2012-2018

Radio code Kia Ceed II

The Kia Ceed is Kia's European compact car — designed and built in Slovakia, specifically for the European market. After a battery change, "ENTER CODE" appears on the display. With Kia and Hyundai there's a simple calculation method that sometimes reveals the code straight away.

Summary

Brand: Kia
Generation: Ceed II
Production years: 2012-2018
Standard radio: Mobis OEM; Hyundai Mobis
Radio option 2: Mobis AVN; Hyundai Mobis

Which radio is fitted in the Ceed II?

The Kia Ceed II (2012-2018) was equipped with radios from Hyundai Mobis — the in-house supplier of Hyundai and Kia:

Mobis OEM radio — The standard fit in ComfortLine and BusinessLine trims. A compact CD radio with RDS, AUX input and sometimes USB. Recognisable by the Kia logo on the front. The display is small (around 1.5 inches) and shows text in green or orange. This model has a CD slot and six preset buttons.

Mobis AVN — The navigation system with a larger touchscreen (5 to 7 inches, depending on the model year). Standard on ExecutiveLine and GT-Line. It has the same security code but a different entry procedure via the screen. AVN stands for Audio/Video/Navigation — this is Kia's name for the combined multimedia and navigation system.

How do you tell the Mobis OEM from the AVN?

The easiest way: does your Ceed have a large touchscreen in the centre of the dashboard? Then you have the AVN. Does it have a small non-touch display with physical buttons for everything? Then you have the OEM radio. Both models lock after a power interruption and require a four-digit code.

The 1212 trick: try it first

Before removing the radio, try this calculation method:

You need the serial number (see below for how to find it).

Take the last four digits of the serial number.

Add 1212 to it.

Enter the result as the radio code. Example 1: Serial number ends in 5280 → 5280 + 1212 = 6492 → try code 6492. Example 2: Serial number ends in 2341 → 2341 + 1212 = 3553 → try code 3553. Get a result above 9999? Then subtract 10000. Example: serial number ends in 8900 → 8900 + 1212 = 10112 → 10112 − 10000 = 0112. Don't forget the leading zero: enter 0112, not 112. ### Why doesn't the 1212 trick always work? Over the years, Hyundai Mobis has changed the coding method. On radios manufactured before roughly 2016, the 1212 formula works most reliably. On newer units — particularly AVN systems — Mobis has switched to a central code server lookup, where the code can no longer be derived arithmetically. In that case, the serial number is needed to request the code officially. Not working? Then you'll need to obtain the code another way. The 1212 method works on around 60 to 70 percent of Mobis radios.

Retrieving the radio code

Kia supplied a code card with every car in the document wallet. Look in:

Kia's service booklet
The glovebox — loose card or sticker
With the spare keys

With a used car, this card is often no longer there. In that case you'll need the serial number.

Removing the radio and reading the serial number

The Mobis radio in the Ceed II is fixed behind a dashboard panel.

Tools:

Plastic prying tool
Phillips screwdriver (PH2)

Steps:

Switch off the ignition.

Remove the trim panel around the radio and climate controls. Start at the top and prise gently.

Undo the screws on the sides of the radio.

Slide the radio forward.

The serial number is on a label on the back of the unit.

Entering the code

Radio with buttons

Switch on the ignition. The display shows "ENTER CODE" or "CODE".

Press button 1 for the first digit.

Set the remaining digits with buttons 2, 3 and 4.

Confirm with button 5 or 6. ### Touchscreen (AVN)

The screen shows a code entry field.

Enter the four digits using the touchscreen.

Press OK.

Lockout

After three to five incorrect attempts the radio temporarily locks. Leave the ignition on for thirty to sixty minutes. The lockout is temporary — not permanent as with Opel.

On the AVN touchscreen the lockout works the same way, but the countdown timer is visible on screen. You don't have to keep the ignition on continuously — the countdown continues as long as the key is in the ignition and the battery doesn't go flat.

Ordering the radio code

Not having any luck with the 1212 trick? Order the code using your Mobis radio's serial number.

Order your Kia Ceed radio code via RadioCodeLookup.com →

Other Kia generations

Frequently asked questions

The Ceed II came with a Mobis OEM radio (CD with RDS) in basic trims or a Mobis AVN touchscreen with navigation in higher trims. Both are made by Hyundai Mobis, the parts division of Hyundai/Kia.

On some Ceed II models, yes. Take the last four digits of the serial number and add 1212. The result may be your radio code. This works on roughly 60 to 70 percent of Mobis units.

Usually three to five attempts before the radio temporarily locks. After locking, wait thirty to sixty minutes with the ignition on.

That depends on the trim. Models with UVO Connect often no longer have a traditional radio code. Basic models may still have one.

Remove the trim panel around the radio with a plastic prying tool, undo the screws and slide the radio forward. The serial number is on a label on the back.

Need a Kia radio code?

Safe and fast via RadioCodeLookup.com — all you need is the serial number.

Order radio code

Laatst bijgewerkt: 2026-04-10