How to find your car radio code and unlock your stereo

Finding that your car radio won’t work is hugely frustrating, not to mention concerning. However, while there can be many reasons for a faulty radio, in some cases the problem is caused by a missing security code.

Your car radio code is a password that provides access to your vehicle's audio system. It works by a combination of button presses designed to deter thieves from stealing the radio itself and using it in another car. 

If your vehicle has experienced a power loss or you have disconnected the electrical system, you may be asked to enter the radio code to reactivate the infotainment system. 

If you have lost your radio code or do not know how to enter the code correctly, you may be wondering how you will fix your car's radio. 

But don’t fear, our know how guide will tell you how to find your radio code, how to enter it into your car radio and how to find a free access code if you have lost your radio security number.

What is a car radio code and why do you need it?

A car radio codes a security feature that is designed to deter theft by asking the driver to enter a specific code to unlock the radio in the event of a power loss.

The radio code is specific to the make and mode of vehicle. This means a code for a Ford Fiesta would be unlikely to work in a Ford Focus.

Any time that your radio is disconnected from the battery or thinks it’s been disconnected because of a flat battery, you might be asked to enter a code to use it again. 

(There’s one more reason to keep your battery healthy with a battery conditioner or trickle charger.)

A message reading ‘LOCK’, ‘CODE’, or something similar will appear on the radio’s display. When this happens, it’s time to find your radio code and enter it into the system.

How to find your car radio code

Drivers are asked for their car radio codes all the time. Even if you’ve bought an older second-hand car, there’s still a good chance that the code can be found without having to leave the driver’s seat.

To find your radio code, take these simple steps:

• Check the glovebox: Some radio codes appear on a sticker in the vehicle glovebox
• Look in the vehicle handbook: You might find the code in your car handbook on the cover or under the stereo or security section. Alternatively, some codes are printed on a small paper or plastic card, found inside the handbook
• Check the manufacturer's website: The manufacturer’s website should give you more information about how to retrieve the code for free
• Visit your local dealership: An authorised dealer may hold the answer. You’ll probably need to have your V5C logbook document and purchase receipt, to prove you own the vehicle
• Contact the previous owner: If you bought the car second hand, you could try contacting the previous owner. It’s worth checking if they made a note of the code or still have the original copy

Once you find the code, jot it down and keep it safe for future use. 

• Car security – how to stop thieves
• Car dashboard warning lights – what do they mean?

I have lost my car radio code - what should I do?

If you have lost your car radio code, you should:

• Contact the vehicle manufacturer: Some carmakers will provide the radio code for free
• Speak with the dealership that originally sold the vehicle: Dealerships may have access to radio codes and may give you this information for free or a small fee
• Contact the previous owner. The original owner of the car may have the radio code

When contacting the manufacturer or dealership, you'll need to prove that you legally own the vehicle and radio, so it’s a good idea to have the following information ready:

• V5C logbook
• Receipt for the vehicle
• Your vehicle’s make, model and registration
• The VIN or vehicle identification number – for help finding yours, see our useful VIN guide
• The brand, serial number and part number of the radio – you should find this on the back of the radio 

Alternatively, you could visit a car audio centre. The radio specialists will be happy to help with your problem. You can find a trusted professional near you by checking the RAC Approved Dealer Network.

How to enter the radio code

When you have your car radio code to hand, check the owner's manual and follow the instructions it provides to unlock the radio. 

While the process for unlocking a car radio will differ from vehicle to vehicle, it will typically involve the following steps:

• Switch on the radio and wait to be asked to enter the code. The radio may display SAFE, ENTER or CODE followed by four dashes
• Enter the four digit code using the radio buttons or touchscreen
• Confirm the radio code (you may be asked to press a designated button to confirm the code)
• After you've enter the code, you should check the radio to ensure it's working correctly. 

If your vehicle is repeatedly experiencing power loss or the radio is disconnecting on a regular basis, it may have a problem. Contact a mobile mechanic to arrange for the vehicle to undergo a diagnostics check.