Which OBD2 adapter works with OBD DashX?
OBD DashX works with ELM327-based OBD2 adapters that connect over classic Bluetooth. That is the kind you pair in your Android Bluetooth settings. Bluetooth LE-only adapters and WiFi adapters are not supported, and the app is Android only.
This page helps you check whether your adapter will work, and what to do if it won't connect.
Will my adapter work?
Answer three questions.
- Is it ELM327-based? Most cheap and mid-priced OBD2 Bluetooth adapters are. The listing or the box usually says "ELM327".
- Does it pair in your phone's Bluetooth settings? Open Settings > Bluetooth, scan, and look for the adapter (often named OBDII, OBD2, VLINK, or similar). If it shows up there and pairs, it is classic Bluetooth. That is what we need.
- Is it Bluetooth LE-only or WiFi? If it only connects inside its own app, or it creates a WiFi network you join, it will not work with OBD DashX.
If the answers are yes, yes, no, your adapter should work. We have not yet bench-tested specific branded adapters, so see the table below for what we have confirmed so far.
How to tell classic Bluetooth from BLE
Classic Bluetooth (SPP) and Bluetooth LE look the same on a product page. Some practical signs:
- Classic Bluetooth adapters usually show up in your phone's Bluetooth settings and ask for a PIN, often 1234 or 0000.
- BLE adapters often do not appear in Bluetooth settings at all. They only show up inside a specific app.
- Packaging that says "BLE", "Bluetooth 4.0 LE", "Bluetooth Low Energy" or "iOS compatible" often means BLE. Many adapters sold for iPhone are BLE because iPhones cannot use classic Bluetooth OBD adapters.
- If the seller lists both "Android" and "iOS" with a single Bluetooth model, check carefully. Some are dual-mode. Many are not.
When in doubt, ask the seller: "Does this pair as classic Bluetooth (SPP) on Android?"
Clone adapters (the blue mini ELM327)
The small blue "Super Mini ELM327 v2.1" adapters are very common and very cheap. Many are clones of the original ELM327 chip.
- Many of them work fine for basic code reading.
- Some report the wrong firmware version.
- Some drop the connection, or are slow.
- Some cannot talk to every module in the car, so you may see only the engine ECU.
If one of these gives you trouble, the adapter is the most likely cause. Try a better-quality adapter before assuming the app or the car is at fault. A well-made adapter usually costs a little more, but it is more stable.
Tested adapters
We're testing adapters now. This list fills in as results come in.
| Adapter | Bluetooth type | Firmware/chip | Result | Date tested | Notes |
|---|
Submit your adapter for testing
Do you make or sell OBD2 adapters? Send us a unit and we will test it with OBD DashX and publish the result, whatever it is. Contact us through the app or through this site.
Own an adapter and want to tell us how it went? Send us the model and what happened. We will test it ourselves before listing it.
Troubleshooting: adapter won't connect
If your ELM327 Bluetooth adapter is not connecting, work through these in order.
- Turn the ignition on. Plug the adapter into the OBD port, then switch the ignition to ON (engine running is fine). Many adapters stay off or cannot reach the car otherwise.
- Pair in Android settings first. Open Settings > Bluetooth and pair the adapter there before opening OBD DashX. The app uses an already-paired adapter.
- Enter the PIN. If asked, try 1234. If that fails, try 0000.
- Forget and re-pair. Remove the adapter from your paired devices, unplug it for a few seconds, plug it back in, and pair again.
- Close other OBD apps. Only one app can hold the connection to the adapter at a time. Fully close any other OBD app, then retry.
- Check it is not BLE-only. If it never appeared in Bluetooth settings, it is probably BLE-only or WiFi, and OBD DashX can't use it.
FAQ
Do WiFi OBD2 adapters work?
No. OBD DashX supports classic Bluetooth ELM327 adapters only.
Does OBD DashX work on iPhone?
No. It is an Android app. Also, most iPhone-compatible OBD adapters are BLE, which the app does not support.
Will it work on my car?
It works with OBD2-compliant vehicles: US cars from 1996 on, EU petrol cars from 2001, and EU diesel cars from 2004. Your car must also be one your adapter can talk to.
Which modules can it read?
That depends on your car and your adapter. The engine ECU is the most commonly readable. Other modules respond on some cars and not on others, and cheaper adapters are more likely to miss them.
Get the app
We built OBD DashX for people who own one car and want to understand it. Reading codes, live data, the HUD and logging are free. Clearing codes is a one-time purchase. No subscriptions.