First Connection Guide
Follow these steps to connect your OBD2 adapter and start monitoring your vehicle.
Before you start
- OBD2 adapter (Bluetooth or WiFi)
- Android device with SmartControl OBD2 installed
- Vehicle with OBD2 port (1996+ US, 2001+ EU petrol, 2004+ EU diesel)
Don't have an adapter? See our recommended adapters →
Bluetooth Connection
Plug in the adapter
Locate the OBD2 port under your dashboard (usually near the steering column) and plug in your adapter. The LED should light up.
Pair via Android Settings
Go to Settings → Bluetooth on your Android device. Look for your adapter (usually named "OBDII", "OBD2", "Vgate", or similar) and pair it.
Default PIN codes:
1234 or 0000
Turn on the ignition
Turn the car key to the "ON" position (or press the start button without pressing the brake). The engine doesn't need to be running for initial setup.
Open SmartControl OBD2
Launch the app. Go to Settings → Connection and select Bluetooth. Choose your paired adapter from the list.
Connect!
Tap Connect. The app will detect your vehicle's protocol and start receiving data. First connection may take 10-30 seconds.
WiFi Connection
Plug in the adapter
Same as Bluetooth: plug the adapter into your OBD2 port. The LED should light up.
Connect to adapter's WiFi
Go to Settings → WiFi on your Android device. Connect to the adapter's network (usually "WiFi_OBDII", "CLKDevices", or "V-LINK").
Note: You won't have internet access while connected to the adapter's WiFi network.
Turn on the ignition
Turn the car key to "ON" position.
Open SmartControl OBD2
Go to Settings → Connection and select WiFi. The default IP is usually 192.168.0.10 port 35000.
Connect!
Tap Connect and wait for the app to establish the connection.
Troubleshooting
Adapter not found in Bluetooth list
- Make sure the adapter is plugged in and the LED is on
- Turn off and on Bluetooth on your phone
- Try removing and re-pairing the device
- Some adapters need the ignition ON to be discoverable
Connection fails or times out
- Ensure ignition is ON (not just accessory mode)
- Try disconnecting and reconnecting
- Restart the app
- For cheap adapters: may be a clone issue
No data or "Unable to connect to ECU"
- Your vehicle may not support all OBD2 PIDs
- Try starting the engine
- Ensure the adapter is fully inserted into the port
- Some older vehicles have limited OBD2 support
Still having trouble?
Our support team is here to help.