If you aren't sure what "unlocking" a radio does or what "Unlocked" means, watch this video before trying this! -> th-cam.com/video/LKz_2InG82I/w-d-xo.htmlsi=JMCFCfHqWtsQEDIq
The last TH-cam link my father ever sent me was this. He was a ham for 40 years. He loved the way these shows are laid out. No BS and lots of information.
Hi, I am in Kenya Nairobi city but we are not allowed to have Ham radios by law despite being sold in some local shops in town. I purchased one and I followed your instructions on how to configure uv5r and now I have alot of fun listening to various conversation even though I don't interfere with them since I don't know who they are. Thanks for your good work and keep it up.
The sad hams are on the phone right now with the FCC demanding that Randy's home be raided, all Baofengs confiscated, GMRS license revoked, and TH-cam account suspended. Keep up the good work Randy!!!
Dude firstly I just want to say that your videos kick ass, they’re incredibly helpful. Secondly I don’t think enough people appreciate your sense of humor, it’s truly hilarious. Anytime I can learn something and laugh out loud watching a video, I’ll happily give a thumbs up. Keep up the good work man. Cheers.
Worked for me on two UV-5R radios purchased from Amazon May 10, 2023. The GMRS Freqs were "locked." Did the "3 button/power on" today, May 23rd ...and voila!....now have access to those Freqs. Thanks to all those who have made life easier for the rest of us!
Between me an a few friends, we have 12 of these radios and 5 of them were the newer models rendering them for scanning use only. I immediately contacted my friends after watching this and verifying it worked and we are all now very happy people! Thank you so much!
@@ReadySetGoPictures If they have a badge ID with four letters or numbers and they announce how long they have been doing it, then you know they are serious business.
In the event anyone is still unsure about the new UV-5Rs, I just received mine today, 7/8/22, and this unlock procedure worked like a charm! Thanks again Randy!
I got mine last week and didn't have to do this. It was open tx out of the box. It's one of the Greaval re-badged units from Amazon though. According to the serial it was manufactured 2022. Maybe they only "fixed" the actual Baofeng branded units? Do they even have the same CMIIT ID?
Randy - I could probably "plant" this comment on any one of your videos, but I'll do it here. I'll get right to the point: THANK YOU! You score an A+ with your sense of humor, honesty, technical ability and entertainment value. Even though you clearly state that you don't have a ham license, I would place a bet that you could easily go head-to-head with just about ANY ham radio operator - especially the "sad" ones, most of whom have no real experience in the field. I know you make fun of those who post their entire life's resume in their comments. That being said, I will do that a tiny bit here - in your defense of course. I have over 50 years in the electronics design field, much of it in RF and microwave communications. I actually DID get my ham license when I was 14 years old - back when we had to learn the Morse code to pass the test. We built our own equipment. We knew how to solder connections, and could design a transmitter circuit on a napkin. Those abilities are almost extinct now. Now, they just pay a bunch of $$$ for the equipment but can't understand the instruction manual. So keep the videos coming! They're awesome, entertaining, accurate and down-to-earth.
I just tried the Unlock on my ~3 month old BF-F8+ and the Unlock works perfectly so far. Freqs were already programmed in via Chirp before I tried the Unlock Tried a MURS and a couple rail freqs.Your vids and humor are first class😂
Ditto....didn't work on my new F8HP. Returned it and bought a new UV-5R for $22! Also bought the larger battery and 771 antenna all for less than the original F8HP purchase.... I'm not sure I'll really miss the extra 3 watts? We shall see! Cheers
@@FreddyFootlockJust tied it on my BF-F8HP..Didn't get the "Factory" but when I typed in 462.700 and pushed PTT got the red light instead of Fu*k You tone, and also a H appeared next to the transmission strength bar Might just be that it doesn't show "Factory" anymore during hack process
What a Life Saver. I just replaced my old UV-5R (run over by a Fire Engine) carried as my emergency back up radio to my work radios. I was devastated when tried programming the new radio "Until I found your video". Thank you for sharing
Ordered my new Uv-5r Wednesday from the jungle site, and it arrives yesterday night. Been considering getting my ham license for years ,but never really had a need for one as not owning a ham radio made studying kind of pointless. Use to use CB radio 30 years ago and do miss the ease of communicating without the reliance of the interwebs. The Baofeng is a super versatile radio, seems like the perfect reason to reconnect with my inner geek and get back into things.. This video worked perfectly on my newly produced Baofeng locked radio and I'm no longer sad and feeling limited by our government overlords.
The different backgrounds/end-screens sometimes, paired with your quick wit and timing on each video make you top tier TH-cam content. May the algorithm continue to bless you, and Xenu as well…. I guess lol
I was pulling my hair out wondering why my radios would not communicate and becuase of this video I found out they were locked. There are no words to express my gratitude for your vids. Cheers,
may i know which version is your uv-5r? mine is BFB298. it was not gmrs locked when i got it. you can check by holding "3" button while powering on. thanks.
Worked on my UV-5R+PLUS just fine and as described. Thanks to all! Earlier today i watched one of your vids about tuning antennas and it must have been one of your first few videos because you were stale as a whale in a pail! You might just want to go back and "fix" or re-record that episode! Your current jovial format is world class, unique and on the "Benny Hill" level! I could only fantasize what future episodes would be like if you changed the topic entirely to say perhaps, cooking or accounting! You're the best channel on youtube in my opinion, thanks for your efforts!
@@chrispq12certainly better than the German gonkulator! OMG, I remembered the reference from the original show, but did not know how it had expanded in use. Happy Gonkulator Day next October 5th!
Man you saved me. I just bought these this week and the seller miss represented them not informing me they where ham only for transmitting and was littlerly hrs away from shipping them back to get the uv-5g for gmrs and now when I get home I am unlocking them knowing it works for the uv-5rtp also. Your the bomb letting me know this. I wanted the triple power and the 5g isn't so thought I was losing that for my gmrs radio.
Nice!! After purchasing three BF-F9 radios from the same seller I purchased a 4th for a friend and wouldn’t you know it… locked. Knowing I’d likely have to return it I figured I’d give this a shot and it worked like a charm! I was even able to reprogram the radio afterwards using CHIRP and a “UV-5R” image. Thanks so much for posting this! Definitely saved us all a lot of trouble.
