Are You locked Out?

There are so many requests from users who visit TechLore.com asking how to unlock a V-chip or a parental lock on a TV set, game console, or other device. I'm sure you've been there; your son, daughter, husband, wife, etc. entered a code into the parental control setting and now can't remember, or you purchased something used that was locked with a code from a previous owner. Either way, now your device is locked down tight, and you need to guess the password in order to use your device.

Most manufacturers have their own ways to manage parental and locking controls on each device, but fortunately most provide procedure to reset these codes so you're not locked out of your product forever. Below I have started a list of the se procedures to unlock many common devices. If you have a device that is not listed here, and you have the procedure to unlock it, you can submit the device and code to the TechLore editors so it can be added to the unlocking list.

Note: Some manufacturers require you to have an original remote controller in order to perform an unlock procedure, but most do not. I've used almost every one of these codes to unlock devices, but have found that some procedures will work on some models, but not on others in any particular make.

A note for parents: If you're wondering what is stopping your child from using the procedures below to circumvent your parental control settings, you can easily verify if your password has been reset. Since the above procedure eliminates the old password entirely, all you need to do is see if your original password still works. If it does, they did not use an unlock code to break the rules. If it doesn't... then they're busted.

Aiwa TV Combos:

With the TV turned on, simultaneously press VOLUME down button on the front of the TV set and the number 7 button on the remote control to reset pin code and customer ID.

Apex Digital:

Apex TVs use a four digit code to control the v-chip. The override code for many models is 6688. Other sets may not have one, or may have a default code of 1225 instead of an override code.

  1. To use the override code:
  2. Hit the MENU key to get to the menus.
  3. Go down to the SYSTEM menu and hit the right arrow on the remote control.
  4. Once in the SYSTEM menu, go to PARENTAL GUIDE. It will ask for your code.
  5. Enter the override code listed above. From here, you can turn on and off different rating restrictions, as well as set a new code.

No matter what the V-chip code is set to, the override code will still work. If you have a blank screen with a red key on the bottom left, simply press the (function or F) button and the mute button at the same time. This will unlock the screen and allow you to view the channel as desired

Dish Network Receivers:

Some boxes can be reset by unplugging the box, and while holding down the power button, plug the unit back into the wall receptacle and then release the power button. Then, let the box do its thing.

Other Dish Network receivers you can reset by first pushing the MENU button, then push "6, 3, INFO, right arrow, left arrow button, TV/VIDEO", then unplug the receiver and plug back in.

GE TV sets:

Most RCA and GE TV sets use a four digit code to control the v-chip. The code reset is different depending on the model. Try each number until you find the one that works for you.

  1. Hold down the MENU button on the remote and VOLUME DOWN button on the TV it’s self at the same time for at least 4 seconds. The set won't say so, but the lock will be unlocked
  2. Hold down the 0 (zero) button on the remote and the VOLUME DOWN button on the TV itself at the same time for at least 4 seconds. The set won't say so, but the lock will be unlocked
  3. Hold down the MENU button on the front of the TV and the TV button on the remote at the same time for at least 4 seconds. 4- Hold down GO BACK button on the remote and MENU button on the front of the TV at the same time for at least 4 seconds.
  4. Hold down EJECT button on the front of the TV set and the MENU button on the remote at the same time for at least 4 seconds. Depending on the model, one of the methods should unlock the V-chip. Now, if desired, you can change the settings on the V-chip by going to the MENU and going to PARENTAL CONTROLS, or on some sets, going to MENU and then going to TV SETUP, then to V-CHIP SET.

LG (Most sets):

When you are asked for the code, enter 7,7,7,and then 7.

Matsui:

Turn off for 30 mins. Then turn back on and on the front of the unit, NOT THE REMOTE UNIT, press channel up and record together and that should bring the screen back on.

Mitsubishi:

Mitsubishi sets use a four-digit code for a V-Chip locked program, view a locked TV, cancel the lock, or to enter the V-Chip lock menus. You can view the locked shows on the TV set by pressing the number 9 and QV buttons on the remote at the same time, whenever your code is requested. This process temporarily unlocks the TV and asks you to enter a new code.

Optima:

Simply enter the code 3308

Panasonic:

Panasonic sets need to be reset to clear the v-chip settings. To do this, put it in standby mode, then press the POWER and ACTION buttons at the same time and then turn the power off. The set should reset to the factory defaults, and reset the v-chip.

