Volkswagen Polo Radio Code: Step-by-Step Unlock Guide

Q: Which Radio Does Your Polo Have?

The radio fitted depends on the year and trim level: Polo 9N (2001–2009): Beta, Gamma, or RCD 200 Polo 6R (2009–2017): RCD 210, RCD 310, or RCD 510 Polo AW (2017–present): Composition Touch, Composition Colour, or Discover Media

The Volkswagen Polo is one of VW's most popular models in the UK. Like all Volkswagen vehicles, the Polo's head unit is protected by an anti-theft system that activates when power is lost. If your display shows SAFE, you need the VW Polo radio code.

Which Radio Does Your Polo Have?

The radio fitted depends on the year and trim level:

Polo 9N (2001–2009): Beta, Gamma, or RCD 200
Polo 6R (2009–2017): RCD 210, RCD 310, or RCD 510
Polo AW (2017–present): Composition Touch, Composition Colour, or Discover Media

Getting from SAFE Mode to Code-Entry Mode

If the display shows SAFE, you must first exit SAFE mode:

Turn the ignition on and switch the radio on.
Leave the radio powered for at least one hour.
Switch the radio off briefly, then back on.
The display now shows 1000 — you can enter the VW Polo radio code.

Finding the Serial Number

You need the serial number starting with VWZ. Find it by:

In SAFE mode, holding SCAN and FM/AM simultaneously, or
Removing the radio and reading the label.

Retrieving and Entering the Code

Go to RadioCodeLookup.com/brands/volkswagen.
Enter the VWZ serial number.
Receive your four-digit code.
Enter the code using preset buttons 1–4 and confirm with SCAN or the right arrow button.

Frequently Asked Questions

My Polo 9N shows CODE directly rather than SAFE. What now?

Some older Polo models allow you to enter the code immediately without the SAFE waiting period. Simply enter the VW Polo radio code using the preset buttons.

Is the radio code printed on the vehicle registration document?

No. The radio code is not on the V5C registration document. You need the serial number from the radio itself to retrieve the code.

I bought the Polo second-hand and don't have the code. Can I still get it?

Yes. The stereo code is linked to the radio's serial number, not the owner. As long as you have the serial number, you can retrieve the code via RadioCodeLookup.com.

Volkswagen Polo Radio Code: Step-by-Step Unlock Guide

Which Radio Does Your Polo Have?

The radio fitted depends on the year and trim level:

Polo 9N (2001–2009): Beta, Gamma, or RCD 200
Polo 6R (2009–2017): RCD 210, RCD 310, or RCD 510
Polo AW (2017–present): Composition Touch, Composition Colour, or Discover Media

Getting from SAFE Mode to Code-Entry Mode

If the display shows SAFE, you must first exit SAFE mode:

Turn the ignition on and switch the radio on.
Leave the radio powered for at least one hour.
Switch the radio off briefly, then back on.
The display now shows 1000 — you can enter the VW Polo radio code.

Finding the Serial Number

You need the serial number starting with VWZ. Find it by:

In SAFE mode, holding SCAN and FM/AM simultaneously, or
Removing the radio and reading the label.

Retrieving and Entering the Code

Go to RadioCodeLookup.com/brands/volkswagen.
Enter the VWZ serial number.
Receive your four-digit code.
Enter the code using preset buttons 1–4 and confirm with SCAN or the right arrow button.

Frequently Asked Questions

My Polo 9N shows CODE directly rather than SAFE. What now?

Some older Polo models allow you to enter the code immediately without the SAFE waiting period. Simply enter the VW Polo radio code using the preset buttons.

Is the radio code printed on the vehicle registration document?

No. The radio code is not on the V5C registration document. You need the serial number from the radio itself to retrieve the code.

I bought the Polo second-hand and don't have the code. Can I still get it?

Yes. The stereo code is linked to the radio's serial number, not the owner. As long as you have the serial number, you can retrieve the code via RadioCodeLookup.com.