Verify once — it unlocks member perks across the whole platform.
Apps & Software
Official companions, cockpit software, and tools every owner needs — with Gulf availability notes.
CHANGAN CONNECT
Verified
Official
Official connected-car app for Gulf-spec Changan models
•Check range, battery, doors remotely
•Remote AC pre-cooling — a summer essential
•Find-my-car in parking lots
Official-channel cars only. Note: China-import Lumins are NOT supported — they use Changan's Chinese app requiring a +86 number.
iOSAndroidFree
Import Screen Toolkit
Verified
Third-party
The community-proven kit to get YouTube, Google Maps and an Arabic keyboard onto your imported car's screen
•GBox (free): runs Google services — YouTube, Google Maps, Netflix — in a sandbox on GMS-less screens
•Aurora Store (free, open source): download Play Store apps with no Google account, straight from the screen
•Gboard: Arabic/English typing replacing the Chinese-only factory keyboard on imports
•Google Maps or Waze on the factory screen — full Gulf coverage unlike the Chinese factory nav
•Install: ADB from a laptop (adb install -g) — the same path i99dash uses. On BYD install AppManager first to unlock installs
Proven by thousands of owners (XDA + Russian and Gulf communities). Verified caveats: BYD removed ADB in v1.7+ (newer units need a downgrade or an AI Box), OTA updates can wipe apps, and video on the driver screen while moving is illegal and unsafe. APKs must be arm64-v8a.
Adds Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to any Android car screen
•Full CarPlay + Android Auto, wired and wireless
•No wiring changes — plugs into USB, fully reversible
•Online firmware upgrades via the AutoKit app
Thousands of Amazon owner reviews — the standard in the head-unit scene. On newer locked BYD DiLink units owners use the AI Box hardware variant instead of the APK — warranty-safe and non-invasive.
Unlocks YouTube, IPTV, video and web browsing inside Android Auto — free and open source
•Local video, IPTV (m3u) and YouTube on the car screen via Android Auto
•Built-in web browser and screen mirroring
•Works without root on Android 14/15/16
Installs on your phone (not the head unit) and needs developer mode + Unknown sources in Android Auto settings. For cars with Android Auto. Video while driving is unsafe and illegal — passengers and parked use only.
•Works with any ELM327 Bluetooth adapter (~$10-30)
•Reads/clears fault codes on most brands
Used-buyer alert: true battery health (SOH) is NOT exposed via standard OBD on BYD — you get SoC and voltages only. For an authoritative report before buying a used BYD: dealer diagnostic (VDS) or a pro tool like the Foxwell NT710.
Practical Gulf guidance — separating verified experience from estimates and pending specifications.
🌡️
Pre-condition before driving
In Gulf heat, pre-cool from the car's app 10 min before driving — cabin drops from 60° to 25°.
🕌
Prayer mode
Park, hit 'Cabin Mode → Quiet'. AC stays on, music mutes, displays dim.
🏙️
City only
Not for inter-city. 180 km Gulf range = neighborhood + souq commute.
Summer Survival Mode
0/10 · 0%
Checklist to prep your EV for 50°C summers. Each item extends battery life and improves your daily drive.
Keys & Access
Key fob
Recommended
Simple remote.
Driving Assist
Simple cruise control
Basic cruise.
Safety
⭐
C-NCAP 3 stars
Basic safety.
🎈
2 airbags
Front only.
Quick Tasks
How do I X — quick tasks every owner should know.
🔌
Simple home charging
Plug into any 16A socket
Charge 8 hours overnight
Ready for city in morning
Hacks & Secrets
Hidden features, easter eggs, and tricks you won't find in the manual — from real owners.
🌴Gulf-Specific
Pre-cool from the app at home
Open the car app 10 min before leaving. Cabin cools, battery pre-conditions for charging. Saves time, max comfort in 50° summers.
💰Money Saver
Schedule charging at off-peak rates
In countries with time-of-use rates (UAE Slab 1), schedule 23:00-06:00 to save 20-40% on your electricity bill.
🛋️Comfort
Camp Mode for sleeping or waiting
Park in P, enable Camp Mode from menu or voice command. AC stays on, screens dim. Uses only ~1 kWh/hour.
🚀Performance
Max regen for less brake wear
Set regen to highest (One-Pedal or High). Cuts brake wear 60%+ and adds 5-10% range in city traffic.
💰Money Saver
Bump tire pressure +0.2 bar in summer
A small bump (~0.2 bar above recommended) reduces rolling resistance and adds 3-5% range. Also a heat-safety win.
🌴Gulf-Specific
Imported Lumin: set up the Chinese account before shipping
The Lumin is China-only and its app needs a +86 number. Have the exporter set up the account and switch the system to English before shipping — otherwise you'll live app-less (key-based driving works fine).
Share a new hack in the community to get it added to this guide.
Test Your Knowledge
Question 1 / 1Score: 0
Lumin top speed?
Agent & parts
Your agent & parts in Bahrain
Not verified.
Warranty: 6 yearsBattery: Deepal battery 8yr/240,000 km (Changan export policy); confirm GCC terms with Al Tayer