Everything people ask about factory radio unlock codes — answered.
Your factory radio has an anti-theft feature that locks it whenever power is interrupted — a dead or replaced battery, a disconnected battery, a blown fuse, or the radio being removed. It will not play until the correct unlock code is entered.
Replacing or disconnecting the battery cuts power to the radio, which trips the anti-theft lock. The radio isn't broken — it just needs its unlock code.
Many radios display it via a button combination (for example, Honda holds presets 1 & 6 on power-up; GM holds presets 2 & 3 with the radio showing LOC). Otherwise it's printed on a label on the radio's case. Some brands use your VIN instead.
It depends on the brand. Most brands use the radio's serial number; Daewoo, Dodge/Chrysler, Jaguar and Land Rover use your 17-character VIN. Our Find Your Code tool tells you exactly which you need.
Standard service delivers your code in 30 minutes to 24 hours, 7 days a week. Express service is guaranteed within one hour during business hours.
By email, to the address you provide at checkout, along with simple instructions for entering it.
Pricing varies by brand, starting at $12.99. The exact price is shown on each brand's order page before you pay. Per-brand input manuals are $9.00 each.
Check your spam or junk folder first, and confirm the email address you entered is correct. If it's past the service window, contact us with your order details and we'll sort it out.
Double-check you entered your serial number or VIN exactly. If it still won't unlock, contact us — every order is backed by our money-back guarantee if we can't supply a working code.
Yes. If we can't retrieve a working unlock code for your vehicle, you receive a full refund.
Most radios use the preset buttons (1–6) to enter each digit, then a confirm button. GM and Saturn radios use the HR and MN buttons. Full step-by-step instructions are in our unlock manuals.
The radio may show INOP or a wait message. Leave the ignition on for about one hour and it will reset so you can enter the correct code.
We support the large majority of factory radios. Some newer RDS units (for example, certain GM radios from 2003 onward) use a different system we don't support. If you're unsure, contact us before ordering.
Over 20, including Acura, Audi, BMW, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Daewoo, Dodge/Chrysler, GMC, Honda, Hyundai, Jaguar, Kia, Land Rover, Lexus, Mazda, Mercedes, Mitsubishi, Pontiac, Porsche, Saab, Saturn, Suzuki, Toyota, Volkswagen, Volvo, and Kenwood head units.
No — we provide code retrieval only and do not offer radio or head-unit removal. Some older vehicles need the radio removed to read its serial number; free removal videos for most vehicles are available on YouTube.
