How to get the radio code for my 2006 Honda Civic

You can usually find your 2006 Honda Civic’s 5‑digit radio anti‑theft code on a sticker in the glove box or inside the owner’s manual packet; if it’s not there, display the radio’s serial number by holding the 1 and 6 preset buttons and pressing Power, then retrieve the code for free through Honda’s official Radio/Navi Code tool (owners.honda.com) or from a Honda dealer with proof of ownership. This process restores the radio after a battery disconnect or replacement.

What the radio code is—and when you’ll be asked for it

Honda’s anti-theft radio system locks the audio unit when it loses power, like during a dead battery or electrical work. The unit then displays “Code” and won’t function until you enter a unique 5-digit code tied to that radio’s serial number. For 2006 models with factory navigation, you may see a similar prompt for the audio or navigation system. The code is free to retrieve for legitimate owners.

Quick places to find the code without tools

Before you start pulling the radio or calling a dealer, check the most common factory locations where Honda placed the radio code or a dedicated card.

• Glove box: Look for a small white sticker on the glove box interior or door. It often shows a 5-digit “CODE” and an 8-digit serial number.
• Owner’s manual packet: Search for a card labeled “Anti-Theft Radio Code” or a sticker on the audio/navigation section of the manual.
• Fuse box cover or door jamb: Some vehicles have a secondary sticker in these areas with the same information.
• Previous owner paperwork: Service receipts or sales documents sometimes note the code.

If you find a 5-digit code clearly labeled “CODE,” that is the entry you’ll need. If you only find an 8-digit serial number, keep it—you’ll use it to retrieve the code online or from a dealer.

If you can’t find the code: get the serial number, then request the code

Gather what you’ll need

You’ll need the vehicle’s VIN (on the dash at the base of the windshield, or on your registration/insurance), the radio’s serial number, and your contact/ZIP details. With those, Honda’s system can validate and supply your code.

Display the radio serial number from the dash (most 2006 Civics)

Use the built-in button sequence to show the serial number so you don’t have to remove the radio.

1. Turn the ignition key to ON (II) but leave the engine off. Make sure the radio is off.
2. Press and hold preset buttons 1 and 6 on the radio, then press the Power button while holding 1 and 6.
3. Watch the display: it will show an 8-digit serial number in two 4-digit halves (e.g., 1234 then 5678). Write the full 8-digit number down.
4. If your Civic has factory navigation and the above doesn’t work, press and hold the Menu, Map/Guide, and Cancel buttons together for a few seconds to open the diagnostic screen, then find Unit Check/Version to view the audio/nav serial.
5. If the display won’t show a serial, a dealer can read the label on the unit (radio removal may be required).

Once you have the 17-character VIN and the 8-digit radio serial, you’re ready to request the code from Honda or a dealer.

Retrieve the code from Honda or a dealer

Honda provides a free official lookup for owners; dealers can also provide it, typically at no charge with proof of ownership.

1. Go to Honda’s Radio/Navi Code tool: owners.honda.com (Tools → Radio & Navi Code). Follow prompts to log in or continue as a guest where available.
2. Enter the VIN, the radio/navigation serial number, and requested contact details (phone and ZIP/postal code). Some regions may require the original owner ZIP; your current ZIP often works.
3. Submit to receive the 5-digit code. Note it exactly as shown.
4. If online retrieval isn’t available in your region (or for Canada/other markets), contact a local Honda dealer with your VIN, serial number, and proof of ownership; they can access Honda’s database and provide the code.

The official tool and dealers are the safest, no-cost sources. Avoid third-party code sellers—legitimate owners do not need to pay for Honda radio codes.

How to enter the code

Turn the ignition to ON and switch the radio on. When the display shows “Code,” enter the 5-digit code using the preset buttons (for navigation units, use the on-screen keypad). The radio should immediately unlock and resume normal operation. If the display shows “Err” after multiple wrong attempts, leave the radio powered on for about one hour with the ignition on (vehicle can be idling if needed to preserve battery). The display will return to “Code,” and you can try again.

Troubleshooting, regional notes, and tips

These pointers can save time and help you avoid common pitfalls when recovering a Honda radio code.

• Too many failed tries: After about 10 incorrect entries, the unit locks. Leave it powered on for an hour to reset to “Code.” Do not disconnect the battery—that usually won’t clear the lockout.
• Aftermarket head units: If your Civic has a non-Honda radio, there is no Honda code. Check the aftermarket brand’s manual.
• Unit replaced under warranty/repair: The serial number (and thus the code) changes with the radio. Always use the current unit’s serial.
• Can’t get the serial on-screen: A dealer can retrieve it by removing the radio to read the label. Bring ID and proof of ownership.
• Costs: The code is free from Honda’s site and typically free from dealers with proof of ownership; some may charge a small labor fee if they must remove the radio.
• Canada and other regions: Use your country’s Honda owner site or contact a local Honda dealer; processes are similar but websites differ.
• Security: Don’t post your full VIN and serial publicly. Share only with Honda or a trusted dealer.

If you follow the official route—VIN plus serial via Honda’s owner tools or a dealer—you’ll avoid delays, lockouts, and unnecessary fees.

