There are several devices that connect to the Drive Smarter app in various capacities. Below, we'll explain the Bluetooth connection, plus offer tips for ensuring all goes well with set up. By following the steps below, we are confident you'll be up and running in no time. It seems like a lot, but stay with us... It's not as bad as it looks. :)
Bluetooth connection: First, when you initially connect your device to the Drive Smarter app, it will use Bluetooth only to find your device and connect to it. This allows you access to the device settings menu, and allows Drive Smarter alerts to flow to your device.
((Please do not connect via the phone's Bluetooth settings. Connection is done via the Drive Smarter app only!!))
- Before proceeding, make sure your device is compatible with the Drive Smarter app. Look here for a list of compatible devices: https://drivesmarter.com/supported-devices/
- If upgrading from the Escort Live or iRadar apps: First, close those apps entirely, then find and REMOVE (unpair) the device from your phone's Bluetooth connections (it will be saved there from the previous pairing with Escort Live/iRadar.) If you can't find it, have the device on and in range, then you should see it. Do NOT re-pair the device from here after removing it.
- If compatible, temporarily disable any infotainment systems, like CarPlay or Android Auto, before you begin. Based on customer feedback, it may also be helpful to turn off Bluetooth on other nearby devices, like an Apple Watch.
- Next, visit the Google Play or Apple App Store, and download and install the "Drive Smarter" app.
- iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/drive-smarter/id1498075222
- Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.cedarelectronics.smartsight&hl=en_US
- Turn your phone's Bluetooth ON.
- With the device ON, go to your phone's Bluetooth menu. If you see your device is listed, please forget/unpair/remove it. Then, restart your phone.
- To ensure that the Drive Smarter app can "see" the device, please make sure your Drive Smarter app settings (accessed via your phone settings/permissions menu) have either Bluetooth and Local Network (iPhone) or Nearby Devices (Android) toggled to on/allow all the time (the app performs some functions in the background but these are needed and not an issue with phone performance). To access these menus:
- Android and iPhone iOS 18 and later: Settings > Apps > Drive Smarter
- iPhone: Settings > Drive Smarter
- Restart the device (unplug it from power then plug it back in.) Be sure it is plugged into it's 12 volt power source and turned on. (USB power is not sufficient.) This will trigger its internal Bluetooth to allow pairing mode.
- Launch the Drive Smarter App. (almost there!!)
- At the log in/register screen, if you already have an Escort Live/iRadar/Drive Smarter account, use your existing credentials to log in. (If you see an "invalid username/Password" error, use the "Forgot Password" function then try again).
- If you do not have an existing account, register to create one. Create your profile as prompted. After you hit "register", there is an "I agree" checkbox that may overlap with words depending on your phone font size setting. You should be able to click the checkbox just above the greyed out "continue" button. **Note that there is a verification process when setting up a new account. You will be required to retrieve a code from your email and enter it to verify you new account.
- Once you log in for the first time, you will be prompted to scan for a device. (If not, you'll use the 3 line menu button at the top left and select the "Devices" menu option, then tap "Add New Device" to a vehicle.).
- The app will scan for available devices for up to 20-30 seconds. Once the device populates, tap it to choose it.
- Steps to try if it does not find the device during scan:
- Does the scan show an animation going across the screen, or does it immediately fail?
- If it immediately fails and it's an Android phone, you will need to enable 3 animation settings in developer options, click here for step by step instructions.
- If it shows the animation and does not find the device:
- Try a factory reset of the device using the device's menu if available.
- Try a firmware overwrite (Radar requires a Windows computer with our Detector Tools Pro software, using the Update all software option; Dash Cams can download bin file to the camera's SD card while plugged up to a computer.)
- If you receive an "onboarding error" stating the device is registered to another account, please contact us and provide the device serial number. We can remove from our system allowing you to pair successfully.
- The serial number "S/N" should be located on the sticker on the bottom or side of the unit.
- If it doesn't follow an "S/N:" then it will appear above a bar code on the sticker.
- If faded or removed see the manual or contact us for instructions (based on your type of device and model) to find the serial within the device settings.
- Does the scan show an animation going across the screen, or does it immediately fail?
- Steps to try if it does not find the device during scan:
- Once you successfully connect the device, it will be added to your devices under the chosen vehicle.
- Once added, and the phone and device are in range, it will show "Connected". If the device is not in range or is unable to make the connection, it will show "out of range". (If your device shows out of range even when plugged in and close by, simply turn off the device, close the app and start over. This will usually resolve the problem.)
- Once connected, you can access the device's settings menu via the settings menu icon next to the device. For dash cams, you can also visit the Gallery / Live View to see your video clips and/or the current live view. (Note: dash cams will not record while connected to Gallery / Live View, disconnect to continue recording.)
For additional help and information, choose one of these related articles:
Connecting your device to Wifi