No, Driviko does not require an OBD module to work. However, using one allows the app to access additional engine data. Fuel cost calculations rely on data provided by the vehicle itself, and not all cars expose the necessary information, so accuracy may vary depending on the car.
An OBD module (On-Board Diagnostics module) is a small device that plugs into your car’s OBD port, usually found under the dashboard. It reads data from the vehicle’s onboard computer, such as engine status, fault codes, speed, and fuel-related information. OBD modules are commonly used to better understand how a car is running and to spot problems early. You can learn more about the technical background on Wikipedia.
OBD support depends on the vehicle’s age, engine type, and manufacturer. Most petrol cars sold since around 2001 and diesel cars since around 2004 support the OBD-II standard, but older vehicles may not have an OBD port at all. Even in supported vehicles, not every control unit exposes the same data, and some parameters may be unavailable or limited. Manufacturers may also restrict access to certain information, so full OBD functionality is not guaranteed for every vehicle.
Even if an electric vehicle has an OBD port, the data available through standard OBD protocols is very limited, because EV-specific information, such as battery condition, charging status, and thermal management, is not standardized. Currently, Driviko does not support EV-specific data, but support may be added in the future as standards or manufacturer access improve.
When choosing an OBD module for Driviko, keep these key points in mind:
Driviko also supports Wi-Fi OBD modules, but we do not recommend using them. Wi-Fi connections can be limiting for Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, as both rely on Wi-Fi for their wireless operation. In our testing, the Wi-Fi OBD modules we used were not Wi-Fi Direct but generic Wi-Fi, and both Android and iOS devices disconnected because the module had no internet connection. For a stable experience, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) modules are strongly recommended.
Before purchasing an OBD module, check whether your vehicle has an OBD2 port and where it is located. You can usually find this information in your car’s manual or by searching online.
Some OBD port locations are tucked into small or awkward spaces, so make sure you choose a module that will physically fit into the port without obstruction.
OBD modules can be purchased from online stores like Amazon or other electronics and automotive retailers.
OBD2 Bluetooth 5.0 Code Reader
RICOKEY OBD2 Bluetooth Scanner Code Reader (biggest one)
Veepeak OBDCheck BLE
Vgate iCar Pro BLE 4.0 OBD2 Diagnostic Tool Fault Code Reader (smallest one)
Connect your OBD module to your car. Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) modules do not require any pairing or additional configuration—just plug it in.
Go to the Settings tab, then the Configuration section, and select OBD modules. Follow the onboarding steps in Driviko to connect it.
Make sure your engine is running while performing the setup. The app checks all supported OBD IDs, and some may not respond correctly if the engine is off.
Keeping an OBD module connected all the time may draw power from your car battery, especially if the vehicle keeps the OBD port active while the engine is off. Over long periods, this could eventually deplete the battery. To avoid this, disconnect the module when the car is parked for extended periods or check whether your vehicle shuts off OBD power when the engine is off.
OBD modules communicate over Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), which is designed for convenience rather than strong security. In practice, nearby devices may be able to detect or read data broadcast by the OBD module. While this typically exposes only diagnostic and telemetry information, users with higher security concerns may prefer to keep the module connected only when actively tracking or using Driviko. Disconnecting the OBD module when it is not needed reduces unnecessary exposure.
If your OBD module requires pairing with a phone first, it is not a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) module, but a classic Bluetooth one. Classic Bluetooth modules are not supported by Driviko.
Make sure the module is properly plugged in and the car engine is on. The connector can be a bit tricky, so it may appear connected but not fully seated. Most modules have a power LED (usually green) and a Bluetooth activity LED (usually blue), both should be illuminated when the module is connected correctly.
Driviko sorts nearby devices by signal strength, so your OBD module should appear at or near the top of the list. OBD modules are commonly named “OBD”, “OBD-II”, or by the manufacturer name, such as “Veepeak”. The exact name is usually listed in the module’s manual, or on the device itself or its box, often as a QR code linking to online setup instructions.
This means the OBD module is detected, but the OBD-related services are not recognized. Please contact us by email, as this could be due to a bug or some specific behavior of your module that is not yet handled.
Not all OBD IDs are supported by every vehicle, so your car may not provide certain data through the OBD port. If you believe this is incorrect, or if the data works in another app, please contact us and let us know.
We appreciate your feedback. If the OBD module works well for you or if you run into any issues, please contact us and share your experience. Including details such as the OBD module model, your car make, model, year, and engine type helps us improve compatibility and support. We’re always happy to hear from you and continuously improve Driviko.