How To Program the Baofeng UV-5G Plus GMRS Radio

Welcome back, I’m James Burnett, bringing you a tutorial on how to program the Baofeng UV-5G Plus.

Whether you’re brand new to GMRS radios or just picked up a Baofeng UV-5G Plus and want to get it programmed fast, you’re in the right place. This step-by-step guide walks you through the basics, from understanding the buttons and menu system to programming custom frequencies and scanning NOAA weather channels.

Let’s dive in.

Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-lx0vrL8Ni4

Or read about it below.

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📻 Understanding the Buttons on the UV-5G Plus

The Baofeng UV-5G Plus is packed with functionality, but don’t worry—it’s not as overwhelming as it looks. Let’s break it down:

🔁 A/B Button

This blue button lets you switch between the top and bottom displays on the screen. You can listen to two frequencies or channels at once, and toggle which one you’re actively operating on.

🔄 VFO/MR Button

This toggles between frequency mode (VFO) and channel mode (MR):

• VFO Mode: Type in exact frequencies.
• MR Mode: Browse and use pre-programmed channels (like GRMS 1–30).

⚙️ Menu Navigation

• MENU: Opens the menu system.
• Up/Down Arrows: Scroll through menu items or channels.
• EXIT (or Back button): Goes back or exits the menu.

🔒 Lock Button (*)

Hold this down to lock your radio settings. Perfect if you’re storing it in a chest rig or pocket and don’t want to accidentally bump something.

🌦️ Weather Mode (0/SQL Key)

Hold the 0 key to enter NOAA Weather Mode. Use the up/down arrows to scan through pre-programmed weather frequencies.

🔍 Scan Button (# Key)

Hold the # key to begin scanning channels or frequencies, depending on what mode you’re in.

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🔇 How to Turn Off the Voice Prompts and Beeps

Some people love the Baofeng’s voice feedback and key beeps, but if that’s not you, here’s how to turn them off:

Turn Off Voice Prompt

1. Press MENU
2. Go to Menu 17: VOICE
3. Press MENU to edit
4. Use arrows to select OFF
5. Press MENU to confirm

Turn Off Key Beeps

1. Press MENU
2. Go to Menu 8: BEEP
3. Press MENU, select OFF
4. Press MENU to confirm

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📡 How to Program a Custom Frequency to a Channel

Let’s say you want to program your local sheriff’s frequency (e.g., 460.400 MHz) into Channel 40. Here’s how:

Step-by-Step:

1. Press A/B to select the bottom display
2. Press VFO/MR to enter frequency mode
3. Type 460.400000 on the keypad
4. Press MENU
5. Scroll to Menu 30: MEM-CH
6. Press MENU, then scroll to Channel 40
7. Press MENU again to save
8. Press EXIT to return to the main screen

Now switch back to channel mode using the VFO/MR button, scroll to Channel 40, and you’ll see your frequency there. You can also scan this channel alongside your standard GMRS ones.

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☁️ Using Weather Mode (NOAA)

1. Hold the 0 key (SQL) to enter Weather Mode
2. Use the up/down arrows to browse stations
3. Or hold # to auto-scan for active weather channels
4. Hold 0 again to exit weather mode

Look for the little sun-and-cloud icon on the screen to know you’re in weather mode.

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🔁 How to Factory Reset the Radio

If things get funky or you’ve changed too many settings, a factory reset can save you:

1. Press MENU
2. Scroll to Menu 42: RESET
3. Press MENU, scroll to ALL
4. Press MENU again to confirm reset NOTE: This will erase all your settings.

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💡 Final Thoughts

That’s a wrap on programming the Baofeng UV-5G Plus GMRS radio! You now know how to:

• Navigate the menus
• Toggle modes
• Scan channels and NOAA weather
• Program custom frequencies
• Do a full reset if needed

If you want to dive into more advanced features like repeaters, privacy codes (CTCSS/DCS), or dual-watch scanning, check out the video description for links to more in-depth guides.

Thanks for reading, and I’ll catch you on the airwaves—or in the next blog!