to $15 per month or $50 to $150 per year, but you should verify the exact amount for your vehicle.
Check your FordPass app account settings to see the current price and billing cycle for your vehicle. If you have not yet subscribed, the app will show you the cost before you confirm. You can also contact your Ford dealer's service department for pricing information.
Some new Ford vehicles come with a trial period of Premium Connectivity included — often 30 days or longer. When the trial ends, you will need to pay to keep the service active, or it will turn off and you will lose access to remote controls and live traffic.
How to Set Up Premium Connectivity
First, read the FordPass app on your smartphone and create or sign into your FordPass account. You will need to link your vehicle to your account by entering your vehicle identification number (VIN) and following the app's prompts.
Once your vehicle is linked, open the app and look for the Premium Connectivity option in the menu. The app will show you the subscription price and let you choose a monthly or annual plan. Complete the payment using a credit card or other payment method you add to your account.
After you subscribe, the remote features should become available in the app within a few minutes. If they do not appear, try closing and reopening the app, or restart your phone. If the features still do not show up, contact Ford customer service or your dealer.
What Happens If You Cancel Premium Connectivity
If you stop paying for the subscription, the remote control features and live traffic updates will stop working. You will still be able to use the free FordPass features, such as viewing your vehicle's fuel level and service reminders, but you will not be able to lock your doors or start your engine remotely.
You can cancel your subscription at any time through the FordPass app under account settings. Most plans do not charge a cancellation fee, but you should confirm this in your account before you cancel. If you cancel mid-month or mid-year, Ford's refund policy varies — check the app or contact customer service for details on your specific plan.
If you want to reactivate Premium Connectivity later, you can subscribe again through the FordPass app using the same process as the initial setup.
Troubleshooting Common Premium Connectivity Issues
If the remote controls are not working, first check that your vehicle has cellular signal. Remote features require a data connection, so if you are in an area with no cell service, the commands will not go through. Try again when you have signal.
If your subscription is active but the features are still not showing up in the app, try signing out of FordPass and signing back in. Sometimes the app needs to refresh your account status. If that does not work, uninstall and reinstall the FordPass app.
If you are having trouble with live traffic or navigation, make sure your vehicle's software is up to date. Ford releases software updates that can improve connectivity features. Check your vehicle's settings menu or ask your dealer to update the system if you suspect it is outdated.
For persistent problems, contact Ford customer service through the FordPass app or call your local Ford dealer. They can check whether your subscription is active and whether your vehicle's modem is working correctly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Premium Connectivity on multiple phones?
Yes. You can add multiple phones to your FordPass account, and anyone with the app and your account login can use the remote features. However, only one FordPass account can be the primary account for your vehicle at a time.
Does Premium Connectivity work if my vehicle is turned off?
Yes. You can lock, unlock, and start your vehicle remotely even when it is off, as long as it has cellular signal. The engine start feature will turn on the vehicle so you can warm it up or cool it down before you arrive.
What if I sell my Ford or trade it in?
Your Premium Connectivity subscription is tied to your FordPass account and vehicle. If you sell the car, you should remove it from your account through the FordPass app. The new owner can link the vehicle to their own FordPass account and set up their own subscription if they want Premium Connectivity.
Is Premium Connectivity the same as OnStar or other GM services?
No. Premium Connectivity is Ford's service. General Motors vehicles use OnStar, and other manufacturers have their own connected car services. Each brand's system works differently and has different features and pricing.
Do I need Premium Connectivity to use Apple CarPlay or Android Auto?
No. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are separate features that work through your vehicle's infotainment system and do not require a paid subscription. Premium Connectivity is optional and adds remote controls and live traffic on top of what your vehicle already does.