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User profile for user: Helpmelearn333
Helpmelearn333 Author
User level: Level 1
5 points

Mini elm327 Bluetooth won’t connect to iPhone 12 with Ford Focus 2015 SE 4D

I have a mini obd2 scanner only information is on the scanner is this “elm 327 mini Bluetooth interface supports all OBDll protocols” it also says this on it “RoHS” with a check mark, don’t know if that helps or not but wanted to include every detail. It won’t connect to my iPhone 12, when I plug the scanner into my port on my car which my car is a 2015 ford focus SE 4 door the scanner lights up green real fast then goes to red like it should but it won’t connect thru any scanning apps or on the iPhone Bluetooth settings. I will say I tried to use that scanner before when I had an android and the same car and it worked, so idk if it’s just with iPhone or what. The apps I tried to use were: FasLink X, BlueDriver OBD2 Scan Tool, EOBD Facile: OBD 2 Car Scanner, OBDAuto Doctor car scanner, FIXD OBD2 Scanner, OBDLink. None of those would connect, I realized some of those apps u needed a different scanner for, but I just downloaded all the ones I seen with the best and most reviews. Any suggestions on what to do? I was thinking of using my chrome book laptop to see if I could get a scanner app on there and see if it would work with that but haven’t gotten that far. Thank you!

iPhone 12, iOS 16

Posted on Sep 12, 2023 11:51 PM

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User profile for user: SravanKrA
SravanKrA
Community+ 2024
User level: Level 10
413,802 points

Posted on Sep 13, 2023 12:14 AM

It sounds like you're experiencing connectivity issues with your mini ELM327 Bluetooth OBD2 scanner when trying to connect it to your iPhone 12 with your 2015 Ford Focus SE 4D. Here are some steps and tips to help you troubleshoot and potentially resolve the problem:


  1. Ensure that your ELM327 Bluetooth scanner is compatible with iOS devices like the iPhone 12. While it worked with Android in the past, iOS may have different compatibility requirements.
  2. Make sure you've correctly paired your ELM327 scanner with your iPhone. Follow these steps:
    1. Turn on the ignition in your car (but do not start the engine).
    2. Plug the ELM327 scanner into the OBD2 port.
    3. Enable Bluetooth on your iPhone.
    4. Open the Bluetooth settings on your iPhone and look for the ELM327 scanner in the list of available devices. Pair it when you find it.
  3. Ensure that the scanning apps have the necessary permissions to access Bluetooth on your iPhone. Go to your iPhone's settings, select the app, and grant it Bluetooth access.
  4. If you've previously paired your ELM327 scanner with another device (e.g., Android phone), make sure to "forget" or unpair it from that device to avoid conflicts.
  5. Try unplugging the ELM327 scanner from the OBD2 port, turn off your car, wait a minute, and then restart the car. Afterward, try pairing the scanner with your iPhone again.
  6. Check if there are any firmware updates available for your ELM327 scanner. Manufacturers sometimes release updates to improve compatibility.
  7. Some OBD2 apps may work better with specific OBD2 adapters. Try a different OBD2 app and see if it can establish a connection with your scanner.
  8. If possible, test your ELM327 scanner with a different iOS device to see if the issue is specific to your iPhone 12.
  9. Ensure that the OBD2 port in your Ford Focus is clean, and the pins are not damaged or bent. A faulty OBD2 port could prevent a connection.
  10. If none of the above steps work, consider reaching out to the manufacturer's customer support for assistance or clarification on iOS compatibility.
  11. As you mentioned, you can also try connecting your ELM327 scanner to a laptop with OBD2 software to see if it works. This will help determine if the issue is specific to iOS or the scanner itself.


Keep in mind that ELM327 scanners can vary in quality and compatibility, so it's possible that your specific scanner may have limitations when used with an iPhone. If you continue to experience issues, you may need to consider investing in a different OBD2 scanner that is known to work well with iOS devices.

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User profile for user: SravanKrA
SravanKrA
Community+ 2024
User level: Level 10
413,802 points

Sep 13, 2023 12:14 AM in response to Helpmelearn333

It sounds like you're experiencing connectivity issues with your mini ELM327 Bluetooth OBD2 scanner when trying to connect it to your iPhone 12 with your 2015 Ford Focus SE 4D. Here are some steps and tips to help you troubleshoot and potentially resolve the problem:


  1. Ensure that your ELM327 Bluetooth scanner is compatible with iOS devices like the iPhone 12. While it worked with Android in the past, iOS may have different compatibility requirements.
  2. Make sure you've correctly paired your ELM327 scanner with your iPhone. Follow these steps:
    1. Turn on the ignition in your car (but do not start the engine).
    2. Plug the ELM327 scanner into the OBD2 port.
    3. Enable Bluetooth on your iPhone.
    4. Open the Bluetooth settings on your iPhone and look for the ELM327 scanner in the list of available devices. Pair it when you find it.
  3. Ensure that the scanning apps have the necessary permissions to access Bluetooth on your iPhone. Go to your iPhone's settings, select the app, and grant it Bluetooth access.
  4. If you've previously paired your ELM327 scanner with another device (e.g., Android phone), make sure to "forget" or unpair it from that device to avoid conflicts.
  5. Try unplugging the ELM327 scanner from the OBD2 port, turn off your car, wait a minute, and then restart the car. Afterward, try pairing the scanner with your iPhone again.
  6. Check if there are any firmware updates available for your ELM327 scanner. Manufacturers sometimes release updates to improve compatibility.
  7. Some OBD2 apps may work better with specific OBD2 adapters. Try a different OBD2 app and see if it can establish a connection with your scanner.
  8. If possible, test your ELM327 scanner with a different iOS device to see if the issue is specific to your iPhone 12.
  9. Ensure that the OBD2 port in your Ford Focus is clean, and the pins are not damaged or bent. A faulty OBD2 port could prevent a connection.
  10. If none of the above steps work, consider reaching out to the manufacturer's customer support for assistance or clarification on iOS compatibility.
  11. As you mentioned, you can also try connecting your ELM327 scanner to a laptop with OBD2 software to see if it works. This will help determine if the issue is specific to iOS or the scanner itself.


Keep in mind that ELM327 scanners can vary in quality and compatibility, so it's possible that your specific scanner may have limitations when used with an iPhone. If you continue to experience issues, you may need to consider investing in a different OBD2 scanner that is known to work well with iOS devices.

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Mini elm327 Bluetooth won’t connect to iPhone 12 with Ford Focus 2015 SE 4D

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