Citroën C4 Cactus Radio Code

Arrow dashes, air bumps and a surprisingly airy interior: the Citroën C4 Cactus dared to be different from every other compact car on the market. For anyone tired of the grey mainstream, the Cactus was an appealing alternative. Beneath that quirky bodywork, however, sat familiar PSA components — including the SMEG infotainment system that locks up after a power interruption and asks for a code that not everyone has to hand.

The C4 Cactus (A8, 2014-2019) came with touchscreen infotainment systems — a fixed CD radio was no longer an option on this model:

• SMEG — the basic navigation system (Système de Multimédia Embarqué et de Guidage). 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, built-in navigation.
• SMEG+ — the more extensive version with additional functionality and a faster processor.
• Connect Nav — the newer system in the facelift versions (from 2018). More modern interface, connected services.

All three work with a four-digit security code.

The anti-theft protection in the C4 Cactus activates with every power interruption. Whether it's a flat battery, a battery replacement, a blown fuse or an electrical repair — as soon as power returns, the touchscreen shows a padlock icon or a code-entry screen.

The code is tied to the unique serial number of your SMEG or Connect Nav unit. Without the correct code, the system is unusable in another car.

The C4 Cactus has an advantage over older cars: the serial number is available digitally within the system. You don't need to remove the radio from the dashboard to find it.

• Anti-Theft Card — when new, a small card was supplied among the original vehicle documents. Sometimes still in the glovebox or service booklet.
• SMEG menu — go to Settings > System > Version info or About this device. The serial number is shown in the overview.
• Connect Nav menu — go to Settings > Diagnostics or System > Software information.
• Citroën dealer — with the serial number and the vehicle identification number (VIN), a Citroën dealer can retrieve the code.

Via the menu (recommended)

Warning: the SMEG system in the C4 Cactus is not easy to remove without risking damage to the interior. If the serial number is available digitally, removal is unnecessary.

If removal is nevertheless required:

What you need:

• Plastic pry-tool set
• Torx T20 and T25 screwdriver

Step by step:

The C4 Cactus uses the touchscreen exclusively for code entry.

After two incorrect entry attempts, the SMEG or Connect Nav system locks temporarily. The screen shows a wait timer or a message stating that the system is blocked.

Solution:

• Using physical buttons — the C4 Cactus has no buttons for code entry. Everything is done via the touchscreen.
• Disconnecting the battery during a lockout — this restarts the wait timer. Leave everything on.
• Reading the serial number from the wrong menu — the VIN (chassis number) is not the radio serial number. Make sure you're in the correct menu.

With the serial number of your Citroën C4 Cactus radio, you can easily request the official unlock code online. You'll receive it quickly by email.

Order your Citroën C4 Cactus radio code via RadioCodeLookup.com →