I’ve seen many posts on this forum recommending the ELM 327 Bluetooth OBDII scanner and the Torque app, but that setup does not work with Apple iOS devices.

There are a few alternatives now out there that are compatible with iOS, but does anyone here have experience with them, either what to buy or what to avoid?

I know someone locally who’s been happy with the BlueDriver but it’s $99.95. There’s also the UltraGauge Blue but it’s $79.95. I’d like to find something priced closer to the ELM 327 ($9.99).

I use an UltraGauge in my Rover for day-to-day plus I have a Hawkeye for more in-depth work, so any Bluetooth OBDII setup would be more for other vehicles driven by family and friends.

 

I think that iOS won't work with *any* Bluetooth dongle - you need to use WiFi. The OBDII reader creates a wifi hotspot - you join that and launch an app to connect. If I remember correctly, this is just an iOS limitation.

I use this one without issue with my iPhone:

 

I use the BlueDriver with my iPhone using Bluetooth - it works great. I just responded to a similar post today about it. It really is an amazing tool and a great value at $100...

 

Oops... I guess bluetooth can work. I stand corrected.

 

Kevinbly, thanks for the recommendation. I prefer to find a Bluetooth device, but if no inexpensive iOS-compatible Bluetooth tool gets recommended here I may try the WiFi unit you recommended.

 

The blue driver is not WiFi - it is actual Bluetooth and iOS compatible.

 

I dont get why BT would be desired over WiFi. I mean from a security standpoint I get it, but this is car work not a home computer device setup. I have the WiFi version of the ELM327 and a free iOS app that does all I need for live data, fault codes, etc. But I bought the ELM327 mainly for use with my laptop for digging into the deep end and the software only works over WiFi.

 

UltraGauge Blue (BlueTooth) on an iPod mini/iPhone used all day!!!! I keep the OBD dongle plugged in even when the Disco is turned off.
Well worth the money.

 

My (very) minor reason for preferring BT is that I envisioned connecting an old iPhone or iPad to an OBDII device and simultaneously having it connected via WiFi to my current iPhone. The old iPhone would be mounted on the dash to display maps and OBDII data and the current iPhone would feed it the mapping data. Small potatoes, really. The OBDII function is more important in this scenario, and if it needs to be WiFi so be it.

But Dakota, which free iOS app are you using, please? Thanks.

 

I use a wifi dongle w/ OBD Fusion on iphone.

This dongle indicates it is Bluetooth, works with OBD Fusion, and iOS compatible. The OBD Fusion app is $5.

Given Amazon's liberal return policy, I'd give it a shot.

One word of caution on these dongles.... when I leave my wifi version in place, it can drain the battery. It does not power down when the car is turned off.

Some of the supporting material suggests Bluetooth is more power efficient. Not sure if that allows it to remain in the port for long periods without battery drain. YMMV.