You just purchased and received your first OBDLink® adapter. What do you do next?

This guide describes how to install and run the OBDLink application, which supports iOS and Android devices.

Follow the steps in this guide to begin using your adapter with your vehicle and the OBDLink app. 

Note: We recently updated the OBDLink app and made improvements to its features and how it looks. The icons on the app's home screen now have a yellow accent instead of blue (iOS) and green (Android) accents. This revised article matches the updated app’s screens and features. Download the latest version of the OBDLink app from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android) to take advantage of the updated app's features and performance. 


Note: The screenshots in this article were taken using the OBDLink MX+ adapter. If you are using another OBDLink adapter, the screenshots may be slightly different.

Install the app and connect your adapter

  1. Download the OBDLink app either through the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android), depending on the type of phone or tablet you have.
  2. Open the OBDLink app and tap Settings > Set Up New Adapter.
    iOSAndroid
    iOS screen with Settings icon highlighted.Android screen with Settings icon highlighted.
    iOS Settings menu with Set Up New Adapter button highlighted.Android Settings menu with Set Up New Adapter button highlighted.

  3. Follow the steps in the Connection Wizard. In this example, we selected an MX+ adapter.
    1. Select your adapter by tapping the correct image.
      iOS Connection Wizard screen with OBDLink MXplus adapter highlighted.Android Connection Wizard screen with OBDLink MXplus adapter highlighted.

    2. Start your vehicle’s engine by pressing the Start button.
      If your vehicle uses a key, turn the key to Accessory (Acc) mode.
      Tap Continue.
      iOS Connection Wizard screen showing "Start the Engine" graphic. The Continue button is highlighted.Android Connection Wizard screen showing "Start the Engine" graphic. The Continue button is highlighted.


    3. Plug your adapter into the OBD port in your vehicle.
      In most cases, the OBD port is in the driver’s side footwell, below the steering wheel.
      Tap Continue.
      iOS Connection Wizard screen showing "Plug OBDLink into OBD port" graphic. The Continue button is highlighted.Android Connection Wizard screen showing "Plug OBDLink into OBD port" graphic. The Continue button is highlighted.

    4. Check your adapter to confirm that the green power LED is on.
      Tap the checkbox and tap Continue.
      iOS Connection Wizard screen showing "Make sure power LED is on" graphic. The checkbox for Power LED and the Continue button are highlighted.Android Connection Wizard screen showing "Make sure power LED is on" graphic. The checkbox for Power LED and the Continue button are highlighted.


    5. On your adapter, press the Pair button. Tap Continue.

      Note: Only MX+ and LX adapters have this button. If you are using a different adapter, skip this step.

      iOS Connection Wizard screen showing "Press the Pair button" graphic. The Continue button is highlighted.Android Connection Wizard screen showing "Press the Pair button" graphic. The Continue button is highlighted.


    6. Your phone/tablet shows a list of Bluetooth devices. Tap to select your adapter. 

      Android users: You may need to scroll to find your adapter in the list. Tap to select your adapter, then tap Pair.

      iOS Connection Wizard screen showing "Select An Accessory" graphic. OBDLink MXplus is highlighted.Android Connection Wizard screen showing "Select your OBDLink" graphic. OBDLink MXplus is highlighted. The Pair button is also highlighted.


    7. Wait for your phone/tablet to connect with the adapter in your vehicle. It may take 45-60 seconds.
      If you have issues, see the Troubleshooting tips section below.
      The OBDLink app shows an animation of how this process works.
      iOS Connection Wizard screen showing one frame of the Connecting animation.Android Connection Wizard screen showing one frame of the Connecting animation.

    8. You will see a dialog asking to select a vehicle diagnostic network. Select the network that has the modules you are looking for.
      We recommend that you select Generic OBD2 for everyday use. Scroll down and tap CONNECT.
      iOS screen showing Enhanced Network selection options. Generic OBD2 is checked. The Connect button is highlighted.  Android screen showing Enhanced Network selection options. Generic OBD2 is checked. The Connect button is highlighted.  


    9. You will see a dialog asking to allow the OBDLink app to use your location.
      We recommend that you tap Allow While Using App.
      iOS screen asking to allow OBDLink to use your location. The Allow while using app option is highlighted.Android screen asking to allow OBDLink to use your location. The Allow while using app option is highlighted.



