Hyundai & Kia Radio Code — LG/Mobis OEM Guide
Hyundai and Kia OEM radios share the same anti-theft architecture — both brands use units manufactured by LG / Hyundai Mobis, and both lock themselves after any power interruption. Whether you drive a Hyundai i10 with a basic OEM CD unit or a Kia Sportage with a Blue Link touchscreen, the process of finding the serial number and entering the code is almost identical. This guide covers the full range of both brands.
Hyundai and Kia Serial Number: Where to Find It
Hyundai and Kia OEM radios carry the serial number on a label on the head unit casing. There is no universal on-screen display option for the serial on older units, though some later Blue Link and UVO touchscreens do offer it.
- Standard OEM units (i10, i20, Getz, Picanto, Rio) — the serial label is on the top or side of the head unit. Remove the unit by inserting DIN-release keys (or a thin flat tool) into the side slots of the DIN aperture. The label is directly below the barcode on the casing.
- Blue Link / UVO touchscreen units (ix35, Kona, Sportage, Tucson) — navigate to Settings → System → About or Settings → General → Device Info. On some units the serial is displayed in the software information panel; if it is not, physical removal is required.
- Handbook or glovebox card — Hyundai and Kia dealerships sometimes placed a code card in the handbook pouch. Check the glovebox documentation before dismantling anything.
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How to Enter a Hyundai or Kia Radio Code
Button-based units (i10, i20, Getz, Picanto, Rio)
- Switch the ignition on so the radio shows the code prompt.
- Press preset buttons 1–4 to scroll each digit to the correct value.
- Press the confirm button (usually a right-arrow or the AM/FM button) to submit.
- The radio displays the station and resumes operation.
Touchscreen units (Blue Link, UVO, ix35, Kona, Tucson, Sportage, Niro)
- The touchscreen displays a code-entry keypad after power is restored.
- Tap each digit of the four-digit code.
- Tap OK or Enter to confirm. The unit unlocks immediately.
Common Hyundai and Kia Radio Models
| Radio Model | Models / Years | OEM Supplier | Entry Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| OEM AM/FM/CD | Hyundai Getz (2002–2009), Hyundai i10 I/II (2007–2019), Kia Picanto I/II (2004–2017) | LG / Hyundai Mobis | Preset buttons 1–4 |
| OEM CD / AM-FM | Kia Rio II/III (2005–2017), Kia cee'd (2007–2018), Hyundai i20 I/II (2008–2020) | LG / Hyundai Mobis | Preset buttons 1–4 |
| OEM CD / touchscreen | Hyundai ix35 (2009–2015), Hyundai ix20 (2010–2019), Kia Sportage III (2010–2016) | LG / Hyundai Mobis | Touchscreen keypad |
| OEM / Blue Link | Hyundai Tucson III (2015–2020), Hyundai Kona I (2017–2023), Hyundai Ioniq I (2016–2022) | LG / Hyundai Mobis | Touchscreen keypad |
| OEM / UVO | Kia Sportage IV (2016–2021), Kia Niro I (2016–2022), Kia Picanto III (2017–2023), Kia Rio IV (2017–2022) | LG / Hyundai Mobis | Touchscreen keypad |
Hyundai and Kia Model Overview
The most commonly locked models seen by our customers:
- Hyundai i10 I/II (2007–2019) — OEM AM/FM/CD; button entry
- Hyundai i20 I/II (2008–2020) — OEM CD; button entry
- Hyundai ix20 (2010–2019) — OEM CD or touchscreen
- Hyundai ix35 (2009–2015) — OEM CD or touchscreen
- Hyundai Getz (2002–2009) — basic OEM AM/FM; button entry
- Hyundai Kona I (2017–2023) — Blue Link touchscreen
- Hyundai Tucson III (2015–2020) — Blue Link touchscreen
- Hyundai Ioniq I (2016–2022) — Blue Link touchscreen
- Kia Picanto I/II/III (2004–2023) — OEM CD then UVO
- Kia Rio II/III/IV (2005–2022) — OEM CD then UVO touchscreen
- Kia Sportage III/IV (2010–2021) — touchscreen or UVO
- Kia Niro I (2016–2022) — UVO touchscreen
- Kia cee'd (2007–2018) — OEM CD; button entry
- Kia Venga (2009–2019) — OEM CD; button entry
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Troubleshooting Hyundai and Kia Radio Lock States
- Code prompt not appearing — some UVO and Blue Link systems on post-2016 cars are VIN-paired and do not display a code prompt after a battery change. If the normal screen loads, no code is required.
- Timed lockout — after three to five incorrect attempts, the unit imposes a lockout. Leave the ignition on for one hour before trying again.
- Display blank after power restored — check the radio fuse (typically fuse F10 or F14 in the cabin fusebox — verify in the vehicle handbook).
- Code entered correctly but UVO still not connecting to phone — Bluetooth pairing and the anti-theft radio code are separate. Re-pair your phone through the UVO or Blue Link menu after the radio has been unlocked.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Hyundai and Kia radio codes the same?
Hyundai and Kia radios are made by the same supplier (LG / Hyundai Mobis) and use the same code format — a four-digit number. However, the code is unit-specific: even two identical model radios will have different serials and different codes. You must use the serial from the specific unit in your car.
Why is my Hyundai i10 showing a code prompt after a flat battery?
All Hyundai OEM radios activate their anti-theft lock whenever power drops below a threshold. A fully flat battery, jump-starting, or even a brief disconnect to fit a tracker will trigger the code prompt. Enter your four-digit code to restore normal operation.
How do I remove a Kia Picanto radio to find the serial?
On Picanto I and II models, the radio sits behind the centre stack trim panel. Carefully prise off the surrounding trim panel (it is push-fit, not screwed). With the panel off, the DIN aperture is visible — insert DIN keys into the side slots and slide the unit out. The serial label is on the top surface of the casing.
My Kia Sportage has a touchscreen — where do I find the serial?
On Sportage III and IV models with a touchscreen, go to Settings → System → About or Settings → General → Device Info. If the serial is not listed there, the unit will need to be removed. On Sportage III the head unit is held by two bolts behind the trim surround — a Phillips screwdriver is needed rather than DIN keys.
Is the Blue Link infotainment password the same as the radio code?
No — the Blue Link/UVO system PIN and the radio anti-theft code are entirely separate. The anti-theft code (four digits) is required to unlock the radio after a power interruption. The Blue Link PIN is used for connected services and remote features. Unlocking the radio with the correct code does not affect the Blue Link PIN, and vice versa.