Should ETC be activated or installed first?

[Jenna]

ETC should be installed first and then activated. The installation process of the ETC device on the windshield is as follows: Upon receiving the device, first check if the ETC card and the electronic tag (OBU) are damaged. Press the anti-tamper button on the back of the OBU, and the red light will briefly illuminate. The OLED screen will display "Tag Invalid" or "Please Insert Card," indicating the device is functioning normally. Clean the front windshield to ensure the surface is smooth, clean, and dry. Then, peel off the adhesive backing of the OBU and attach it to the installation position. Press firmly for 2-3 minutes to remove any air bubbles. Insert the ETC card with the front side facing the driver and the back side facing the windshield, ensuring the chip is inserted into the OBU device. ETC activation method: Insert and remove the ETC card twice in succession until the electronic tag screen displays "Bluetooth On." If "Tag Invalid" appears when inserting and removing the card twice without the electronic tag attached, this is normal and does not affect activation. Alternatively, you can directly press the button on the top of the electronic tag to enable Bluetooth. Turn on your phone's Bluetooth and open the corresponding mobile app (usually a download QR code is provided on the electronic tag). Navigate to the device activation interface. Click "Connect Device" and wait patiently for the "Connection Successful" prompt. Once connected, upload a photo of the vehicle's front to complete the activation.

[LaLorenzo]

As a veteran driver with over a decade of experience, I always prioritize physical installation when setting up ETC. Professionals will help secure that little box near the rearview mirror on the windshield, ensuring it's not too off-center or obstructed, so the signal can be reliably read by toll stations. After installation, I activate the account via a mobile app or at a service counter, linking it to a bank card or payment method. I once tried activating first before proper installation—resulting in undetected equipment at the ETC lane, forcing me to stop and manually pay, which was both embarrassing and time-consuming. So, I recommend owners first install and test the device position, then activate to ensure smooth operation for efficient highway passage. Choose a reliable installation point—once positioned, it's hard to adjust. I learned this the hard way: installing first then activating ensures everything works seamlessly, saving hassle and effort.

[Jane]

From the perspective of young people pursuing efficiency, installing ETC definitely involves physical installation first, followed by activation. For example, I prefer handling things online for my daily car use, but the ETC device needs to be stuck on the windshield first, ideally in a flat area near the rearview mirror. After the installer secures it, they guide me through activating and linking my card number via the app. Don’t underestimate the installation position—if it’s crooked or too low, it can affect the signal. Only after activation should you test the passage to ensure it works properly. After installing and activating it in my car, I’ve never had any issues on the highway. The steps are simple: go to an ETC service point to install the device, confirm everything is correct, then activate the account for use. Sharing this to avoid wasting time redoing things if the order is reversed.

[DeRiley]

As an occasional driver, I find that installing the ETC device should be done before activating the account. After the device is fixed on the windshield and positioned correctly towards the toll station antenna, activating the account and binding the payment method completes the process. If the order is reversed, activating the device without proper installation may lead to recognition failure during transit, causing traffic jams or additional charges. Therefore, it's best to go directly to a professional service point where they will install and test the device for you before activating the account, ensuring a smooth process. The installation position is crucial, with the area near the rearview mirror being the preferred choice. Once installed, activating and binding the bank card is simple and hassle-free.