    10. You will see a message saying that registration is required.
      We recommend that you tap I Agree.
      iOS screen with a message that Registration is required. The I Agree option is highlighted.Android screen with a message that Registration is required. The I Agree option is highlighted.


    11. The first time you open the app, you will see a screen with important messages about the OBDLink app.
      Tap Done (iOS) or Close (Android) in the upper right corner after you have read the messages.
      iOS message screen showing important updates for this version of the OBDLink app. The Done button is highlighted.Android message screen showing important updates for this version of the OBDLink app. The Close button is highlighted.

    12. When the connection process is completed successfully, you will see a Connected screenshot.
      Tap OK to close the Success message. Tap Done to close the Connection Wizard.
      iOS Connection Wizard screen showing the final frame of the Connecting animation. The Done button is highlighted.Android Connection Wizard screen showing the final frame of the Connecting animation. The OK button and Done button are highlighted.

    13. In the OBDLink app, you will see several Connecting messages.
      You may not see all the example messages shown below because the connection steps happen quickly.
      iOS screen showing one of several Connecting messages.Android screen showing one of several Connecting messages.


    14. When the connection is successfully completed, you will see Connected status at the top of the app.
      iOS home screen with the Connected notice highlighted.Android home screen with the Connected notice highlighted.

Next steps: Configure the app for your vehicle


Troubleshooting tips

Bluetooth tips

If your OBDLink adapter will not connect to your phone/tablet, try these Bluetooth tips:

  • Unplug your OBDLink adapter and plug it back in again.
    Note: It may take 45-60 seconds for your adapter to show up in the Accessory menu when you first plug it in and use the OBDLink app Connection Wizard.
  • Make sure your phone/tablet is not streaming to any other Bluetooth/BLE devices.
  • Power-cycle Bluetooth by turning it off and on again in your phone/tablet’s Settings > Bluetooth menu.
  • On your phone/tablet, go to Device Settings > Bluetooth and select your OBDLink adapter.

Note: You may have issues connecting if another OBD app is running, because the OBDLink adapter can only connect to one app at a time. You can’t run the OBDLink app and another third-party OBD app (such as FORScan or AlfaOBD) at the same time.

Communication settings

Try changing your adapter communication settings with these steps:

  1. Start your vehicle.
  2. Make sure your phone/tablet is not streaming to any other Bluetooth/BLE devices.
  3. Open the OBDLink app and navigate to Settings > Preferences > Communications > OBD-II Protocol.
  4. Set the protocol to Automatic.
  5. Disable the Start with Last Connected Protocol option.
  6. On the app Home screen, tap Connect.

Factory reset

To do a factory reset on OBDLink MX+ and LX adapters, see the steps in Restore OBDLink Bluetooth Adapter to Factory Settings. 


Configure the app for your vehicle

Make the changes described below to provide the most precise fuel economy, power, and torque estimates possible for your vehicle. 

  1. When you connect your vehicle to your OBDLink adapter for the first time, a dialog appears asking if you want to edit the settings for your vehicle. Tap Edit Settings to open the Vehicle Editor.
    iOSAndroid
    iOS screen showing New Vehicle dialog. The Edit Settings button is highlighted.Android screen showing New Vehicle dialog. The Edit Settings button is highlighted.

    If this is not the first time you connected to your OBDLink adapter, navigate to Settings > Vehicle Editor.
    iOS Settings menu, with the Vehicle Editor option highlighted.Android Settings menu, with the Vehicle Editor option highlighted.

  2. The OBDLink app automatically attempts to read your vehicle’s identification number (VIN) and pre-populate your vehicle’s information on screen.
    Add an optional vehicle name (highlighted) in the Name field or leave it blank.

    Note: In some cases, the app may not be able to read or decode the VIN. In this situation, you can manually specify the Vehicle Build fields (year, make, model, and option) by tapping Select and choosing from the drop-down list. If your vehicle details are not available in the drop-down list, tap My vehicle option is not listed and enter text in the field. All 4 fields must contain text or you may not be able to download OEM Enhanced Add-Ons.

    iOS screen showing the Vehicle Editor options. The customized vehicle name is highlighted.Android screen showing the Vehicle Editor options. The customized vehicle name is highlighted.
    Note: If your vehicle is OBD-II compliant, it is supported by the OBDLink app. If its make or model is not listed, type your vehicle information in the 4 Vehicle Build fields. The OBDLink app will display the correct OBD-PIDs for your vehicle.

