Common ELM327 Bluetooth OBD Scanners

This article will guide you how to successfully connect ELM327 Bluetooth OBD Scanner to your Android Phone or Tablet. It will then work with any OBD App.   FACT: Android Apps vs. Windows OBD Software If you are a professional mechanic, auto technician or serious DIY'er — then we highly recommend to rather consider professional Windows based OBD software. Because while Android apps are convenient — they are still years behind proper advanced OBD2 and ECU performance tuning software offered only on Windows, like TOAD.

STEP 1: Plug ELM327 Bluetooth into Car's OBD Port

Car's OBD port is usually found on the driver side dashboard under the steering wheel...

Can't find car's OBD port? Locate it here.

 

STEP 2: Turn ON Car Ignition

This is one step before engine is powered.

STEP 3: Pair ELM327 Bluetooth

On your Phone / Tablet — go to "Settings" > "Bluetooth". Connect to Bluetooth signal with names similar to: OBDII, OBD-II, ELM327, VLink, Can OBDII, etc.

NOTE: It can take up to 15 seconds for Bluetooth signal to show. If signal DOES NOT show, then turn OFF Bluetooth in settings, wait 5 sec, and turn Bluetooth ON again. Repeat this suggestion until signal eventually shows. Because as long as the red Power light is lit on the ELM327 Bluetooth device, it means it's physically working.

Pair code: 1234 If above doesn't pair, then: 0000

 

STEP 4: Configure OBD App To Detect Bluetooth

Launch preferred OBD App. (We put together a list of best OBD apps here.)

Go to "Settings" of that App, and configure it to look for Bluetooth. See this article demonstrating settings we had to change in "Torque" for it to detect ELM327 Bluetooth. Same principle applies to any OBD application. (This part is CRUCICAL, else Application won't detect ELM327 Bluetooth and hence will not connect to car's ECU. And one may end up blaming a broken ELM327 Bluetooth, when it's not).

STEP 5: Connect To Car

OBD Application should now successfully connect to the vehicle's ECU.

NOTE: If OBD App still does NOT detect the Bluetooth connection — then force quit the App and launch it again. (To force quit inside Android, use "Task Manager".)