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Table of Contents

How to connect to your car

Once you have downloaded xHP to your Android/iOS or Apple Silicon Mac (M1 processor and later) device and purchased the additional hardware required (see supported flashing hardware), you are ready to connect to your vehicle. This chapter will guide you through the steps you need to take before attempting to read or flash your vehicle.

Info

We do have a section dedicated to our Windows 10 version of the xHP App.

Preparing your device

  • Make sure your device has at least 25% battery capacity.

  • Set your device to airplane-mode.
    The Bluetooth & 4G/cellular must be turned off, especially if you are flashing with a Wi-Fi adapter.

  • Cable connection: Make sure you give Give xHP the necessary rights to access your device's local USB/Lightning port.

  • Once a flash has started, leave your device alone.
    Do not move or touch it.

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Info

Ensure the device is not connected to the car’s Apple car play.
This can lead to interrupted flashes.

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When using the Wi-Fi Adapters and you are still having trouble, please make sure your device ignores all other Wi-Fi sources so it does not change Wi-Fi mid-flash. Also, all other devices do not connect to the THOR/MHD/BM3/xHP Wi-Fi, so they do not interfere. Please check the corresponding Wi-Fi settings.

Preparing your vehicle

  • Do not open or close any doors during the flashing process.
    If you wish to stay outside during the process, open the side window and operate your unit from the side of the vehicle.

  • The ignition must be switched on, and the engine must be turned off.

  • Make sure your gearbox is in the “P” position.

  • Switch off all auxiliary equipment: Headlights, interior lights, heating, heated seats, radio, sat nav, etc.

  • Fasten the driver's seatbelt before starting the flashing process. Do not unlock until the process is complete! (this will keep the ignition turned on)

  • Make sure you're flashing with a fully charged and healthy car battery. xHP will refuse to start a flash operation below a voltage level of 11.9 volts.

The car can draw up to 30 amps during the flash, so we recommend using a power supply capable of at least 30 amps @ 13.8V (e.g. Maas SPS-30).

The power supply must be connected to the terminals in the engine compartment. DO NOT connect directly to the vehicle battery.
A normal battery-tender or charger will not help to stabilise the voltage during the process.
It can only help to pre-charge the battery.

Info

The very first flash on your car will "install" xHP on your car ("long flash").
This procedure takes about 10 minutes with DCAN. We strongly recommend using a power supply for this first flash.
After the installation, the following flashes will take no more than about 2 minutes. These subsequent flashes can be performed without a charger, but you do not want to see voltage levels below 12V when starting a flash.
It is NOT possible to flash the TCU while the engine is running.

Note

If you have any piggyback ECU solutions installed that interfere with the CAN-BUS (such as a JB4), make sure you switch them OFF. Also problematic can be:

  • Throttle pedal tuning-boxes

  • Port Injection or Flex Fuel Controllers

  • any performance displays (such as Awron)

  • Sport exhausts with sound control installed in the car

  • Aftermarket Android head-units or CarPlay units

  • RGB angel-eyes or other Aftermarket Headlights

  • Aftermarket HUDs (head-up displays)

  • CAN-blocking Anti Theft security systems, like the "Ghost Immobiliser"

  • Anything else aftermarket connected to the CAN-Bus (like mileage manipulation devices)

In some cases, you probably need to completely remove them from the vehicle first. We recommend that you do this before starting to flash xHP!

Connection via DCAN cable (E, F & G series)

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  • Plug in your cable to the OBD port of your vehicle. The OBD port is located in the driver's footwell on the left side in LHD cars and on the right in RHD cars.

  • Connect the OBD/DCAN cable with your USB OTG Adapter.

  • Unlock your Android device.

  • Connect the USB/OTG adapter to your Android device and wait for the USB permission screen. Please ensure you’re granting permanent access rights to xHP on this screen. On some Android versions, the screen will only appear after the startup of xHP. Wait a few seconds after connecting the USB OTG cable.

