# U-Scan

> Smartphone-based vehicle diagnostic tool for DIYers and professionals. (iPhone/iPad app by Service Solutions US LLC.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/u-scan/id614809289 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Service Solutions US LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/799425953)
- Category: Productivity, Utilities
- Price: Free with in-app purchases
- Rating: 1.90/5 from 125 App Store ratings · 92 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 8.0 · 85 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2013-05-31
- Data updated: 2026-07-06
- Monetization: free with in-app purchases
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/u-scan/id614809289/reviews.md

## What is U?

U-Scan provides DIYers and Professional Technicians with access to vehicle diagnostics using their smartphone when paired to the available U-Scan vehicle adapter. Developed by the Global leader in DIY and professional diagnostic scan tools.  U-Scan provides essential information to diagnose vehicles fast while saving money. 
•Get the probable solution to a check engine, ABS, or Airbag light. Simply connect the adapter to the vehicle and pair with your smartphone to start the diagnostic process.
•QuickCheck™ - Review vehicle emissions status (I/M Monitors, Codes).
•Read Codes - Read Global OBD II codes and display the definition.
•Erase Codes - Erase Global OBD II codes.
•AutoID™ - Automatically identifies most 2000 and newer vehicles for error proof diagnostics.
•TrueLink™ - U-Scan will link to all 1996 and newer vehicles.
•MyGarage™ - Library of all previous diagnosed vehicles.
•Vehicle Activity Log – Detailed history of your U-Scan activities.
•Screen shot sharing via Facebook and email
•Optional App Enhancements - For access to more advanced diagnostic capabilities.

Powertrain Enhanced Data
•Get access to Powertrain codes and definitions related to the check engine light for most 1996 and newer GM, Ford, Chrysler, Honda, Hyundai, Nissan and Toyota vehicles via the manufacturer specific Read Codes Powertrain diagnostic commands.
•Manufacturer specific code definitions for GM, Ford, Chrysler, Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Hyundai, Audi, BMW, Daewoo, Isuzu, Jaguar, Kia, Land Rover, Mazda, Mercedes Benz, Mitsubishi, Porsche, Saab, Subaru, Suzuki, Volkswagen, and Volvo.
•Freeze Frame data - Details the conditions of the vehicle at the time the trouble code was set.
•View and Graph LIVE Data - View RPMs, coolant temperature, oxygen sensor readings and more for a faster diagnosis.  Over 300 sensor and data items are available as supported by vehicle.
•Unlock CodeConnect™ and access the most likely cause of the check engine light.  Get manufacturer specific powertrain DTC fixes. (If CodeConnect™ is owned.)
• Enable manufacturer specific Erase Codes Powertrain diagnostic commands.  

Optional App Enhancements include:

ABS Codes and Definitions - $5.99 per vehicle or $29.99 all manufacturers listed below
•Get access to the ABS brake codes and definitions related to the ABS warning light for most 1996 and newer GM, Ford, Chrysler, Honda, Hyundai, Nissan and Toyota vehicles via the manufacturer specific Read Codes ABS diagnostic command.
•Unlock CodeConnect™ ABS fixes and access the most likely cause of the ABS warning light (If CodeConnect™ is owned.)
• Enable manufacturer specific Erase Codes ABS diagnostic command.

Airbag Codes and Definitions - $7.99 per vehicle or $39.99 all manufacturers listed below
•Get access to the Airbag codes and definitions related to the Airbag warning light for most 1996 and newer GM, Ford, Chrysler, Honda, Nissan and Toyota vehicles via the manufacturer specific Read Codes Airbag diagnostic commands.
•Unlock CodeConnect™ Airbag fixes and access the most likely cause of the Airbag warning light (If CodeConnect™ is owned.)
• Enable manufacturer specific Erase Codes Airbag diagnostic commands. 

CodeConnect™-  First vehicle included free with purchase of adapter. Additional vehicles access $12.99 per vehicle or $39.99 all vehicles
•Get the next step in diagnosing your vehicle. Access over 4.3 Million Fixes that tell you what is wrong with your vehicle with CodeConnect™. CodeConnect™ is a comprehensive database of over 4.3 million verified fixes for the trouble codes that cause the check engine and ABS warning lights to illuminate. These actual vehicle fixes have been reported and then verified by our team of ASE certified technicians.
•Note: You must purchase Powertrain Enhanced Data and/or ABS Codes and Definitions to access respective CodeConnect coverage for manufacture specific Powertrain and ABS warning lights

## Key features

- Read and erase OBD II codes
- View live vehicle data
- ABS and Airbag code access
- Automatic vehicle identification
- Vehicle history log
- Powertrain enhanced data

## Pricing and in-app purchases

Base price: Free.