Philips and Magnavox:

Philips sets use a four digit code to control the v-chip. The override code for Philip sets is 0711, although it may say "Incorrect code" the first time to trick you. If "Incorrect code" is displayed, simply enter 0711 again. To use it hit the MENU key to get to the menus. Go up or down until you reach AUTOLOCK or SMARTLOCK, depending on the model, and push the "right arrow" key on the remote. Enter the override code, and enter it a second time if it says it is incorrect.

Once in the AUTOLOCK or SMARTLOCK menu, go to BLOCK, and push the "right arrow" key. Go to BLOCKING OPTIONS and press the "right arrow" key. Go to MASTER DISABLE and press the "right arrow" key so that it says "MASTER DISABLE ON". The v-chip is now reset.

Pioneer Plasma TVs:

Pioneer plasma set use’s a four digit code to control the v-chip. To reset the Pioneer: First put the media receiver in the standby mode, then hold down the CLEAR button and press STANDBY/ON button on the plasma display. The device should now be reset. If you want, you can run an auto install to configure your device. Turn on the power, press MENU, select SETUP on the screen, and press ENTER. If it asks for a secret number, you need to reset the device again and start over. Otherwise, scroll to AUTO INSTALLATION and press ENTER.

PS2:

When you try to use a DVD that is blocked, it will ask for your code. Press SELECT on the controller. Enter the deletion code 7444 when prompted. You can then set a new lock code. Next, remove the disk and then turn off your PS2.

Qwestar:

Simply enter the code 3308

RCA TV:

Most RCA and GE TV sets use a four digit code to control the v-chip. The code reset procedure is different depending on the model. Try each method until you find one that works:

  1. Hold down MENU on the remote and VOLUME DOWN on the TV it’s self at the same time for at least 4 seconds. The set won't say so, but the lock will be unlocked
  2. Hold down the 0 on the remote and the VOLUME DOWN buttons on the TV its self at the same time for at least 4 seconds. The set won't say so, but the lock will be unlocked
  3. Hold down the MENU button on the front of the TV and the TV button on the remote at the same time for at least 4 seconds.
  4. Hold down GO BACK on the remote and MENU on the front of the TV at the same time for at least 4 seconds.
  5. Hold down EJECT on the front of the TV and the MENU button on the remote at the same time for at least 4 seconds.

Depending on the model, one of the methods should unlock the V-chip. Now, if desired, you can change the settings on the V-chip by going to the MENU and going to PARENTAL CONTROLS, or on some sets, going to MENU and then going to TV SETUP, then to V-CHIP SET.

Sinotec:

If you have the original remote (RC-A07) for Sinotec tv, then press and hold down the Music button for about 10 seconds.

Sony LCD TV Sets:

When prompted for the code, enter the master reset code: 4357. This code will reset the master code.

Toshiba TVs and Combos:

Disconnect the AC power for at least one minute to reset the clock.
Adjust the volume to the minimum using the Volume down button on the front of the unit.
Press and hold the Volume down button on the front of the unit and the 0 button on the remote control at the same time, holding them down for at least 10 seconds.
The user menu will appear with the V-Chip cursor blinking.
Press the ENTER key on the remote control and the NEW PASSWORD menu will appear.
Enter your new password.
For further assistance, I recommend contacting our Customer Solutions Department at 1-800-319-6684. They are available Mon-Fri, 8AM to 7PM Central time."

CherryBoo to the Rescue!

The V-Chip is bypassed by holding the zero key on the original remote hand unit, and at the sane time holding down the volume down on the front of the TV set. This should reset the oide so you can enter a new one.

Most Symphonic TV's and VCR's:

When you are prompted to enter an access code, enter 0000

X-BOX:

To reset the X-Box code, go to the settings screen from the dashboard. From there, go to PARENTAL CONTROL. Instead of entering the code, press the following button combination: X, Y, LEFT TRIGGER, X, you will then enter into the PARENTAL CONTROLS screen where you can set a new code, or disable the parental lock.

Comments

Sealed Wow!!!

Those crazy manufacturers seem to be going out of their way thinking up ways to lock you out of your own set. Probably laughing about it too amoung themselves.

Amazing research you did here Larry I'm sure it will be helping a lot of people out this situation.

I myself have even run into some DVD movies I had to write to the DVD manufacturer about when my own Pioneer DV 626 came up enter my Parental code.