  • Start xHP, and after creating an account and logging in, hit the “Connect” Button.

Info

If your DCAN cable has a switch, such as the one we do recommend from Bimmergeeks, make sure that the switch is in the correct position, otherwise, you will not be able to connect to your car.

Apart from the E86 Z4, E53 X5 and E83 X3, which use the older K-Line protocol, every other car supports the newer DCAN protocol.

Note

Only DCAN cables can be used to flash vehicles using K-Line! (Z4 E86, X5 E53 and X3 E83).

Read more about the DCAN cable connection here.

Warning

The DCAN-cable cannot be used to unlock and then flash the 3rd generation 8HP transmission in G-Series BMWs and the new Supra. Please use the DCAN Wi-Fi adapter.

Connection via DCAN Wi-Fi adapters (THOR, MHD, xHP)
(E, F, G - Series & Supra)

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Most Android devices prefer Wi-Fi connections to 4G/LTE. Once you connect to the Wi-Fi network created by the Thor, MHD or xHP Wi-Fi adapter, you can no longer access the Internet, even if the cellular network is still active.
Therefore, unlocking the car for the first time requires a special procedure when using the Thor or orange MHD Wi-Fi adapter:

  • Start with an active Internet connection, i.e. not connected to the Wi-Fi wireless adapter. This only applies to the first start and is not required for subsequent flashes.

  • Connect the Wi-Fi adapter to the OBD port and wait 10-20 seconds. Connect to the created Wi-Fi on your device. Press the “Connect” button in the app.
    The app will retrieve the necessary data from your car to perform the online support check.

  • Disconnect from the adapter Wi-Fi. You can now perform the Online Support Check and redeem your previously purchased voucher codes. (The codes can be purchased from our https://www.xautomotive.com/ )

  • You can then switch back to the Adapter Wi-Fi. The application has downloaded all necessary data and is now ready for offline use.

Note

The Wi-Fi adapters don’t support vehicles using K-Line! (Z4 E86, X5 E53 and X3 E83).

Read more about the DCAN Wi-Fi connection here.

Info

Ensure that only one device (phone/tablet/laptop) is connected to the Wi-Fi adapter at a time.
Multiple devices connected to the same static IP will cause network conflicts.

This may cause your device to appear to be correctly connected to the Wi-Fi adapter, even though your car may not appear in the app or you may not be able to flash.

Setup requirements on iOS

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Go to Wi-Fi Settings and select the Wi-Fi adapter, then go into the settings and change the settings to those shown on the right:

  • Click: “Configure IP” - Manual

  • IP address: 192.168.4.100

  • Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0

  • Router: Leave the field empty

  • Click “save”

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Local network settings on iOS 14 or later
Make sure your local network settings are set to ON.

iPhone -> Settings -> xHP Flashtool -> Local Network -> ON

Tip

iOS 14 and older - You can set the Wi-Fi to remain connected to the Internet even when you are connected to the Wi-Fi adapter.

iOS 15 and later - These IP settings must be set, otherwise the iOS device may not be able to find the Wi-Fi adapter.

Info

Ensure that only one device (phone/tablet/laptop) is connected to the Wi-Fi adapter at a time.
Multiple devices connected to the same static IP will cause network conflicts.

This may cause your device to appear to be correctly connected to the Wi-Fi adapter, even though your car may not appear in the app or you may not be able to flash.

Connection via ENET cable connection (F & G series)

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For Windows devices, no additional configuration is required.
Just connect the ENET cable to your device.

If you still experience problems, please check that the automatically set IP address is within the range 169.254.x.x and that network services such as VPN, virtual network adapters and/or firewalls are not interfering.

If you experience connection problems, please disable these services. If your IP is not in the expected range, you can try to configure it manually, as explained below.

Android, iOS and MacOS users must configure the Ethernet port after connecting the ENET adapter to their devices. Please open the settings panel on your device.
Depending on your Android version, the procedure may be slightly different. The screenshots are taken from a Galaxy S9 phone running Android 9.

