FordPass app finally arrives on Wear OS

Ford has just taken a big step in making its tech more wearable-friendly. The FordPass app is now available on Wear OS devices, delighting Android smartwatch users who can finally enjoy the convenience that Apple Watch users have had for years. No longer tethered to their smartphones, Ford owners can now lock, unlock, and even start their vehicles directly from their wrists.

Hints of FordPass’s arrival on Wear OS started swirling last month, teasing users with a sneak peek in app updates. Now, the app is officially live and compatible with popular devices like the Galaxy Watch 7, the troubled Galaxy Watch 6, Pixel Watch 3, Pixel Watch 2, OnePlus Watch 2 and other Wear OS gadgets.

From checking your car’s battery levels to finding its location and even preconditioning the climate, the app is packed with handy features. Owners of Ford’s EVs, like the Mustang Mach-E, have one more way to monitor their rides — perfect timing, considering Ford’s EV sales surged in November, thanks to strong Mach-E performance.

First impressions: praise, quirks, and tips

The early buzz from forums and Reddit is mostly positive, with users celebrating the newfound freedom of leaving their phones behind. However, it’s not all smooth sailing. The app requires users to enable a PIN or pattern lock on their watches for security, which some find annoying, especially if they dislike unlocking their devices repeatedly. The app also needs occasional interaction with the phone, but several users reported that this dependency lessened after a few tries.

For those who enjoy customization, you can pin the FordPass app to your watch face for easy access. Still, some users are wishing for added features like controlling the trunk/frunk or starting/stopping EV charging, functionalities that currently require reaching for your phone.

FordPass on Wear OS is stirring up nostalgia for long-time Ford fans. Back in the day, the MyFord Mobile app worked on the first-gen Android Wear watches, but the functionality disappeared when Ford upgraded its vehicles to modern 4G systems. This relaunch brings that convenience roaring back, especially for vehicles like the Maverick and Mach-E.

Ford is steadily electrifying its lineup, as evidenced by its EV production milestones in the UK and its strong sales numbers. The Wear OS integration reflects the company’s commitment to combining smart tech with its vehicles, delivering the best of both worlds to its drivers.

FordPass on Wear OS is a promising start, bringing much-needed parity between Android and Apple users. It’s a solid tool for remote vehicle operations, especially for EV owners keeping an eye on their battery life and range. While the app could benefit from a few updates, such as tile support or more vehicle controls, it’s already making a splash in the Ford community.

If you’ve got a compatible smartwatch and a Ford vehicle, it might be time to download the app, set your PIN/pattern, and experience the joy of starting your car right from your wrist.