Hyundai i10 Radio Code — Unlock It Online

Your Hyundai i10 stereo is asking for a code after the battery was changed or ran flat — this is completely normal and does not indicate any fault with the car. The factory-fitted OEM head unit has a built-in PIN lock that activates any time it loses power. Once you have the correct four-digit code (linked to the unit's serial number), you can unlock it in under a minute. This guide covers all three Hyundai i10 generations: the PA (2007–2013), the BA (2013–2019), and the AC3 (2019–2024).

Why the Hyundai i10 Radio Needs a Code

Hyundai installs a factory anti-theft lock on all its OEM audio units as standard. The lock is hardware-based and is tied to a serial number physically printed on the head unit — not stored in the car's computer or retrievable from the VIN in a standard database. The moment the unit loses its 12-volt supply, it powers up in locked mode. This is designed so that stealing the radio renders it useless without the matching code.

The i10 uses radios manufactured by LG Electronics and Hyundai Mobis, the same OEM suppliers used across the Hyundai–Kia Group. On PA models you will typically find a simple AM/FM/CD unit; BA models often feature a CD unit with Bluetooth; AC3 models may have a small touchscreen or an OEM CD unit with Apple CarPlay support.

Finding the Serial Number

Button combination (PA and BA generations)

1. Turn the ignition to accessory position (position II) without starting the engine.
2. With the radio showing CODE, press and hold preset buttons 1 and 6 together for two seconds.
3. The serial number will appear briefly on the display. Write it down exactly, including any letters.

Touchscreen info menu (AC3)

1. On AC3 models with a touchscreen, navigate to Settings > System > Device Information.
2. The unit serial number should be listed there.
3. Alternatively use the button combination above if the screen shows a lock prompt.

Physical label

1. Remove the head unit from the dashboard using a pry tool and, if required, the relevant screws.
2. Look for the adhesive label on the top or side of the unit; the serial is printed there.
3. Re-seat the unit and order your code via our Hyundai brand page.

Entering the Code

Push-button units (PA and BA)

1. Ignition on; radio displays CODE.
2. Press preset button 1 to set the first digit (each press adds 1, cycling 0–9).
3. Press button 2 for the second digit, 3 for the third, 4 for the fourth.
4. When all digits are correct, press the OK or seek button to confirm. The radio unlocks immediately.

Touchscreen entry (AC3)

1. The screen displays a numeric keypad or dashes.
2. Tap each digit of your code in sequence.
3. Tap Enter or OK. The system unlocks.

i10 Generation Comparison

Generation	Years	Typical Radio	OEM Supplier	Entry Method
i10 I (PA)	2007–2013	OEM AM/FM/CD	Hyundai Mobis	Preset buttons 1–4
i10 II (BA)	2013–2019	OEM CD / Bluetooth	LG / Hyundai Mobis	Preset buttons 1–4
i10 III (AC3)	2019–2024	OEM CD / touchscreen / CarPlay	LG / Hyundai Mobis	Buttons or touchscreen

Troubleshooting

• CODE prompt does not appear — Confirm the ignition is in position II and the radio is switched on. If the display is blank, check the radio fuse in the i10's fusebox (typically labelled ACC).
• Lockout after multiple wrong entries — Most Hyundai units allow up to ten attempts before a timed lockout (30–60 minutes, ignition on). Do not guess codes; order the correct code first.
• Code confirmed but no audio — Check the volume level; it is sometimes reset to zero after a power cycle. Also check that the audio source (FM, DAB, BT) is correctly selected.
• Wrong code message — Recheck the serial number. Common misreadings on small sticker fonts: 0 vs O, 1 vs I, 8 vs B. If in doubt, re-remove the unit and re-read the label in good lighting.
• AC3 touchscreen shows lock but no keypad — Try a soft reboot: press and hold the power button for ten seconds until the screen restarts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get the Hyundai i10 code without removing the radio?

Yes — in many cases you can retrieve the serial number using the 1+6 button combination without physically removing the head unit. This works on the PA and BA generations. If the combination does not produce the serial on screen, you will need to remove the unit to read the label.

Does resetting the i10 to factory settings clear the radio code?

The radio code is stored in the head unit's hardware, not in the car's main computer. A factory reset of the infotainment system on AC3 models does not clear or change the radio PIN — you would still need the same code to unlock the audio hardware after a power cycle.

Is the process the same for the Hyundai i20?

Yes — the Hyundai i20 uses the same OEM suppliers (LG and Hyundai Mobis) and the same code entry process. The serial location and button combination are identical. You can order codes for both models from our Hyundai brand page.

How many incorrect attempts are allowed?

Typically ten attempts are allowed before a temporary lockout. The lockout is not permanent; leaving the ignition in the accessory position for 30–60 minutes resets the counter. After the reset, the radio shows CODE again and you can try once more with the correct code.