Ownership | Farmington, MO
The Ford app can start your truck from the kitchen, warn you about a low tire, and book your next oil change. Some of it's included and some of it's a paid plan, so it helps to know which is which.
July in Farmington means getting into a truck that has been sitting in the sun at the ballfield or the job site. Starting it from your phone a few minutes early and letting the AC run is one of those small things you stop thinking about once you've had it.
That is one piece of the Ford app. It also keeps an eye on your vehicle's health, reminds you when maintenance is due, lets you book service, and manages the software updates Ford sends over the air. A lot of owners we talk to use one or two features and have never opened the rest, so this post walks through what the app does and what costs extra.
Quick answer: The Ford app is free, and on Fords with an activated embedded modem it includes remote start, locking and unlocking, vehicle location, health alerts and service scheduling at no charge. Extras like the Wi-Fi hotspot, Connected Navigation and streaming come in the Ford Connectivity Package, which is included for a set period on many newer models and is a paid plan after that.
App cost
Free download, iOS and Android
Included on equipped Fords
Remote start, lock, location, health alerts
Paid after any trial
Connectivity Package, Security Package
In this post
What Do You Need to Use the Ford App?
The app itself is a free download from the App Store or Google Play. After you create an account, you add your vehicle by VIN. For remote features to work, your Ford needs an embedded modem, the modem has to be activated and connected to your account, and the vehicle needs SYNC or the Ford Digital Experience.
Most recent Fords have the modem. Older models and some base trims may not, and remote start and remote locking aren't standard on every vehicle. If the app doesn't show the connect option for your Ford, our team can check what your VIN supports.
Farmington driver tip
Do the setup while your Ford is parked outside with a good cell signal, not in a metal shed or a back pasture. Ford notes the vehicle connection can take up to two minutes, and a weak signal around the hills south of town can slow it down.

What Can You Control Remotely With the Ford App?
On an equipped Ford, the app handles remote start and stop, locking and unlocking, and GPS location. Ford's own support page says remote features are complimentary with the app, so there's no plan to buy for the basics. You can also see fuel level and other vehicle stats, and on models with Phone As A Key, your phone can stand in for the key fob.
The redesign in late 2025 added remote comfort controls on equipped vehicles. You can set the cabin temperature, turn on heated or ventilated seats and warm the steering wheel before you get in. In July that means a cool cabin. In January it means a clear windshield.
- Doors and hood: remote start needs the hood, doors and liftgate or tailgate closed.
- Check Engine Light: any cause behind it has to be fixed before remote start will work.
- Key fob: you still need the fob in the vehicle to shift into Drive, unless it has Phone As A Key.
- Transmission and locks: remote features require an automatic transmission and power locks.
Ford's own support page says remote features are complimentary with the app, so there's no plan to buy for the basics.
How Do Vehicle Health Alerts and Service Scheduling Work?
Vehicle Health Alerts send information from your Ford to the app, things like low tire pressure, oil life and warning messages. The app also shows recall notifications and your service history, and it sends maintenance reminders as service comes due.
When something needs attention, you can schedule service right from the app and add a note about what you're seeing. If the alert is a warning light you don't recognize, call the service desk at 573-430-1693 and an advisor can tell you whether it's safe to keep driving.
Health alerts don't replace an inspection. They tell you what the vehicle's sensors can see. A technician looking at brakes, belts and suspension on a lift catches the things no sensor reports.
Schedule ServiceFord App Details
Which Ford Connected Services Are Included and Which Need a Plan?
This is where most of the confusion comes from. The core app features above are included on equipped vehicles. Two packages work differently.
Ford Connectivity Package
This covers an unlimited Wi-Fi hotspot, Connected Navigation with live traffic, audio and video streaming, and a voice assistant, with the mix depending on the model and trim. On 2026 models such as the F-150, Super Duty, Maverick, Bronco, Explorer and Expedition, Ford includes it for a year, and after that it continues as a monthly, annual or one time paid plan. You manage it in the app.
Ford Security Package
This adds theft alerts, Stolen Vehicle Services with live agents who work with law enforcement, and on select trucks a Start Inhibit feature that blocks the engine from starting. It comes with an included period on select newer Fords, then becomes a purchase.