  3. You can fine-tune settings in the Vehicle Editor to improve the accuracy of fuel economy calculations. For example, if your vehicle uses E85 fuel (sometimes called flex fuel), scroll down in the Vehicle Editor and tap the Fuel Type setting to select E85.
    Check your vehicle user’s manual for the exact engine size, then tap the Engine Size setting to enter an accurate value, such as 3.0.

    iOS screen showing the Vehicle Editor menu. The Fuel Type and Engine Size options are highlighted.Android screen showing the Vehicle Editor menu. The Fuel Type and Engine Size options are highlighted.

  4. The OBDLink app automatically chooses a Fuel Calculation Method using the Parameter IDs (PIDs) supported by your vehicle. Each fuel calculation method uses certain vehicle values during the calculation.
    The default settings will work for most situations and vehicles. However, you can fine-tune the values to improve the calculation accuracy.
    • Mass air flow rate
      • Select one of the following Fuel Type options: Gasoline/petrol, E85, E100, or diesel 
    • Intake manifold absolute pressure
      • Select one of the following Fuel Type options: Gasoline/petrol, E85, E100, or diesel
      • Enter an Engine Size value: Refer to your owner's manual for this information.
      • Volumetric Efficiency (VE): Tap the information icon (i) found to the right of this field to learn about typical values for VE for different engine types. A number at the low end of the range is typically used for calculations. It may be possible to find additional information for your vehicle online.
    • Direct Fuel Rate
      • No Vehicle Editor settings are used.
        iOS screen showing Vehicle Editor options. The Fuel Calculation Method field is highlighted.Android screen showing Vehicle Editor options. The Fuel Calculation Method field is highlighted.

  5. The OBDLink app makes power and torque calculations using the Fuel Type, Engine Size, and Brake Specific Fuel Consumption settings. The default settings will work for most situations and vehicles.
    iOS screen showing Vehicle Editor options. The Brake Specific Fuel Consumption field is highlighted.Android screen showing Vehicle Editor options. The Brake Specific Fuel Consumption field is highlighted.
  6. Tap the Back arrow (<) in the upper left corner of the screen to save your settings and return to the Home screen. 


Tap the information icon (i) found to the right of many of the vehicle settings to learn about standard ranges for different engine types. A number in the middle of the range is typically used for calculations. It may be possible to find additional information about your vehicle online.


Next steps: View dashboard gauges


View dashboard gauges

The OBDLink app displays several dashboards and diagnostic gauges by default, including engine RPM and speed. 

Your OBDLink adapter can be in the Not Connected state while you view dashboard gauges in the OBDLink app. However, we recommend that you do these steps while Connected, because the OBDLink app shows you all the displays your vehicle will report data for. (Before it is connected to your vehicle, the OBDLink app displays all the PIDs it can access, some of which may not be available for your vehicle.)

  1. To access the OBDLink app dashboards, tap the Dashboards icon from the app's main screen.
    iOSAndroid
    iOS screen with Dashboards option highlighted. The Connected indicator is also highlighted.Android screen with Dashboards option highlighted. The Connected indicator is also highlighted.

  2. You will see the default dashboards and gauges. Swipe to see all three dashboard pages.
    iOS screen showing one of the default dashboard screens..Android screen showing one of the default dashboard screens.
    iOS screen showing one of the default dashboard screens.Android screen showing one of the default dashboard screens.
    iOS screen showing one of the default dashboard screens.Android screen showing one of the default dashboard screens.

When your phone/tablet is Connected to the adapter in your vehicle, you can see live data from your vehicle on the dashboard. For example, if you tap the accelerator pedal, the engine RPM gauge value increases. 


Learn more about dashboards and gauges

  • Learn how to edit dashboards and add new gauges in Add and Edit Dashboard Gauges.
  • Learn how to show your vehicle’s transmission temperature in Display Transmission Temperature Gauge.
  • In the OBDLink app, tap Settings > Help > Dashboards to learn more. You can set up custom dashboards for different vehicles and reorder dashboards to suit your needs.