I'm a little late to the whole GMRS game, but worry not, and let not your heart be troubled, for I'm late to the game, but I'm all in an here to stay. I unlocked my first UV-5R today, thanks to you. You have changed the game for me. I got my first handheld radio about three weeks ago when I saw one of your videos, and like I said, it was a game-changer. Not even a month later, I'm hooked. I have a collection of 20 GMRS radios already and have another four coming in within two weeks. I love this hobby, and your videos have just made it more fun many thanks.
Thanks for the great video. Just bought a kit with a pair of UV-5Rs from Amazon and one gave me the "FACTORY" response, and the other did not; but, both appear unlocked and when process was repeated on both, it did not reverse. What a ubiquitous yet underrated little gem I've found with this HT, thanks to you. (I can tell from your work mat that you think the P365 is another little gem as well, and you're right!). Lots of fun for under $50/pair and the package came with a couple of bonus, longer antennas. Haven't had this much fun since my ICOM 2AT back in college in the 1980's! What a hoot. Now I just have to watch all your other videos on programming this little treasure....a bit more to it than those ICOM thumbwheels, LOL.
Hey Randy, Worked, as long as I manually input the frequency in. I tried to add all the 1-20 channel frequencies via Chirp and then upload them all at once to the radio. They did show up and showed the right frequency in the right memory location, but when the transmit button was pushed the radio locked up and displayed some weird frequencies. I then did a total reset on the UV5R back to factory settings and whipped out all my setting, then added a few of the frequencies manually, verified they worked first , then uploaded them into chirp and saved it to a file. I then uploaded the frequencies via chirp into a second radio, and it worked. Thanks for all the info through the videos, Not into GMRS but because of your videos I bought a couple Baofengs to play around with. FYI while a HAM, Im not a SAD HAM!!
I have been binge watching your videos for about 4 hours now... You're a magician, my friend... I may or may not have just recently (July, 2023) purchased 2 new UV-5R's and this does indeed work (for testing purposes only, of course). I will now be restoring them back to their locked configuration. Thank you!
@@AnotherDayInTheWoods I wonder if you tried the unlock procedure again if it would relock? Or maybe with the radio on, hold down everything and turn the radio off if that relocks it? Surely there is a process that would relock it. Might come in handy one day when the FCC sends Santa Claus down the chimney to catch you red handed, or something.
I have a Baofeng GT-5R (the "legal" version of the UV-5R that doesn't have the spurious nocturnal emissions). It sucked because it was locked to ham 2M and 70 CM bands. ...until I pushed those 3 buttons, turned it on, and the screen said "FACTORY". Thank you Randy.
Dell, I was also able to unlock my GT-5R. Are you able to use Chirp with it? Chrip seems to work but I have to go in and manually edit the GMRS channels after an upload to the radio to get transmit to work correctly? Thanks
@@robertbower9862 I had the same result with my GT-5R. If I download/upload the settings in CHIRP with it set to GT-5R, then all of the saved channels are set to "Duplex OFF" which prevents transmission. If I tell Chirp that the GT-5R radio is a UV5R, the saved channels are able to transmit.
Just received my locked model today 9/8/24. I don’t know when it was manufactured but it was indeed a locked model. Did these steps and now it is unlocked. Thank you. Now I can use my old UV-5R and this new one together on GMRS.
Just tried this on my new locked Baofeng GT-5TP, only difference was that you need to hold down PTT + M + # keys and then power it on getting the same 'Factory' on the display. Mine is now unlocked! Thanks!
Thanks a lot for the video! I just did this to one of my new uv5r and now I can transmit to my NOAA emergency radio. I'm in Mexico so this frequencies are basically unused and now I can communicate directly to my radio in an emergency.
Was wondering the other day if a factory reset would unlock this but caught the Cov and just now recovering. Straight to your channel now that I'm alive again to find out you, like always, have the answers to save us. Thanks Randy! Also, I have a Tri-band Boof Wang coming today so might do some testing on that to see. I can share the results when I get it.
Too bad I brought a UV-S9X3 before this to get a full tri-band unlocked or I could have gotten another 5R. Still great information Randy appreciate you keeping us updated with this stuff!
My brand spanking new Btech UV-5X3 just froze up on me, & no matter what I did, it remained completely unresponsive. I followed your instructions in this video, & VOILA! FIXED! Thanks for your help, & I love your videos...
Quick share this! It worked for me and verified it! I was bummed when I got the new version of the UV-5R and couldn't use the GMRS freqs (other than listen). Thanks Randy! Got to go now. I think I hear a knock at the front door now.....
Thank you. Yeah. This is exactly what I needed to do in order to transmit on gmrs channels. I did a test because I have these to use in emergencies. Also I have a paper copy and screenshot of the transmission frequencies for GMRS channels. Doesn’t help that your unlocked if you don’t know what frequency to enter to equal channel 16 on an FRS radio, for example. Edit If it makes you feel better. I did order two brand new UV5R radios from Amazon. Great deal, only about 20$ each and you get a radio, earpiece, and charger. I received them in the mail this morning and got them working thanks to this video a minute ago. This is as of 3/7/2024. Looks like I’ll be investing into those better antennas for these. Thanks.
Worked like a champ. New radio received today. Programmed with FRS frequencies. Got the stupid double beep. Found your video and the concise steps. Thank you sir!
Wow! Thanks so much! Love the channel and the digs at ham radio operators haha! While I am a ham, I can certainly appreciate all the great info you provide. I prefer to be a life-long learner as opposed to being a know-it-all. And the way your channel has evolved over the last year has been great haha! Always look forward to new videos from you!
THANK YOU. It look me sifting through trouble tickets in chirp software to figure out what was going on. They closed a poor guy's ticket and pointed him toward the specifications on an amz site that showed the channel restrictions. Thankfully (as well I should have guessed), your informative and concise video saved the day again. Keep up the good work.
I’ve had my HAM license for 3 years. I’ve even upgraded to General so I can get all of the fars. You sir, make me want to get my GMRS license. I just wish they would lower the cost already.
