Hyundai i20 Radio Code — Unlock It Online

Your Hyundai i20 is showing a CODE prompt or has fallen silent after a battery change — this is the factory anti-theft lock on the OEM head unit, and it is a normal, recoverable state. The Hyundai i20 has been built in two main generations (PB, 2008–2014, and GB, 2014–2020) and both use serial-number-based radio codes supplied by Hyundai's OEM audio partner. This guide tells you everything you need to know to unlock your i20's stereo quickly and correctly.

Why the i20 Radio Locks After a Battery Change

Hyundai fits its OEM radios with a security PIN that activates whenever the head unit is powered down and then restarted. The PIN is unique to each unit and is linked to a serial number on the unit itself. Triggering events include: replacing the 12-volt battery, a completely flat battery, disconnecting a terminal for other repair work, or even a prolonged period of storage.

The Hyundai i20 uses radios manufactured by LG Electronics and Hyundai Mobis — the same suppliers used across the Hyundai–Kia group. On older PB models you will find a push-button OEM CD unit; on later GB models there is often an OEM CD unit with Blue Link connectivity or a small touchscreen. Both types use the same serial-based unlocking process.

Finding the Serial Number on the i20

Button-combination method

1. Turn the ignition to accessory position (position II), engine off.
2. With the radio showing CODE or dashes, press and hold preset buttons 1 and 6 simultaneously for approximately two seconds.
3. The serial number should appear on the display. Note it down exactly, including any letters.

Physical label method

1. Use a pry tool to remove the surrounding dash trim (the i20 uses plastic clips; no screws are typically needed for the radio surround).
2. Extract the head unit using DIN removal keys or gentle prying.
3. Find the white adhesive label on the top or side of the unit; the serial number is printed there.
4. Record it and re-seat the unit before placing your order on our Hyundai brand page.

How to Enter the Radio Code

Push-button OEM CD units (i20 PB and most GB base trims)

1. Ignition on; radio displays CODE.
2. Press preset button 1 to set the first digit; each press increments it by one.
3. Press button 2 for the second digit, button 3 for the third, and button 4 for the fourth.
4. When all four digits match your code, press and hold the OK or TUNE button to confirm. The radio will return to normal operation.

Touchscreen units (some GB models with Blue Link)

1. The screen shows a code entry keypad.
2. Tap each digit of your four-digit code on the keypad.
3. Confirm by tapping Enter or the confirm button.

i20 Generation Overview

Generation	Years	Typical Radio	OEM Supplier	Entry Method
i20 I (PB)	2008–2014	OEM AM/FM/CD	LG / Hyundai Mobis	Preset buttons 1–4
i20 II (GB)	2014–2020	OEM CD / Blue Link	LG / Hyundai Mobis	Buttons or touchscreen

Troubleshooting

• CODE prompt does not appear — Check that the ignition is fully on in accessory mode and the radio is physically switched on. If the display is dark, check the ACC fuse in the fusebox.
• Too many wrong attempts — The unit enters a timed lockout (typically 30–60 minutes with the ignition on in accessory position). Do not switch the ignition off during this period or the timer may reset.
• Code rejected — Re-examine the serial number carefully: on Hyundai labels, the number 0 sometimes resembles the letter O. Confirm the serial is correct and reorder if necessary.
• Blue Link services offline after unlock — Blue Link connectivity may need to be re-paired via the Settings menu after a power loss; this is independent of the radio code.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Hyundai i20 radio code the same as the Kia code?

Effectively yes — Hyundai and Kia share the same OEM suppliers (LG and Hyundai Mobis) and use the same coding algorithm. The entry process on an i20 is identical to that on a Kia Picanto or Rio of the same era.

Can Hyundai provide the code without me needing to remove the radio?

Some Hyundai dealers can retrieve the code from their database using the VIN, but this depends on whether the unit was registered and mapped at the time of manufacture. For second-hand vehicles or cars with dealer-installed replacement units, reading the physical serial is more reliable.

How many wrong entries are allowed before the i20 radio locks?

Most Hyundai OEM units allow approximately ten incorrect code entries before entering a lockout. The lockout is temporary; leave the ignition on in accessory position for 30–60 minutes to reset the attempt counter.

Does entering the wrong code damage the radio?

No. Incorrect entries are counted and trigger a lockout timer, but they do not cause any permanent damage to the unit. Once the lockout period expires, the unit will accept further attempts.

Where can I find codes for other Hyundai models?

We cover the full Hyundai range including the i10, i30, ix35, ix20, Tucson, Kona, and Ioniq. Visit our Hyundai brand page to order your code now.