To get started with vehicle diagnostics on your iPhone or iPad, you’ll need an OBD2 adapter that utilizes Bluetooth 4.0 (Bluetooth Low Energy or BLE). It’s crucial to verify the Bluetooth version of your adapter, as Apple iOS devices exclusively support Bluetooth 4.0 for OBD2 connections. Older Bluetooth versions are not compatible due to iOS operating system limitations. For detailed information on selecting the correct ELM327 adapter, you can refer to our comprehensive guide on choosing the right OBDII adapter.
Once you have confirmed you have a compatible Obd2 Bluetooth 4 adapter, the connection process is straightforward. Begin by inserting the adapter into your vehicle’s OBD2 port, typically located under the dashboard. Then, turn your car’s ignition to the “ON” position or start the engine. If your OBD2 adapter has a power button, make sure to switch it on.
Next, ensure that Bluetooth is enabled on your iPhone or iPad. You can do this through the Settings app.
Important Note for iOS Users: Unlike Android devices, you do not need to manually pair the OBD2 adapter in your iPhone or iPad’s Bluetooth settings. The connection is managed directly through the Car Scanner app.
Step 1: Open the Car Scanner App and Access Settings
Launch the Car Scanner application on your iPhone or iPad. Locate and tap the gear icon, usually found in the upper right corner of the main screen, to access the app’s Settings menu.
Step 2: Navigate to Adapter Settings
Within the Settings menu, find and select the “Adapter” option. In some older versions of the Car Scanner app, this might be labeled as “Connection”. Tap on this option to proceed to adapter connection settings.
Step 3: Choose Bluetooth 4.0 (LE) as Connection Type
In the Adapter settings, you will see a “Connection Type” menu. Select “Bluetooth 4.0 (LE)” from the available options. This ensures that the app will search for and connect via the correct Bluetooth protocol compatible with your iOS device.
Step 4: Initiate Device Search
Tap the “Select Device” button. This action will open a new window that scans for nearby Bluetooth Low Energy (4.0) devices. Your iPhone or iPad will now begin searching for your OBD2 Bluetooth 4 adapter.
Step 5: Locate and Select Your OBD2 Adapter
Wait for the app to detect your OBD2 adapter. This process typically takes a few seconds. The adapter should appear in the list of discovered devices. If your adapter is not listed within 5-10 seconds, tap the “Update” button to refresh the device search.
OBD2 adapters are commonly named “OBDII,” “obd2,” or something similar. Branded adapters may use their brand name, such as “Viecar” or “VLink.” Importantly, OBD2 adapters are never named after car brands or generic names like “MY CAR.” A valid adapter will always have a recognizable name. Devices listed only with an address format like “{…}” are not OBD2 adapters.
If your adapter is not discovered even after multiple attempts, it might be using an older, incompatible Bluetooth version or may be faulty. Ensure your adapter is indeed Bluetooth 4.0 compatible.
Step 6: Finalize Connection and Compatibility Check
Once your OBD2 adapter appears in the list, select it. The Car Scanner app will then perform a compatibility check to ensure seamless operation with your chosen adapter.
With these steps completed, the connection setup is now finished. You are ready to connect to your vehicle’s diagnostic system. Return to the Car Scanner app’s main screen and tap the large green “Connect” button to initiate the connection and begin using your OBD2 Bluetooth 4 adapter with your iPhone or iPad.
