These instructions apply to the Hyundai i30 Mk3 (PD) 2017-Present.
For other models, please choose your vehicle here.
If the touchscreen in your Hyundai i30 Mk3 (PD, 2017–present) freezes — sat-nav stuck, taps ignored, or a black screen while the radio plays on — you can reboot it yourself in seconds. The PD-generation i30 launched the floating-tablet 8-inch Display Audio screen (with a higher 10.25-inch navigation unit on top trims), and it restarts without wiping any of your settings.
The Infotainment System in This i30
Early PD cars (2017–2019) use an 8-inch Display Audio head unit with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto; the 2020 facelift introduced the wider 10.25-inch screen and, on some markets, wireless phone projection. Both share a Power / Volume knob to the left of the display that doubles as the reboot control, and CarPlay/Android Auto handshakes are the usual cause of a hang.
Soft Reset (No Data Loss)
- Leave the ignition on (engine running or ACC).
- Press and hold the Power / Volume knob for roughly 5–10 seconds.
- The screen goes dark and the Hyundai logo reappears as the unit reboots.
- Release and wait for the home screen.
If your i30 has a small RESET pinhole on the faceplate near the knobs, pressing it briefly with a paperclip or pen tip does the same job.
This Is Safe — Nothing Is Erased
The reboot restarts the software only. Paired phones, radio presets, saved navigation destinations and display settings all stay exactly as they were.
If It Stays Frozen
- Unplug the USB cable feeding CarPlay/Android Auto — a worn or non-genuine cable frequently locks the projection screen.
- Turn the ignition off, lock the car, wait 2–3 minutes, then restart.
- Update the Display Audio / navigation software from update.hyundai.com via USB — Hyundai has released i30 patches that stop spontaneous reboots and CarPlay/Android Auto dropouts.
- If it still won’t clear, disconnect the 12 V battery for ~15 minutes — see our i30 Mk3 battery guide.
Factory Reset (Erases Your Data)
Only for stubborn faults: tap Setup / Settings → General → Reset (or “Factory Reset”) and confirm. This returns the unit to showroom state, deleting paired devices, presets, saved destinations and preferences, so reserve it for when a reboot won’t hold.
Frequently Asked Questions
My i30 PD media system randomly reboots itself — is that the same fix?
Spontaneous reboots are usually a software bug; installing the latest update from Hyundai is the proper cure, while the knob-hold recovers it in the moment.
Will a soft reset delete my sat-nav favourites?
No. Only a factory reset removes saved destinations; the knob-hold keeps everything.
Where is the reset button on the i30 Mk3?
It is the Power / Volume knob — hold it about 10 seconds. Some units also carry a tiny reset pinhole near the knob.
CarPlay disconnects every few minutes — reset or cable?
Try a fresh, genuine USB cable first, then update the head unit; both together fix the vast majority of i30 dropouts.
Black screen but audio still works — what now?
That is the textbook soft-reset case. Hold the Power knob for 10 seconds and the display comes back.
If a warning light appeared alongside the glitch, look up the code on autodtcs.com.
Independent guide — not affiliated with Hyundai. Always follow your official service manual and safety precautions. Read our full disclaimer.