
OBU Bluetooth switch is a button on the top of the OBU device, which serves as the power switch for the device's Bluetooth. After pressing it, the Bluetooth indicator will flash and then remain steadily lit. Below are the meaning of OBU and the installation method for OBU: Meaning of OBU: OBU stands for On-Board Unit, a microwave device that communicates with RSU. In the ETC system, the OBU is placed in the vehicle, while roadside units (RSU) are installed along the road. They communicate with each other via microwave. When a vehicle passes the RSU at high speed, they communicate via microwave to verify authenticity, identify the vehicle type, calculate the toll rate, and deduct the toll fee. OBU installation method: First, open the electronic tag and peel off the adhesive backing. Attach the electronic tag firmly to the upper part of the front windshield. Then press the Bluetooth button on the top of the electronic tag and insert the card. The electronic tag screen will display that Bluetooth is turned on. Next, turn on your phone's Bluetooth, enter the mini-program, click 'Apply for Card' and 'Activate Electronic Tag,' and the Bluetooth will automatically sense and activate. Finally, upload a front photo of the vehicle, and it will be ready for use.

I've been driving for over a decade and am quite familiar with ETC devices. For the OBU Bluetooth switch, you usually find it on the side of that small box. Try removing it from the windshield to check – there's always a small round button on the back or side, either labeled 'Bluetooth' or with a Bluetooth icon. Remember it needs power when pressing it – I usually press it twice in parked state to activate until the indicator light starts blinking. If it's a newly purchased car model, the manual definitely marks the switch location. If you really can't find it, contact ETC customer service. This Bluetooth is mainly for connecting to your phone for top-ups – never operate it while driving at high speed, safety first. By the way, last time I helped a friend find his, his device actually had proximity activation – it automatically activated when near a phone. So it really depends on your specific device model design.

When I first installed the ETC last year, I was also confused about where the OBU Bluetooth switch was hidden. Later, I found that most of them are on the side of the device, just a button the size of a fingernail. You need to turn off the car and park it steadily first, then carefully feel the edge of the device. Some require pressing twice in a row to light up the blue light. That time, it took me ten minutes to find it—it was a hidden button in the groove on the back, and I almost thought my device was broken. Actually, the ETC installation technician will teach you, but it's easy to forget. The Bluetooth switch is mainly used to activate the device and for recharging, so it's best to ask about its location during installation. The position varies by brand—some from banks are on the side, while those from highway companies might be at the bottom. If you can't find it, don't force it; calling the customer service number on the device is the quickest solution.

My OBU is in pink, and the Bluetooth switch is thoughtfully designed. It's located in the indentation on the right side of the box—a small silver dot that activates with a gentle two-second press. I noticed when topping up my ETC that this button must be operated when the vehicle is stationary; otherwise, it may not respond well. Actually, Bluetooth mainly serves the mobile app, such as checking travel records or binding a new card. Some newer models are even more discreet—like the ETC in my other car, where the switch is hidden under the label on the back of the device and requires a SIM ejector tool to press. I recommend sisters record a video when installing the ETC to avoid struggling to find it later. Also, remember to clean the button when wiping the windshield to prevent dust buildup that could affect its function.

After studying three ETC devices, the general rule for OBU Bluetooth switches is that 90% are located on the non-adhesive side of the unit. The most common design is a circular button with anti-slip texture on the side, which produces a click sound when pressed. When connecting with a Huawei phone, I found that a five-second long press is required to reset before successful pairing. This function is mainly used for activation and balance transfer, which is frequently needed during toll-free highway periods. Newer designs are smarter - like the one in my car, where inserting and removing the ETC card three times automatically activates Bluetooth. If the device is stuck too tightly on the windshield to reach, try using a bank card to gently pry open a gap along the edge. Remember, ETC Bluetooth has an effective range of only 2-3 meters, so you'll need to operate it from inside the car.