I was am still am studying for my HAM but found this guy and just paid the tax for the gmrs. Loving it so far and put a wouxun in my Xterra. My kids find it very entertaining to talk to daddy when hes miles away at the store. Still want to get my HAM though. Ive found theres not many people in my area using GMRS like CB or HAM. Scanning I pick up the kids who got walkie talkies for Christmas and the construction crews around but thats about it.
@@bryanisms2732 Isn't GMRS a four-letter work? ;) Maybe it's just not cool enough for "people" to want one. I'll have to buy one, and give it to a guy in a black Firebird TransAm.
Worked great on my two UV-5RTPs . I originally bought two more from a Amazon seller that had old stock but now I’m good to go with 6 unstoppable UV5Rs instead of 4.
it worked on my pofung UV-5RE. It was oddly locked out of the county EMS frequency we use. I wasn't able to transmit when pressing the PTT button. Thanks from this first responder.
Thank you for the information. I’m playing “catch up” on your videos, so I’m writing this a year after you posted it. So, my UV-5R radios are old, so old I don’t remember how old. I found a receipt for an aftermarket Diamond antenna I bought in February 2013, so I know they’re at least ten years old. Therefore, ignoring Warning #2, because if I damage my radio (I used my oldest one) it gives me an excuse to buy a new one because my UV-5R label fell off of it years ago, and we all know the radio is now worthless, I diligently followed your instructions, not even knowing if my radio is locked or not. The result was interesting. I did not get the word FACTORY to show on my display. The word I got was COPING. Not COPYING, but COPING. I have no idea what that means. The radio works fine. All my programmed channels are still there. I won’t know if Warning #4 applies to me, because after using CHIRP to program the radio just to save time in the amount of channels I originally needed to set up, any further tweaking I’ve done has been manually, and the only reason to use CHIRP again on this radio is just to test whether it will still work, and I suspect it will, so there’s no point. However, if you have any idea what my display meant when it said COPING, I’d love to hear about it. Thank you for your content. You have been a great source of information, and I love your dry wit. Why you don’t have 5 million subs is a mystery to me (not kissing ass, just being honest).
After watching your video, I tried out this hack on my Baofeng GT-5R and it worked like a charm. The radio will now transmit on all the GMRS channels as well as 2m and 70cm HAM bands. Previously, transmission with this radio was restricted to the 2m and 70cm bands. Thanks for the info.
i purchased a Baofeng Uv-5RTP , i had the same trouble trying to key up on specific freq, i perfomed the factory reset and it worked like a charm. thank you.
Thank You 😃 Thank You It's amazing and it really really works Now I can use my UV5R and talk to my boss and other coworkers at work Boss and other coworkers use handheld Motorola radios (around $800 each) and I get to save money with my UV5R (under $30 each) at work 🎊🎉🎈🎆🎇😄
All this information you’re providing is extremely valuable and put into simple terms for those who have no clue about the many intimidating options in settings. Thanks
@NotaRubicon Productions : Great video! and there is also a way to unlock the new Baofeng UV-82, just did it today. turn off your radio hold down "A" push to talk, the "M" key and then the # key then turn on and it will show the same "FACTORY" on screen and will unlock the radio.
My latest uv-5r it red. It's so new. It still smells like the small Chinese child that put it together. I unlocked it per your brief yet thorough instructions. As a very happy ham, I will surely smile every time I transmit to my frs / gmrs friends.
@@allencummings3445 Are you still unable to unlock your GT-5R's? I just unlocked a newly purchased GT-5R with this method. It was slightly awkward as the Monitor side button is harder to push than the one on the UV-5R.
Wow, you must be a real expert! So, you should probably watch this video to see how wrong you are: th-cam.com/video/SdMLCDPc04Y/w-d-xo.html And, then, watch this video, for more confirmation of how wrong you are: th-cam.com/video/X3r2K96hsGc/w-d-xo.html
Awesome! Now I can buy some new ones to hand out when SHTF and make many hams sad. I think I'll make one of those rigged repeaters with a few of them by connecting the headset port to the headphone port on another.
Well, being the stand-up guy that Randy is, I know that was not demonstrated for the purpose of anyone circumventing the rules. I am sure that Randy did this 100% so that us, his favorite viewers, would not by accident or mischance, cause this modification to take place with one of these radios. I certainly appreciate his helping me to maintain the high standards of moral character that I have always had about such things!
@@grigorirasputin5020 Of course Randy is being a stand up guy and being a pillar of the community for showing us. This video just demonstrates how we can unlock a certain brand and model in the event of an emergency: something the FCC does not forbid but makes hams really sad.
This unlock trick is not needed on older models. If you have an older model UV-5R, it is already unlocked. As clearly mentioned in the video, this only applies to new, "locked" models... You know, like i said in the video.. and like it says on the thumbnail.and the title.. and the description.
Why would you need it on the older radios, Dear TH-cam comment , expert? ? I think you missed the point of the video, no worries. He has videos to explain your faults. You just wanted a pinned comment.
@@TheNotaRubicon maybe what Jim is referring to is the title (Easy Unlock Hack To Transmit On GMRS & "Other" Frequencies) in the word other. Other as in 1.25 meter. Maybe Jim was trying to unlock the 220 band.
Thanks, but I already knew that from watching the video. And listening to the speaker. And reading the description. And generally having 5 working senses within my core being.
Just did this to my new UV-5R, (the new GMRS version you recently posted a video about) it didnt read Factory on the screen, but it went from displaying GMRS and NOAA on my screen to the frequency channels that are displayed when you post videos. Sidenote, I'm Brand New to this whole GMRS world, so... I did apply for my license yesterday so hopefully soon I can "transmit ". I'm truly digging your channel and your knowledge on this boggles my mind. Hopefully I can get this all figured out. Thanx again for your input and the humor you add to such a confusing lil device. 🤙
![เปิดบ้าน นาราเครปกระเทย 1 ไร่ ขายขาดทุนหลัก10ล้าน เอามาใช้หนี้!!! l [Nickynachat]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/0jz84VFWVP4/mqdefault.jpg)
If you aren't sure what "unlocking" a radio does or what "Unlocked" means, watch this video before trying this! -> th-cam.com/video/LKz_2InG82I/w-d-xo.htmlsi=JMCFCfHqWtsQEDIq
I have the "newer" GMRS version, and its locked to only GMRS Freqs. Can it be unlocked to transmit on any other Freqs?
