Find Radio Serial Number Without Removing It

Removing a car radio to read its serial number label is a last resort — most modern OEM radios can show their own serial directly on the display using a simple button combination. If yours supports this, you can have the serial in under a minute without touching a screwdriver.

This guide lists the tested on-screen methods for the most common radio platforms. Work through the one that matches your vehicle and, once you have the serial, use our brands page to order your unlock code.

Volkswagen, SEAT and Škoda

All three brands share the same VWZ-format serial and the same display trick, because they use identical Bosch or Volkswagen-sourced radio hardware.

1. Turn the ignition to position I (accessories on).
2. Make sure the radio display is active — it can say SAFE or CODE.
3. Press and hold preset buttons 1 and 6 at the same time.
4. Hold for approximately two seconds. The 14-character VWZ serial appears on screen.
5. Note it down, then release the buttons.

Models covered: Golf IV through VII, Polo 9N through AW, Passat B6/B7/B8, Tiguan, Touran, Sharan; Ibiza, Leon, Altea, Ateca, Arona; Fabia, Octavia, Yeti, Kodiaq, Karoq.

Ford (6000 CD, 4500 RDS, SYNC 1)

Ford radios carry an M- or V-prefixed serial. The display method varies slightly by generation:

• 6000 CD / 4500 RDS — With the radio in SAFE mode, turn the ignition on but do not enter a code. On some units the serial scrolls automatically. On others, press and hold the RDS / PTY button until the serial appears.
• Sony OEM (DAB) — Press and hold 1 and 6 together at power-on. The V-code displays for a few seconds.
• SYNC 1 / SYNC 2 — Navigate to Settings → About → Radio Serial via the touchscreen.

Models covered: Fiesta Mk6–Mk8, Focus Mk2–Mk4, Ka Mk2, C-Max, Grand C-Max, Mondeo.

Vauxhall / Opel (CD 30, CD 300, CD 400)

Vauxhall OEM radios use a BE or BP serial. The Delphi/Blaupunkt units respond to this method:

1. Turn the radio off (not standby — fully off using the power button).
2. Turn the ignition to accessories on.
3. Press and hold presets 1 and 6 simultaneously until the serial number appears.

Models covered: Corsa C/D, Astra H/J, Zafira B, Meriva A/B, Agila A/B.

Peugeot and Citroën (RD4, RD45, RT6)

These PSA-group radios carry a C7-format barcode serial. Two button combinations cover most variants:

• RD4 / RD43 — Press and hold presets 6 and 1 together for three seconds. The serial scrolls across the display.
• RD45 / RT6 — Press and hold 1 and 4 at the same time until the serial appears.
• Touchscreen (208 / C4 II) — Go to Settings → System information. The serial is listed there.

Models covered: 206, 207, 307, 308, 408, 3008; C3, C4 (I and II), C5, Berlingo, DS3.

Renault and Dacia

Renault uses a PRE-code / T0 format serial. The method depends on the radio type:

• Blaupunkt / Tuner List units — Hold the LIST button until a sub-menu appears, then scroll to Serial or Code.
• Media Nav (touchscreen) — Go to Settings → System → System information; the serial and software version are listed there.
• R-Link — Navigate to Applications → Settings → About.

Models covered: Clio II–IV, Megane II–IV, Twingo I–III, Captur, Kadjar, Scenic; Dacia Sandero, Logan, Duster.

On-Screen Method Reference Table

Brand / Radio	Button Combination	Serial Format	Works in SAFE Mode?
VW / SEAT / Škoda (RCD 310, Composition)	Hold 1 + 6 at ignition on	VWZ (14 chars)	Yes
Ford 6000 CD / 4500 RDS	Hold RDS/PTY or auto-scroll	M- or V-code	Yes
Ford Sony OEM	Hold 1 + 6 at power-on	V-code	Yes
Vauxhall CD 30 / CD 300	Radio off, then hold 1 + 6	BE / BP	Yes
Peugeot / Citroën RD4	Hold 6 + 1	C7 barcode	Yes
Peugeot / Citroën RD45 / RT6	Hold 1 + 4	C7 barcode	Yes
Renault Media Nav / R-Link	Settings → About	T0 / PRE-code	N/A (touchscreen)

Frequently Asked Questions

The button combination doesn't work on my VW — why?

Some post-2016 MIB2-generation radios (Composition Colour, Discover Media Pro) display the serial differently. On these units, go to Settings → Software information via the touchscreen instead.

My Audi Concert or Symphony doesn't respond to the combination — what now?

Audi radios with an AUZ serial generally do not support on-screen display. You will need to remove the unit and read the label on the top edge, or check the unit via the MMI menu on vehicles with MMI 3G+.

The display showed a number but it looks too short — is it complete?

Some radios scroll the serial in two parts. Wait for the full string to scroll past, or press the button combination a second time and write down both halves. The correct serial is usually between 7 and 14 characters depending on brand.

Can I use these methods on an aftermarket radio?

No. These button combinations only apply to OEM (factory-fit) radios. Aftermarket units from Pioneer, Kenwood, or Alpine have their own separate security procedures.

Once I have the serial, how do I get the code?

Visit our brands page, select your make, enter the serial, and your unlock code will be emailed to you — usually within minutes.