Next steps: Update adapter firmware


Troubleshooting tips

  • Your vehicle may not support all of the gauges and displays shown by default in the OBDLink app. 

  • If you view PIDs in the OBDLink app when it is not connected to your vehicle, you will see many PIDs that are not available for your specific vehicle. To avoid confusion, we recommend that you view PIDs when the app is Connected to your vehicle.

Update adapter firmware

Our development team periodically releases new updates to the OBDLink adapter firmware. We recommend that you update to the newest version to make use of the latest performance improvements and bug fixes. 

You will see a notification message in the OBDLink app when a firmware update is available for your OBDLink adapter. 

iOSAndroid
iOS screen showing Update Available dialog. Android screen showing Update Available dialog.


Before you update the firmware, be sure to:  

  • Start your vehicle and connect your phone/tablet to your OBDLink adapter.
  • Make sure your phone/tablet is not streaming to any other Bluetooth/BLE devices.
  • Make sure any other devices paired with the OBDLink adapter have Bluetooth turned off.
  1. Confirm that your phone/tablet is Connected to the OBDLink adapter.
    iOSAndroid
    iOS screenshot with the Connected icon highlighted.Android home screenshot with the Connected icon highlighted.

  2. In the OBDLink app, navigate to Settings > Firmware Updates.
    iOS Settings screen with the Firmware Updates option highlighted.Android Settings screen with the Firmware Updates option highlighted.

  3. You will see the current firmware version for your OBDLink adapter.
    Tap Menu (iOS) or 3 dots (Android) and tap Check For Updates.
    iOS Firmware Updates screen showing the connected adapter. The Menu button is highlighted.Android Firmware Updates screen showing the connected adapter. The Menu icon (3 vertical dots) is highlighted. 

  4. Review the status for your adapter to see if a new firmware version is available.
    If your adapter status says This device is up to date, then you do not need to update firmware. Tap the back arrow (<) two times to return to the home screen.
    If your adapter status says Version n.n.n is now available for download as shown below, then tap the forward arrow (>) to open firmware details.
    iOS Firmware Updates screen showing the connected adapter. The arrow button is highlighted.Android Firmware Updates screen showing the connected adapter. The arrow button is highlighted. 

  5. You will see the installed firmware version (highlighted) and details for the new version, if one is available.
    iOS Firmware Updates, the upper portion of the screen. The details for the current device are highlighted.Android Firmware Updates, the upper portion of the screen. The details for the current device are highlighted. 

  6. To download and install the update, scroll down to the bottom of the screen and tap Download.
    iOS Firmware Updates, the lower portion of the screen. Details for the latest firmware version are displayed. The Download button is highlighted.Android Firmware Updates, the lower portion of the screen. Details for the latest firmware version are displayed. The Download button is highlighted.

  7. After the firmware is downloaded, scroll down to the bottom of the screen and tap Update Firmware.
    iOS Firmware Updates, the lower portion of the screen. Details for the latest firmware version are displayed. The update firmware button is highlighted.Android Firmware Updates, the lower portion of the screen. Details for the latest firmware version are displayed. The update firmware button is highlighted. 

  8. Tap Update Firmware again in the confirmation screen.
    iOS Firmware Updates, confirmation screen. The Update Firmware button is highlighted.Android Firmware Updates, confirmation screen. The Update Firmware button is highlighted. 
  9. This process will take about 3-5 minutes. You will see a completion message when the firmware installation is complete. 

    Tap OK and go back to the Home screen.

    iOS Firmware Updates, loading successful screen. The OK button is highlighted.Android Firmware Updates, loading successful screen. The OK button is highlighted.


  10. After the firmware loading process, your OBDLink adapter will be disconnected.

    In the Home screen, tap Connect to connect to your OBDLink adapter.

    iOS home screen with the Connect button highlighted.Android home screen with the Connect button highlighted.


Next steps: Check vehicle diagnostics


Troubleshooting tips

After you update the firmware, your OBDLink adapter may not connect to your phone/tablet right away. Try these tips:

  • Unplug your OBDLink adapter and plug it back in again.
  • Check the Bluetooth settings for your phone/tablet and select your OBDLink adapter.

For more troubleshooting tips, see Update OBDLink Adapter Firmware, in the Troubleshooting section.


