# DPF Companion — Real-time DPF regen monitoring

> Real-time DPF monitoring and diagnostics for Volkswagen Group diesel vehicles. (iPhone/iPad app by Nifty Noodle Limited.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dpf-companion/id6762310089 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Nifty Noodle Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/1893758793)
- Category: Utilities, Lifestyle
- Price: $11.99
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 16.0 · 28 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2026-07-02
- Data updated: 2026-09-12
- Monetization: free with in-app purchases
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dpf-companion/id6762310089/reviews.md

## What is DPF Companion?

DPF Companion is a real-time diesel particulate filter monitoring app for diesel vehicle owners. Connect to your vehicle via a Bluetooth OBD-II dongle and get instant visibility into your DPF health, regeneration status, and engine performance.

KEY FEATURES:

• Live DPF Monitoring — Track soot loading in real-time with a visual gauge showing percentage and grams. Know exactly when your next regeneration will occur.

• Regen Countdown Timer — Estimates minutes remaining until your next DPF regeneration starts, or until an active regen completes. Never be caught mid-regen on a short trip again.

• Smart Vehicle Alerts — Notifications when a regen is approaching, when one is predicted based on your driving pattern, when fuel efficiency drops, and when your device needs syncing.

• Trip Recording — Automatic trip detection with GPS routes, fuel consumption, driving style analysis, and distance tracking. Works with phone connected or standalone device.

• Multi-Vehicle Support — Automatically detects and tracks multiple vehicles. Each vehicle maintains its own trip history, regen data, and health scores.

• DPF Health Dashboard — Overall health score based on regeneration patterns, soot trends, and driving habits.

• Fault Code Scanning — Read diagnostic trouble codes from all vehicle ECUs. Read-only — never writes to your vehicle.

• Fleet Insights — Compare your vehicle's DPF performance against other vehicles.

• CarPlay — View DPF status, soot levels, and regen countdown directly on your car's built-in display.

• Companion Device — Optional ESP32 hardware device that mounts in-vehicle for a dedicated always-on DPF display with buzzer alerts. Buy the hardware directly from Waveshare for ~€25 and flash it yourself using our free web flasher.

• Pay What Is Fair — Voluntary support option. The app is fully functional regardless. If it helps you, consider supporting continued development.

SUPPORTED VEHICLES:

DPF Companion works with Volkswagen Group (VW, Audi, Skoda, SEAT) diesel vehicles equipped with a DPF.

Supported engine codes include: CAAC, CAGA, CAHA, CAPA, CAYA, CAYB, CAYC, CCWA, CFCA, CFFB, CFGB, CFGC, CFHA, CFHC, CFHD, CFJB, CFWA, CGLB, CGLC, CJCA, CJCB, CJCD, CLAB, CLHA, CNHA, CNHC, CRKB, CRLB, CRMB, CRUA, CSHA, CUAA, CUDC, CUNA, CUPA, CUSA, CUSB, CUTA, CUUB, CUWA, CVUA, CVUB, CVUC, CXBA, CXEB, CXEC, CXFA, CXGA, CXGB, CXHA, CXHB, CXHC, CXXA, CXXB, CZZA, DAUA, DAVA, DBGC, DCBC, DCBE, DCXA, DDWA, DETA, DEUA, DEUC, DEWA, DEZE, DFBA, DFCA, DFEA, DFFA, DFGA, DFHA, DFLA, DFLB, DFSB, DFSD, DFSF, DFYA, DGDA, DGDB, DGTE, DGTC, DGTD, DHXA, DJGA, DLUB, DMMA, DMZA, DMZB, DNAA, DNAB, DNAC, DSRA, DSRB, DSSA, DSTB, DTNA, DTPA, DTPB, DTRA, DTRD, DTRB, DTRC, DTRE, DTSA, DTSB, DTUA, DTTA, and others.

If your engine code isn't listed or sensors aren't detected, the app will let you know what works and offer to contact support.

