Volkswagen Up Radio Code — Unlock It Online
Your Volkswagen Up radio code is the four-digit PIN required to re-activate the stereo after a power interruption. When the battery is disconnected or drains completely, the OEM radio enters a locked state, showing SAFE or CODE on the display, and will not function until the correct code is entered.
The Up is VW's smallest production car, launched in 2011 and sharing its MQB-A0 architecture with the SEAT Mii and Škoda Citigo. It uses Volkswagen's standard audio line-up — the same VWZ serial number system found across the entire VAG group. This guide covers both Up generations and explains exactly how to find your serial, read the SAFE screen, and enter the code.
Understanding the SAFE Screen on a VW Up
When power is cut to a Volkswagen OEM radio, it reboots in a protected state. The display shows SAFE — this is normal. After approximately one hour with the ignition on (or after the car detects the correct operating conditions), the display changes to 1000, indicating it is ready to accept code entry. If your radio shows SAFE without changing to 1000, leave the ignition on and wait the full hour before proceeding.
This SAFE/1000 behaviour is common across VW radios including the RCD 200, RCD 310, and Composition Colour units found in Up models. These Bosch-manufactured units use the VWZ serial number — a 14-character string starting with VWZ.
Volkswagen Up Generations and Radio Variants
| Generation | Years | Common Radio | OEM Supplier | Serial Prefix |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Up I | 2011–2016 | RCD 200 / Composition Colour | Bosch / Volkswagen | VWZ |
| Up I facelift | 2016–2019 | Composition Colour / Discover Media | Bosch / Continental | VWZ |
Later facelift models with the Discover Media MIB2 system use a touchscreen and may employ Volkswagen's Komponentenschutz (component protection) — a VIN-bound security system that requires dealer re-pairing if the unit is moved to a different vehicle. If your Up has a large colour touchscreen and shows no traditional code prompt, check with a VW dealer whether the unit is Komponentenschutz-protected.
How to Find the VW Up Radio Serial Number
All VWZ serial numbers are 14 characters long and start with the letters VWZ. Find yours in one of two ways:
Via the radio self-test (preset button method)
- With the radio in the SAFE state, press and hold preset buttons 1 and 4 simultaneously until the serial number appears on the display (usually two to three seconds).
- Release and note the full 14-character string. It will begin VWZ.
- Press buttons 1 and 4 again to see the second half of the serial if it is shown in two parts.
From the label on the unit
- Use DIN extraction tools to release the radio. On the Up, the radio is typically retained by DIN clips; insert the tools until you feel them click.
- Slide the unit out and read the barcode label on the top or side. The VWZ number is printed in full on this label.
- Slide the unit back in before proceeding to the code look-up.
Once you have your VWZ serial, visit the brands page, select Volkswagen, and enter the serial to retrieve your code.
How to Enter the Radio Code on a VW Up
- After the display changes from SAFE to 1000, the radio is ready for code entry.
- Use preset buttons 1, 2, 3, and 4 to set each digit. Button 1 controls the first digit, button 2 the second, and so on. Each press increases that digit by one.
- For example: to enter code 3162, press button 1 three times, button 2 once, button 3 six times, button 4 twice.
- When the display shows your code, press the search/scan button (the small button with two arrows, typically between 4 and 5) to confirm.
- The radio unlocks and resumes normal operation immediately.
Troubleshooting VW Up Radio Issues
- SAFE stays on for more than an hour — Ensure the ignition is on, not just accessories. The timer needs the car in ACC or IGN position.
- 1000 does not appear — On some models the display changes to show dashes rather than 1000. This is normal; begin code entry when you see dashes.
- Radio locked after 10 wrong entries — Leave the ignition on for one hour. If it still will not accept entry, your dealer may need to reset the attempt counter.
- SAFE reappears after entering code — The code entered was incorrect. Re-check your VWZ serial and re-order the code before trying again.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does SAFE mean on a Volkswagen Up radio?
SAFE is the anti-theft locked state the VW OEM radio enters whenever power is removed. It is not a fault — it means the radio is waiting for the correct four-digit PIN. After approximately one hour with the ignition on, the display shows 1000 or dashes to signal it is ready for code entry.
Where is the VWZ serial number on the VW Up radio?
Hold preset buttons 1 and 4 together in the SAFE state to show the serial on the display. Alternatively, slide the unit out using DIN keys and read the label directly from the casing.
Can I enter the code without waiting for 1000 to appear?
No — the radio will not accept input while SAFE is displayed. You must wait for the display to change to 1000 (or dashes) before beginning entry. The wait is typically around one hour.
Does the VW Up radio code work if the unit is moved to a different car?
For standard RCD 200 and RCD 310 units, yes — the code follows the unit's VWZ serial, not the vehicle VIN. MIB2/Discover Media units with Komponentenschutz are an exception and require dealer re-pairing.
How many wrong attempts before the VW Up radio locks permanently?
After ten incorrect entries the radio locks and requires one hour before accepting further attempts. There is no permanent hard-lock on standard RCD units in the Up.
Get your VW Up radio code now — head to our brands page, choose Volkswagen, enter your VWZ serial number, and your unlock code will be delivered instantly.