This article explains what the LEDs mean on the OBDLink® Bluetooth MX+, CX, and LX adapters. 


MX+ adapter

Line drawing of the OBDLink MX+ faceplate with numbered labels 1 through 5 pointing to 4 LEDs and 1 pair button.


When you install your MX+ adapter for the first time, all the LEDs flash in a green-red-yellow-blue pattern.

  1. POWER 
    • LED is on when the adapter is booted up and ready. 
    • LED flashes green every few seconds when the adapter is plugged in and the engine is off (sleep mode).

      Note: OBDLink adapters use BatterySaver™ Technology low power mode, so they will not drain your vehicle battery and are safe to leave installed.

    • LED flashes green and turns solid during the factory reset procedure.

  2. OBD

    • LED flashes red when the adapter is paired and data is traveling between the adapter and your phone/tablet.

    • LED is off when the adapter is plugged in and the engine is off (sleep mode).

    • Contact technical support if you are having problems and you see the OBD and HOST LEDs blinking in an alternating red and yellow pattern. 

  3. HOST

    • LED flashes yellow when the adapter is paired and data is traveling between the adapter and your phone/tablet.

    • LED is off when the adapter is plugged in and the engine is off (sleep mode).

    • Contact technical support if you are having problems and you see the OBD and HOST LEDs blinking in an alternating red and yellow pattern.

  4. BT

    • LED flashes blue rapidly when ready to pair with a Bluetooth device.

    • LED is on when the adapter is paired to your phone/tablet.

    • LED flashes blue slowly when the adapter is not in pairing mode.

    • LED is off when the adapter is plugged in and the engine is off (sleep mode).

  5. Pair button

    • Press the button to pair the adapter with your phone/tablet using Bluetooth.

    • To restore to factory settings, press and hold the button for 15 seconds.


CX adapter

Line drawing of the OBDLink CX faceplate with numbered labels 1 through 3 pointing to 3 LEDs.


When you install your CX adapter for the first time, all the LEDs flash in a green-red-blue pattern.


  1. PWR
    • LED is on when the adapter is booted up and ready. 
    • LED flashes green every few seconds when the adapter is plugged in and the engine is off (sleep mode).
      Note: OBDLink adapters use BatterySaver™ Technology low power mode, so they will not drain your vehicle battery and are safe to leave installed.
  2. OBD
    • LED flashes red when the adapter is paired and data is traveling between the adapter and your phone/tablet.
    • LED is off when the adapter is plugged in and the engine is off (sleep mode).
    • Contact technical support if you are having problems and you see the OBD and PWR LEDs blinking in an alternating red and green pattern. 
  3. BLE
    • LED flashes blue rapidly when ready to pair with a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) device.
    • LED is on when the adapter is paired to your phone/tablet.
    • LED flashes blue slowly when the adapter is not in pairing mode.
    • LED is off when the adapter is plugged in and the engine is off (sleep mode). 


LX adapter

Line drawing of the OBDLink LX faceplate with numbered labels 1 through 5 pointing to 4 LEDs and 1 pair button.


When you install your LX adapter for the first time, all the LEDs flash in a green-red-yellow-blue pattern.


  1. POWER 
    • LED is on when the adapter is booted up and ready. 
    • LED flashes green every few seconds when the adapter is plugged in and the engine is off (sleep mode).
      Note: OBDLink adapters use BatterySaver™ Technology low power mode, so they will not drain your vehicle battery and are safe to leave installed.
    • LED flashes green and turns solid during the factory reset procedure.
  2. OBD 
    • LED flashes red when the adapter is paired and data is traveling between the adapter and your phone/tablet.
    • LED is off when the adapter is plugged in and the engine is off (sleep mode).
    • Contact technical support if you are having problems and you see the OBD and HOST LEDs blinking in an alternating red and yellow pattern. 
  3. HOST 
    • LED flashes yellow when the adapter is paired and data is traveling between the adapter and your phone/tablet.
    • LED is off when the adapter is plugged in and the engine is off (sleep mode).
    • Contact technical support if you are having problems and you see the OBD and HOST LEDs blinking in an alternating red and yellow pattern. 
  4. BT 
    • LED flashes blue rapidly when ready to pair with a Bluetooth device.
    • LED is on when the adapter is paired to your phone/tablet.
    • LED flashes blue slowly when the adapter is not in pairing mode.
    • LED is off when the adapter is plugged in and the engine is off (sleep mode).
  5. Pair button
    • Press the button to pair the adapter with your phone/tablet using Bluetooth.
    • To restore to factory settings, press and hold the button for 15 seconds.


Learn more


Need more help?

OBDLink Support Forum  

Submit a Support Ticket



OBDLink® is a registered trademark of OBD Solutions, LLC.