You only need to do this the first time you connect. Your phone will remember these settings for subsequent connections. In some circumstances, you may need to reconnect the adapter after saving the settings for them to take effect.

Read more about the ENET cable connection here.

Note

The ENET cable cannot be used to unlock and then flash the 3rd generation 8HP transmission in G-Series BMWs and the new Supra. Please use the DCAN Wi-Fi Adapter.

Theoretically, you could use an ENET cable after unlocking your transmission. However, if you need to unlock the transmission in the future, e.g. after uninstalling xHP or a software update, you will need a DCAN-Wi-Fi adapter again.

Setup requirements on Android

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Make sure you have the latest Android updates installed. To connect to your car using a wired Ethernet connection, you must enable Ethernet Tethering - a new option introduced in Android 11. To enable Ethernet Tethering, please follow these steps

  • Connect your ENET cable to your Android device (use a suitable adapter)

  • Go to Settings → Connections → Mobile Hotspot and Tethering → Enable Ethernet Tethering.

Info

Sometimes Android does not automatically save or reset/disable Ethernet Tethering. Make sure this option is enabled if you're having trouble connecting.

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On Android, you need to configure a static IP address:

Connect the cable & press OK

… open Connections, …

… more connection settings”…

… then “Configure” …

… open “Ethernet”…

… and set the below settings

Info

Should you not be able to connect with the car, try alternatively to use the following settings:

  • IP address: 169.254.250.250

  • Netmask: 255.255.0.0

  • DNS address: 1.1.1.1 instead of 0.0.0.0

  • Default Gateway: 1.1.1.1 instead of 0.0.0.0

Note

Please check that your device supports manually setting a static IP address, as not all manufacturers enable this feature in their version of Android.

If your Android device does not allow you to set its IP address manually, you will need to use a different device. Known to work are the black MHD, thered MHD UNIor theBM3 Wi-Fiadapter, as they will handle the IP address for the Android device.

Setup requirements on iOS

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titleIOS only

Go to Ethernet Settings (only appears if a Lightning Ethernet adapter is connected), select the USB 100/100 LAN interface, and change the settings to those shown on the right:

  • Click: “Configure IP” - Manual

  • IP Address: 169.254.100.100

  • Subnet Mask: 255.255.0.0

  • Router: Leave the field empty

  • Click “save”

Setup requirements on Mac OS (M1 Macs and later only)

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On Apple silicon Macs, you have to configure your IP address as well:

Go to Network Settings and select the LAN adapter, then go into the settings and change the settings to those shown on the right:

  • Click: “Configure IP” - Manual

  • IP Address: 169.254.100.100

  • Subnet Mask: 255.255.0.0

  • Router: Leave the field empty

  • Click “Apply”

Connection via ENET Wi-Fi adapters (F & G series)

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xHP also supports MHD's ENET Wi-Fi adapter. Plug the adapter into your OBD port and connect to the created Wi-Fi called "MHD_xxxx" with the password "MHD_ENET".

Other suppliers might use the same adapters with different names and passwords.

No further configuration is required. The adapter works with Apple and Android devices. ENET is only available for F and G series vehicles. There is no support for E series vehicles with this adapter.
You can only flash G-Series cars after their transmissions have been successfully unlocked. See the yellow info-bubble below.

Most Android devices prefer Wi-Fi connections to 4G/LTE. Once you connect to the Wi-Fi network created by the MHD ENET Wi-Fi adapter, you will no longer be able to access the Internet, even if the cellular network is still active. Therefore, the initial unlocking of the car requires a special procedure when using an ENET Wi-Fi adapter:

  • Start with an active Internet connection, i.e. not connected to the Wi-Fi wireless adapter. This only applies to the very first start. Not required for subsequent flashes.

  • Connect the Wi-Fi adapter to the OBD port and wait 10-20 seconds. Connect to the created Wi-Fi on your device. Press Connect in the app.
    The app will retrieve the necessary data from your car to perform the online support check.