The last TH-cam link my father ever sent me was this. He was a ham for 40 years. He loved the way these shows are laid out. No BS and lots of information.
Nice bro.
This guy sure is enjoyable to watch, I can see why your father enjoyed these videos. Just enough humor in the preface, and then straight to business!
Actually LOTS of B.S. which is why I come back.
Did the FCC raid his home after he tried to unlock a Baofeng?
Sorry about your dad. It's pretty amazing he was ham for 40 years.
Hi, I am in Kenya Nairobi city but we are not allowed to have Ham radios by law despite being sold in some local shops in town.
I purchased one and I followed your instructions on how to configure uv5r and now I have alot of fun listening to various conversation even though I don't interfere with them since I don't know who they are.
Thanks for your good work and keep it up.
Is ham radio banned there, or is it just non hams that are not allowed to own them?
It worked like charm, You are the man. Too bad sad hams .....
For anyone curious, just received a new UV5R yesterday (10/16/23) and I was able to unlock it. Thanks for the helpful video!
I just got a new UV5R and it will not unlock....Link to your purchase?
Does it stay unlocked or do you have to start it up like that every time
hi andy. can it transmit on airband now?
Me too one did a few months ago but this second one I got more recent won't do it
i just ordered two more of these radios, got them today, and they are not locked.
The sad hams are on the phone right now with the FCC demanding that Randy's home be raided, all Baofengs confiscated, GMRS license revoked, and TH-cam account suspended. Keep up the good work Randy!!!
I wonder if he'll get one of those vicious 'please stop' letters!
😞 🐽
Should we get a bail money fundraiser started for Randy?
😄😄😄👍
FREEZE! HAM OPERATOR OF 100 YEARS AND VOLUNTEER HAM POLICE HERE! STOP BEFORE YOU MADE MANY OF US SAD AND I REPORT YOU TO THE FCC!
Dude firstly I just want to say that your videos kick ass, they’re incredibly helpful. Secondly I don’t think enough people appreciate your sense of humor, it’s truly hilarious. Anytime I can learn something and laugh out loud watching a video, I’ll happily give a thumbs up. Keep up the good work man. Cheers.
3:05 where he goes "... but before you break your fingers leaving a comment" , I was dyin
Worked for me on two UV-5R radios purchased from Amazon May 10, 2023. The GMRS Freqs were "locked." Did the "3 button/power on" today, May 23rd ...and voila!....now have access to those Freqs. Thanks to all those who have made life easier for the rest of us!
Randy, you have unlocked my heart....and all of my UV5R's. Well done.
😂😂
lolol good one underrated comment
Is there a way to do this with that uv-82?
And all my BF-F9 V2N's also!
AMEN AMEN AMEN all you disbelievers are scared or something,,,,,no open mind at all this is true for so many radios FACT FACT FACT
Between me an a few friends, we have 12 of these radios and 5 of them were the newer models rendering them for scanning use only. I immediately contacted my friends after watching this and verifying it worked and we are all now very happy people! Thank you so much!
Is this a permanent fix or do you have to do that every time?
@@LastNameTom looks like it's permanent..
Have you got the 3rd version as did not seem to work with mine? Many thanks
@@markhiggins3054 Try again, maybe you are not pressing the PTT or one of the other switches firm enough. I had to work at it. But I was successful.
@@turn-n-burn1421 it should have told you when you ordered it
Just purchased 4 of these last week from Amazon. I bought the UV-5R8W and this unlocked all 4 of them in a breeze! Thank you man, love your channel
So how do you know if you have a locked ####. I tried this on a new unit and got nothing.
do you have a link my friend
Worked like a charm and stays working on a restart. Got to bounce as I hear sirens from the FCC police getting closer.
RRRRRRUUUUUUNNNNN!!!!!!
I hear that the FCC police announce their officer names and Badge ID over the sirens every 10 minutes on their way to get you.
@@ReadySetGoPictures If they have a badge ID with four letters or numbers and they announce how long they have been doing it, then you know they are serious business.
I didn't work on my 8HP. I only have two hands..
@@toml.8210 did you try putting mustard on it first?
In the event anyone is still unsure about the new UV-5Rs, I just received mine today, 7/8/22, and this unlock procedure worked like a charm! Thanks again Randy!
got mine last week and still works
I got mine last week and didn't have to do this. It was open tx out of the box. It's one of the Greaval re-badged units from Amazon though. According to the serial it was manufactured 2022. Maybe they only "fixed" the actual Baofeng branded units? Do they even have the same CMIIT ID?
Just got mine 8/19/23 and it doesn’t seem to work on either of my 2. It doesn’t say factory it just comes on like normal?
Randy - I could probably "plant" this comment on any one of your videos, but I'll do it here. I'll get right to the point: THANK YOU! You score an A+ with your sense of humor, honesty, technical ability and entertainment value. Even though you clearly state that you don't have a ham license, I would place a bet that you could easily go head-to-head with just about ANY ham radio operator - especially the "sad" ones, most of whom have no real experience in the field. I know you make fun of those who post their entire life's resume in their comments. That being said, I will do that a tiny bit here - in your defense of course. I have over 50 years in the electronics design field, much of it in RF and microwave communications. I actually DID get my ham license when I was 14 years old - back when we had to learn the Morse code to pass the test. We built our own equipment. We knew how to solder connections, and could design a transmitter circuit on a napkin. Those abilities are almost extinct now. Now, they just pay a bunch of $$$ for the equipment but can't understand the instruction manual. So keep the videos coming! They're awesome, entertaining, accurate and down-to-earth.
I just tried the Unlock on my ~3 month old BF-F8+ and the Unlock works perfectly so far. Freqs were already programmed in via Chirp before I tried the Unlock Tried a MURS and a couple rail freqs.Your vids and humor are first class😂
I have BF-F8HP...tried numerous times and still can't get Factory to appear...
