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ATHENA OBD
The Athena OBD adapter

Small enough for the glovebox

It plugs into the diagnostic socket every car has had since 1996 and talks to your phone over Bluetooth LE. Unplug it when you're done: most cars power that socket all the time, so a plugged-in adapter slowly drains the battery.

$29.99once · plus USPS shipping · 30-day returns

iPhone and Android

Bluetooth LE, the kind iPhones need. Most cheap adapters use older Bluetooth that iPhones can't talk to.

Most cars from 1996

It works out how your car talks by itself, from a 1990s import to a new hybrid. It doesn't speak the older wiring (J1850) many Fords, GMs and Chryslers used before 2008: check yours first.

Nothing to set up

No pairing in Settings, no Wi-Fi to join, no account. Plug it in, open the app, and it connects.

For the technically minded

ChipELM327
ProtocolsCAN 11 and 29 bit (ISO 15765), ISO 9141-2, ISO 14230 KWP2000. Not J1850 PWM / VPW.
WirelessBluetooth LE
ConnectorSAE J1962 16-pin, powered by the car
Tested and supported byAutoLingo LLC, who also sell the AutoLingo for BMW adapter

Specifications of the production adapter.