Ford is having issues with its Phone as a Key feature on Android devices that use Android 14. This problem makes it hard for users to unlock and start their cars with their smartphones, affecting the FordPass app.

Ford has confirmed the issue in an email to customers, letting them know the feature might not work reliably. The company said, “If you currently use a device that runs on the Android 14 operating system and drive a Ford vehicle, the Phone as a Key functionality in your FordPass app may currently be impaired. Due to a recent Android 14 software update, some users are unable to access and start their Ford vehicles using the Phone as a Key feature in their FordPass app. We are working on a solution with third parties, and we will update you once the situation is resolved. In the interim, to start you vehicle, please use your key fob or Backup Passcode.”

It’s unclear why there’s an incompatibility issue. Ford says it’s related to a recent update of Android 14, but the company hasn’t been specific about what part of the update is causing the problem. This is important because Android 14 has been out for a while and is used by many different phone manufacturers. It seems like the issue might come from the FordPass app and an update Ford made instead of a major problem with Android 14 itself.

Ford owners have been sharing their experiences online, which is how it came to light. However, keeping spare keys is always smart, even if you unlock your doors with your phone. Ford has told owners not to delete or reset the Phone as a Key feature because that will completely lock them out of their vehicles. In the meantime, drivers should use their physical key fobs or the backup passcode to get into their cars.

Source: 9to5Google