The Denza B5 and B8's infotainment system runs on Android. That's no secret — the 17.3-inch screen, the app drawer, the settings menu, it's all Android under the hood. What most people don't know is that you can sideload apps onto it, opening up a whole world of functionality that BYD didn't include from the factory.

What is Sideloading?

Sideloading means installing apps from outside the official app store — basically loading APK files directly onto the system. On a phone, this is common. On a car's infotainment system, it's a bit more involved, but the Denza's Android base makes it possible.

What We Installed

After enabling ADB (Android Debug Bridge) access on our B8, we sideloaded several apps:

Sentry Mode

The Denza B5 and B8 don't come with a built-in sentry mode like Tesla. But with the right app, you can use the car's existing cameras as a surveillance system. When parked, the cameras detect motion around the vehicle and start recording. If someone gets too close or the car detects strong vibrations, it can flash the hazard lights or even honk the horn to scare them off — and you get a notification on your phone.

This is probably the most useful sideloaded app — in a busy carpark, it's peace of mind that your Denza is watching.

Quad-View Dashcam

Neither the B5 nor the B8 comes with a built-in dashcam from the factory. Most owners end up spending hundreds on an aftermarket unit with ugly cables dangling across the windshield. But the Denza already has cameras everywhere — front, left, right, and rear.

Our quad-view dashcam app uses the car's 360° camera system to record while driving, with a clean overlay showing timestamp, speed, and brake/accelerator pedal position as watermarks. You get four simultaneous camera angles — front, left, right, and rear — all viewable on the 17.3-inch screen. No aftermarket hardware, no cables, no fuss.

Entertainment & Connectivity

We also installed a few entertainment and connectivity apps. Video streaming apps like TikTok work while the car is in motion (for passengers, of course), and the large screen makes them surprisingly usable — especially with the B8's 6-seat layout where rear passengers can comfortably watch while parked or charging.

One of the best additions is Baidu CarLink — the "CarPlay equivalent" for Chinese phones. If you're using an Oppo, Vivo, Xiaomi, OnePlus, or any other Chinese-brand phone, Baidu CarLink connects wirelessly the moment you start the car, just like wireless Apple CarPlay. No cables, no pairing menus, it just works.

How It Works

The process requires factory-level access to the Denza's system — this isn't something you can do through the normal settings menu. Once ADB is enabled, you can install apps in two ways:

  • Wired: Connect an Android phone or laptop via USB and use standard Android ADB tools to install APKs
  • Wireless: Enable wireless debugging and install apps remotely from a PC, laptop, or even an Android phone using a wireless ADB assistant app — no cables needed

Note: Factory access should only be performed by qualified technicians.

Does It Affect Warranty?

That depends on your dealer. The sideloaded apps run on the infotainment system, which is separate from the vehicle's core driving systems. In most cases, a dealer reset would restore the system to factory state. But if you're concerned, check with your dealer before making any changes.

Want This on Your Denza?

We offer a professional installation service for ADB access and app sideloading on the Denza B5 and B8. Check out the product page for pricing and availability.

Watch our sentry mode demo: YouTube — Denza B8 Sentry Mode