# ECHO Smart Control — user reviews > 60 indexed App Store user reviews of ECHO Smart Control by CURT Manufacturing, LLC, rated 2.40/5 from 113 ratings. - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/echo-smart-control/id1427659579/reviews - App overview in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/echo-smart-control/id1427659579.md - Rating breakdown: 5★ 23 · 4★ 11 · 3★ 14 · 2★ 5 · 1★ 60 ## What do users think of ECHO Smart Control? Overall sentiment: negative **Pros** - 👍 Works great, easy to use - 👍 Works perfectly on my Suburban - 👍 Plug and play, simple and convenient - 👍 Works well for me so far - 👍 Works well when it works - 👍 Works fine once figured out - 👍 Works great, no connectivity issues - 👍 Very good app, simple design - 👍 Works perfectly **Cons** - ⚠️ Dangerous, reconnecting is risky - ⚠️ Company should be sued, safety concerns - ⚠️ No longer usable due to new APP - ⚠️ Does not work outside of US - ⚠️ New app doesn’t work, trailer useless - ⚠️ App forces migration to inferior app - ⚠️ Crappy app, dashboard freezes - ⚠️ Dangerous since the update - ⚠️ App no longer works, forced to new app - ⚠️ Won't work if phone is zoomed - ⚠️ Newest update disables the app - ⚠️ App is junk, dangerous - ⚠️ POS, China made garbage - ⚠️ Inconsistent behavior and dangerous - ⚠️ Customer service is horrible - ⚠️ Location services not working - ⚠️ Garbage app and controller - ⚠️ Needs more adjustability, step increments too large - ⚠️ Won’t connect any more - ⚠️ Randomly locks trailer brakes - ⚠️ Does not work all the time - ⚠️ Can’t get it to work with iPhone 11 - ⚠️ Works terrible on iPhones - ⚠️ Absolute garbage, keeps disconnecting - ⚠️ Useless without the code - ⚠️ Continually drops Bluetooth connection - ⚠️ Junk, reset 40+ times - ⚠️ Dangerous, locked brakes on highway - ⚠️ What a waste of money, manual engagement inconvenient - ⚠️ Dangerous and terrible support - ⚠️ Can’t download the app - ⚠️ Total garbage, dangerous, should be recalled - ⚠️ Update ruined the controller, bricked - ⚠️ Complete junk, unusable - ⚠️ Horrible, DANGEROUS, brakes automatically turned on - ⚠️ Worked...and now does NOT! - ⚠️ Was good but now flat out dangerous - ⚠️ DANGEROUS, brakes always on - ⚠️ Before App update this was a great product - ⚠️ Was great now won’t work at all - ⚠️ From great to useless, brakes stuck on - ⚠️ When it works, it’s great...doesn’t always connect - ⚠️ Not ready for prime time, app updates ruined it - ⚠️ Pretty stupid, applies brakes when not breaking - ⚠️ Signal/brakes apply with turn signal **Commonly reported bugs** - New OneControl auto APP will not let me install/ setup completely - App insists I share my location to work - App looks like it has a million features, not straightforward - Dashboard freeze at the accept button - App won’t work if phone is set to Zoomed mode - Latest update disables the app, ad to download another app - New app forces registration and re-pairing - Settings are gone after update - Curt wifi brake worked well until they changed the app, now does not work at all - App is junk, dangerous - China made garbage only works when you don’t need to step on your brakes - Inconsistent behavior and dangerous - App can’t find the controller after changing TV - Echo app does not show up in location services settings - App and device function but needs more adjustability - Randomly locks trailer brakes - Does not work all the time, hit or miss connection - Won’t connect to my phone or wife’s phone - App has some issues reconnecting to phone if not used in a while - Works terrible on iPhones, froze on interstate - Brake controller itself seems to be not working, power setting over '5' locks brakes - Keeps disconnecting from phone since day 1 - Controller won’t validate pin - App continually drops the Bluetooth connection - Reset this 40+ times, disconnected when pressing brake - Locked up my brakes on the highway after disconnecting from Bluetooth - App started going wonky, disconnect and lock brakes - Manual engage requires opening app, not quicker than reaching controller - Locked the brakes on my trailer and they wouldn’t release - Can’t even download the app - Dangerous product, brakes stick on lock, go from 0 to full braking immediately once app updates - Bluetooth and controller will no longer connect after update - Controller won’t validate pin that matches the card and the tag - The brakes automatically turned on and stayed on without depressing the brakes - Brakes lock up, unexpectedly - Blue ring shows fully depressed brakes when not engaging brakes - Echo has given up on updates - Worked fine for a week until settings adjusted, then 100% trailer brakes come on - New controller also malfunctioning - When I press the brake the trailer brakes stay on and don’t release - Brakes only get stuck on using this garbage controller - App update, now it always keeps the brakes on - Last update causing constant error when attempting to connect to controller via Bluetooth - Constantly attempts to get me to reconnect - Brakes are stuck on, had to delete and download app again - Blue circle fully lit 360 degrees all the time but brakes not on - Doesn’t always connect easily, trying to get back on the road 'no device connected' - App updates ruined it, controller continuously charging brakes - Discharge killed the vehicle - Applies the brakes when you’re not even breaking - Burn up your trailer brakes and waste gasoline **Most requested features** - Make compatible with Car Play - Integrate into Carplay and Android Auto - Make available