I had none but luckily I just tried putting in 0000 and it let's me in.They wrote back saying others reported the same and said they had no idea how it got on to the DVD but that's how you get in.

Did the same once while still servicing big screen TV's before I retired in 2003.A Hitachi Projection TV was locking me out.I hit 7777 by luck and it turned out to be correct.If I remember right it was the recommended way by Hitachi.You may be able to confirm this.

Keep up the good work Larry D , I have been recommending you to many friends.I hope they have been leaving you great feedback.

Don

AKA FishinTVguy  >))'>

My daughter has a Panasonic TV. The parental code is on. I read how to fix the problem, but I don't know how to put the TV in standby. Can you please help??

Thanks,

Debbie

To put any set into standby, you simply turn the set off. Then do the mod to reset the V-code.

Thank you so much for your reply! I feel like an idiot for not figuring that out on my own.Embarassed

Debbie

Well you should not feel that way. I know it sounds kinda silly, but if you don't ask, how whould you ever learn?

Well, we tried the steps and the set is still locked! Do you have any other suggestions? My teenage daughter is ready to explode. lol

 

I need help I lock my GE tv....I lost the remote years ago...and I need tounlock it any ideas....any one??

you will need an original GE or RCA remote hand unit Im fraid to say

HELP I have a barrowed Target Brand Tru Tech T.v. 12000 That has the V-Chip activated. The previous owner says she never activated or knows of a code. She also does not have the manual anymore. I cannot watch anything with the parental ratings on it! I have googled my brains out trying to find a code for this thing, please help! I've tried 2211, 3308, 0711, 7777, 8888, 0000 and nothing is working. THANKS

therer is an article ehere on techlore that works o unlock the V chip in thse TV ets, and it ha alwys workd fo m as well ad many ohers here. Mitsubishi sets use a four-digit code for a V-Chip locked program, view a locked TV, cancel the lock, or to enter the V-Chip lock menus. You can view the locked shows on the TV set by pressing the number 9 and QV buttons on the remote at the same time, whenever your code is requested. This process temporarily unlocks the TV and asks you to enter a new code.

I have a RCA D52w20 tv. My son locked the parental controls. I'm having a very hard time tryna get this thing unlocked. It also says that the front panel on the TV is locked too. Please Help

an admiral tv/vcr model#GOJ12330 i need to know if there is a default code for the v chip

These are great, except I have a Hisense TV and the original remote has been lost. All I have now is a universal remote. I need to know how to unlock it, my fiance has managed to push a bunch of buttons on accident and now the tv is on a black screen with nothing else. Is there a way to unlock it with a universal remote that does not have the lock button?

I do not have any info on thst make of set but 99% of he time to access the menu or special funcions of TV set you need an original remote for that set. If you find the lockout code please submitt it to me or to the editor and it will be published wih the rest of my list of lockout overrides. Good Luck

on the dish network i couldnt get it too work how long should you hold in the power buttten?

I have an old JVC tv, and I can't watch South Park, my favorite show, because someone blocked it. Does anyone know how to unblock this set? I've tried all the ways already suggested, please help!

Thank you so much. I was about to give up trying to remove the childlock on my Sinotec TV set when i came across your site. I sat on the net for over an hour looking for solutions. Nearly went to a repair man. Thanks again. Music button, Who would have thought!!!

Hi Larry - Reading through all of this I do not find the parental unlock code for my TruTech Model DW13TT. The info posted above in response to the previous TruTech question did not work for me. I do have the original remote, but not the manual - have not come up with the winning combo of numbers to unlock the tv yet. Can't even watch anything that is TV14 on this thing! Please help if you can.

I'm the one with the Trutech T.V. I figured it out one night. What unlocked it was "1111" Good luck! Hope this code works for you!

We have an older JVC and it is locked. Can't figure out the code. Any one know how to unlock it?

I have and older JVC tv. I am locked out and getting frustrated trying to figure out how to unlock the code that was set by accident. Any ideas?

Hi Larry, my mitsubishi tv Model#WS-A65, i get snow when there is no signal, but picture disappear when tv gets the signal, i tried with dvd, no picture. but sound is ok, if i push menu, it appears on screen very nice as usual, but no picture not through av or tuner. could you help me please?thx

Okay, somehow I've gotten a parental code on my DVD player of my RCA TV/DVD combo. I would like to be able to watch DVDs in my bedroom, but since this will only allow me to watch PG movies. I really would like to watch something besides Disney (which is great when my grandson is visiting, but not so great for me). I've tried all of the RCA methods listed above and nothing seems to work. Please help!
Thank you!

have you tried all that is listed for the RCA?

