Police Scanner Programming
Already own a scanner? We'll program it for you.
Tell us your scanner model, the counties & agencies you want to monitor, and how you'd like to receive your programming.
Our experts prepare compatible Uniden & Whistler programming, so you spend less time in menus & more time listening.
Want to program your scanner yourself?
Software instructions, videos, frequency basics & step-by-step guides.
1. Programming Options
Three ways to get programmed. One less headache.
We research and prepare supported frequencies and radio systems for your listening area. You select the delivery method that works with your scanner.
Remember trying to set the clock on a VCR in the '90s? Scanner programming can feel a little like that, except with hundreds of channels and a whole lot more acronyms.
Skip the Saturday homework. That's what we're here for.
Counties, agencies & compatible local channels selected for you.
Programming prepared for your specific scanner model.
Receive a card, get a file by email, or mail in your scanner.
Our scanner team can answer questions about the service.
Which programming option is right for you?
Programmed SD Card
Best for: Compatible SD-card scanners when you want a prepared replacement card.
We prepare the card & ship it to you. You install it in your scanner.
Same-Day Email
Best for: Eligible radios when you have a compatible computer & want digital delivery.
We send the file. You load it using the correct software for your scanner.
Mail-In Programming
Best for: Models requiring direct programming, or when mailing in is the right method.
You ship us the scanner. We program it & return it with your prepaid label.
Not every method works with every scanner. Select your model in Customize Your Order above and choose from the available methods.
Buying a brand-new scanner? Our scanner bundles already include Expert Programming, and scanner-only product pages offer it at purchase. This standalone service is primarily for existing owners.
2. How It Works
Here's what happens after you order.
Select your model and the locations you want programmed under Customize Your Order above, then follow the instructions for the chosen service.
Programmed SD Card
- Tell us your scanner model & listening areas. Choose an eligible radio and the counties or agencies you want.
- We prepare & ship the card. Our technicians build compatible programming and load it onto a replacement SD card.
- Install it & start listening. Power off the scanner, follow its model-specific card replacement instructions, and power on to select your programmed channels.
No scanner shipment is required when your model supports this method. Delivery depends on preparation and shipping.
Same-Day Email Programming
- Select a compatible model & your locations. We'll create the programming file for your radio and requested compatible systems.
- Receive your programming by email. Same-day service is for eligible orders; timing depends on processing hours, order details and cutoffs.
- Transfer it to the scanner. Use the correct manufacturer software and cable or card connection for your model.
Uniden Sentinel and Whistler EZ Scan use different files and instructions. A Uniden .hpe file is not a universal Whistler format. You need a compatible computer.
Mail-In Programming
- Order programming for your scanner. Choose the model and the agencies or counties you want.
- Pack & ship the radio. Include the necessary programming cable and power accessories, plus a prepaid return label. Keep the tracking number.
- We program & ship it back. Our team prepares supported systems and returns your scanner using the supplied label.
Ship to Zip Scanners, 1601 67th Ave N, Suite A, Minneapolis, MN 55430. Turnaround includes transit both directions and technician time.
3. Common Questions
Everything else worth knowing.
Can I program my own scanner?
Yes. Our free programming guide and videos can help. But if you'd rather use the radio than learn the menus, our technicians can do the setup.
Will I hear my local police, fire & EMS?
We'll prepare compatible, accessible systems for the area and agencies you select. Programming can't decrypt encrypted channels or make a scanner receive unsupported systems.
Can you program individual frequencies instead of counties?
Often, yes. Tell us the agencies or frequencies you want; our team can review supported RadioReference data or frequency lists you provide.
How long does it take?
Same-Day Email depends on processing hours and model compatibility. SD cards require preparation and shipping. Mail-In includes delivery both ways plus technician time. Timing varies by order.
What if the programming doesn't work?
Contact our team with your model, location and the issue. We'll review and correct confirmed programming mistakes. Programming is non-refundable unless it was completed incorrectly.
Does this include software upgrades or One-Touch Start-Up?
Not automatically with the standalone programming service. Paid digital format upgrades and additional setup services are separate unless explicitly included in your selected order.
I'm buying a new scanner. Should I order programming here?
Usually not. Select programming on the scanner-only product listing, or shop our scanner bundles, which already include Expert Programming and One-Touch Start-Up. This page is mainly for owners of an existing scanner.
Not sure which programming option you need?
Tell us your scanner model and where you want to listen. We'll help you choose the right service before you order.