to Car Play - Incorporate the app into CarPlay - iPad support for dash screen - Update for half step increments for finer control - Update for when you turn on a signal light the brakes won’t apply ## Newest reviews (14 of 60) ### 3/5 — Get us this app back!!!! *2024-05-08, version 2.0.0* Your new app doesn’t work! My echo is now useless and I can’t use my trailer because of this update. Shame on you. ### 1/5 — App is junk *2023-12-29, version 2.0.0* The Curt wifi brake worked well until they changed the app. Now it does not work at all, pure junk, Dangerous. What am I supposed to do now stranded with no brakes and no tech support! John H. ### 1/5 — POS. *2023-11-23* China made garbage only works when you don’t need to step on your brakes ### 1/5 — Inconsistent behavior and dangerous *2023-07-26, version 1.9.3* If you value your life and property please use a real controller and not this buggy app based nonsense. This thing is dangerous! I feel like we are lucky to have made it home in one piece after our last outing using this garbage. Will never use again. ### 1/5 — Customer service is horrible *2023-06-30, version 1.9.3* I used this for 3 years with no problem. Used it in May with no problems. Changed TV and using same wiring harness on a different TV now the app can’t find the co troller. Called customer service multiple times got same story that it is something with Apple cloud not the controller. Called Apple to get help, they said nothing they can do. It sounds like an app problem call the app developer. Contacted the developer. After two emails back and forth still no functioning brake co troller and leaving in the morning on a 7 hour trip. Hopefully nothing significant happens. Thought highly of this app and co troller when new. Now, not so much ### 1/5 — Location Services Not Working *2023-06-12, version 1.9.3* The first echo brake controller I had quit connecting to my trailer within the first couple months I used it. They sent me a replacement controller and it is not working. The Led light remains blue when plugged into the truck and the trailer. I read in the instructions and reviews you need to have location services turned on to use the app. When I go to the app setting there is no option to turn on location. When I go to my location services settings the Echo app does not show up. Someone please help, I’m leaving again for a cross country Roadtrip in 4 days. ### 3/5 — Works ok *2023-05-13, version 1.9.3* So far it has seemed to work for the most part. Just wish it would work with car play. But after reading the reviews I may not want that. ### 1/5 — Garbage app and controller *2023-05-04, version 1.9.3* Worked once. Stop selling this garbage and fix your app! ### 2/5 — Works but needs more adjustability *2023-04-12, version 1.9.3* The app and device function but the app needs more adjustability. When setting the max output, it goes from not applying the brakes at all to applying them too much when only moving one step. The trailer and it’s brakes work very well with other brake controllers. If they would add steps between every 5 on the max output, I think this would be much more usable. ### 1/5 — Won’t connect any more *2023-04-04, version 1.9.3* Worked good for a couple years, now it’s useless. I phone or I pad, won’t connect. ### 1/5 — Randomly locks trailer brakes *2022-12-30, version 1.9.3* Just got off the phone with Curt customer service, who were not helpful- “sometimes apps do that- just reload the app if that happens.” NOT ACCEPTABLE - for a couple of reasons: 1) in what universe is it ok for a brake controller to randomly decide to lock up the trailer brakes while in motion? 2) I use my trailer in locations where there’s no cell or internet service - I can’t just stop and reload the app every time I notice the trailer brakes smoking as I’m driving happily down the highway. I’ve used the thing for less than 100 miles of towing- they can’t tell me if this is a 1-in-a-million or a once-a-week problem. Unsatisfactory. ### 1/5 — Does not work all the time *2022-10-17, version 1.9.3* Hit or miss when using … sometimes it connects most other times NOT!! Dangerous not knowing when you have brakes or not! WASTE OF MONEY ### 3/5 — Can’t get it to work with iPhone 11 *2022-08-31, version 1.9.3* Bought this controller and have used with my iPhone 8. Upgraded phones to the 11 and cannot get it to work and have tried everything! I kept my old iPhone 8 now, specifically to use this device. ### 1/5 — Works well when it works *2022-08-08, version 1.9.3* Bought this to avoid having to deal with wiring a brake controller into my Touareg. Worked well the first couple times. Then on way home from a trip, it would not connect to my phone or my wife’s after an hour of messing with it. Went out to troubleshoot a few days later and it started working. About a month later, we are halfway into a long trip and it won’t connect again. Been without the use of the app for three days now and no support from Curt seems to be available. ## Most critical reviews (10 lowest-rated) ### 1/5 — don't buy!!! *2025-07-11, version 2.0.0* so many warnings that reconnecting is dangerous. stay safe and have a pro install a proper brake control. ### 1/5 — Company should be sued *2024-12-08, version 2.0.0* The amount of safety concerns introduced by the app is beyond the pale. This company should be sued into oblivion for such recklessness and putting people's lives in danger. Zero response from Curt, disgusting and shameful. ### 1/5 — At least it worked! *2024-05-14, version 2.0.0* No