Top 10 Hidden Features of BYD 2026 — 3 New OTA‑Added Functions Unknown to Veteran Owners

Many BYD owners only receive basic‑operation training from sales staff after taking delivery of their cars. Few take the initiative to walk owners through the practical features hidden inside the infotainment system. In 2026, multiple BYD models have received phased OTA updates, rolling out 3 brand‑new functions. Combined with 7 long‑existing yet little‑known practical tips, we break them all down today. Both new and long‑time owners can use them right away for a huge upgrade to your driving experience.

These three features are newly released in 2026. Many owners have not yet discovered them, and they deliver great practical value.

1. Dash Cam Wi‑Fi Quick Transfer
   Previously, exporting dash‑cam footage required removing the memory card and plugging it into a computer. The workflow was tedious and files were easy to lose. After the 2026 OTA upgrade, go to the vehicle infotainment: Dash Cam — Wi‑Fi Quick Transfer. Scan the QR code with your phone for direct connection. You can export videos quickly without mobile data, making evidence collection far more efficient for scratches and traffic incidents. When Sentry Mode is triggered, critical footage can be automatically backed up to cloud storage, so you will not lose evidence even if your SD card gets damaged.

2. Voice‑activated Anti‑Carsickness Mode
   On long‑distance trips or mountain‑road drives, passengers often suffer from carsickness. Simply say “Turn on anti‑carsickness mode" to the car system. The system will automatically adjust screen display, switch the air‑conditioning to fresh‑air circulation, and fine‑tune seat angles to reduce discomfort caused by vehicle shaking. It delivers a more pleasant ride for the elderly and children, bringing greater peace of mind for long journeys.

3. Customizable Lock‑Vehicle Chime
   Many owners repeatedly tug on door handles after parking to confirm the vehicle is locked. Now go to Settings — Vehicle Control — Lock Chime. You can select built‑in system tones or upload custom audio files. With your exclusive lock prompt tone, repeated physical checks are no longer needed, offering extra security when parking in underground garages or at night.

These are factory‑installed features. Due to their low visibility, many long‑time owners remain unaware of them even after years of driving.

4. Three‑finger Gesture Blind Control for Air‑Conditioning
   Looking down to adjust air‑conditioning while driving creates safety hazards. You can operate it blindly with three‑finger gestures. Swipe left or right with three fingers in the middle of the screen to adjust fan speed; swipe up or down to adjust temperature; pinch three fingers together to quickly turn off the air‑conditioner. This function is available for all models running DiLink 4.0 and above. Once you master it, you can operate without glancing at the screen for safer driving.

5. Emergency Charging‑Gun Release
   When charging at public charging stations, you may occasionally encounter a stuck charging gun that cannot be unlocked via vehicle controls. Do not panic. Open the trunk, pull back the inner trim panel on the left side, and find the red or yellow emergency pull cord. A gentle pull will manually release the gun. You can resolve this awkward situation in 10 seconds without waiting for roadside assistance.

6. Rapid Rain‑Time Defogging
   Fogged windows in rainy weather severely impair visibility. Press the front defog and rear defog buttons simultaneously for 3 seconds. The system will automatically enable fresh‑air circulation, maximum fan speed and AC cooling. Defogging speed doubles compared to standard mode, restoring clear vision within seconds for safer driving in rain.

7. Manual Battery‑Health Check
   You do not need frequent visits to 4S shops if you worry about battery degradation. Go to Infotainment Settings — About System. Double‑tap the version number five times in a row and enter password “BMS". You can then view battery‑health status and cell data. Important reminder: Only view data, do not modify any parameters, or improper operations may void your vehicle warranty.

8. One‑tap Switch between Rest Mode and Baby Mode
   When you feel tired and want to rest, say to Xiao Di: “I want to take a nap". The vehicle will automatically recline seats, set comfortable air‑conditioning and dim ambient lighting to enter rest mode quickly. When travelling with kids, say “Turn on baby mode". The air‑conditioner will deliver soft airflow, screen brightness will be locked, and nursery rhymes will play automatically. Very practical for napping and family trips with children.

9. On‑site Emergency Power Generation for DM‑i Models
   When your DM‑i hybrid vehicle runs low on battery and no charging pile is available, you can perform on‑site emergency power generation. Shift to P gear, switch to HEV mode, then press the brake pedal and accelerator pedal fully at the same time. The engine will start to recharge the battery, adding roughly 15 km of driving range within 10 minutes. Note: This is for emergency use only. Each operation shall not exceed 15 minutes, and it must be performed in an open, well‑ventilated area.

10. Navigation Projection + Steering‑Wheel Shortcut Menu
    Turn on navigation projection. Route information will display on the instrument cluster simultaneously. You no longer need to turn your head to look at the central screen, keeping your eyes focused on the road. Double‑press the scroll wheel on the right side of the steering wheel to quickly bring up frequently‑used menus for air‑conditioning, cruise control, navigation and more. More convenient and safer for long‑distance driving.

• Mid‑to‑high trims such as Han, Tang and Xia: Support vehicle‑to‑smart‑home interconnection. You can voice‑control household smart devices, for example turning on your home air‑conditioner remotely on your commute from work. High‑end trims support phone screen casting on rear‑seat displays.
• Compact models including Dolphin and Yuan PLUS: An emergency escape pull ring is fitted inside the trunk, enabling interior door opening under special circumstances. Set regenerative braking to Auto mode for smoother riding experience and more reliable real‑world range.
• Fangchengbao series: Intelligent parking supports smooth entry into parallel parking spaces for easier parking in narrow sections. High‑risk alerts from Sentry Mode automatically back up footage to cloud storage for convenient evidence collection.

These 10 hidden features of 2026 BYD vehicles cover emergency handling, safety, comfort and efficiency. The three newly‑added OTA functions solve real‑world daily pain points, while the seven classic tips deliver long‑term value. No extra accessories are required, and they cost you nothing. Spend just a few minutes on setup, and you can make full use of your vehicle’s capabilities.

Many owners drive their cars for two to three years without knowing these operations. Once you learn them today, your driving will become less stressful and more comfortable, and you can unlock greater value from your vehicle.