Connecting your OBD2 ELM WiFi adapter to your smartphone or tablet is a straightforward process, allowing you to access your vehicle’s diagnostics with ease. This guide will walk you through each step to get your adapter set up and ready to use with your car scanner app. Before you begin, ensure you have an OBDII ELM327 adapter with WiFi connectivity.
Step #1: Plug In and Power On Your OBD2 ELM WiFi Adapter
The first step is to physically connect your OBD2 adapter to your vehicle. Locate the OBDII diagnostic socket in your car, which is typically found under the dashboard on the driver’s side. Plug the OBDII ELM327 adapter firmly into this socket.
Once plugged in, you’ll need to power on the adapter. For most models, simply turning on your car’s ignition or starting the engine will power the adapter. Some adapters are equipped with a power button on the device itself; if yours has one, make sure to press it to activate the adapter.
Step #2: Connect to the Adapter’s WiFi Network on Your Device
Now, you need to establish a WiFi connection between your smartphone or tablet and the OBD2 adapter. Open your device’s WiFi settings – this is accessed through your phone or tablet’s settings menu, not within the car scanner application itself. Ensure that WiFi is turned on.
Next, scan for available WiFi networks. Your OBD2 ELM327 adapter will broadcast a WiFi network, typically identified by names like “OBDII,” “OBD2,” or “WIFI_OBDII.” Some brands, such as VGate, might use a more specific network name like “VLINK.” Select the network name associated with your OBD2 adapter to initiate the connection.
In most cases, these adapter WiFi networks do not require a password. However, if prompted for a password, consult the documentation that came with your specific OBD2 ELM327 adapter for the correct credentials. It’s important to note that the WiFi network name will never be related to your car’s brand.
Step #3: Configure Your Car Scanner App Settings
With the WiFi connection established, the final step is to configure your car scanner application to communicate with the OBD2 adapter. Open your chosen car scanner app (like Car Scanner) and navigate to the settings menu. This is usually represented by a gear icon, often located in the top-right corner of the app’s main screen.
Within the settings menu, look for an option labeled “Adapter” or, in older versions of some apps, “Connection.” Tap on this setting to proceed.
In the Adapter or Connection settings, you will be presented with different connection types. Select “Wi-Fi” as your connection method.
Finally, verify the adapter’s IP address and port settings within the app. For the majority of OBD2 ELM327 WiFi adapters, the default IP address is 192.168.0.10 and the port is 35000. However, some adapters may utilize different settings. It is crucial to check the documentation provided with your adapter to confirm the correct IP address and port if these defaults do not work.
That’s all there is to it! With these settings configured, you should now be able to connect to your vehicle’s diagnostic system. Simply tap the prominent “Connect” button within your car scanner app, and you’re ready to start diagnosing your car.
For subsequent connections, ensure your device is connected to the OBD2 WiFi network and then just press the “Connect” button in your app. This streamlined setup allows for quick and easy access to your vehicle’s data whenever you need it.