Check vehicle diagnostics

The OBDLink app provides enhanced diagnostics for many vehicle types, which let you access additional modules and parameters that are not included in the SAE OBD-II standard. Common examples are reading and clearing codes for ABS (anti-lock braking system), SRS (supplemental restraint system), and TPMS (tire pressure monitoring system). 

Follow the steps below to: 

  1. Download enhanced diagnostics
  2. Select vehicle network
  3. View diagnostics

Download enhanced diagnostics

Before you begin, be sure to: 

  • Start your vehicle and connect your phone/tablet to your OBDLink adapter.
  • Make sure your phone/tablet is not streaming to any other Bluetooth/BLE devices.
  1. When you connect to your OBDLink adapter for the first time, a dialog appears with options to edit the settings for your vehicle and to download enhanced OEM add-ons. Tap Get Enhanced OEM Add-Ons.
    Note: If you don’t see the option to get enhanced OEM add-ons, then your vehicle is not supported for enhanced diagnostics. Standard OBD-II diagnostics are available for your vehicle. Skip to the View diagnostics section.
    iOSAndroid
    iOS screen showing a New Vehicle Connected message. The Get Enhanced OEM Add-Ons option is highlighted. Android screen showing a New Vehicle Connected message. The Get Enhanced OEM Add-Ons option is highlighted.  


  2. If this is not the first time you connected to your OBDLink adapter, navigate to Settings > Get Enhanced OEM Add-Ons.

    iOS screenshot of the Settings menu. The Get Enhanced OEM Add-Ons option is highlighted. Android screenshot of the Settings menu. The Get Enhanced OEM Add-Ons option is highlighted.  


  3. Browse the list and tap your vehicle manufacturer.
    iOS screen showing Get Enhanced OEM Add-Ons options. The Ford, Lincoln, Mercury option is highlighted. Android screen showing Get Enhanced OEM Add-Ons options. The Ford, Lincoln, Mercury option is highlighted.

    Note: You may see a notification for add-ons that are exclusive to the OBDLink MX+ adapter, including GM; Honda, Acura; and Hyundai, Kia. For example, if you are connecting a GM vehicle, then you must use an OBDLink MX+ adapter to use the exclusive add-ons.
    iOS confirmation screen showing a message about GM add-ons. The OK button is highlighted. 

  4. Browse the list and tap your vehicle’s model year.
    iOS screen listing Ford, Lincoln, Mercury enhanced diagnostics by model year. The Ford 2012 button is highlighted.  Android screen listing Ford, Lincoln, Mercury enhanced diagnostics by model year. The Ford 2012 button is highlighted.

  5. Tap Choose to download diagnostics for your vehicle. 
    iOS screen showing Ford 2012 Enhanced Diagnostics information. The Choose button is highlighted. Android screen showing Ford 2012 Enhanced Diagnostics information. The Choose button is highlighted.

  6. You may see a notification message about a free add-on for your adapter. We recommend that you tap GET FREE ADD-ON to use all your OBDLink adapter features.
    iOS screen showing Free Add-On Available message. Diagnostics information. The Get Free Add-on button is highlighted. Android screen showing Free Add-On Available message. Diagnostics information. The Get Free Add-on button is highlighted.

  7. Tap Get to download diagnostics for your vehicle. It may take 1-2 minutes to download.
    iOS screen showing Ford 2012 Enhanced Diagnostics information. The Get button is highlighted. Android screen showing Ford 2012 Enhanced Diagnostics information. The Get button is highlighted.  

    If your adapter is Connected to the OBDLink app, you may see a notification like the one shown below.
    Tap Disconnect and the OBDLink app will disconnect your adapter and continue to download enhanced diagnostics.
    iOS screen showing Download Requires Disconnect message. The Disconnect button is highlighted. Android screen showing Download Requires Disconnect message. The Disconnect button is highlighted.  

  8. When the download is complete, you will see the diagnostics are installed.
    iOS screen showing Ford 2012 Enhanced Diagnostics information. The Installed button is highlighted.Android screen showing Ford 2012 Enhanced Diagnostics information. The Installed button is highlighted.
    Tap the back arrow (<) two times to return to the home screen.
  9. After the enhanced OEM add-ons are installed, your OBDLink adapter will be disconnected. Continue with the steps in the next section.

