The ELM327 WiFi OBD2 adapter is a fantastic tool for vehicle diagnostics, allowing you to read car data directly on your smartphone or tablet. If you’re looking to use this adapter with your favorite car scanner app, like Car Scanner, this guide will walk you through the simple steps to establish a seamless WiFi connection. Let’s get your OBD2 adapter connected and start exploring your vehicle’s health.
Before you begin, ensure your ELM327 OBDII adapter is the WiFi version. Plug it into your car’s OBDII port, usually located under the dashboard. Turn your car’s ignition to the “ON” position, or start the engine. If your adapter has a power button, make sure it’s switched on.
Step 1: Connect to the ELM327 WiFi Network on Your Phone or Tablet
The first step is to connect your smartphone or tablet to the WiFi network broadcasted by your ELM327 OBD2 adapter. This is a direct connection and not your regular internet WiFi.
-
Access your device’s WiFi settings: Open the WiFi settings on your iOS or Android device.
-
Search for the OBD2 adapter’s WiFi: Look for a WiFi network name that typically identifies your OBD2 adapter. Common names include “OBDII”, “OBD2”, “WIFI_OBDII”, or sometimes a name related to the adapter’s brand, such as “VLINK” for VGate adapters. Remember, it will never be named after your car brand.
-
Connect to the network: Select the OBD2 adapter’s WiFi network. In most cases, these adapters do not require a password. If a password is required, consult the documentation that came with your ELM327 WiFi adapter.
Step 2: Configure Your Car Scanner App for WiFi ELM327
Once your device is connected to the OBD2 adapter’s WiFi, you need to configure your car scanner app to use this connection. We’ll use “Car Scanner” app as an example.
- Open Car Scanner Settings: Launch the Car Scanner app and navigate to the settings menu. This is usually represented by a gear icon, typically found in the top-right corner of the app.
- Go to Adapter/Connection Settings: Within the settings menu, find and tap on the “Adapter” or “Connection” option. (Note: older versions of the app might label it as “Connection”).
- Select Wi-Fi as Connection Type: In the Adapter/Connection settings, choose “Wi-Fi” as your connection type. This tells the Car Scanner app to communicate with your ELM327 adapter over the WiFi network you just connected to.
- Verify IP Address and Port: Ensure the correct IP address and port are entered for your ELM327 WiFi adapter. The default IP address is often
192.168.0.10and the port is35000. However, some adapters may use different settings. Refer to the documentation that came with your adapter to confirm these details if necessary.
Connect and Start Scanning
With the WiFi connection established and your Car Scanner app configured, you are now ready to connect to your vehicle’s computer. Simply tap the large “Connect” button in the Car Scanner app, usually indicated by a green button.
For subsequent connections, just ensure your device is connected to the OBD2 WiFi network and press the “Connect” button in your Car Scanner app.
If you encounter connection issues, especially with iOS devices, ensure that your WiFi is indeed connected to the OBD2 adapter’s network and that the IP address and port settings in your Car Scanner app are correct. Troubleshooting steps are usually available within your Car Scanner app’s help section or the adapter’s documentation.
Connecting your ELM327 WiFi OBD2 adapter is straightforward, allowing you to quickly access valuable diagnostic information about your vehicle and empower you with DIY car maintenance and understanding.
