JM

Systems & leverage // FIELD NOTE

Downgrading a BYD Seal: Enabling APK Sideloading

A risky BYD Seal software downgrade intended to restore Android APK sideloading on the car's screen.

Published 26 May 2024Original archive ↗

This process carries the risk of bricking your car’s screen. Proceed at your own risk, and understand that I am not responsible for any damage caused by this process.

Requirements

  • A USB drive with at least 8GB of storage
  • A computer with internet access
  • Firmware file (download link provided below or click[HERE]
  • Approximately 1 hour of your time

Let’s Get Started

Step 1: Download the Firmware File

Download the firmware file from the provided link or click [HERE]

Step 2: Prepare the USB Drive
(It is critical you have the name and captivation of letters EXACTLY like I show)
  1. Rename the downloaded file to UpdateFull.zip
  2. Plug in your USB drive and format it to FAT32 or exFAT.
  3. Create a folder named: BYDUpdatePackageon the USB drive.
  4. Inside the BYDUpdatePackage folder, create another folder named msm8953_64.
  5. Copy the UpdateFull.zip file into the msm8953_64 folder.
The USB

File Structure should look like the below

Ensure the file structure looks like this:

  • BYDUpdatePackage``msm8953_64``UpdateFull.zip

Downgrading

Now that we have the USB drive ready, we can start the downgrade process.Go in your car and plug in the USB drive in the USB port.

Step 1: Plug in the USB Drive 💾

Insert the USB drive into the USB port in your car. Make sure it’s securely connected and ready for the next steps.

Step 2: Confirm the Downgrade ✅

Click on the pop-up notification to confirm and initiate the downgrade process. The car will then begin the process of downgrading to the previous software version.

Step 3: wait ⏱️

Once you’ve confirmed the downgrade, the process will begin. Please be patient and allow the car to complete the downgrade, which may take approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour to finish.

You have to wait for the screen to reach 100%. If completed correctly, you will see the T&C’s which need to be accepted.

Getting APK’s

The best places I have found to get .apk files are:

Installing the APK’s

(It is critical you have the name and captivation of letters EXACTLY like I show)
Step 1:

Format your USB to fat32 format and do not add ANYTHING to it.

Step 2:

Create a folder called “third party apps”

Step 3

Add APK files to the folder called “third party apps”

Step 4

PROFIT

APK’s I have loaded and found useful

  • Gbox
  • Firefox
  • ARBP (A Better Route Planner)