Microcat Messenger vs Ford DiagNow
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Microcat Messenger
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Microcat Messenger is parts ordering made easy. It empowers you to strike up a real-time conversation with your local dealership to have your parts queries answered instantly. * Scan VIN barcodes for accurate model identification * Capture and send photos * Send parts queries directly to the dealership from any place * Request catalogue illustrations * Order genuine OEM parts – fast!
Ford DiagNow
This app offers a streamlined diagnostic solution for Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury vehicles. It allows users to read and clear trouble codes, monitor live data, and perform key programming without a full scan tool. Access vehicle information and service bulletins for 2010 and newer models.
- Read and decode VIN
- Read and clear DTCs
- Read live data
- Vehicle network monitor
- Key programming
- Read keyless entry code
- View service bulletins
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Ford DiagNow provides diagnostic functionality in a convenient lightweight package enabling users to quickly address vehicle concerns without the need for a full diagnostic scan tool and laptop. With the Ford DiagNow application you can: • Read and decode the Vehicle Identification Number into specific model information • Read and clear Diagnostic Trouble Codes for all equipped vehicle electronic control modules • Read live data parameters from the vehicle • Perform live vehicle network monitor • Perform key programming* • Read factory keyless entry code* • View service bulletins and messages for Diagnostic Trouble Codes read from the vehicle All this can be done on any 2010 or newer Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury vehicle Requirements: • User must have a valid Ford Dealer account or Ford Motorcraft account with a Ford DiagNow subscription • Ford VCM Lite is the interface required to perform diagnostic functions with the vehicle If you are a Ford/Lincoln dealership employee and would like more information, go to https://www.fordtechservice.dealerconnection.com/Rotunda/FordDiagNow If you are NOT a Ford/Lincoln dealership employee and would like more information, go to www.motorcraftservice.com/Purchase/ViewDiagnosticsMobile *Currently functions on most 2010 Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury vehicles. Additional vehicles coming soon.
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is update cadence: Microcat Messenger at monthly against Ford DiagNow's every 2 months. Microcat Messenger also leads on iOS requirement (12.0 vs 15.0). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
Microcat Messenger ships an update monthly, Ford DiagNow every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 29, 2026 and October 30, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Microcat Messenger | Ford DiagNow |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | 4.6 (1.5K ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | — | 19.1% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | — | 1.5K — better |
| Update frequency | Monthly — better | Every 2 months |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | — | Subscription |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 12.0 — better | 15.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 24 MB | 113 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Infomedia Ltd | Ford Motor Co. |
Bugs and requests
Microcat Messenger
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
Ford DiagNow
Reported bugs
14 issues- App crashes when attempting to print DTC documents
- Login error messages preventing account access
- App crashes when sharing DTC documents
- Display text shows framework codes instead of normal labels
- Server errors after reading VIN
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- Data logger crashes with 3+ PIDs graphed
- App crashes when connecting to VCM lite for VIN reading
- iPhone compatibility broken after app updates
- Invalid subscription errors despite active subscriptions
- App crashes on startup
- Phone sleep mode during test drives not prevented
- Model year restrictions not disclosed (2009 and older vehicles)
- VIN auto-scan does not function
- Intermittent connection failures (1 in 10 attempts)
Requested features
14 requests- Misfire profile correction and misfire tests
- Power balance testing
- Relative compression testing
- Fuel injection flow and relative tests
- BMS reset functionality
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- Brake maintenance mode
- LIN integration
- 360 camera relearn
- IPMA alignment function
- Datalogger recording capability
- VIN auto-scan functionality
- Notification alerts for device disconnection
- FDRS laptop connectivity for module updates
- OBD2 code reading for non-Ford vehicles
In-app purchases
Microcat Messenger
No in-app purchases
Ford DiagNow
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is Microcat Messenger free?
Is Ford DiagNow free?
Do Microcat Messenger or Ford DiagNow have ads?
Which is updated more often, Microcat Messenger or Ford DiagNow?
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