What is DiAuto?
DiAuto is an independent Android Auto receiver based on Open Headunit. It uses the phone’s built-in Android Auto support; no separate DiAuto phone app, dongle, root or firmware modification is required. The head unit must still allow APK installation.
The project is licensed under AGPL-3.0 and is not affiliated with Google or BYD. Support focuses on BYD; other brands are outside the project’s support policy.
DiAuto or DiPlay: choose by phone
Use DiAuto with a compatible Android phone running Android Auto. Use DiPlay with an iPhone running CarPlay. The car’s Android operating system does not determine which phone protocol you need.
DiPlay credits DiAuto for interface work, but the apps receive different protocols. A DiPlay success report does not establish DiAuto compatibility, or vice versa.
| Choose by | DiAuto | DiPlay |
|---|---|---|
| Phone and protocol | Android phone with Android Auto | iPhone with CarPlay |
| Installed on | Compatible BYD Android head unit; DiAuto APK | Compatible BYD Android head unit; separate DiPlay APK |
| Connection | Wireless or USB; follow DiAuto setup | Wireless or USB; follow DiPlay setup |
| Compatibility evidence | Upstream reports tests on DiLink 5.1 / Android 13; other setups unverified | Check the DiPlay report database for the exact car, firmware, iOS and app version |
| Before you start | Confirm Android Auto support on the phone and APK installation on the car | Review DiPlay system requirements, known issues and installation guide |
DiAuto download and installation
Get the APK from DiAuto’s upstream download page or GitHub releases. This community site does not host the APK. Check the release instructions and checksum; the DiPlay download button downloads a different app.
Set up while parked. Install on the car using a method allowed by its firmware, grant the requested permissions, and pair the Android phone in the car’s Bluetooth settings. Keep phone Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on and accept Android Auto prompts. For USB, use a data cable and a data port. Follow DiAuto’s own instructions for wireless setup.
What has been tested?
The upstream README reports physical USB and wireless tests on BYD DiLink 5.1 with Android 13. Other models and firmware remain unverified. This does not mean every DiLink 5.1 car works, and DiPlay’s compatibility database does not certify DiAuto setups.
HUD guidance is limited to verified firmware and map metadata. Wireless performance also depends on the radio and firmware; constant 60 fps is not promised. Do not transfer DiPlay’s Android minimum or optional ADB feature requirements to DiAuto.
Connection problems: what to check
Confirm the phone actually supports Android Auto, check requested permissions and the car’s pairing, then compare USB and wireless. Record the car, firmware, phone/Android, DiAuto version, connection method and reproducible steps when reporting a problem upstream.
If you use an iPhone, changing DiAuto permissions will not add CarPlay support. Read the DiPlay download and installation guides instead.