Your new OBDeleven is on the table: a small adapter, that's it. No cable, no screen, no thick manual. It's natural to wonder: what now? The short answer: first download the free app, create an account, then connect the adapter via Bluetooth in the app itself. Within ten minutes you'll be reading your first fault codes. Below you'll walk through the entire first-time setup, including activating your plan or credits.
Quick answer: install the free OBDeleven app (iOS or Android), create an account, plug the adapter into the OBD2 port, turn on the ignition and connect via Bluetooth in the app, not via your phone's Bluetooth menu. You can then redeem an activation code for a plan or credits through the dashboard at obdeleven.com, logged in with the same account.
What do you need?
The setup is intentionally kept simple. This is everything you need before you start.
The OBDeleven adapter. The latest device is the OBDeleven 3. That's all there is to it: the adapter is the entire device.
A smartphone or tablet with Bluetooth. The free OBDeleven app is available for iOS and Android.
An OBDeleven account. Create one for free in the app. Remember your login details well, you'll need the same account for the dashboard later.
Your car with an OBD2 port. On most cars, it's located under the dashboard on the driver's side.
Optionally, an activation code. If you purchase a plan or individual credits, you'll receive the code by email. The PRO Pack and ULTIMATE Pack also come with such a code.
Step-by-step guide: installing and connecting OBDeleven
From box to first diagnosis in six steps.
- Download the app. Search for OBDeleven in the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play (Android). The app itself is free.
- Create an account. Register in the app with your email address. This account will also be your login for the web dashboard later, so don't use a disposable email address.
- Plug the adapter into the OBD2 port. Push it in firmly until it sits securely.
- Turn on the ignition. Without ignition, the adapter won't get power and the app won't find it. This is the most forgotten step.
- Connect via Bluetooth in the app. Open the OBDeleven app and make the connection to the adapter there. Don't pair the adapter via your phone's Bluetooth menu, that won't work.
- Let the app recognize your vehicle. After connecting, the app will identify your car. Then you can immediately read and clear fault codes and view live data with the free FREE plan.
Activate a plan or credits with a code
If you want more than diagnostics, such as coding, customization or One-Click Apps, you'll activate a PRO or ULTIMATE plan. You also activate individual credits with a code. Note: this can only be done via the web dashboard at obdeleven.com, not in the app. Here's how it works.
- Go to obdeleven.com. Click the Dashboard button in the top right.
- Log in with the same account as in the app. This is crucial: if you use a different account, the plan or credit will end up in the wrong place.
- Open the page "Activate your plan or Credits".
- Enter the code exactly as provided. Copy it directly from the email and click Activate.
- Verify it in the app. Under More and then your profile, you'll see your active plan and your credits.
Good to know: a code can only be redeemed once, is non-transferable, and is valid for 1 year from the purchase date. Don't wait too long to activate it.
If it doesn't work right away
The app can't find the adapter. First check that the ignition is on — without power, there's no connection. Then connect via the OBDeleven app itself, not through your phone's Bluetooth menu. Also make sure the adapter is firmly inserted into the port.
The activation code isn't working. Redeem codes through the dashboard at obdeleven.com, not in the app. Log in with the exact same account as in the app and copy the code precisely, without spaces or typos.
Your vehicle isn't being recognized. OBDeleven works on virtually all CAN-bus vehicles from around 2008 onwards, but not on older K-line vehicles like the VW Golf 4 or Passat B5. Not sure? Try the official compatibility check.
For more information about reading and coding, check out our other diagnostic device guides.
Which OBDeleven is right for you?
Just need to read and clear fault codes? The standalone device with the free FREE plan is enough. Want to adjust features too? Choose the PRO Pack with 100 credits for One-Click Apps, or the ULTIMATE Pack if you want unlimited One-Click Apps. Find all three in the OBDeleven collection.
View the OBDeleven 3 →
View the PRO Pack (+100 credits) →
View the ULTIMATE Pack →Frequently asked questions
Do I need a subscription to read fault codes?
No. With the free FREE plan, you can read and clear fault codes and view live data. You only need a PRO or ULTIMATE plan for coding, customization, and One-Click Apps.
Can I enter my activation code in the app?
No, you can only do that through the web dashboard at obdeleven.com. Click Dashboard in the top right, log in with the same account as in the app, and enter the code on the Activate your plan or Credits page.
Does OBDeleven work with my vehicle?
Fully compatible with the Volkswagen Group (VW, Audi, Skoda, SEAT/Cupra, Bentley, Lamborghini) and advanced support for BMW (including MINI) and Toyota (including Lexus). Ford (US models) and Mercedes-Benz work only on the OBDeleven 3. Basic diagnostics work on virtually all CAN-bus vehicles from around 2008 onwards.
How long is an activation code valid?
A code is valid for 1 year from the purchase date, can only be redeemed once, and is non-transferable. Activate it on time through the dashboard.
Quick summary
• Download the free app (iOS/Android) and create an account.
• Insert the adapter into the OBD2 port, turn on the ignition, and connect via Bluetooth in the app.
• Activate your plan or credits with your code through the dashboard at obdeleven.com using the same account.
• Code is single-use, non-transferable, and valid for 1 year from purchase.
• Not working? Check the ignition is on, connect in the app, and always redeem codes through the dashboard.