A car radio code is a password for accessing your vehicle’s audio system – a combination of keystrokes designed to prevent thieves from stealing your radio and using it in another vehicle.If you’ve ever turned the key in the ignition and found that your car stereo won’t tune to your favourite station or play your carefully crafted playlist, the problem could be a security code.
The security feature can catch honest drivers off guard if they have lost their radio code and deny you access to your vehicle’s entertainment system. But fear not, our guide will tell you where to find free access codes, how to enter them into your car radio and what to do if you can’t find your code.
When do you have to enter a code to use a car radio?
Every time your radio has been disconnected from the battery, or if you think it has been disconnected because of a flat battery, you may be asked to enter a code to use it again.
(All the more reason to keep your battery healthy with a battery conditioner or trickle charger)
The radio display will show the message ‘LOCK’, ‘CODE’ or something similar. When this happens, it’s time to start searching…
How to find your car radio code

Motorists 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.
Try these places first:
- Glovebox – Some radio codes appear on a sticker in the glovebox.
- Vehicle handbook – You might find the code in your vehicle handbook under the stereo or security section. Alternatively, some codes are printed on a small paper or plastic card, found inside the handbook.
- Manufacturer website – The manufacturer’s website should give you more information about how to retrieve the code for free. You may be pointed in the direction of an authorised dealer for help.
- Dealership – An authorised dealer may hold the answer. You’ll probably need to have your logbook, or V5C document handy, to prove you own the vehicle.
- 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 held on to an original copy.
Once you find the code, jot it down and keep it safe for future use.
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I have lost the code to my car radio – what should I do?
Your first port of call is the vehicle manufacturer, as some car manufacturers provide the radio code free of charge.
You will need to prove that you are the legal owner of the vehicle and the radio, so you should have the following information to hand:
the make, model and registrationof your vehicle the VIN or Vehicle Identification Number – to find yours, read our useful VIN guide the make, serial number and part number of the radio – these can be found on the back of the radio
Alternatively, you can visit a car audio centre. The radio specialists will be happy to help you with your problem.