Bought a used car and the radio asks for a code?

You just picked up your “new” used car, turned the key, and the factory radio won't play — the display is asking for a code. Don't worry: the radio isn't broken, and this is one of the most common things we help drivers with.

Why it happens on a car you just bought

Every factory radio has a built-in anti-theft lock. That lock engages any time the radio loses power, and on a used car that can happen in several normal ways:

• The battery was disconnected during the sale, cleaning, or transport.
• The car sat on a lot long enough for the battery to go flat.
• The battery was replaced before you took delivery.
• The previous owner never had the anti-theft code written down to pass along.

In every one of these cases the radio is fine — it simply needs its unique unlock code entered once to start working again.

The good news about the code

The unlock code belongs to the radio, not to the person who owned the car before you. So even if the previous owner, the paperwork, or the glovebox folder didn't include it, the correct code for your radio can still be retrieved from its serial number.

What to do — step by step

1. Confirm it's the anti-theft lock. The screen will show CODE, SAFE, LOC, LOCKED, or similar. See our guide to why your radio asks for a code.
2. Get your radio's serial number or VIN. Here's how to find your serial number, and the difference between VIN and serial number.
3. Order the code for your brand. Choose your vehicle brand, enter your details, and pay securely.
4. Enter the code. We email it with clear instructions — see how to enter your code.

How quickly can you get back to music?

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 — ideal when you want the radio working on day one with your new car.