COMPATIBILITY NOTE:
• Fully supported: VW Group diesel vehicles manufactured approximately 2012–2020 with EA288 or late EA189 engines.
• Older vehicles (pre-2012): Some older diesel ECUs use legacy diagnostic protocols not accessible via standard BLE OBD-II adapters. Basic data (RPM, speed, coolant) may still work but DPF-specific sensors may not be available.
• Newer vehicles (2020–2023): Some vehicles with SFD1 security gateways may restrict access to DPF-specific sensors. Standard OBD-II data remains accessible as required by law.
• Newest vehicles (2024+): Vehicles with SFD2 security gateways block manufacturer-specific diagnostic data via standard OBD-II adapters. This is a manufacturer-imposed restriction affecting all unlicensed third-party tools.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Bluetooth Low Energy ELM327-compatible OBD-II dongle (e.g., Carista EVO, Carista Original, Vgate iCar Pro)

• Diesel vehicle with DPF (Volkswagen, Audi, Skoda, SEAT)

• iOS 16.0 or later

The app includes a Simulation Mode for exploring all features without vehicle hardware.

## Key features

- Live DPF monitoring (soot loading, regeneration status)
- Regeneration countdown timer
- Smart vehicle alerts
- Trip recording and analysis
- Multi-vehicle support
- DPF health dashboard
- Fault code scanning

## Recent user reviews (2 of 2)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/dpf-companion/id6762310089/reviews.md

### 5/5 — Best DPF App Available

*2026-07-31*

The Auto connect via Car play is a game changer! The app is the clearest, and easiest to use. With an option for a stand alone screen making monitoring DPF accurate and effortless.

**Developer response:** Great to know that the CarPlay functionality is working for you. Thanks for the encouraging feedback. Plenty more fixes and new features to add.

### 5/5 — The BEST DPF monitoring app!

*2026-07-25*

Without a doubt the best DPF monitoring app available for VAG vehicles. I’ve tried several over the years, but DPF Companion is on another level. The interface is incredibly clean, intuitive, and easy to understand, even if you’re not particularly technical.

The standout feature for me is the countdown showing the estimated time until the next regeneration. It’s such a simple idea, but it makes planning journeys so much easier and takes all the guesswork out of DPF regens.

The app is reliable, packed with useful information, and clearly designed by someone who understands what drivers actually need. 

HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

**Developer response:** Thank you for the kind words and feedback. It's really encouraging to note that the app is helping you plan journeys. That's exactly why I made it.

## Frequently asked questions about DPF Companion

### What vehicles does DPF Companion support?

DPF Companion is designed for Volkswagen Group (VW, Audi, Skoda, SEAT) diesel vehicles equipped with a DPF. It automatically detects compatible sensors upon connection, supporting a wide range of engine codes.

### How does DPF Companion monitor DPF health?

It tracks soot loading in real-time, estimates regeneration times, and provides an overall health score based on regeneration patterns, soot trends, and driving habits. This helps users understand when a regeneration is needed or occurring.

### Can DPF Companion read fault codes?

Yes, DPF Companion can read diagnostic trouble codes from all vehicle ECUs. It is a read-only function and will not write any data to your vehicle's systems.

### What is the 'Pay What Is Fair' option?

This is a voluntary support option for users who find the app helpful. The app is fully functional without any payment, but contributions help support continued development.

### Does DPF Companion work offline?

The trip recording feature works both with the phone connected and as a standalone device. However, real-time DPF monitoring and fault code scanning require a Bluetooth OBD-II dongle connection.

### How often is DPF Companion updated?

The app was last updated on July 31, 2026, indicating active development and support. Users can expect ongoing improvements and compatibility updates.

### Is DPF Companion available on Android?

Based on the provided data, DPF Companion is supported on iPhone and iPod devices. Information regarding Android availability is not specified.