Select vehicle network

Note: Skip to the View diagnostics section if your vehicle manufacturer is one of the following: 

  • GM
  • Honda, Acura
  • Hyundai, Kia

You do not need to select a vehicle network for these manufacturers.

  1. Confirm that your phone/tablet is Connected to the OBDLink adapter.
    iOS home screen. The Connected button is highlighted. Android home screen. The Connected button is highlighted.

  2. You will see a dialog asking to select a vehicle diagnostic network. Select the network that has the modules you are looking for. We recommend that you select Generic OBD2 for everyday use. Scroll down and tap CONNECT.
    iOS screen showing Enhanced Network selection options. Generic OBD2 is checked. The Connect button is highlighted. Android screen showing Enhanced Network selection options. Generic OBD2 is checked. The Connect button is highlighted.

  3. If OEM Live Parameters are supported for your vehicle, the first time you connect to an enhanced network, the OBDLink app will scan your vehicle for supported enhanced PIDs. This scan may take 1-2 minutes. The scan results are saved so that you do not have to repeat the scan the next time you connect.
    Tap Yes to start the scan.

    iOS screen showing a Warning message about scanning for PIDs. The Yes button is highlighted. Android screen showing a Warning message about scanning for PIDs. The Yes button is highlighted.  


After the scan completes, continue with the next section to read trouble codes.


View diagnostics

  1. Confirm that your phone/tablet is Connected to the OBDLink adapter. Tap Diagnostics in the main screen.
    iOSAndroid
    iOS home screen. The Connected button and the Diagnostics selection are highlighted. Android home screen. The Connected button and the Diagnostics selection are highlighted.  

  2. You will see a warning message similar to the one shown below. Tap Yes when you’re ready to continue.
    iOS Warning message about not running the engine during diagnostic testing. The Yes button is highlighted.Android Warning message about not running the engine during diagnostic testing. The Yes button is highlighted. 

Trouble codes

You will see one of the following screens if there are no diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) to display.

iOSAndroid
iOS screen showing the Trouble Codes tab. There is a green checkmark indicating all tests passed.Android screen showing the Trouble Codes tab. There is a green checkmark indicating all tests passed.


If there are DTCs, you will see a screen similar to the example below, which also has a button to Clear Codes.

Warning: You should only clear codes with the ignition ON and the engine OFF. You should never try to clear codes with the engine running.

Android screen showing Trouble Codes tab when trouble codes are detected.


Tap a trouble code to open a screen with more information. The screenshot below shows basic information for P0100.

Tap Online Lookup to read more about the DTC definition. 

Android screen showing information about the P0100 trouble code. The Online Lookup button is highlighted.


Tap Menu (iOS) or 3 vertical dots (Android) in the upper right corner, then tap Help to learn about reading trouble codes, including the status definitions.

iOSAndroid
iOS screen showing the Trouble Codes tab. The Menu button is highlighted.Android screen showing the Trouble Codes tab. The Menu button (3 vertical dots) is highlighted.


Troubleshooting tip

When you install Enhanced OEM Add-Ons, you may also see a dialog asking to select a vehicle diagnostic network. 

The default option for Enhanced Network is Prompt, which allows you to choose a diagnostic network each time you connect to your vehicle. The Generic OBD2 network option will provide access to many PIDs, but some PIDs are only available on a specific network.

For example, if you have a Toyota vehicle and you want to view Tire Pressure Monitor PIDs, you must select the Tire Pressure Monitor network. If you selected Generic OBD2 or Network A, you will not be able to access Tire Pressure Monitor PIDs.

To connect to a different diagnostic network, navigate to Settings > Vehicle Editor > Enhanced Network > Tap Select.

iOS screen showing Vehicle Editor menu. The Enhanced Network section is highlighted.


Learn more about diagnostics


Next steps

Congratulations! You’ve successfully installed and connected your OBDLink adapter and configured the OBDLink app. 

You can explore other OBDLink features and functionality using our support article knowledge base.

For descriptions of terms used in this article, see the Glossary of Acronyms and Terms.


Need more help?

OBDLink Support Forum 

Submit a Support Ticket 


OBDLink® is a registered trademark of OBD Solutions, LLC.