How to Find Your Car Radio Serial Number
Your radio serial number is the only thing you need to get your unlock code — no VIN, no logbook and no dealer visit. Here is exactly where to look.
Three places to check first
On the radio screen
Some stereos show the serial on screen. On Ford radios, hold preset buttons 1 and 6 (2 and 6 on a 4500 RDS). Most other radios will not display it, so check the label.
On the radio label
Look for a sticker on the side, top or back of the unit. The serial is often next to "Serial No.", "S/N" or a barcode.
In the glovebox or manual
Some cars have a radio code card in the handbook pack, glovebox or under the ashtray. Check before removing the radio.
Brand-specific shortcuts
Button combinations vary by radio. Start with the shortcut for your brand, then check the label if the screen does not show a serial.
Ford
Switch on, then hold preset buttons 1 and 6 for about three seconds (2 and 6 on a 4500 RDS or silver 6006 RDS). The serial appears on screen and usually starts with V or M.
Volkswagen, Skoda, Seat, Audi
These radios do not show the serial on screen — the display only reads SAFE. Slide the unit out with removal keys and read the VWZ serial from the sticker on the body.
Vauxhall, Opel
The serial is on the label on the back or side of the unit (CD30, CD70, CAR300 and CDR units). The radio has to be slid out to see it.
Renault
Read the label on the body of the radio — the serial is printed there next to a barcode, often starting with letters such as RN. The radio normally has to be removed.
Nissan
The serial is on a sticker on the side or back of the unit, usually starting with BP or a short letter group. It is not shown on screen.
Peugeot, Citroën
The serial is printed on the radio label, often starting with PU, or the unit uses a 4-digit code printed on the label. The radio has to come out.
Fiat, Alfa Romeo
Check the label on the radio body for a serial starting with CM or BP. It is not shown on screen.
Blaupunkt
Serial numbers normally start with BP followed by 10 digits, printed on the radio label.
Becker
Serial numbers normally start with BE followed by digits, printed on the radio label.
Common serial number formats
Recognising the prefix helps you enter the right characters. Ignore spaces and dashes when you submit your serial.
| Prefix | Typical radios | Example |
|---|---|---|
| VWZ / VW | Volkswagen Group radios | VWZ1Z2A1234567 |
| BP | Blaupunkt radios | BP123456789012 |
| BE | Becker radios | BE12345678 |
| T / M / V | Ford and Visteon radios | T123456 |
| RN | Renault radios | RN123456789 |
| PN / PP | Nissan radios | PN12345678 |
| PU | Peugeot and Citroën radios | PU12345678 |
| CM | Fiat and Alfa Romeo radios | CM12345678 |
Frequently asked questions
Found your serial number?
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