### What are the benefits of the optional ESP32 hardware?

The optional ESP32 companion device offers a dedicated, always-on DPF display with buzzer alerts, providing constant visibility of DPF status without needing to have your phone connected.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 1.0.4 — 2026-08-29

• Swipeable dashboard — swipe between 4 screens (Soot %, Time Remaining, Soot Calc, Speed/RPM) matching the companion display device
• New "Default Screen" setting — choose which screen the app opens to on launch
• CarPlay improvements — shows your last-known DPF data when no dongle is connected, with live progress messages during connection
• Improved regen detection for new engine types — regens are now detected even on vehicles where the regen flag sensor isn't available
• Fleet data automatically re-syncs to the cloud on first launch
• Consistent UI styling throughout Settings and Fleet Insights
• Arc width fix on Speed/RPM screen

### 1.0.3 — 2026-08-19

• Original Carista dongle (BLE 4.0) now supported alongside Carista EVO
• Snapshot card shows DPF status at a glance on app launch — soot %, time remaining, odometer
• Manual Bluetooth device selection during setup for non-standard OBD adapters
• Connections section in Settings — see which adapter your app and device are configured for
• Firmware V78: automatic dongle switching — no manual reset needed when swapping adapters
• Improved connection stability — 30-second watchdog prevents stuck connection states
• Oil ash plausibility threshold raised for high-mileage vehicles (ECU limit is 110g)
• Bug fixes and performance improvements

### 1.0.2 — 2026-07-31

• CarPlay cold launch — tap the CarPlay icon to connect and see live data without opening the iPhone app first - takes approx. 30 seconds to connect to OBD.
• Accurate time remaining — uses real observed soot build rates with no artificial caps, persists across sessions
• Regen threshold precision — exact values from your vehicle's regen history (e.g. 5.98g, 24.02g)
• Companion device improvements — faster auto-connect, handles accessory power gracefully, last-value-wins for thresholds
• Snapshot card — always shows both soot % and time remaining arcs, updates immediately at trip end
• Fleet insights — regen fuel impact comparison, route matching for repeat journeys
• Bug fixes and performance improvements

### 1.0.1 — 2026-07-19

• Pay What Is Fair — voluntary support option in Settings. Help sustain continued development if the app is useful to you.
• Vehicle Alerts — smart notifications for regen approaching, regen predicted, fuel efficiency changes, and device sync reminders.
• Multi-vehicle support — automatically tracks multiple vehicles when connecting to different cars.
• Improved trip recording — device-recorded trips now survive power loss and display correctly.
• Fuel efficiency accuracy improved — readings now closely match your vehicle's dashboard.
• YOUR VEHICLES section in Settings shows engine code, vehicle name, VIN, and activity dates.
• Bug fixes and performance improvements.
• If your engine code isn't listed or DPF sensors aren't detected on first connection, the app will let you know and offer to contact support. The following engine codes should be supported, although compatibility depends on the ECU software version installed in your vehicle:

CAAC, CAGA, CAHA, CAPA, CAYA, CAYB, CAYC, CCWA, CDSB, CFCA, CFFB, CFGB, CFGC, CFHA, CFHC, CFHD, CFJB, CFWA, CGLB, CGLC, CHNC, CJCA, CJCB, CJCD, CLAB, CLHA, CNHA, CNHC, CRBC, CRKB, CRLB, CRMB, CRUA, CSHA, CTBA, CTEC, CUAA, CUDC, CUNA, CUPA, CUSA, CUSB, CUTA, CUUB, CUWA, CVUA, CVUB, CVUC, CXBA, CXEB, CXEC, CXFA, CXGA, CXGB, CXHA, CXHB, CXHC, CXXA, CXXB, CZZA, DAUA, DAVA, DBGC, DCBC, DCBE, DCXA, DDWA, DETA, DEUA, DEUC, DEWA, DEZE, DFBA, DFCA, DFEA, DFFA, DFGA, DFHA, DFLA, DFLB, DFSB, DFSD, DFSF, DFYA, DGDA, DGDB, DGTE, DGTC, DGTD, DHXA, DJGA, DLUB, DMGK, DMMA, DMZA, DMZB, DNAA, DNAB, DNAC, DPXB, DSRA, DSRB, DSSA, DSTB, DTNA, DTPA, DTPB, DTRA, DTRD, DTRB, DTRC, DTRE, DTSA, DTSB, DTUA, DTTA, DXBA, DXNB, DXRB, DXRC.

### 1.0.0 — 2026-07-02

No release notes.

## Related topics

[dpf companion](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/dpf-companion) · [alpha dpf monitor](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/alpha-dpf-monitor) · [dpf monitor](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/dpf-monitor)

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-09-12.*