Android – Using MX and the Internet Simultaneously

Unlike iOS, the Android Operating System currently does not automatically re-route Internet traffic to your cellular connection. If your Android device has an active cell data subscription, the following instructions walk you through how to setup your Android as a Mobile HotSpot and how to configure OBDLink MX to connect to Mobile HotSpot, so you can connect to your car and the Internet simultaneously.

Depending on your mobile carrier and current plan, you may be able to use the Mobile Hotspot feature for no extra charge. However, this is not always the case so be sure to check with your carrier to see if any additional fees apply for Mobile Hotspot use before using this configuration.

Other options exist that don’t rely on Mobile Hotspot, but they generally require ‘rooting’ your Android device to overcome hardware (or carrier) limitations and running a 3rd party app. Since rooting  could void your phone’s warranty, we do not recommend this option.


Step 1: Access OBDLink Configuration Settings

  • OBDLink MX Wi-Fi uses SoftAP Mode by factory default. To change the default settings, access MX’s built-in web configuration screen.
  • Plug MX into the OBD port on your vehicle, and turn the key to the ON position.

DLC iconIgnition Key position

  • Verify the Green ‘POWER’ LED is on. Press MX’s multi-function button 3 times to activate Web Configuration Mode. The ‘Wi-Fi’ LED will be solid and blink OFF about every 3 seconds. Note: While in Web Configuration mode, MX will not work with the OBDLink app or other software.

MX Wireframe

  • Open Android’s ‘Settings’ app, and tap ‘Wi-Fi’. Select ‘OBDLink MX’ from available networks.

MX Connected

  • Open your preferred web browser, and type obdconfig.com in the address bar. MX’s Web Configuration page will appear:

MX default web config page


Step 2: Configure MX to connect to a Mobile HotSpot

  • Tap the box under ‘Network Mode’, select Client (Infrastructure).

Change to client infrastructure

  • Create and enter a name for your Mobile HotSpot in the ‘Network SSID’ field. Note: If you have previously configured Mobile HotSpot on your Android device, enter the existing Hotspot name in the ‘Network SSID’ field.

SSID

  • RECOMMENDED – Change Security Mode from ‘Open’ to ‘Secure (WPA1/WPA2)’, and enter a Passphrase.

Security modepassphrase

  • Write down the Network SSID and Passphrase, which are needed for Step 3. Tap the ‘Save & Reboot’ button.

Save and reboot

  • Tap ‘OK’ when prompted to save settings. The Web Configuration page confirms the configuration settings were saved. MX is now ready to connect to your Android Mobile HotSpot! Note: Wi-Fi connection will be dropped upon Web Configuration reboot. If an Android dialog box pops up stating ‘Connection problem’, tap OK.

Android dialog


Step 3: Configure Android Mobile HotSpot

  • Open the ‘Settings’ app on your Android device. Note: Location of Mobile HotSpot Settings can vary by phone. A Samsung Galaxy phone was used here, but see below for how to access Mobile HotSpot Settings on other major brands.

LG phones

Open ‘Settings’ app, and tap ‘Networks’ tab. Tap ‘Tethering & networks.’ To change network settings, tap on the words ‘Mobile Hotspot.’

HTC phones

Open ‘Settings’ app, and tap ‘More’ under ‘Wireless & Networks’ section. Tap ‘Mobile network sharing.’ To change network settings, tap the check box for Wi-Fi hotspot settings.

 

  • Tap ‘More Settings’

More settings

  • Tap ‘Mobile Hotspot’

Tap mobile hotspot

  • Tap ‘Configure’

Configure

  • Change ‘Network SSID’ and ‘Passphrase’ to what you wrote down in Step 2. Tap ‘Save’

Save hotspot

  • Tap the toggle switch to turn on the Mobile Hotspot. When notified this will turn off Wi-Fi. Tap ‘OK’

Hotspot off

  • Android will take a few moments to start the hotspot. The hotspot icon appears in the status bar.

Hotspot icon

  • Tap ‘Mobile HotSpot’ text. Note: A device automatically connected to your Mobile HotSpot. Since we pre-configured MX, this device is most likely MX. (By default, all MX devices have a MAC address starting with “00:06:66”).

Hotspot on


Step 4: Open the OBDLink app and start using it!

  • In the Android apps listing, tap ‘OBDLink’ to open.
  • On the app Dashboard, click ‘Connect’. The app will show a successful connection at the top of the dashboard screen. You can now use the all functionality included in the OBDLink app, and use your cell data connection for any Internet-related activities. Please verify with your carrier provider if any additional fees apply for Mobile Hotspot use.

Connect OBDLink app