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How-to · iPhone and iPad

How to connect an ELM327 to an iPhone (and why it won't)

The cheap Bluetooth ELM327 never shows up on an iPhone, and it is not faulty. Which adapters do work with iOS and how to connect them step by step.

By Redacción de Satkit Updated 9 min read 9 sources cited

Black ELM327 Wi-Fi adapter with an orange label
Photo: Satkit (satkit.ie) · Original

In short

  • The iPhone does not support classic Bluetooth with these adapters: a normal Bluetooth ELM327 (v1.5, v2.1) will never show up.
  • What works with an iPhone: Wi-Fi adapters, Bluetooth 4.0 (LE) adapters and a few classic Bluetooth ones with Apple MFi certification.
  • Wi-Fi: join its network in Settings; the app uses 192.168.0.10, port 35000. Bluetooth LE: connect from inside the app, not from Settings.

You buy a Bluetooth ELM327, plug it into the car, open the iPhone's Bluetooth settings… and nothing shows up. Or it shows up and will not pair. The adapter is not broken: the iPhone simply does not speak that kind of Bluetooth. Here is why, which adapters do work with an iPhone or iPad, and how to connect them step by step.

If you are not sure yet what an ELM327 is, start with the ELM327 basics guide.

Why a Bluetooth ELM327 won't connect to an iPhone

Most cheap ELM327s (the "v1.5", "v2.1", the minis…) use classic Bluetooth with a profile called SPP (serial port). Android and Windows support it out of the box, which is why they work there.

Apple does not include SPP among the Bluetooth profiles the iPhone supports. For an app to talk to an accessory over classic Bluetooth, the accessory has to be certified by Apple under its MFi ("Made for iPhone") programme. Almost no ELM327 is: certification costs money and does not pay off on a device that sells for a few euros.

Watch out

No setting, app or trick fixes this: a classic Bluetooth ELM327 without MFi certification will not work with an iPhone or iPad. If you already have one, it will still work with an Android phone or a Windows laptop.

The three options that do work with an iPhone

Adapter type How it connects Pros Cons
Wi-Fi You join the adapter's Wi-Fi network in Settings and the app connects to its IP ✓ Cheap and supported by almost every app ✕ While in use, the iPhone has no Wi-Fi internet. ✕ On iOS 14 or later you sometimes need to set the IP by hand
Bluetooth 4.0 (LE) Found and connected from inside the app, not from Settings ✓ Leaves the Wi-Fi free. ✓ The most convenient link on iPhone ✕ A bit pricier. ✕ The app must support Bluetooth LE
Classic Bluetooth with MFi Paired in Settings, like headphones ✓ Works the same on iPhone and Android ✕ Very few models, and expensive (OBDLink MX+, vLinker FS, vLinker MS)
  • Wi-Fi is the simplest and cheapest option. It is the one we recommend if you want something that works with any app: the ELM327 Wi-Fi or, if you prefer a known brand, the Vgate iCar2 Wi-Fi. If you are torn between the two, we compare them in ELM327 Wi-Fi vs Vgate iCar2.
  • Bluetooth 4.0 (LE) is the most convenient day to day, because the phone keeps its Wi-Fi. Careful when buying: many listings say "Bluetooth" without the version, and if it is classic it will not work.
  • Classic Bluetooth with MFi: Car Scanner and OBD Auto Doctor name the OBDLink MX+, vLinker FS and vLinker MS as exceptions. They are high-end adapters, not generic ELM327s.
Vgate iCar2 Wi-Fi with its box, CD and manual
Fig. 01 Vgate iCar2 Wi-Fi: it creates its own Wi-Fi network, so it works with an iPhone Photo: Satkit (satkit.ie)

What about the Vgate vLinker BM+?

Yes: the Vgate vLinker BM+ is Bluetooth 4.0 (LE) and works with iPhone, both with general apps (Car Scanner, OBD Fusion) and with BimmerCode and BimmerLink for BMW and MINI. You connect from the app, not from Settings. The only catch: BimmerCode for iPhone does not support BMW E-series cars from before 2008 (the Android version does).

Step by step: a Wi-Fi adapter on the iPhone

  1. Plug the adapter into the car's OBD2 port (usually under the steering wheel) and turn the ignition on or start the engine. With the ignition off, many adapters do not switch their Wi-Fi on.
  2. On the iPhone, go to Settings › Wi-Fi and join the adapter's network. It is usually called "WiFi_OBDII", "OBDII", "WiFiOBD" or similar. If it asks for a password, it is in the adapter's instructions.
  3. iOS will warn that the network has no internet connection. That is expected: it is a network just between the phone and the adapter.
  4. Open the app (for example Car Scanner), go to Settings › Adapter and choose Wi-Fi as the connection type.
  5. Check the address and port: on most adapters they are IP 192.168.0.10 and port 35000. If your adapter's instructions give other values, use those.
  6. Go back to the main screen and tap Connect.

No Wi-Fi internet

An iPhone can only be on one Wi-Fi network at a time. While connected to the adapter, browsing, maps and downloads will use mobile data.

