Autowatch CANbot Is Here: Turn Your Ghost Into a Connected Alarm System
Autowatch's new CANbot pairs with your Ghost immobiliser and the Ghost Link app to add alarm features, live vehicle status and GPS location — all from your phone.
A few weeks ago we wrote about what the Autowatch CANbot was likely to bring to the UK market. It's now officially released, and we've had a proper look at what it does — and just as importantly, what it doesn't.
In short: if you already have an Autowatch Ghost immobiliser fitted, the CANbot is the upgrade that turns it from a silent, invisible immobiliser into a connected security system that talks to your phone.
What is the Autowatch CANbot?
The Ghost on its own does one job extremely well: it stops your car being driven away unless the correct PIN sequence (or paired tag/phone) is used. What it has never done is tell you anything. If someone tried to start your car at 3am, you'd only find out when you checked.
The CANbot changes that. It's a small connected module that sits alongside your Ghost and links it to the Ghost Link app. Under the hood it has:
A look inside the Ghost Link app
These screenshots are from the Ghost Link app running on an Alfa Romeo Giulia. You get a live vehicle overview, a full event feed, saved journeys and a live map.
App screenshots supplied by Autowatch. Address details redacted.
What every CANbot gives you (the minimum)
Features depend on the vehicle, but Autowatch guarantees a baseline set on every install — and it only gets better from there:
- GPS location and journey history
- Ignition and run status — see at a glance whether the car is off, on ignition or running
- Battery voltage — handy for spotting a weak battery before it leaves you stranded
- Temperature — from the car's network, or from the CANbot's own sensor
- Service mode on/off from your phone — no more passing your PIN to the garage
- Alerts for blocked start attempts — know instantly if someone tries to start or drive your car
- Alerts when service mode is entered or exited
- A detailed event list — every disarm (by phone, tag or PIN), emergency code use, start, ignition off and more
- Force blocking mode — lock the Ghost down remotely so even the normal disarm methods won't work until you release it
Extra data on many vehicles
Where your car shares the information over its network, the app can also show:
- Doors open / closed
- Mileage
- Fuel level, or charge state on EVs and hybrids
- Cabin temperature
- Lock / unlock status
- Factory (OE) alarm triggered warnings
Because this varies by make and model, message us with your vehicle and we'll tell you exactly what you can expect before you commit.
Why force blocking mode is a big deal
This is the feature we think Ghost owners will love most. Normally your Ghost disarms when you enter your PIN or your paired phone/tag is nearby. With force blocking switched on in the app, none of the normal disarm methods will work until you switch it off again.
Going on holiday? Car sitting on the drive for a fortnight? Keys stolen in a burglary? Flick force blocking on and the car stays immobilised, whatever happens to your keys, phone or PIN — and if anyone tries to start it, you'll get a notification.
What the CANbot isn't — an honest note
The CANbot has no backup battery. It runs from your vehicle's power, so if the car's battery is disconnected, the CANbot goes offline with it.
That's why we don't sell it as a stolen vehicle tracker. If you want insurance-approved tracking with 24/7 monitoring and police liaison, a Thatcham S5 or S7 tracker is still the right tool for that job. The CANbot's GPS is brilliant for everyday peace of mind — where's the car parked, where has it been — and the two work well side by side.
How it works with your Ghost
- Check compatibility. The CANbot pairs with the Ghost 2, Ghost Pro and Ghost 3. Already have one fitted? We can add the CANbot to your existing system. Don't have a Ghost yet? We can fit both together.
- Professional installation. We fit the CANbot discreetly and connect it to your vehicle's network and your Ghost, at your home or workplace anywhere across Kent, London, Essex, Surrey and Sussex.
- Optional siren. If you want an audible deterrent as well as phone alerts, we can fit the additional siren at the same time.
- App set-up and handover. We get the Ghost Link app set up on your phone (iPhone or Android) and walk you through every feature before we leave.
Who is the CANbot for?
- Existing Ghost owners who want to know what's happening with their car, not just trust that it's protected
- Owners of high-risk vehicles who want instant alerts if a thief tries to start the car — see our guide to the most stolen cars in the UK
- Anyone who leaves a car parked for long periods and wants to keep an eye on battery voltage and use force blocking
- People who regularly use garages or valets and want to control service mode from their phone
Our recommended set-ups
Not sure which is right for your car? That's exactly what we're here for — we'd always rather talk it through than push a one-size-fits-all package. You can also compare the CAN-bus immobilisers we fit, or read why the Ghost is TASSA verified.
Frequently asked questions
Which Ghost immobilisers does the Autowatch CANbot work with?
The CANbot pairs with the Autowatch Ghost 2, Ghost Pro and Ghost 3. If you already have one of these fitted, the CANbot can be added to your existing system.
Does the CANbot turn my Ghost into an alarm?
Yes. The CANbot adds alarm features and vehicle connectivity to your Ghost, with alerts sent to the Ghost Link app on your phone. An optional additional siren can be fitted for extra noise.
Is the CANbot a replacement for a Thatcham S5 or S7 tracker?
No. The CANbot has GPS location and history, but it has no backup battery, so it relies on the vehicle's own power. For insurance-approved stolen vehicle tracking with 24/7 monitoring, a Thatcham S5 or S7 tracker is still the right choice, and it pairs well alongside a Ghost and CANbot.
What can I see in the Ghost Link app?
As a minimum: GPS location and journey history, ignition and run status, battery voltage, temperature, service mode control, force blocking mode, alerts for blocked start attempts and service mode changes, and a detailed event list. On many vehicles you also get doors, mileage, fuel or charge level, cabin temperature, lock and unlock, and factory alarm warnings.
Is the Ghost Link app on iPhone and Android?
Yes, the Ghost Link app is available for both iOS and Android.
What warranty does the CANbot come with?
The Autowatch CANbot comes with a 2-year warranty.
Add a CANbot to your Ghost
Mobile installation at your home or workplace across Kent, London, Essex, Surrey and Sussex. Tell us your vehicle and we'll confirm exactly which features you'll get.
Product information taken from Autowatch's CANbot with Ghost Link app brief. Available features vary by vehicle. App screenshots courtesy of Autowatch.