@@FreddyFootlock I have the BF-8HP and the factory trick didn't work, but mine would transmit on GMRS from the factory, mine is about a month old
Ditto....didn't work on my new F8HP. Returned it and bought a new UV-5R for $22! Also bought the larger battery and 771 antenna all for less than the original F8HP purchase.... I'm not sure I'll really miss the extra 3 watts? We shall see! Cheers
@@FreddyFootlockJust tied it on my BF-F8HP..Didn't get the "Factory" but when I typed in 462.700 and pushed PTT got the red light instead of Fu*k You tone, and also a H appeared next to the transmission strength bar
Might just be that it doesn't show "Factory" anymore during hack process
Just get COPING on mine
What a Life Saver. I just replaced my old UV-5R (run over by a Fire Engine) carried as my emergency back up radio to my work radios. I was devastated when tried programming the new radio "Until I found your video". Thank you for sharing
Ordered my new Uv-5r Wednesday from the jungle site, and it arrives yesterday night. Been considering getting my ham license for years ,but never really had a need for one as not owning a ham radio made studying kind of pointless. Use to use CB radio 30 years ago and do miss the ease of communicating without the reliance of the interwebs.
The Baofeng is a super versatile radio, seems like the perfect reason to reconnect with my inner geek and get back into things..
This video worked perfectly on my newly produced Baofeng locked radio and I'm no longer sad and feeling limited by our government overlords.
Eyeing the UV-5R suggestively: "Baby, you make me wish I had 3 hands."
Great tip. Thanks!
Solid reference 👍
I used my 3rd arm to do it as my wife says
The different backgrounds/end-screens sometimes, paired with your quick wit and timing on each video make you top tier TH-cam content. May the algorithm continue to bless you, and Xenu as well…. I guess lol
I was pulling my hair out wondering why my radios would not communicate and becuase of this video I found out they were locked. There are no words to express my gratitude for your vids. Cheers,
VICTORY! I can hear the pantywaisted wails of the sad hams for miles!!!! I mean FARS….
Oh hell. N9XR.
I received my first Baofeng last week. I was pretty excited right up
until I realized the restrictions. I tried the hack and it worked! Thanks!
may i know which version is your uv-5r? mine is BFB298. it was not gmrs locked when i got it. you can check by holding "3" button while powering on. thanks.
@@needlethread4715 that's what my ver # is. also not locked.
Worked on my UV-5R+PLUS just fine and as described. Thanks to all!
Earlier today i watched one of your vids about tuning antennas and it must have been one of your first few videos because you were stale as a whale in a pail! You might just want to go back and "fix" or re-record that episode! Your current jovial format is world class, unique and on the "Benny Hill" level!
I could only fantasize what future episodes would be like if you changed the topic entirely to say perhaps, cooking or accounting!
You're the best channel on youtube in my opinion, thanks for your efforts!
I will admit that the excited look on your face is truly quite ominous.
This is honestly a monumental advancement for all mankind.
I always love the hidden key fuctions, like the factory was like "oops!" Knew it was a matter of time. Thank god it's not bridging micro solder pads !
What is wrong with bridging micro solder pads?
Nothing.......same thing as a gonkulator!
@@chrispq12
@@chrispq12certainly better than the German gonkulator!
OMG, I remembered the reference from the original show, but did not know how it had expanded in use. Happy Gonkulator Day next October 5th!
I don't think it's an "oops." Almost every ham radio can be modified like this by removing a surface mount component, solder bridge, or jumper wire.
I'll be receiving my UV-5R today, and this is the first thing I'll be doing once it's charged. Thank you sir! I love your channel!
I tried it on my UV-5RTP and it works, I am happy I can use my radios in emergency situations. Thank you Randy, Tidradio and Chuck!
Man you saved me. I just bought these this week and the seller miss represented them not informing me they where ham only for transmitting and was littlerly hrs away from shipping them back to get the uv-5g for gmrs and now when I get home I am unlocking them knowing it works for the uv-5rtp also. Your the bomb letting me know this. I wanted the triple power and the 5g isn't so thought I was losing that for my gmrs radio.
You can use em in an emergency without a ham license anyway
What’s your secret? I tried with my 5rtp and it’s not working.
@@chaseheisler9847 if you bought it recently they fixed this work around already.
5r toilet paper edition?
Nice!! After purchasing three BF-F9 radios from the same seller I purchased a 4th for a friend and wouldn’t you know it… locked. Knowing I’d likely have to return it I figured I’d give this a shot and it worked like a charm! I was even able to reprogram the radio afterwards using CHIRP and a “UV-5R” image. Thanks so much for posting this! Definitely saved us all a lot of trouble.
I'm a little late to the whole GMRS game, but worry not, and let not your heart be troubled, for I'm late to the game, but I'm all in an here to stay. I unlocked my first UV-5R today, thanks to you. You have changed the game for me. I got my first handheld radio about three weeks ago when I saw one of your videos, and like I said, it was a game-changer. Not even a month later, I'm hooked. I have a collection of 20 GMRS radios already and have another four coming in within two weeks. I love this hobby, and your videos have just made it more fun many thanks.
Thanks for the great video. Just bought a kit with a pair of UV-5Rs from Amazon and one gave me the "FACTORY" response, and the other did not; but, both appear unlocked and when process was repeated on both, it did not reverse. What a ubiquitous yet underrated little gem I've found with this HT, thanks to you. (I can tell from your work mat that you think the P365 is another little gem as well, and you're right!). Lots of fun for under $50/pair and the package came with a couple of bonus, longer antennas. Haven't had this much fun since my ICOM 2AT back in college in the 1980's! What a hoot. Now I just have to watch all your other videos on programming this little treasure....a bit more to it than those ICOM thumbwheels, LOL.
Hey Randy, Worked, as long as I manually input the frequency in. I tried to add all the 1-20 channel frequencies via Chirp and then upload them all at once to the radio. They did show up and showed the right frequency in the right memory location, but when the transmit button was pushed the radio locked up and displayed some weird frequencies. I then did a total reset on the UV5R back to factory settings and whipped out all my setting, then added a few of the frequencies manually, verified they worked first , then uploaded them into chirp and saved it to a file. I then uploaded the frequencies via chirp into a second radio, and it worked. Thanks for all the info through the videos, Not into GMRS but because of your videos I bought a couple Baofengs to play around with. FYI while a HAM, Im not a SAD HAM!!
