Transforming your old iPhone into a fully functional sim racing dashboard is one of the most cost-effective ways to enhance your racing experience without spending hundreds on dedicated hardware.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about repurposing your iPhone as a telemetry display for your racing simulator setup.
Why use an iPhone as a sim racing dashboard?
A dedicated dashboard display unit (DDU) can cost anywhere from $200 to over $500, but your old iPhone sitting in a drawer can provide nearly identical functionality for free. Modern sim racing software enables your iPhone to display real-time telemetry data including speed, gear position, RPM, fuel levels, tire temperatures, lap times, and much more—all the critical information professional racers rely on.
The advantages are compelling: you already own the hardware, it’s highly portable, and the screen quality is typically excellent. Even older models like the iPhone 4s or iPhone 5s work perfectly well for this purpose.
For more details, visit Ressend.
Essential requirements
Before getting started, ensure you have these basic requirements:
Hardware needed:
- An old iPhone (any model from iPhone 4s and newer works)
- A Windows PC running your racing simulator
- A WiFi network that both devices can connect to
- A phone mount for your wheel base or rig
- USB charging cable to keep the iPhone powered during long sessions
Software needed:
- SimHub (free software for PC)
- A web browser on your iPhone (Safari works best)
Step-by-step setup guide
Step 1: download and install simhub
SimHub is the most popular and versatile free software for creating sim racing dashboards.
- Visit simhubdash.com and click the download button
- Extract the downloaded ZIP file
- Run the installer and ensure all checkboxes are selected
- Launch SimHub after installation
While SimHub offers a free version, consider purchasing a license (donation-based) to unlock premium features like 60fps display refresh rate and advanced customization options.
Step 2: configure simhub for your racing game
- Open SimHub and go to the “Games” section
- Select your racing simulator (SimHub supports over 40 games: iRacing, Assetto Corsa, ACC, F1 series, Forza, Gran Turismo 7, Project Cars, more)
- SimHub will automatically detect when you launch your selected game
Step 3: access dash studio and select a dashboard
- Click “Dash Studio” in the SimHub menu
- Browse through available dashboard templates (hundreds of free designs)
- Click any dashboard that interests you
- Select “To a phone or tablet” from the dropdown
Step 4: connect your iPhone
When you select the phone/tablet option, SimHub displays a connection screen. Two connection methods:
QR code (easiest):
- Use your iPhone camera to scan the QR code
- This opens the dashboard in Safari
Manual IP address entry:
- Note the local network address shown
- Open Safari on your iPhone
- Type the complete address into the browser bar
Your iPhone should now display the SimHub dashboard interface with a list of available layouts.
Step 5: select and configure your dashboard
- Browse available dashboards on your iPhone
- Tap your preferred layout to load it
- The dashboard will automatically start displaying data when you launch your racing game
Pro tip: For a fullscreen experience on iPhone, tap the Share button in Safari and select “Add to Home Screen”.
Step 6: solve the screen rotation issue
Problem: iPhone’s accelerometer detects wheel rotation and switches between portrait and landscape, which is distracting.
Solution:
- Position your iPhone in landscape orientation
- Swipe to access Control Center
- Tap the orientation lock icon (turns red)
- Note: iOS only locks in portrait by default, but dashboard stays landscape when launched from home screen shortcut
Alternative: Use the Shortcuts app to automate orientation lock when opening certain apps.
Mounting your iPhone to your rig
Proper mounting is essential for visibility and immersion. Options:
Wheel base mounts:
- Specialized mounts attach to fanatec, simucube, moza, simagic, and others
- Adjustable clamps, tool-free attachment, hardware included
- Price range: $25-$45
Universal wheel-mounted holders:
- Lightweight silicon bands wrap around wheel rim, padded jaws for phone
- Cost: around $1-5, fits any wheel
Stand or tripod mounts:
- If you prefer not to mount on your wheel, set up an adjustable stand or tripod anywhere on the rig
Recommended dashboard layouts for iPhone
Popular SimHub dashboards:
- Lovely Dashboard 2.0: feature-packed, highly customizable, supports all major sims
- PhimDash Porsche RSR: authentic LED shift lights, clean design
- Tritium Sim Racing Dash: excellent readability, clear information
- Romainrob’s universal iRacing Dash: optimized for iRacing, complete telemetry
Many more are available on the SimHub community forums and sim racing sites.
