Carly produced codes which don't exist. Tried reporting problem but Carly support said if codes are given, then there is no fault. Scanned same vehicle with Autel and got specific code straight away a... See more
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I would buy a general scanner which supports BMW without any ristriction including resetting the error code. I had to buy one when I sold my BMW Z4 to reset lot's of error codes which were turned o... See more
I've ordered from this company twice now - initially for my introduction to their product and app experience, which went splendidly, and again to renew my licensing and continue with a different... See more
Carly device arrived, didn't work. Followed all instructions, still didn't work. Carly sent replacement, doesn't work again!!! Since then I have read lots of very bad reviews about Carly & their poor... See more
Company replied
Company details
Written by the company
Carly — OBD2 car scanner Founded in 2014 in Munich, Germany, Carly is an automotive tech company that connects drivers with the information hidden inside their cars. Carly provides simple solutions throughout the lifecycle of car ownership, delivering peace of mind and empowering you to save time and money. Our mission is to be a reliable companion for drivers that delivers powerful data and valuable insights. Unleash your inner car hero with Carly! The Carly OBD2 Diagnostic Scanner was named 'Runner Up for Tech Product of the Year ' at the prestigious Parker's Product Awards. It got Highly Recommended for "makes the process more accessible for home users." In 2025, described by the Products Writer and tester for CAR and Parkers, Aaron Hussain, as "Score: 4/5. A pocket-sized catalyst for preventative maintenance, but a couple of small quirks in the app stop it from being perfect."
Our Origins
Written by the company
- An $8,000 repair estimate. An $80 fix.
- One of Carly’s founders was told his car needed repairs costing nearly $8,000—more than the car was worth. Like most drivers, he had no way of knowing whether the diagnosis was accurate. Instead of accepting the bill, he dug deeper. By accessing the car’s hidden data, he uncovered the real issue: a small component that cost just $80 to replace. The problem wasn't the car. It was the lack of transparency. Today, Carly gives drivers direct access to their vehicle's data, helping them understand issues, avoid unnecessary repairs, and make smarter decisions about their cars. That's how Carly was born.
Contact info
Carly Mechanics Chat
2.3
Poor
16K reviews
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This is not an app for a mechanic
This is not an app for a mechanic. Does not have any of the functions I need.
July 20, 2026
Reply from Carly Solutions GmbH
We’re sorry Carly did not fit your needs as a mechanic. Carly was designed mainly for everyday car owners and car enthusiasts, and we do not claim it is a professional workshop tool.
We now offer Carly Enterprise for B2B use, but that is a different segment. Feel free to check out more in this link: [https://enterprise.mycarly.com/]
I had a try of the free version of this…
I had a try of the free version of this and it was hands down the worst device/software I've used.
You can't even clear basic DTC's which I'd consider the bare minimum and should be available on the free version
April 30, 2026
Reply from Carly Solutions GmbH
We’re sorry that your experience with the free version of Carly did not meet your expectations, especially when trying to clear basic DTCs.
The free version of Carly is designed to let users test selected features, while full diagnostic functions and other Carly features may require an active app license. Available functions can also depend on the vehicle model, year, control units, and software configuration. We understand that this can be disappointing if you expected DTC clearing to be included for free.
Decent product bad service/company
1. You do not clearly state that you are a subscription service when buying the device.
2. You do not have a clear subscription management system In the app.
3. I have had to redownload the vehicle info to the same vehicle every time I have launched the app the last 3 times I used it.
July 20, 2026
Reply from Carly Solutions GmbH
We’re sorry that the subscription model, subscription management, and repeated vehicle data downloads have caused frustration.
Carly is offered as an annual app license, and we understand that this needs to be clear before and after purchase. We also understand how inconvenient it is if the app asks you to download vehicle information again for the same vehicle instead of working as expected.
Your feedback helps us improve how we explain the Carly license, how subscription management is presented in the Carly App, and how we handle app behavior that disrupts normal use.
Little if any use to me
Provides Little if any information on my Mercedes e class, very disappointed. Basically useless
July 1, 2026
Reply from Carly Solutions GmbH
We’re sorry that Carly provided much less information for your Mercedes E-Class than you expected. We understand how disappointing that is, especially if you purchased Carly expecting more useful vehicle insights.
The available Carly functions always depend on the vehicle brand, model, year, installed control units, and vehicle software. This means that a vehicle may be generally supported, while certain functions or data points may not be technically available for a specific configuration.
We understand that these limitations need to be as clear as possible before purchase. Your feedback helps us improve how we present vehicle compatibility and function availability for specific models.
Paid for all the bells and whistles and…
Paid for all the bells and whistles and it doesn’t work, total waste of my money, junk
January 23, 2026
Reply from Carly Solutions GmbH
We’re sorry that Carly did not work as expected after you paid for the full feature set. We understand how frustrating it is when a product feels like a waste of money because the functions you expected are not usable.