It appears that some people, "some people" have to jump through hoops but that is pretty rare.
You should not have whipped your settings. That could make them bitter, resentful and defensive.
does your first radio still lock up using channel mode? I am having the same problem.
Chirp worked fine for me programming both before and after the reset. No issues with channel mode on three radios tested.
@@jlb1504ga update CHIRP and load any GT-5R’s as UV-5R’s. That’s what worked for me.
I have been binge watching your videos for about 4 hours now... You're a magician, my friend... I may or may not have just recently (July, 2023) purchased 2 new UV-5R's and this does indeed work (for testing purposes only, of course). I will now be restoring them back to their locked configuration. Thank you!
How do you restore them back?
@@levislote7495 I have no idea. I was being facetious...
@@levislote7495 you lose them in a terrible boating accident in the middle of Nevada.
@@Texas_Radical so Lake Tahoe?
@@AnotherDayInTheWoods I wonder if you tried the unlock procedure again if it would relock? Or maybe with the radio on, hold down everything and turn the radio off if that relocks it? Surely there is a process that would relock it. Might come in handy one day when the FCC sends Santa Claus down the chimney to catch you red handed, or something.
I have a Baofeng GT-5R (the "legal" version of the UV-5R that doesn't have the spurious nocturnal emissions). It sucked because it was locked to ham 2M and 70 CM bands. ...until I pushed those 3 buttons, turned it on, and the screen said "FACTORY". Thank you Randy.
Dell, I was also able to unlock my GT-5R. Are you able to use Chirp with it? Chrip seems to work but I have to go in and manually edit the GMRS channels after an upload to the radio to get transmit to work correctly? Thanks
@@robertbower9862 what is the edit you had to do? After the mod, my GT-5R radio locks up when transmitting on GMRS in channel mode (VFR mode is fine).
I was given the answer: you pretend that it is a UV-5R in Chirp.
@@robertbower9862 I had the same result with my GT-5R. If I download/upload the settings in CHIRP with it set to GT-5R, then all of the saved channels are set to "Duplex OFF" which prevents transmission.
If I tell Chirp that the GT-5R radio is a UV5R, the saved channels are able to transmit.
>nocturnal emissions
LMAO
As a new uv5r owner you are now my favorite guy on youtube. Thank you for sharing :)
same here!
Just received my locked model today 9/8/24. I don’t know when it was manufactured but it was indeed a locked model. Did these steps and now it is unlocked. Thank you. Now I can use my old UV-5R and this new one together on GMRS.
Just tried this on my new locked
Baofeng GT-5TP, only difference was that you need to hold down PTT + M + # keys and then power it on getting the same 'Factory' on the display. Mine is now unlocked! Thanks!
Worked on my uv 82! I thought I was going to miss out because the vfo button but it worked. Thanks!
@stephenbeardsr Hold both A and B PTT plus the M key and the # key and then power on the device and it works.
YAY! Thank you. Your tip was most welcome and effective! ...on a new UV-5R purchased yesterday. :)
Just discovered today your channel, and i think i love it. Straight to the point, and good sarcasm against the Experts™
Thanks a lot for the video! I just did this to one of my new uv5r and now I can transmit to my NOAA emergency radio. I'm in Mexico so this frequencies are basically unused and now I can communicate directly to my radio in an emergency.
I can't believe I ordered a programming cable before this video was recommended to me, thankyou from Australia!
Just got my UV-5R today. I followed your directions and it set back to Factory the first time I tried it. Thanks. 2/5/2024
Was wondering the other day if a factory reset would unlock this but caught the Cov and just now recovering. Straight to your channel now that I'm alive again to find out you, like always, have the answers to save us. Thanks Randy! Also, I have a Tri-band Boof Wang coming today so might do some testing on that to see. I can share the results when I get it.
Too bad I brought a UV-S9X3 before this to get a full tri-band unlocked or I could have gotten another 5R. Still great information Randy appreciate you keeping us updated with this stuff!
My brand spanking new Btech UV-5X3 just froze up on me, & no matter what I did, it remained completely unresponsive. I followed your instructions in this video, & VOILA! FIXED! Thanks for your help, & I love your videos...
Stephen Thelen Did it unlock FRS/GMRS transmit and still keep the UV-5X3 custom firmware options such as A/B channel sync?
@@yahusrevus Yes, it did!
My new UV-5R 2nd gen 8W worked out of the box 462.700. Used your affiliate link. Tested 2 Nov 2024
Super awesome. I had started to suspect Boofweng was upping sales on old inventory as folks were scrambling to get the older models.
Thank you! My new UV-S9 already worked out of the box. Very cool though.
Quick share this! It worked for me and verified it! I was bummed when I got the new version of the UV-5R and couldn't use the GMRS freqs (other than listen). Thanks Randy! Got to go now. I think I hear a knock at the front door now.....
Thank you. Yeah. This is exactly what I needed to do in order to transmit on gmrs channels. I did a test because I have these to use in emergencies. Also I have a paper copy and screenshot of the transmission frequencies for GMRS channels. Doesn’t help that your unlocked if you don’t know what frequency to enter to equal channel 16 on an FRS radio, for example.
Edit
If it makes you feel better. I did order two brand new UV5R radios from Amazon. Great deal, only about 20$ each and you get a radio, earpiece, and charger. I received them in the mail this morning and got them working thanks to this video a minute ago. This is as of 3/7/2024. Looks like I’ll be investing into those better antennas for these. Thanks.
Worked like a champ. New radio received today. Programmed with FRS frequencies. Got the stupid double beep. Found your video and the concise steps. Thank you sir!
Do you have to do this every time you use the radio?
@@marcogonzalez9240 Just once
Wow! Thanks so much! Love the channel and the digs at ham radio operators haha! While I am a ham, I can certainly appreciate all the great info you provide. I prefer to be a life-long learner as opposed to being a know-it-all. And the way your channel has evolved over the last year has been great haha! Always look forward to new videos from you!
I'm to sketched to buy and use frs and gmrs at low watt with my dad. It's sad ,I almost seem to need to buy license
I think the swings at ham radio ops are only toward the sad ones.