Alternative iPhone dashboard apps
While SimHub is the most versatile, other strong options include:
DashPanel:
- Powerful iOS/Android app with editor and game support
- Fully customizable layouts, virtual button box (PC), demo mode, data unlock per game
Race Dash for Sim Games:
- For F1, Gran Turismo 7, Forza, Project Cars, Assetto Corsa
- Multiple dashboards, customizable RPM lights, swipe to switch up to 10 dashboards
SIM-Dashboard:
- Supports 40+ games on PC, PlayStation, Xbox
- Widgets, button box feature, free/paid versions
Optimizing your setup
Best performance tips:
- Ensure your PC and iPhone are on the same WiFi
- Use stable, strong WiFi; reboot router if needed
- Close bandwidth-heavy apps during race
Firewall settings:
- Allow SimHub connections (ports 8888/8889)
- Disable firewalls or antivirus to test issues
Display tips:
- Keep iPhone plugged in
- Adjust brightness
- Consider Low Power Mode
Device advice:
- Any iPhone since the 4s will work
- Use Safari for best performance
- Close background apps
Troubleshooting common issues
Dashboard won’t connect:
- Ensure both devices are on the same network
- Enter correct IP
- SimHub must be running
- Try QR code method
- Disable VPN
Screen keeps rotating:
- Enable orientation lock before launching
- Use “Add to Home Screen”
- Create Shortcuts automation
Dashboard lags/disconnects:
- Check WiFi strength
- Reboot router
- Close background apps
- Reduce refresh rate in SimHub
Can’t access local network:
- iOS 14+: grant local network permission
- Settings > Privacy > Local Network
Taking it further: advanced features
Custom dashboards:
- SimHub lets you create unique dashboards, displaying data your way
Multiple dashboards:
- Use different layouts for different racing scenarios
Button box integration:
- Apps like DashPanel enable on-screen buttons, triggering PC shortcuts
Telemetry recording:
- Apps like Sim Racing Telemetry save your data for post-race analysis
Cost analysis: iPhone vs. dedicated DDU
DIY iPhone dashboard:
- Old iPhone: $0
- SimHub: Free ($5-15 for extras)
- Phone mount: $5-45
- Total: $5-60
Dedicated DDU:
- Entry: $150-250
- Mid: $200-300
- Premium: $400-600+
Conclusion: The iPhone route is perfect for those on a budget or just starting.
Best practices for long-term use
Battery management:
- Always keep plugged in
- Leave mounted if not used for other tasks
- Watch for battery swelling
Device maintenance:
- Clean screen
- Check mount security
- Update iOS when practical
Data management:
- Remove unneeded apps
- Keep only racing essentials
- Restart occasionally
Compatible racing simulators
SimHub supports many racing games and simulators:
PC: iRacing, Assetto Corsa, ACC, rFactor 2, RaceRoom, Automobilista, BeamNG.drive, DiRT Rally, Truck Simulators
Console (with PC link): F1 series, Gran Turismo 7/Sport, Forza, Project Cars, WRC
Each game may require enabling UDP telemetry output as described in its manual.
Conclusion
Converting your old iPhone into a sim racing dashboard is an easy, affordable, and immersive upgrade for any sim racer. The setup takes less than 20 minutes, delivers pro-level telemetry at a glance, and works with almost any major racing sim. For more realism and information, investing a few minutes into this DIY solution gives your sim rig a real competitive edge!