  • Disconnect from the adapter Wi-Fi. You can now perform the Online Support Check and redeem your previously purchased voucher codes. (Codes can be purchased from our webshop)

  • You can then switch back to the Adapter Wi-Fi. The application has downloaded all necessary data and is now ready for offline use.

Read more about the ENET Wi-Fi connection here.

Note

The ENET Wi-Fi adapters cannot be used to unlock the 3rd generation 8HP transmission in G Series BMWs and the new Supra. Those need a DCAN Wi-Fi, BM3 Wi-Fi orMHD UNI adapter.

Theoretically, you could use an ENET cable after unlocking your transmission. However, if you need to unlock the transmission in the future, e.g. after uninstalling xHP or a software update, you will need a DCAN Wi-Fi, BM3 Wi-Fi orMHD UNI adapter again.

Setup requirements on iOS

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titleIOS only

Go to Wi-Fi settings and choose the Wi-Fi adapter, then go into the settings and change the settings to the ones seen on the right:

  • Click: “Configure IP” - Manual

  • IP Address: 192.168.16.150

  • Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0

  • Router: Leave the field empty

  • Click “save”

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Local network settings on iOS 14 or later
Make sure your local network settings are set to ON.

iPhone -> Settings -> xHP Flashtool -> Local Network -> ON

Tip

iOS 14 and older - You can set the Wi-Fi to remain connected to the Internet even when you are connected to the Wi-Fi adapter.

iOS 15 and later - These IP settings must be set, otherwise the iOS device may not be able to find the Wi-Fi adapter.

Info

Ensure that only one device (phone/tablet/laptop) is connected to the Wi-Fi adapter at a time.
Multiple devices connected to the same static IP will cause network conflicts.

This may cause your device to appear to be correctly connected to the Wi-Fi adapter, even though your car may not appear in the app or you may not be able to flash.

Connection via MHD UNI Wi-Fi adapter (E, F & G series)

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xHP also supports the MHD UNI Wi-Fi adapter. Plug the adapter into your OBD port and connect to the correct Wi-Fi. Based on the detected protocol, the Wi-Fi SSID will be one of the following

  • MHD ENET XXXX

  • MHD CAN XXXX

No further configuration is required. The adapter will work with all listed devices.

The MHD UNI Wi-Fi adapter supports E, F and G series cars, including Supras.

Most Android devices prefer Wi-Fi connections to 4G/LTE. Once you connect to the Wi-Fi network created by the MHD UNI Wi-Fi adapter, you will no longer be able to access the Internet, even if the mobile phone is still switched on. Therefore, a special procedure is required to unlock the vehicle for the first time:

  • First start: Start with an active Internet connection, i.e. not connected to the Wi-Fi wireless adapter. This only applies to the very first start. Not required for subsequent flashes.

  • Connect the Wi-Fi adapter to the OBD port and wait 10-20 seconds. Connect to the created Wi-Fi on your device. Press Connect in the app.
    The app will retrieve the necessary data from your car to perform the online support check.

  • Disconnect from the adapter Wi-Fi. You can now perform the Online Support Check and redeem your previously purchased voucher codes. (Codes can be purchased from our https://www.xautomotive.com/)

  • You can then switch back to the Adapter Wi-Fi. The application has downloaded all necessary data and is now ready for offline use.

Read more about the MHD UNI Wi-Fi adapter here.

Tip

Local network settings on iOS 14 or higher
Make sure to have your local network settings turned ON.

iPhone -> Settings -> xHP Flashtool -> local network -> ON

Info

Ensure that only one device (phone/tablet/laptop) is connected to the Wi-Fi adapter at a time.
Multiple devices connected to the same static IP will cause network conflicts.

This may cause your device to appear to be correctly connected to the Wi-Fi adapter, even though your car may not appear in the app or you may not be able to flash.

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