Back in 2019, the FCC forced Baofeng to make changes to the frequencies their popular UV-5R could transmit. This created a surge in purchases to get ahead of the changes and obtain radios having the widest frequency choices. The mandated requirements significantly throttled the diverse frequencies the radio could transmit on.
The current Baofeng UV-5R found on Amazon for around $20 can transmit on the following frequencies:
VHF 144-148 /UHF 420-450
The previous versions had the following frequency range:
VHF 136-174 /UHF 400-480
As you can see the changes the FCC forced through made quite a change and eliminated the popular GMRS frequencies from the transmission options. Ever since the change hit the market and Amazon and vendors have started stocking the more limited versions of the Baofeng UV-5R users have been searching for a way to “unlock” the new radios and access the full range of frequencies that the previous versions provided.
The following technique for many people has worked to unlock the full range of frequencies:
Hold down the following buttons at the same time while turning the radio ON –
- PTT
- MONITOR
- VFO/MR
Based on my own experience this method works on radios ordered back in October 22′. I just ordered a new UV-5R and we will see. Reports on the ‘net indicates most people having success unlocking their Baofeng UV-5Rs and will able to access the additional frequencies.
How about you? Have you tried it? Been successful?
Please share.
Even if the goal is not to unlock the new radios and simply use them as is the Baofeng UV-5R is an excellent radio. For around $25 they are still an excellent emergency comms option.
Take care all –
Rourke
I picked up a UV-5R and a UV-5RTP(tri-power) a few years ago to have for emergencies. They are really nice radios for the price. I programmed them using chirp from my pc. I don’t remember now what frequencies they can transmit but I know the gmrs frequencies work because I have used them. I found a website back when I was programming them that was another prepper site and they had a list of important frequencies to have and used that. Thank you for the post.
Thanks John, I’m going to check all of mine.