The available Carly functions can depend on the vehicle brand, model, year, installed control units, and vehicle software. This means that some functions may work differently or may not be available for every vehicle configuration, even when the vehicle is generally supported.
We take this feedback seriously, because expectations around functionality need to be clear before purchase. Your review helps us improve how we communicate feature availability and technical limitations.
Carly solution is just a crap
Carly solution is not agile as could be expected. The scanning your car takas very long time. Then you know the trouble and made some improvements in your car, to remove one known error code, it needs again to go through all the vehicle scanning all that long procedure. After all this Carly is just crap solution.
October 17, 2025
Reply from Carly Solutions GmbH
We’re sorry that the scan process felt too slow and inefficient, especially when you only wanted to clear one known error code after making improvements to your car. We understand how frustrating it is to repeat a full scan when you expect a quicker and more targeted process.
Carly’s diagnostic results depend on communication with the vehicle’s control units, and scan duration can vary depending on the vehicle brand, model, year, installed control units, and vehicle software. Still, we understand that the workflow should feel practical and efficient for real repair and maintenance situations.
Your feedback helps us improve how Carly handles diagnostic workflows, error-code clearing, and the overall user experience during repeated scans.
Where is the Elroq
I was disappointed to find out that despite being on the market for a year, my Skoda Elroq is not a recognised model in Carly
July 17, 2026
Reply from Carly Solutions GmbH
Thank you for your feedback. We understand that it’s disappointing when a newer model is not yet recognized, especially after it has already been on the market for some time. New vehicle models can require additional updates from our developers due to new software, equipment, or control units, and your feedback helps us prioritize compatibility improvements.
The app does not do enough for my bmw…
The app does not do enough for my bmw E64. Battery registration was also very glitchy.
May 8, 2026
Reply from Carly Solutions GmbH
We apologize that your vehicle isn’t fully supported at this time. Feature availability varies depending on the brand, model, and year, and we are continuously working to expand coverage. You can visit our support page to see if your car's brand and model are listed. Each supported brand has its own page with all compatible models and manufacturing years included. We look forward to supporting your vehicle soon and regaining your trust.
Reply from Carly Solutions GmbH
We’re sorry that Carly did not meet your expectations and felt like a waste of money. We understand how disappointing that is when you expected useful results from the product.
The available Carly functions can depend on the vehicle brand, model, year, installed control units, and vehicle software, so the experience may vary by vehicle configuration. Still, we understand that expectations around functionality and compatibility need to be clear before purchase.
Your feedback helps us improve how we communicate what Carly can provide for each vehicle.
Very easy to use
July 20, 2025
WASTE IF MONEY!!
WASTE IF MONEY!!! it’s not what they advertise it at all then when wanted a refund I got denied, they says I could change my electric rear brakes that this device would put the EPB into service mode and when I got the device it turns out that they lied to me because the Carly device is not compatible and (DOES NOT WORK)!!!
July 20, 2026
Reply from Carly Solutions GmbH
We’re sorry that Carly did not provide the EPB service mode function you expected for your vehicle, especially after you purchased the device for that specific brake service need and then had your refund request denied.
Carly functions depend on the vehicle brand, model, year, installed control units, and vehicle software. Because of this, a vehicle may be generally supported while a specific function, such as EPB service mode, is not technically available for that exact configuration.
If you were told before purchase, or saw on our website, that EPB service mode would work for your specific vehicle, we would like to review that carefully. Please contact our support team with your vehicle details, the function you expected, and any screenshot or link to the information you relied on. Please do not share personal data publicly.
Your feedback is important because it shows where our compatibility and function information needs to be clearer before purchase.
App just goers into updating mode
App just goes into an updating cycle every time. It has been deleted and reistalld many times but always fails after one check. Not renewed and bought a Toppdon instaead which is far more reliable and offers much better applications. This wa last year so not sure of exact date of frustration.
October 20, 2025
Reply from Carly Solutions GmbH
We’re sorry that the Carly App kept getting stuck in an update cycle after each check, even after reinstalling it several times. We understand how frustrating that is, especially when it prevents you from using the app reliably.
Update issues can depend on the app version, phone operating system, connection, adapter status, and the vehicle check being performed. Since you mention this happened last year and you are no longer using Carly, we cannot review the exact situation publicly, but we take this kind of technical feedback seriously.
Your experience shows us how important stable app performance and clear troubleshooting are. Thank you for sharing it, and we’re sorry Carly did not meet your expectations.
Reply from Carly Solutions GmbH
We’re sorry that Carly did not unlock the car features you expected. We understand how disappointing that is, especially if unlocking specific features was the main reason you purchased it.
The available Carly functions depend on the vehicle brand, model, year, installed control units, and software version. This means a vehicle can be generally supported while certain coding or feature-unlock options are not technically available for that exact configuration.
Your feedback shows how important it is that feature availability and compatibility are clear before purchase. We take this seriously and will continue working to make this information easier to understand.