**One-time purchases**

| Purchase | Price | Type |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Live Data and Manufacturer Specific Codes Vehicle 1 | $7.99 | one-time |
| Live Data and Manufacturer Specific Codes All Makes | $15.99 | one-time |
| CodeConnect Repair Solutions for a Vehicle | $12.99 | one-time |
| CodeConnect Repair Solutions 1 Vehicle Upgrade to All | $27.99 | one-time |
| CodeConnect Repair Solutions All Vehicles | $39.99 | one-time |
| ABS Codes and definitions for Single Vehicle | $5.99 | one-time |
| ABS Code Vehicle 2 | $5.99 | one-time |
| ABS Codes and Definitions All Vehicles | $29.99 | one-time |
| Airbag codes and definitions for vehicle 1 | $7.99 | one-time |
| Airbag Codes and Definitions for All Makes | $39.99 | one-time |


## What do users think of U?

Overall sentiment: negative

**Pros**

- ✅ Works well once successfully connected and configured
- 📊 Provides useful diagnostic data and error code reading
- 🔧 Helpful for identifying vehicle issues and troubleshooting
- 📱 Good app functionality for tech-savvy users who understand setup
- 💰 Reasonable price point for a diagnostic tool

**Cons**

- 🔌 Severe Bluetooth connectivity issues - frequent disconnections
- 🔄 Extremely difficult and unreliable pairing process
- ⚠️ False 'vehicle in motion' errors when car is stationary
- 🚫 Cannot use live data while vehicle is moving (post-update restriction)
- 🐛 Firmware updates frequently fail or brick the device
- 📉 Outdated software - minimal updates over years
- 🎯 Poor vehicle compatibility despite advertised support
- ❌ Non-functional for Australian vehicles despite marketing claims
- 📱 Outdated UI not optimized for modern phones
- 🆘 Inadequate or non-existent customer support
- 💸 Requires additional paid add-ons for basic features
- 🔐 Forced updates that remove previously paid functionality
- ⏱️ Extremely time-consuming setup and troubleshooting process
- 📋 Limited diagnostic data compared to competitors

**Commonly reported bugs**

- Bluetooth connection drops frequently and won't reconnect
- App fails to recognize connected Bluetooth device
- Firmware update process freezes and becomes unresponsive
- False motion detection errors preventing app operation
- VIN entry not working or not submitting to garage
- App crashes during scanning or data retrieval
- Device won't pair after firmware update
- App takes 2+ minutes to recognize connected device
- Bluetooth pairing requires manual connection in settings
- Vehicle module detection fails or shows incorrect modules
- App forces landscape mode without option to change
- Live data display limited to only two screens of information
- App won't function without mandatory vehicle garage entry
- Connection errors persist despite correct Bluetooth pairing
- App becomes unresponsive during update process

**Most requested features**

- Enable live data monitoring while vehicle is in motion
- Improve Bluetooth auto-detection and automatic connection
- Add support for Australian vehicle models (Holden, Ford)
- Expand vehicle compatibility beyond 2013 models
- Implement dark mode for app interface
- Add customizable data display options
- Improve app responsiveness and reduce connection delay
- Provide comprehensive manual and troubleshooting guides
- Add support for more vehicle modules (ABS, airbag, transmission)
- Implement automatic firmware updates without user intervention

## Recent user reviews (10 of 92)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/u-scan/id614809289/reviews.md

### 2/5 — Bluetooth won’t stay connected

*2025-06-12, version 1.2.8*

When it stays connected, it works pretty good unfortunately it often loses his connection and reestablishing. It is troubleshooting and time-consuming, and sometimes not successful.

### 1/5 — Scanner will not connect via Bluetooth

*2024-06-04, version 1.2.8*

Scanner will not connect via Bluetooth. Save your money and buy a different one

### 4/5 — 2023 Review - Firmware Update

*2023-10-22, version 1.2.8*

Review of U-Scan App version 1.2.8 (126).  I have a red Mac Tools branded U-Scan device, from about 2019.  Upon Bluetooth pairing to my iPhone 13 running  iOS 17.0.3, there was a mandatory U-Scan firmware update.  The update proceeded smoothly.  As others have wrote, after the firmware update, I had trouble pairing with my iPhone. The U-Scan LED was blinking yellow.  I unplugged the U-Scan to cycle its power. Although it was listed on my iPhone for pairing, it refused to connect.  At some point in the firmware update process I was instructed to turn off the vehicle’s power.  I eventually turned on the vehicle’s power and then the U-Scan quickly paired with my iPhone.  Thus, the firmware update instructions failed to instruct to switch on the vehicle power.  I had to figure that out myself.  The vehicle is a 2020 Ford Transit 250 AWD. I recently had a check engine light. After three restarts the light was off. The U-Scan found and reported the error code and a brief description.

