Get Your Hyundai / Kia Radio Code

A Hyundai & Kia car radio shows CODE or SAFE after losing power and needs its unique unlock code, which is derived from the radio's serial number. Enter your serial below to get the code instantly for $4.99, verified against the manufacturer algorithm and backed by a money-back guarantee.

Select a brand above to see the required format

Which number do I enter? The radio serial is printed on a sticker on the radio chassis (and is often shown on screen as a 4-digit number). The unlock code is derived from the last 4 digits of that serial, so you can enter either the full serial or just the last four digits.
Hyundai radio panel

How to Find Your Hyundai / Kia Radio Serial Number

Three ways to locate the serial on your head unit

Method 1 — Radio chassis label (most reliable)

Remove the radio from the dashboard using release keys. On the side or top of the unit you will find a sticker with the serial number. Hyundai and Kia head units from 2002 onwards use a numeric serial — the unlock code is computed from its last 4 digits.

Method 2 — On-screen serial

On many Hyundai and Kia units, when the radio displays CODE or LOC, holding the 1 and 6 preset buttons (or RDS + a preset, depending on model) shows a service screen with the serial / part number. Note the 4-digit sequence.

Method 3 — Dealer or documentation

Any Hyundai or Kia dealership can read the code from the radio's part number with your VIN and proof of ownership. The code card is also sometimes filed in the service booklet or glovebox.

Tip: Pre-2002 Hyundai head units (the H8xx diode-coded models) do not use a serial-based code and are not supported here. If your unit pre-dates 2002, the code must be read from the radio's internal links by a technician.

Compatible Hyundai & Kia Models

Serial-based head units, 2002 onwards

MakeModelsYears
HyundaiGetz, Accent, i10, i20, i30, Elantra, Tucson, Santa Fe, ix35, Coupe2002–present
KiaRio, Picanto, Ceed, Sportage, Sorento, Soul, Carens, Venga2002–present
How it works: Hyundai and Kia share the same OEM head-unit code algorithm. The unlock code is calculated directly from the serial — there is no lookup table and no waiting, so any valid 2002+ serial returns a code instantly.

Hyundai & Kia Radio Code FAQ

Why does my Hyundai / Kia radio ask for a code?

These radios include an anti-theft lock. Whenever the unit loses power — battery replacement, disconnection for repair, or a flat battery — it locks and displays CODE, LOC or LOCK. The correct PIN must be entered to restore operation.

How do I enter the code once I have it?

Use the station preset buttons (1–4) to enter each of the four digits, then press and hold the last preset (or the OK/seek button on some models) to confirm. The radio unlocks immediately when the correct code is entered.

My radio shows LOC or a countdown — what do I do?

After several incorrect attempts the radio enters a lockout. Leave the ignition in the ACC or ON position (engine off) for 30–60 minutes until the display returns to CODE, then enter the correct code.

The code doesn't work — what now?

Confirm you entered the serial exactly as printed and that the unit is a 2002-or-newer Hyundai/Kia head unit. Pre-2002 H8xx units use a different (diode-based) scheme and are not supported. Every paid code is backed by our money-back guarantee — if it doesn't work, you are refunded in full.