The technology was fine but the…
The technology was fine but the subscription is too expensive
July 12, 2026
Reply from Carly Solutions GmbH
Thank you for your feedback. We’re glad to hear that the technology worked well for you. We understand that the subscription price is an important factor, and we appreciate you sharing your honest impression.
Stuck with Carly as my subscription…
Reply to your message.... Someone must be lying as I have emails claiming that I am unable to get a refund my transaction even though I never used the device of app since it was renewed.
🚨 Important: Carly Ticket 1768227
Email reply from a Leon on 31st march 2026
"I’m happy to confirm that the automatic renewal of your app has been successfully canceled. This takes effect at the start of your next renewal term; you’ll continue to have full access to all Carly Features until your current term ends. Your existing payment covers that period and is non-refundable"
Stuck with Carly as my subscription renewed and was unable to cancel or get a refund. Unable to put car in service mode to replace rear pads and unable to simple functions on my Audi.
July 20, 2026
Reply from Carly Solutions GmbH
We’re sorry for any confusion. If your license was purchased on our page, you can cancel anytime via web or by contacting us directly. If your purchase was made in-app, the App Store handles all billing, invoicing, and cancellations. If you are not sure where you purchased, please contact us for assistance.
We also have an FAQ page about this with more instructions on how to manage renewals and cancellations. We’re here to assist you and want to make this as smooth as possible for you.
Very slow, over priced, forced subscription
Very slow, limited information on certain makes and models and no option to opt out of stupidly expensive subscription without bricking the device. My vehicles are what they are and don't not change. Paying for software updates for this device so that it is compatible with newer cars is useless to me, yet I have no choice. My $3500 Autel scanner has a cheaper subscription, but doesn't brick when I decide that I won't be scanner a 2026 vehicle. Very unethical non-American company. AVOID, AVOID, AVOID
Glad to see you respond. Please explain what functions are still available to the device owner without an active subscription and what value the updates give to a person with an older vehicle. My 7 year old vehicle isn't changing, so updates to the diagnostic device have zero impact on anything but newer cars. People buying your device are buying it for their brand new car, they are buying to keep their older - out of warranty car running. The subscription is clearly a money grab.
July 19, 2026
Reply from Carly Solutions GmbH
We’re sorry that Carly has felt too slow and too limited for the specific vehicles you use it with. We understand your frustration.
Carly is an annual app license that unlocks the digital Carly functions in the app, including updates, compatibility work, and access to supported diagnostics, coding, and service functions. At the same time, the actual value depends heavily on the vehicle brand, model, year, installed control units, and software. That can mean some makes and models provide less information or fewer functions than expected.
We also want to respectfully clarify that Carly is not designed to “brick” the device. Without an active app license, paid Carly functions are no longer unlocked, while the hardware itself is not intentionally disabled. Still, we understand why this can feel frustrating if you expected a scanner that works independently without a continuing license.
Your comparison with other diagnostic tools is useful feedback. It shows us that we need to communicate more clearly who Carly is best suited for, what the annual license includes, and where its limits are for customers who only scan the same vehicles over time.
Absolute perfect bit of kit
Absolute perfect bit of kit. Very accurate easy to use with the app. Does everything and more. 100% recommend to anyone thinking of getting one.
July 1, 2026
Too expensive and no option to pay…
Too expensive and no option to pay monthly, not as useful as the ads claim to be
July 21, 2025
Reply from Carly Solutions GmbH
Thank you for your feedback. We’re sorry the product didn’t meet your expectations. We know that sometimes things don’t work perfectly for everyone, especially when it comes to different vehicles or specific situations. We encourage everyone to take a close look at the compatibility details on our website before making a purchase.
If there’s anything we can do to help or clarify, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Stealing money no usefull info provided
Carly identified tons, millions of failures in the car. Repeatedly. Absolutely useless chaos of information. And real problem had not been identified. Another problem is subscription. Automatic, without eeliable way of cancelation. I cancelled very well prior renewal of subscription using the website. Website reported it had received the cancelation. However, no confirmation was sent. After 1 year od subscription suddenly payment from Visa card was taken. Without prior notice the payment would be processed. This app and service is simple scam and steals money. I claimed the payment via website but again no response.
April 1, 2026
Reply from Carly Solutions GmbH
Thanks for your feedback. We understand multiple fault codes can feel overwhelming.
Our approach is to display all fault codes, including non-critical and historical ones, so car enthusiasts can get the full picture of their vehicle’s status. However, when codes are critical, we always make sure to clearly notify you.
This is a deliberate choice to give you as much detailed information as possible. We hope this helps you better understand the situation!
The app works well and does what it…
The app works well and does what it says on the tin.
However if you don't use their device, you can't do alot with the app.
I lost mine or it was removed at the garage, I can't use generic versions. App is now rather pointless.
July 10, 2026
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