TEXT MESSAGE read or reply disabled during motion...

[ExplorerSTLine]

For almost 2 years I was able to get a text message notification and was able to "listen" and also "reply" while my car was moving. Now, I get notification but it will not display the text message or allow me to reply UNTIL I stop my ride at a light, etc. The entire display looks different then before.

This just started when ole Google offered Gemini. It wouldn't stop offering so I decided to setup Google Gemini just to get rid of the dang daily message. Didn't like the Gemini and went back to Google Assistant.

The problem is - it no longer displays the original message format with previous options. NOW - it won't let me read, play the message (if I select it to) or reply UNTIL I stop moving. It worked just fine until it harassed me into trying Gemini. So frustrating...any suggestions on how to remedy this new problem - thanks!

 

[Chairborne Ranger]

I know the feeling. My 2025 ST would not play nicely with my Google Pixel 9 Pro which really surprised me since Ford now uses a Google based infotainment system. My previous Toyota and Mazda had no problem pairing with Pixel phones and reading incoming text messages while driving and making/receiving phone calls.

For the first year or so of ownership my ST would not do any of those things; I could see I had a new text message but when I pushed "Listen" all I got was silence. Incoming phone calls could be answered but the caller could not hear me through the car's audio system unless I was using Android Auto which I rarely if ever do. I tried making various adjustments in the settings menu based on advice from the forum or other online sources to no avail.

Around February after yet another 'update' the ST spontaneously began cooperating with the Pixel phone, I could answer calls and speak to the other person no problem. Pushing "Listen" for texts resulted in the pleasant British woman's voice from my Google Assistant reading the message and taking my dictation for replies and sending them. I can't tell you how or why it's working.

I'm retired and don't drive a lot, the other day I noticed that the text reading function looks different on the screen and now a British guy reads the message to me and Emily Blunt then asks me about my reply. For what it's worth my understanding is Google is eventually going to do away with the old Assistant and make everyone use Gemini. I have Gemini set up on my phone as the assistant and it is working. Who knows if it will tomorrow. Good luck.

 

[ExplorerSTLine]

I know the feeling. My 2025 ST would not play nicely with my Google Pixel 9 ...

My ride worked like a champ for almost two years. UNTIL - Google apparently had an update in Sync and kept pushing me to move up to Gemini. At that point in time, I would get a notice of a incoming text message BUT it it prevents me from doing anything else while moving! Apparently, Google decided to insure that you were paying attention (while moving) and locked the ability to read (and reply) while your ride is moving. The moment my wheels stop moving - I can mysteriously read and reply to a text message. The moment my wheels start moving - LOCKED. Maybe someone sued Google for allowing you to read and reply while moving and they decided to protect themselves from future lawsuits? Who knows... Just another "adjustment" we must make whether we like it or not. Thanks for your reply.

 

[Chairborne Ranger]

Your getting the opposite of my experience where for you it worked and now it doesn't and mine didn't work and now it does. I don't believe Synch is part of the 2025+ Explorers from what I've read on this forum by others. From a liability perspective having the text message read aloud to you while you were actively driving should be a safety feature. New vehicle tech features are mostly fun when they work but other times they make me nostalgic for a more analog ride. My wife is completely non-tech savvy and she has a 2011 Silverado work pickup with almost no options other than AC and Sirius radio and she likes it. I hope you get it sorted out.