I guess his term for you would be "Happy Ham" LOL :) 😄 the opposite of a sad ham
THANK YOU. It look me sifting through trouble tickets in chirp software to figure out what was going on. They closed a poor guy's ticket and pointed him toward the specifications on an amz site that showed the channel restrictions. Thankfully (as well I should have guessed), your informative and concise video saved the day again. Keep up the good work.
I’ve had my HAM license for 3 years. I’ve even upgraded to General so I can get all of the fars. You sir, make me want to get my GMRS license. I just wish they would lower the cost already.
I was am still am studying for my HAM but found this guy and just paid the tax for the gmrs. Loving it so far and put a wouxun in my Xterra. My kids find it very entertaining to talk to daddy when hes miles away at the store. Still want to get my HAM though. Ive found theres not many people in my area using GMRS like CB or HAM. Scanning I pick up the kids who got walkie talkies for Christmas and the construction crews around but thats about it.
@@bryanisms2732 Isn't GMRS a four-letter work? ;) Maybe it's just not cool enough for "people" to want one.
I'll have to buy one, and give it to a guy in a black Firebird TransAm.
@@bryanisms2732
"Ham is a hobby"..."GMRS is a habit."
Ham is dying out!
The difference is the cost of a UV5R.
Don't be cheap
Worked great on my two UV-5RTPs . I originally bought two more from a Amazon seller that had old stock but now I’m good to go with 6 unstoppable UV5Rs instead of 4.
6?? What are you doing with em All?
This is absolutely awesome. It worked in minutes for all 3 of my radios. Appreciate you all!!
it worked on my pofung UV-5RE. It was oddly locked out of the county EMS frequency we use. I wasn't able to transmit when pressing the PTT button. Thanks from this first responder.
This is huge, I just bought a new UV 5R. Thanks for the trick!
I wonder what secrets there is for the 8HP...
The Man
Thank you for the information. I’m playing “catch up” on your videos, so I’m writing this a year after you posted it.
So, my UV-5R radios are old, so old I don’t remember how old. I found a receipt for an aftermarket Diamond antenna I bought in February 2013, so I know they’re at least ten years old.
Therefore, ignoring Warning #2, because if I damage my radio (I used my oldest one) it gives me an excuse to buy a new one because my UV-5R label fell off of it years ago, and we all know the radio is now worthless, I diligently followed your instructions, not even knowing if my radio is locked or not.
The result was interesting. I did not get the word FACTORY to show on my display. The word I got was COPING. Not COPYING, but COPING.
I have no idea what that means. The radio works fine. All my programmed channels are still there. I won’t know if Warning #4 applies to me, because after using CHIRP to program the radio just to save time in the amount of channels I originally needed to set up, any further tweaking I’ve done has been manually, and the only reason to use CHIRP again on this radio is just to test whether it will still work, and I suspect it will, so there’s no point.
However, if you have any idea what my display meant when it said COPING, I’d love to hear about it.
Thank you for your content. You have been a great source of information, and I love your dry wit. Why you don’t have 5 million subs is a mystery to me (not kissing ass, just being honest).
Worked like a charm on my brand new UV-5R 8 watt. Thank you for all the "zero B.S." info for all us noobs.
I just bought two UV-5R8W and it worked on both
@@hyperlogos Did you get 'Factory' on your display? I tried and it never showed up.
That is the "Pro" model, right?
Hmm my new BF-F8HP will not show Factory and shows a red light when I xmit on GMRS but doesn't actually transmit anything.
After watching your video, I tried out this hack on my Baofeng GT-5R and it worked like a charm.
The radio will now transmit on all the GMRS channels as well as 2m and 70cm HAM bands. Previously, transmission with this radio was restricted to the 2m and 70cm bands. Thanks for the info.
Worked for me too on a GT-5R, but now it gets stuck on transmit? Press the PTT and the red LED stays on until I turn the radio off.
@@dlauver That's just Baofeng's unending commitment to quality. You probably have to open it up and see what's making the button hang.
I also have a GT-5R, but it didn't work for me. Different firmware I guess.
@@chrisjohnson8741 I had one UV-5R, I didn't see 'Factory' come on but it did reset.
@@dlauver Maybe your PTT is stuck.
i purchased a Baofeng Uv-5RTP , i had the same trouble trying to key up on specific freq, i perfomed the factory reset and it worked like a charm. thank you.
Worth the price of subscription for this, alone!!!!!
Once again, you've provided just what is needed. And make me laugh. Love your stuff.
Got my new Baofeng UV-5R radio yesterday.
Yes it worked flawlessly!
Awesome channel.
The hero we need AND the one we deserve. Thank you, sir.
Thank You 😃 Thank You
It's amazing and it really really works
Now I can use my UV5R and talk to my boss and other coworkers at work
Boss and other coworkers use handheld Motorola radios (around $800 each) and I get to save money with my UV5R (under $30 each) at work
🎊🎉🎈🎆🎇😄
What motorola radios
All this information you’re providing is extremely valuable and put into simple terms for those who have no clue about the many intimidating options in settings. Thanks
Short, perfect, works, just great! Thanks a lot.
Outstanding presentation as always. You ARE the man
It appears that NotaRubicon Productions has made a lot of people happy including some lametards and possibly even a few Sad Hams.
@@FuriousFarmboy All thanks to you, Chuck!
@@FuriousFarmboy Don't you usually think of a happy ham as some animal rolling around in mud?
Received my new UV-5R today (9/28/2024) and following your EXPERT advice ;-) I was able to unlock it and transmit on GMRS. Thanks for the video!
Well that's way easier that the process for unlocking the UV-5G through the programming software! 😄
Holy sh@t!! 🙌🏼 it worked on the GT-5R as well. Thanks a ton 🍻
Just got mine today. That did in fact work perfectly. Thank You for taken the time to share this. ✌🏽
@NotaRubicon Productions : Great video! and there is also a way to unlock the new Baofeng UV-82, just did it today. turn off your radio hold down "A" push to talk, the "M" key and then the # key then turn on and it will show the same "FACTORY" on screen and will unlock the radio.