### 1/5 — Disappointment

*2021-11-05, version 1.2.8*

Good luck getting a Bluetooth connection to the device. If there is a magic way to connect, it is kept secret. No trouble-shooting advice can be found on Actron.com and there are no manuals.
It could be such a good tool if only it worked.

### 1/5 — Nearly Worthless

*2021-10-20, version 1.2.8*

Software is EOL 4 years ago and was hobbled  the most basis functions at that time. It’s hard to believe reputable stores like Napa still sell it. If you came her e to get the software after just buying it TAKEBIT BACK! 

The HT200 I bought at Walmart works great for  $50.

### 1/5 — Absolute Garbage

*2021-07-28, version 1.2.8*

I gave it one star only because I couldn’t give it zero. Once I finally got it to connect it said the firmware needed an update. After wasting a lot of time with three failed attempts it says it can’t be updated. Total waste of my time, don’t waste yours even trying to use this garbage.

### 1/5 — Completely NOT friendly

*2021-07-23, version 1.2.8*

The app is painful to use, I eventually gave up and bought a different one and their app was very intuitive and user friendly/easy to use. This is garbage, move on.

### 1/5 — Not worth the money

*2021-07-05, version 1.2.8*

The latest update removed a most important feature; being able to record and display while in motion. I bought device and the new and improved update ruined the device. It is now not much better than visiting an auto parts store and getting scans for free. I consider the marketing a bait and switch scam.

### 1/5 — No connection!!!

*2021-03-05, version 1.2.8*

I tried several times to make it work but it doesn’t connect with my car at all.

### 1/5 — The item should be U-Scam

*2021-02-27, version 1.2.8*

Let me start with U-scammers if you are looking for any thing made by this mob keep on moving.  It’s a waste of money.

## Frequently asked questions about U

### What does the U-Scan app do?

The U-Scan app connects to a U-Scan vehicle adapter to provide smartphone access to vehicle diagnostics. It helps diagnose check engine, ABS, and airbag lights by reading and defining trouble codes, and offers solutions for identified issues.

### What are the key features of U-Scan?

Key features include reading and erasing OBD II codes, viewing live vehicle data like RPMs and temperatures, accessing ABS and Airbag codes, automatic vehicle identification for newer models, and a history log of diagnosed vehicles. Optional enhancements unlock more advanced capabilities.

### How much does U-Scan cost?

The base U-Scan app is free. However, optional app enhancements for advanced diagnostic capabilities, such as ABS and Airbag codes, are available for purchase. These can be bought per vehicle or as an all-manufacturer package.

### What vehicles are compatible with U-Scan?

The app supports linking to all 1996 and newer vehicles. For specific enhanced data like Powertrain, ABS, and Airbag codes, compatibility extends to most 1996 and newer GM, Ford, Chrysler, Honda, Hyundai, Nissan, and Toyota vehicles, with broader manufacturer support for code definitions.

### How can I use U-Scan to diagnose my car?

To use U-Scan, you need to pair your smartphone with the available U-Scan vehicle adapter connected to your car. Once paired, you can start the diagnostic process to read codes, view live data, and get probable solutions for warning lights.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 1.2.8 — 2018-08-06

This app has been updated by Apple to display the Apple Watch app icon.

- All features of the app are now unlocked.  No more in-app purchases!
- The Shopping cart tab has been removed.
- App cannot be used while vehicle is moving.
- Remove and re-install vehicle adapter to make a Bluetooth connection prior to every use.
- You have 2 minutes to establish Bluetooth connection once vehicle adapter is plugged in.

### 1.2.7 — 2017-01-07

Corrected issues resulting in user's not being able to restore previously purchased In App Purchases, or to make an In App Purchase.

### 1.2.6 — 2016-09-29

Performance improvements.

### 1.2.5 — 2015-06-15

Powertrain Enhanced Data is now included with the free base application.

### 1.2.4 — 2015-04-28

Minor bug fixes.

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All apps by Service Solutions US LLC: https://appshunter.io/developer/799425953

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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 2026-07-06.*
