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How to unlock TYT DMR radios

Locked TYT MD-2017With the recent uncertainty surrounding the FCC and import radios, TYT has made a decision to ship all of their radios locked down to the 150-160 MHz VHF and 450-460 MHz UHF ranges.

They actually made these changes a few months ago, and at first "unlocking" the radios to allow use outside of these limited ranges required special unlock software. With the most recent firmware release, however, TYT has made the unlock process much more simple. All of their models can now be unlocked by holding down a key combination while powering on the radios. In this article, we'll show how to unlock the TYT MD-9600 mobile radio, and the MD-380, MD-390, MD-UV380 and MD-2017 handheld radios.

Is your radio locked?

Radios that are locked will display frequencies outside of the 150-160 MHz and 450-460 MHz range as 150.000 or 450.000 when the radio is in frequency mode. For example, if the channel on a locked radio is programmed for 147.300, the display will show 150.000. Once unlocked, the radio will show the correct frequency. A locked radio that has been programmed to frequencies outside of the locked range does not need to be reprogrammed. After being unlocked, the radio will work properly.

A radio will always remember that it has been unlocked, even if the battery or power supply is removed.

Unlocking the TYT MD-9600

The TYT MD-9600 must be running firmware version 6.09 or higher to unlock using these steps. Prior versions will need special unlock software.

  • Power the radio on.
  • Remove all power to the radio. Note, you must remove vehicle or power supply power - you can't just turn off the radio with the power button.
  • Hold down the P1 and P2 buttons on the front of the radio.
  • Power up the radio while holding these buttons until the power on tone sounds.
  • No notification/confirmation is provided, but the radio is now unlocked.

Unlocking the TYT MD-2017

Unlocking the TYT MD-2017

The TYT MD-2017 must be running firmware version 4.06 or higher to unlock using these steps. Prior versions will need special unlock software.

  • Turn the radio OFF.
  • On the side of the radio, hold down the top (blue) button and the UP arrow key.
  • Turn the radio ON while holding down these buttons.
  • No notification/confirmation is provided, but the radio is now unlocked.

Unlocking the TYT MD-2017

Unlocking the TYT MD-380, MD-390, and MD-UV380

The TYT MD-380 or MD-390 must be running firmware version 14.07 or higher to unlock using these steps. The MD-UV380 requires version 18.03 or higher. Prior versions will need special unlock software.

  • Turn the radio OFF.
  • Hold down side buttons 1 and 2.
  • Turn the radio ON while holding down these buttons.
  • No notification/confirmation is provided, but the radio is now unlocked.

Unlocking the TYT MD-2017

Why did TYT do this?

Great question, and one that we can't get a clear answer to. Based on our understanding of the FCC rules, TYT should be able to ship the radios as long as their supported range is within what is allowed on the grant from the FCC. For the MD-2017, for example, the grant shows 136-174 MHz and 406.1-480 MHz. I can only assume that this has been done out of an overabundance of caution. It would be understandable if they were unsure about how the FCC will be enforcing the rules, and don't want to take any risks at all. In the meantime, unfortunately, customers are confused and left with products that look to be defective, although they are actually operating as designed.

62 thoughts on “How to unlock TYT DMR radios”

  • Tom

    I have also unlocked the new MD-UV390 PLUS radios with this procedure.

    Reply
  • Tom E

    I have two MD-UV390 radios running the most up to date firmware. I was able to unlock them no issues.

    Reply
  • Schuyler Monroe Hupp
    Schuyler Monroe Hupp February 27, 2023 at 5:39 pm

    I have an MD-UV390, D019.005... None of these unlock procedures work. The radio is defaulting to 150MHz and 450MHz regardless as to what frequencies are programmed into it. Have used factory CPS and RTS as well. The frequency ranges specified are simply not accessible. I would not recommend TYT to anyone.

    Reply
  • Schuyler Monroe Hupp
    Schuyler Monroe Hupp February 24, 2023 at 5:57 am

    Unlocking method described here hasn't worked with MD-UV390, Firmware D 019.005

    Reply
  • Eric

    Looking for information on getting into the service menu or hidden menu to align the TYT TH-9000d

    Reply
    • Rick

      Eric, as stated in an earlier comment, We do not sell the TYT TH-9000D and have no information on it. You may need to contact TYT directly for support.

      Reply
  • David Mccarter
    David Mccarter July 18, 2022 at 4:56 pm

    just bough a MD-UV380 I unlocked it fine no problem it does TX on the hamband but when creating a channel for a repeater (RX 438.025 Mhz and RX 433.025MHZ) CC5, TS2 when I push the PTT after a couple of seconds I get the repeater not found tone, the repeater is right here in my shack. I have an Alinco and an Anytone and no problem with those, what am I missing while creating the channel for the repeater? BTW simplex works fine with the MD-UV380 on a jumbospot the issue seems with repeater channels.
    Thanks in advance

    Reply
  • Dub

    Not working for MD UV380 with firmware version S018.016

    Reply
  • Scott Powers

    I recently purchased a TYT TH 7900. Does the unlock sequence mentioned in the MD 9600 article work on the TH 7900?

    Reply
  • Don Billings

    I have the MD-9600, the provided procedure does not work. please advise Thanks.
    the radio I purchased from you last week is running firmware D026.045 CP Ver V01.22

    Reply
    • Rick

      Hi Don, if the procedure did not work after following the instructions, please give us a call so we can troubleshoot the issue.

      Reply
  • James Alderman

    I have a tyt th-9000D which is locked up on the 150MHZ band which is the way I bought it used does anyone know how to unlock it to work on the ham bands which I'm licensed for it is labled 136-174 MHZ. I have no intentions of keying up on 150 mhz or going out of the ham bands for any reason even to listen.
    Thanks in Advance
    Jr
    Kd4duw

    Reply
  • Richard McCrohan

    Do you know how to unlock a TYT TH-F8. It’s set to 137 to 174 MHz but I need it in the 446 range?

    Reply
    • Rick

      We do not carry the TH-F8, so we have no specific information on it. However, I understand there are two versions of this radio, one UHF and one VHF. Generally speaking, a single band radio is only tuned to operate on frequencies within that band. You would need the UHF version of this model to operate in the 446 MHz range.

      Reply
  • Dave Keating

    Did anyone ever figure out how to unlock the TYT MD-398? I am having no luck with it

    Reply
  • David Smith

    Is there a method to unlocking the TYT TH-350?

    Reply
    • Rick

      The TH-350 is only approved for use on the amateur bands in the US, so it is locked to the amateur frequencies to comply with FCC rules.

      Reply
  • sober

    the VFO option does not unlock the freq range for UV88... is there a button combo update for it?

    Reply
  • Tyt430

    what about TYT MD430

    Reply
  • lindsey

    info on how to unlock the TH-8600
    Thank You!

    Reply
  • Steven B

    Will unlocking the MD-UV380 enable the radio to transmit on FRS/GMRS? I know it's illegal with that radio I just want to know if they can do it. Thanks.

    Reply
  • N8XLJ

    you have the mic pinout for the md-9600?

    Reply
  • Seryi

    This did not work for MD-UV390, fw 18.011/fw 18.016.

    Reply
  • cesaar

    got a tyt md 398 radio need help in unlocking radio power up ok did reset but only rest powerup side not the pc programming side with software

    Reply
    • Rick

      We don't carry this model, so we have no information on it. You may need to contact your dealer or TYT direct for support.

      Reply

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