Doesn't work for mine: My model: when holding down the 6 key and turning on: 190831M, holding down the 3 key and turning on FC82V01 :-(
@@GregHolland1 , Try holding both PTT A and PTT B with M and #. Let us know if that works. Someone else posted both PTTs needed to be pushed?
i just did what you described ... and now someone is KNOCKING at the door
what BUTTONS should i PUSH now?
🧐
My latest uv-5r it red. It's so new. It still smells like the small Chinese child that put it together. I unlocked it per your brief yet thorough instructions. As a very happy ham, I will surely smile every time I transmit to my frs / gmrs friends.
Worked on my GT-5R!!! Thank you so much for that tip!!!!!!
I bought a 6 pack of GT-R5’s. Sadly I didn’t have the same outcome as you😢
@@allencummings3445 Are you still unable to unlock your GT-5R's? I just unlocked a newly purchased GT-5R with this method. It was slightly awkward as the Monitor side button is harder to push than the one on the UV-5R.
Thanks for passing along this awesome information!!!
Just did this on several new (10-2023) radios and it worked on all. Thank You for the videos!
FYI... 'keying' the transmit button on most transmitters without an antenna hooked up you can damage the output power stage! Just saying!!
Wow, you must be a real expert! So, you should probably watch this video to see how wrong you are:
th-cam.com/video/SdMLCDPc04Y/w-d-xo.html
And, then, watch this video, for more confirmation of how wrong you are:
th-cam.com/video/X3r2K96hsGc/w-d-xo.html
@@major__kong Shut up
Not when your in a programming parameter
Best news I’ve heard all day!!! Thank you Randy for sharing this…. I wonder if this trick will work with the new Baofeng GT-5R….. #MYGA
It does not. I'm a sad ham.
I have a new GT-5R and it did work for me!!
Worked for my GT-5R - but you have to use Frequency Mode or Transmit will stick (although not actually transmitting).
Worked on my 5RX purchased late August 2024. Thanks for this, I needed a backup radio for Alberta road channels.
Great video! Awesome, quick and to the point! Thanks
Bought 2 of them. Watched your first video on this. Unlocked my BaoFeng UV-5R per your instructions. Thank You Randy. YOU DA MAN!!!
Yep. Can confirm. Just unlocked 2.
Cool tip, thanks Randy
My NEW BaoFeng UV-5R from Amazon unlocked just fine. This 'hack' still works.
Waiting for new AR-5RM to arrive. Thanks for your help!
Awesome! Now I can buy some new ones to hand out when SHTF and make many hams sad. I think I'll make one of those rigged repeaters with a few of them by connecting the headset port to the headphone port on another.
Well, being the stand-up guy that Randy is, I know that was not demonstrated for the purpose of anyone circumventing the rules. I am sure that Randy did this 100% so that us, his favorite viewers, would not by accident or mischance, cause this modification to take place with one of these radios. I certainly appreciate his helping me to maintain the high standards of moral character that I have always had about such things!
@@grigorirasputin5020 I agree, I do not want to do this accidently. He saved me from the Government!!!!
@@grigorirasputin5020 Of course Randy is being a stand up guy and being a pillar of the community for showing us. This video just demonstrates how we can unlock a certain brand and model in the event of an emergency: something the FCC does not forbid but makes hams really sad.
IT WORKS, THANKS
Just tried it and it worked great thanks Randy Xeno has taught you well my friend.
It worked on my generic tidradio uv5r
The sad hams will need therapy after this one!
Just received my first UV-5R today. Unlock still works like a charm!
I tried this on mine I just got the other day and it doesn’t say anything when I turn it back on?
@@aa-arachnidaddiction4886 mine either
@@Bigshoots723same here
The Ham and FCC police will lock you in a Siberian gulag for this crime .
Does it work on the BF-F8HP also?
I haven't encountered a locked BF-F8HP yet (latest purchase mid-Jan). Not to say they aren't ever locked though.
@@v12alpine where did you buy your last one? I'm looking to get a second one.
yes it will work
Got a batch of 12 radios in April 2023 and this worked for all 12
Wonder if the same hack would work with the BF-F8HP? They are almost the same identical radio that BAOFENG locked out the GMRS.
I bought mine about a month ago and they were not locked. Are yours?
It works! Just did mine!
@@ryanhorn4190 Did you unlock an F8-HP?
@@billygandy5277 I ordered 3 UV-5R's from Amazon from 3 different vendors.Two were locked,one wasn't. Guess which ones got sent back.
@@ryanhorn4190 I’m curious about this too. Was it a BF-F8HP?
this factory unlock trick doesn't work on older models. If this trick doesn't work for you, chances are you have an older model.
This unlock trick is not needed on older models. If you have an older model UV-5R, it is already unlocked. As clearly mentioned in the video, this only applies to new, "locked" models... You know, like i said in the video.. and like it says on the thumbnail.and the title.. and the description.
Why would you need it on the older radios, Dear TH-cam comment , expert? ? I think you missed the point of the video, no worries. He has videos to explain your faults. You just wanted a pinned comment.
@@TheNotaRubicon maybe what Jim is referring to is the title (Easy Unlock Hack To Transmit On GMRS & "Other" Frequencies) in the word other. Other as in 1.25 meter. Maybe Jim was trying to unlock the 220 band.
Thanks, but I already knew that from watching the video. And listening to the speaker. And reading the description. And generally having 5 working senses within my core being.
This is so cool, as here in Australia we don’t have GMRS as those frequencies are used for UHF CB radio, so now I can use it with this over here…
Take that! You sad hams !!
Just did this to my new UV-5R, (the new GMRS version you recently posted a video about) it didnt read Factory on the screen, but it went from displaying GMRS and NOAA on my screen to the frequency channels that are displayed when you post videos. Sidenote, I'm Brand New to this whole GMRS world, so... I did apply for my license yesterday so hopefully soon I can "transmit ". I'm truly digging your channel and your knowledge on this boggles my mind. Hopefully I can get this all figured out. Thanx again for your input and the humor you add to such a confusing lil device. 🤙
This did in fact unlock my radio. My radio displayed 'coping' and the red transmit button flashed in one second increments. Different. Thanks Randy!
Awesome! It worked for me. Thanks, man! I bought this new one without realizing they changed the frequencies and your solution fixed it. Cheers.