longer usable due to new APP. This APP worked. New OneControl auto APP will not let me install/ setup completely. So? Not usable. ### 1/5 — Does not work outside of US *2024-05-11* Bought this very expensive brake controller that I’m not able to use now as they have updated the software and now does not work outside of the USA. Awesome… no response from curt either via email. ### 1/5 — App forces me to migrate to an inferior app *2024-05-01, version 2.0.0* Been using this app for years with my Curt Echo. I have been very happy with its function and ease of use. Today I went to tow and was forced to the new OneDrvie app. First it was difficult set up taking 15 min at least. Then it insists I share my location to work. I don’t want that!!!! Then it looks like it has a million feature, which I do not need or want, thus it is not straightforward to Use for my simple application. Why????? ### 1/5 — Echo *2024-04-27, version 2.0.0* Crappy app won’t even let me see the dashboard freeze up at the accept button $300 bucks and the app is trash ### 1/5 — Not happy *2024-03-07, version 2.0.0* Used to work great. But since the update it is dangerous !!!!! ### 1/5 — App no longer works *2024-03-01, version 2.0.0* Forced to move to another app and this one does not work. New app forces registration, and setting up again. ### 1/5 — Worst App *2024-02-10, version 2.0.0* This app won’t work if phone is set to Zoomed mode so every time I use it I have to change settings on my phone. ### 1/5 — Beware of newest update! *2024-01-14, version 2.0.0* The latest update disables the app! All it is is an ad telling to download another app. Don’t update unless you have a lot of time on your hands. Because of how iOS separates apps for security, you will need to start from scratch after downloading the new app. The new ‘OneControl’ app demands you register with them, before having to re-pair your device to your brake controller. All your settings that you perfected are gone. This is the reason to ditch the Curt and install a hardwired brake controller. Disabling your brakes until you jump through a bunch of hoops and license agreements and give your email to yet another company, is just wrong. I was loaded up and ready to hit the road when I found out how little Curt thinks of me as a customer. ## Most praised reviews (10 highest-rated) ### 5/5 — Super! *2025-03-04, version 2.0.0* Works great, super easy to use! ### 5/5 — Could be even better *2023-07-16, version 1.9.3* Currently pleased with how my Echo Brake performs. Only issue is constantly looking at a phone to control it. It would be great if they can integrate this into Carplay and AndoridAuto and give us the ability to control the app through there. Hence having the ability to no look down at your phone. Just a thought. If i can order a pizza through Carplay, why not control my E-Brake. ### 5/5 — Works perfect on my Suburban *2023-06-24, version 1.9.3* This device has been a great addition to my suburban. I've had no trouble hooking it up and have enjoyed the convenience of the profile settings. It works perfectly when pulling my camper, so I don't have to worry about any issues while traveling. Overall, this is a great product for anyone who needs reliable braking device. ### 5/5 — Great controller *2022-11-09, version 1.9.3* I have 2021 VW Atlas I don’t want mess electronics in the car Curt is the best solution ever because plug and play. Very simple and convenient work with any trailers and TV THANKS ### 5/5 — So far has worked well on an old iPhone 8 *2021-03-14, version 1.8.5* Has worked well for me so far. No connectivity issues. Used the default profile so far and it worked fine for my trailer. ### 5/5 — Works Perfectly *2020-05-16, version 1.8.1* From plugging the device in and connecting to Bluetooth on my phone, it took all of 30 seconds. The device works flawlessly for me without any connectivity issues like others have reported here. While I also think an Apple Car Play App would be awesome, I generally have my navigation on my cars screen and the Echo app on my phone so I’m not knocking a star off for this because it’s my preferred setup. I’m very pleased with how well the device and app work together and am confused by the bad reviews. Perhaps the bad reviews are from defective units? We all know that those that have a gripe are much more likely to write a review than those that are pleased with a product. Consider me an exception, I’m very happy with my purchase. ### 5/5 — Please make available to Car Play! *2019-03-27, version 1.0.9* This app would be an amazing candidate for Apple Car Play. Please take the time to add this! ### 4/5 — Need to make compatible with Car Play *2024-04-21, version 2.0.0* Need to make compatible with car play so I don’t have to look at my phone ### 4/5 — Works *2023-08-10, version 1.9.3* Works well wish the app would be updated to include half step increments for finer control ### 4/5 — No iPad support *2020-05-22, version 1.8.1* Would be awesome to work on an iPad for people who use them as a dash screen. My plan was to tow with a split screen and have this brake controller on one half and an obd dashboard on the other half monitoring things like transmission temp and exhaust temps, etc. Because this is iPhone app only I can’t do that and need to either have two devices or swap between apps while driving which I don’t want to do. It does work on an iPad but it’s just the size of a phone screen and doesn’t change with orientation. --- *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 2026-08-25.*