Larry Dillon said: have you tried all that is listed for the RCA?

Yes I have. Perhaps the problem is because it's a TV/DVD combo and the DVD player is what has the parental lock, not the TV?

Thank u so much after two years of not being able to use a tv due to tiny fingers putting a lock on and forgot code. I just figured I would Try this What a tv saver. ur awesome!!!!!!!

What brand of TV set did you unlock?? BTW, you are very welcome!!!

I was demo how the language could be changed to Spanish on a RCA TV when somehow I locked out the front panel. I can still operate the TV by remote but none of the previous given two button operations work. The RCA tv is a model 20f512T cx51 chassis M123A. Please help!

Hi I bought my daughter a used Disney Princess tv but it has a code and now she can't watch anything can anyone help me?

read the article we have here and use the RCA directions
Larry

OMIGOD...the eject/menu thing totally worked. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

You are very welcome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Spread the word about how techlore helped you please, you could write a small thank you note to the editors here at techlore.
Larry Dillon

you can call dish network if the reciver is locked or try the online help for that also, good luck
Larry Dillon

My TruTech DW13TT is locked out...I have the original remote...any ideas?

Ok here goes nothing ...got a used tv at a great buy till i realized the v-chip had been set! its a curtis mathes

There appear to be several questions rlated to:

I have an RCA XL100 and have tried every code and trick i could find, please let me know of a solution if anyone has one. Thank you

same as a Magnavox or maybe a RCA, retry all the solutions for those from the are you locked out article!!!!
Larry

V-Chip is locked on a Trutech T2000-FT and we don't know the code. Not even sure how it got set. Since it's an off brand we can't find the unlock info anywhere. Manual is long gone.

you might be able to find the fcc id number look that up on the fcc id manufactuer number and find out who made the set??then do a search and seevbif theyb still have any info on this how long ago did you buy the set,and from where?
Larry D.

my son had a t.v givin to him by a friend it's a Insignia and the parental lock is on any ideas on how to break the code the friend can't remember it either.

have you tryed the volume up and channel dowm or press the power and volume up annd the power swich???
Larry D.

I was given a L32HDTV10A tv but the owners can't remember the code for it. Anyways to reset it? Much thanks in advance

I have an LG BD550 and locked out parental controls. After a long time on hold I was given the solution.

Go into the setup menu and press the following number sequence. (You wonÂ’t be entering the numbers into a field just press the buttons, this also works on a universal remote)

210499 then hit Enter (it was the center button on my universal)

If done correctly a set and verify pin number should pop up type a pin in twice and your done.

This worked on an LG BD550 DVD/Blu ray player combo however the technician told me that it works on a whole bunch of LG Devices.
He also said that some of the equipment has default bypass codes off 0000 and 4444 and 7777 depending on your model.

I have a viore TV Model #p42ovpkm670145 and someone accidentally put a v-chip code. Can I override it or reset it? How?

I bought a refurbished RCA 27R410T a couple years back. Ii worked fine until recently, now I need a password to do anything. My remote is RCA but I am not sure if it is the original. I have tried all the above methods and nothing works. Can someone help?

i have a rca model number mm52110 that is locked but i dont have the original remote. is there a code i can try or what type of remote do i need for it?

I have a rca f25441. I do not have the original remote. I am using a satellite remote.. Any ideas on how to get the parental lock off.. I have tried all the above ideas...This is driving me CRAZY

Do i need an rca remote for my rca tv or will a universal remote work. My v chip has locked me out. I bought the tv from a friend, and I can watch rated R, NR, and G rated tv, but not PG or PG-13. It's really strange. I'm ready to pull my hair out. I've tried all of your suggestions, and none of them work. The model number is 27F554T. It's a 2008 Tru Flat Rca SDTV. Any ideas would be appreciated. Thanks!!

I have a sinotec top-show tv. The preset button to be able to tune channels has been locked in the menu. How can I unlock it? It has nothing to do with the child lock as I have tried the child lock code and that only locks and unlocks channels. I need the solution to unlock the preset button. Please help!!

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