BlueCruise hands free driving is its own plan on equipped vehicles, with trial terms that vary. Prices and eligible models change, so check the Ford Connected Services page or ask us about your exact vehicle before you buy anything.
What Are Ford Power-Up Software Updates?
Ford Power-Up updates are software updates sent to your vehicle over the air, the same way your phone updates. They can refine existing features, fix bugs and sometimes add new capability. Wi-Fi gives the fastest download, and some updates can come through the vehicle's cellular connection.
Set a schedule
Pick a recurring time for updates, such as overnight when the truck is parked in the driveway. You can manage the schedule in the vehicle and see reminders in the Ford app.
Watch for the reminder
Your Ford gives a reminder before an update installs. Some updates need the vehicle parked with the ignition off, and you get a short window to cancel.
Let it finish
Other updates install in the background while you drive. If one seems stuck or you think you missed one, bring it in and our technicians can check the software level.
Our May post on checking your Ford for open recalls and software updates covers VIN lookups and recall repairs in detail, so we'll keep this part short. When the app shows an open recall, book it like any other appointment.

How Can Sam Scism Ford Help You Set Up the Ford App?
If you bought your Ford from us, ask during delivery and we'll help you add the vehicle and walk through remote start before you leave the lot. If you've had it a while and never set it up, stop by during sales hours, Monday through Friday 8 AM to 6 PM or Saturday 9 AM to 5 PM, and someone can sit down with you for a few minutes.
You can also read more on our Ford app page. Once it's running, keep it updated on your phone so the newest features show up.
Warranty Forever
Every new Ford and most used vehicles sold at Sam Scism Ford come with Warranty Forever at no charge. It covers listed engine, transmission and drive axle parts for as long as you own the vehicle, regardless of miles, as long as you follow the customary maintenance and keep records. The Ford app's maintenance reminders make that easier. See the dealer for details.
How it worksGetting Started
Is the Ford app free?
The app is a free download for iPhone and Android, and the core remote features are complimentary on equipped vehicles. Extras like the Connectivity Package are paid after any included period.
Is FordPass the same as the Ford app?
Ford renamed FordPass the Ford app in October 2025 and redesigned it. Your account and vehicle carry over.
Why can't I connect my Ford to the app?
Your vehicle needs an embedded modem that's activated, plus SYNC or the Ford Digital Experience. If the connect option never appears, call us and we'll check your VIN.
Remote Features
Can I remote start my Ford from my phone?
On equipped Fords with an automatic transmission and an activated modem, remote start is included in the app. The hood and doors need to be closed, and any Check Engine Light cause must be fixed first.
Can I drive away after starting with the app?
You still need the key fob inside to shift into Drive unless your Ford has Phone As A Key.
Can the app warm the seats and steering wheel?
The redesigned app added remote comfort controls for cabin temperature, heated or ventilated seats and a heated steering wheel on vehicles equipped with them.
Health Alerts and Service
What do Ford Vehicle Health Alerts show?
They pass along information from your vehicle, such as tire pressure, oil life and warning messages, along with recall notices and maintenance reminders.
Can I book service at Sam Scism Ford in the app?
Schedule service through the app, online, or by calling 573-430-1693. Add a note about any alert so the advisor is ready when you arrive.
Do app alerts replace regular inspections?
Alerts only report what sensors can measure. A multi point inspection still checks brakes, belts, hoses and suspension by hand.
Plans and Subscriptions
What is the Ford Connectivity Package?
It bundles an unlimited Wi-Fi hotspot, Connected Navigation, streaming and a voice assistant, depending on model and trim. Many 2026 Fords include it for one year before a paid plan starts.
What does the Ford Security Package add?
Theft alerts, Stolen Vehicle Services and, on select trucks, Start Inhibit. It includes a trial period on select newer models.
Where do I check current Connected Services terms?
Terms change, so check our Ford Connected Services page or the plans section of the app, and ask us if anything is unclear.
Software Updates
How do Ford Power-Up updates install?
They download over the air through Wi-Fi or the vehicle's cellular connection. Some install in the background and others need the vehicle parked with the ignition off.
Can I choose when updates happen?
You can set a recurring update schedule, and the vehicle and app remind you before an install.
Do I need Wi-Fi for Ford Power-Up updates?
Wi-Fi gives the fastest download, and some updates can also arrive over the vehicle's cellular connection. Full map updates come through Wi-Fi only.