If it won't connect on iOS 14 or later: manual IP

Since iOS 14 it is common for the iPhone to say it is connected to the adapter's network while the app cannot reach the adapter. The fix published by Car Scanner is to set the iPhone's IP by hand:

  1. Go to Settings › Wi-Fi and tap the "i" next to the adapter's network name.
  2. Under Configure IP (IPv4 section), change Automatic to Manual.
  3. Enter:
    • IP Address: 192.168.0.2
    • Subnet Mask: 192.0.0.0
    • Router: 192.168.0.10
  4. Tap Save and try again from the app.

The field that really matters is Router: it must be the adapter's address (192.168.0.10 on most). The 192.0.0.0 mask is the one Car Scanner gives for this issue; older guides, such as DashCommand's, use IP 192.168.0.11 and mask 255.255.255.0 with the same router. If one combination does not work, try the other. And if your adapter uses a different address, put that in Router and give the iPhone a different IP on the same network.

Does this affect other Wi-Fi networks?

No. The manual setting is stored only for the adapter's network; your home or work Wi-Fi stays on automatic.

Step by step: a Bluetooth 4.0 (LE) adapter on the iPhone

  1. Plug the adapter in and turn the ignition on.
  2. Make sure Bluetooth is on, but do not pair it in Settings › Bluetooth: with Bluetooth LE that is not needed, and it often does not even appear there.
  3. Open the app and find the adapter option. In Car Scanner: Settings › Adapter › Bluetooth 4.0 (LE), then Select device.
  4. Wait for the adapter to appear in the list, pick it and let the app run its check.
  5. Go back to the main screen and tap Connect. Next time it will connect by itself.

If the app offers no Bluetooth LE option, that app does not support these adapters on iPhone: you need another app or a Wi-Fi adapter.

iPhone apps

All are free to download and charge for advanced features. All three support Wi-Fi and Bluetooth LE adapters.

  • Car Scanner ELM OBD2: the most complete for general use; fault codes, live data, custom dashboards and extra features for some brands. Its guides are the basis of this article.
  • OBD Auto Doctor: read and clear fault codes, live data and emissions readiness monitors (handy before an MOT or inspection). It publishes a clear list of iOS-compatible adapters.
  • inCarDoc: fault codes, live data and a trip and fuel logbook.

For Ford and Mazda there is FORScan Lite on iPhone, and for BMW and MINI, BimmerCode and BimmerLink; each has its own adapter list, so check it before you buy.

If it won't connect: quick checklist

  • The adapter does not show up in Settings › Bluetooth: if it is classic Bluetooth, that is normal and cannot be fixed on an iPhone. If it is Bluetooth LE, search for it from the app, not from Settings.
  • The adapter's Wi-Fi network does not appear: turn the ignition on, unplug and replug the adapter and wait a few seconds.
  • Joined the Wi-Fi network, but the app will not connect: check IP and port in the app (192.168.0.10 and 35000) and, on iOS 14 or later, apply the manual IP above.
  • Connects to the adapter but not to the car: try with the engine running and check that your car has OBD2 (in Europe, petrol from about 2001 and diesel from about 2004).

Frequently asked questions

Can I use a Bluetooth ELM327 v1.5 or v2.1 with an iPhone?

No, if it is classic Bluetooth, which is normal for these models. iOS only lets apps use classic Bluetooth with accessories that have Apple MFi certification. You need a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth 4.0 (LE) adapter.

How do I know if an adapter is Bluetooth 4.0 (LE)?

Look for an explicit "BLE" or "Bluetooth Low Energy", or a stated iPhone or iOS compatibility. "Bluetooth 4.0" on its own is not enough: many adapters advertise it and are still classic Bluetooth, which does not work with an iPhone. If it only says "Bluetooth", or the version is 1.x, 2.x or 3.x, it is classic Bluetooth.

Why does my iPhone lose internet when I use the Wi-Fi adapter?

Because the iPhone is joined to the adapter's Wi-Fi network, which has no internet access. While you use it, the iPhone uses mobile data for the internet.

Which IP and port do I enter in the app?

On most Wi-Fi adapters, IP 192.168.0.10 and port 35000. If your adapter's instructions say otherwise, use theirs. Remember it is the adapter's IP, not the iPhone's.

Does the same apply to an iPad?

Yes. The iPad runs the same system as the iPhone, with the same Bluetooth limits and the same steps for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth LE.

Products mentioned

Black ELM327 Wi-Fi adapter with an orange label

ELM327 Wi-Fi OBD2

Wi-Fi OBD2 adapter that creates its own network: works with iPhone, Android and Windows PCs. Reads and clears engine fault codes and shows live data.

Where to buyfrom €17.22

Prices incl. VAT checked on 7 October 2026; they may change.

Vgate iCar2 Wi-Fi adapters in six colours

Vgate iCar2 Wi-Fi

Vgate Wi-Fi OBD2 adapter for iPhone, Android and Windows. It goes to sleep by itself when idle so it does not drain the car battery.

Where to buyfrom €23.37

Prices incl. VAT checked on 7 October 2026; they may change.

Blue and white Vgate vLinker BM+ inside its open box, next to the manual

Vgate vLinker BM+

Vgate Bluetooth 4.0 adapter for BMW and MINI with BimmerCode and BimmerLink. iPhone, Android and Windows.

Where to buyfrom €47.97

Prices incl. VAT checked on 7 October 2026; they may change.

Sources

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