Summary

For a 2006 Honda Civic, first check the glove box or owner’s packet for a 5-digit radio “CODE.” If it’s missing, display the radio’s 8-digit serial by holding 1 and 6 while pressing Power, then use Honda’s official Radio/Navi Code lookup at owners.honda.com (or a Honda dealer with proof of ownership) to get the code for free. Enter the five digits on the radio; if you see “Err,” leave the unit on for an hour to reset and try again.

How to get radio code for 2006 Honda Civic?

To get the radio code for a 2006 Honda Civic, check the glove compartment or owner’s manual for a sticker with the code. If it’s not there, you can retrieve the code online using the official Honda website (mygarage.honda.com/s/radio-nav-code) by providing your VIN and the radio’s serial number. To find the serial number, turn the radio on and press and hold buttons 1 and 6 simultaneously until the serial number appears on the screen. Alternatively, visit a local Honda dealership for assistance from a certified technician.
 
This video shows how to find the radio serial number by holding down buttons 1 and 6: 56sHelpful DIYYouTube · Jan 7, 2016
1. Check the Glove Compartment or Owner’s Manual 

• Look for a sticker inside your glove compartment or on a card within the owner’s manual. This sticker usually contains the radio’s serial number and the unlock code.

2. Get the Code Online 

• If the code isn’t in your glove box or manual, you’ll need the radio’s serial number. 
• To get the serial number, turn the radio on and press and hold the 1 and 6 buttons simultaneously. The radio’s serial number will appear on the display. 
• Visit the official Honda website for radio and navigation codes: Honda. 
• Enter your vehicle’s information, including your zip code, phone number, email address, Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), and the radio’s serial number. 
• The website will generate your unique radio code. 

This video explains how to get the radio code online using the Honda website: 55sBlueDriverYouTube · May 25, 2019
3. Visit a Honda Dealership 

• As a final option, go to your local Honda service center. 
• Certified technicians can look up the code for you, usually at no cost. 

To Enter the Code 

• Once you have the five-digit code, enter it using your radio’s preset buttons. Your radio will then unlock and restore full function.

Can I get my radio code from my VIN number?

If you’re having no luck finding the code on your own, your car dealership can usually help. Call or visit the dealership and provide them with your VIN and radio serial number, along with proof of ownership. They’ll be able to retrieve the code for you.

How do I get the radio unlock code for my Honda Civic?

To get your Honda Civic radio unlock code, first check the glove compartment for a sticker with the “Anti-Theft Radio Code” or look in your owner’s manual. If you can’t find it, visit the official Honda website (mygarage.honda.com/s/radio-nav-code or a similar address) to retrieve the code using your VIN and radio serial number. You can get the radio serial number by holding buttons 1 and 6 while turning the radio on until the serial number appears on the screen. 
1. Check Your Vehicle

• Glove Compartment: . Opens in new tabLook for a white sticker labeled “Anti-Theft Radio Code” on the side of the glove compartment or on an identification card. 
• Owner’s Manual: . Opens in new tabThe code may also be listed in your vehicle’s owner’s manual or on a separate anti-theft card that came with the car. 
• Inside Fuel Door: . Opens in new tabIn some models, a dealer may have written the code on a sticker inside the fuel door. 

2. Get the Radio Serial Number (if needed) 

1. Turn the ignition key to the “ON” position (don’t start the engine).
2. Turn the radio OFF, then simultaneously press and hold the 1 and 6 buttons on the radio.
3. While holding the buttons, turn the radio ON.
4. The radio will display a serial number (e.g., “S/N 26307731”). Disregard the letters and write down the 8-digit number.

3. Retrieve the Code Online 

1. Go to the official Honda Owner’s website: mygarage.honda.com/s/radio-nav-code. 
2. Enter your vehicle’s information, including your zip code, phone number, email address, and the radio serial number you just obtained. 
3. The website will provide your unique 5-digit radio code. 

4. Contact Your Honda Dealership 

• If you can’t find the code using the methods above, your local Honda dealer can provide it for you.

What do I do if I lost my Honda radio code?

If you’ve lost your Honda radio code, you can retrieve it by checking your owner’s manual or glove box for a sticker, or by contacting your Honda dealer. You can also find the code online by providing your vehicle’s VIN and the radio’s serial number to Honda’s website. 
This video demonstrates how to find the radio code inside the glovebox of a Honda Civic: 42sThe Christian Barber | Grooming & InspirationYouTube · Jul 20, 2023
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
1. Check your owner’s manual or glove box: 

• Some Honda models have the radio code printed on a sticker inside the owner’s manual or on the inside of the glove box.
• Look for a sticker labeled “Anti-Theft Radio Code” or similar. 

2. Get your radio’s serial number: 

• For newer Hondas (2002 and newer), you can display the serial number by pressing and holding the preset buttons 1 and 6 while turning the ignition to the ON position. 
• Alternatively, some models display the serial number on the radio screen when holding down the power button for a few seconds with the ignition on. 

3. Retrieve the code online:

• Go to Honda’s radio/nav code retrieval website.
• Enter your VIN, radio serial number, and other required information.
• The website will provide you with your unique Honda radio code. 

4. Contact your Honda dealer:

• If you’re unable to find the code yourself, contact your local Honda dealership. 
• Provide them with your VIN and radio serial number, and be prepared to show proof of ownership. 

This video explains how to get the radio code from the Honda website by providing the VIN and serial number: 1mFirm400YouTube · Apr 27, 2024