OBD2 Car ScannerLast updated: November 15, 2026
This Privacy Policy explains how the OBD2 Car Scanner: Fault Codes app ("the app", "we", "us") handles information when you use it on your Android device. By using the app, you agree to this policy.
1. Information we do NOT collect
- We do not ask you to create an account.
- We do not collect your name, email address, phone number or contacts.
- We do not access your precise location. The "Nearby help" tool opens Google Maps, and any location there is handled by Google Maps, not by us.
- Your scan results, fault codes, saved vehicles, chat questions and settings are stored only on your device. We do not upload them to our own servers.
2. Information processed on your device
- Vehicle data: when you connect an ELM327 OBD2 adapter over Bluetooth, BLE or Wi-Fi, the app reads data from your car (such as fault codes, live sensor values, readiness and VIN). This data stays on your device.
- Car assistant: answers are generated on your device and work offline. Your questions are not sent to us.
- Translation: if you use translation, the app may download language models from Google (ML Kit). Translation itself happens on your device.
3. Permissions we use
- Bluetooth / Nearby devices: to find and connect to your OBD2 adapter. On Android 12 and newer, this permission is not used to determine your location.
- Location (Android 11 and older only): older Android versions require location permission to scan for Bluetooth devices. The app does not use it to track your location.
- Internet and network state: to load ads, check recalls, decode VINs, process purchases and send crash reports.
- Notifications: to send optional reminders and updates. You can turn them off in your phone settings.
- Billing: to process subscriptions through Google Play.
4. Online services the app uses
When you use certain features, your device connects to these services:
- NHTSA (U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration): when you check safety recalls or decode a VIN, the vehicle make, model, year or VIN you enter is sent to NHTSA's public API to get results.
- Google Maps: opened when you use "Nearby help".
- External websites: some links open fault code websites in your browser. Their own privacy policies apply.
5. Third-party services that may collect information
The app uses the following third-party services. They may collect information such as your device's advertising ID, IP address, device model, OS version, app usage and crash data, according to their own privacy policies:
- Google AdMob (ads): https://policies.google.com/privacy
- Google Firebase Analytics and Crashlytics (app usage statistics and crash reports): https://firebase.google.com/support/privacy
- Google Play Billing (subscriptions): https://policies.google.com/privacy
- OneSignal (push notifications): https://onesignal.com/privacy_policy
- Google ML Kit (on-device translation models): https://policies.google.com/privacy
6. Advertising
Free users see ads served by Google AdMob. AdMob may use your device's advertising ID to show personalized or non-personalized ads. You can reset your advertising ID or opt out of personalized ads in your device settings (Settings > Google > Ads, or Settings > Privacy > Ads). Premium subscribers do not see ads.
7. Subscriptions and payments
Purchases are handled entirely by Google Play. We never see or store your card or payment details. We only receive confirmation of whether your subscription is active. You can manage or cancel your subscription anytime in the Google Play Store.
8. Data retention and deletion
Data stored by the app lives on your device. You can delete it at any time by clearing the app's data (Settings > Apps > OBD2 Car Scanner > Storage > Clear data) or by uninstalling the app. Data collected by the third-party services above is kept according to their own policies.
9. Children's privacy
The app is not directed at children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe a child has provided us information, please contact us and we will help remove it.
10. Security
We use the security measures provided by Android and our service providers to protect information. However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure.
11. Disclaimer
Information shown by the app, including fault code explanations and assistant answers, is for general guidance only. Always consult a qualified mechanic before making repairs. Do not use the app while driving.
12. Changes to this policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page with a new "Last updated" date.
13. Contact us
If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, contact us at: