Audi Q5: How to Customize Q5 Coding through Mobile App

This article applies to the Audi Q5.

For quite some time, those longing to customize their Audi's configurations were only able to do so if they dropped the money on VCDS software and a VAG-COM cable. But now there is a mobile app that can accomplish much of the same tasks, including window, door lock, and light functionality, and even dealer-level diagnostic capabilities. Requiring only a Bluetooth adapter (Carista sells one for around $40), the Carista app allows you to customize the most popular options for a fraction of the cost of a VAG-COM setup. Here's how it works.

The in-app purchase costs $19.99 and the OBD Bluetooth adapter costs $39.99.

Step 1 – Install the Carista app on your mobile device

Download and install the Carista app from either the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store. Once installed, complete the in-app purchase to unlock the app's functionality.

Step 2 – Install the Bluetooth OBD adapter

Connect the Bluetooth OBD adapter to the car's OBD port, which is located underneath the driver's side dash. The adapter simply plugs into the port. Once it is plugged in, make sure your mobile device's Bluetooth is turned on and pair it with the adapter.

Step 3 – Customize your car's settings

Navigate to the Carista app and open it. From the main menu, you can choose to check faults or customize. Carista doesn't carry the full menu of options that VAG-COM presents, but it does contain most of the popular ones. Here is a full list of the available custom options.

Doors / Windows / Remote:
Auto-lock doors when moving
YES / NO

Auto-unlock doors when key is taken out of ignition
YES / NO

Auto-lock trunk when moving
YES / NO

Beep when alarm is armed
YES / NO

Unlock doors via remote
DRIVER'S DOOR ON 1ST PRESS, ALL ON 2ND / ALL DOORS ON 1ST PRESS

Unlock doors via smart key (door handle button)
DRIVER'S DOOR ON 1ST PRESS, ALL ON 2ND / ALL DOORS ON 1ST PRESS

Enable settings for opening/closing windows and sunroof
YES / NO

Open/close windows and sunroof via long-press on remote
YES / NO

Close windows via long-press on remote
YES / NO

Open windows via long-press on remote
YES / NO

Close sunroof via long-press on remote
YES / NO

Open sunroof via long-press on remote
YES / NO

Sunroof action when opening via remote
SLIDE / TILT

Open/close only driver's window via remote or key
YES / NO

Open/close windows and sunroof via smart key
YES / NO

Close windows via smart key
YES / NO

Close sunroof via smart key
YES / NO

Open/close windows and sunroof by holding key in door lock
YES / NO

Open windows by holding key in door lock
YES / NO

Open sunroof by holding key in door lock
YES / NO

Close windows by holding key in door lock
YES / NO

Close sunroof by holding key in door lock
YES / NO

Close convertible roof via long-press on remote
YES / NO

Close convertible roof by holding key in door lock
YES / NO

Close convertible roof via smart key
YES / NO

Open convertible roof via long-press on remote
YES / NO

Open convertible roof by holding key in door lock
YES / NO

Blink turn signals when done closing windows via remote
YES / NO

Enable remote control when vehicle is running and in gear
YES / NO

Instruments / Display / Dings:

Display warning about using navigation when moving
YES / NO

Navigation disc eject button
ENABLED / DISABLED

Lights:

Allow configuring daytime running lights via dash display
YES / NO

Use front LED lights as daytime running lights
YES / NO

Use fog lights as daytime running lights
YES / NO

Use high beams as daytime running lights
YES / NO

Use tail lights as daytime running lights
YES / NO

Use side marker lights as daytime running lights
YES / NO

Use low beams as daytime running lights
YES / NO

Dim daytime running lights when ignition and parking lights are both on
YES / NO

Turn off daytime running lights ("wink") when turn signal is on
YES / NO

Coming-home lights
ENABLED / DISABLED

Leaving-home lights
ENABLED / DISABLED

Use fog lights as coming-home lights
YES / NO

Use low beams as coming-home lights
YES / NO

Coming-home lights duration
10 SECONDS / 20 SECONDS / 30 SECONDS / 40 SECONDS / 50 SECONDS / 60 SECONDS

Ambient light threshold for leaving-home lights
0 / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7

Turn off front fog lights when high beams are on
YES / NO

Turn off rear fog lights when high beams are on
YES / NO

Flash brake lights in emergency stopping
YES / NO

Flash hazard lights in emergency stopping
YES / NO

Turn on side marker lights with headlights (US models only)
YES / NO

"Euro" parking lights when ignition off, turn signal on
YES / NO

Other:

Lower passenger-side mirror when in reverse gear (may need memory seats)
YES / NO

Remember position when lowering passenger-side mirror in reverse gear
YES / NO

Auto-enable rear wiper when front wipers on and reverse gear engaged
YES / NO

Related Discussion

• Customize your Q5 coding through mobile app - AudiWorld.com