How to get a Honda Pilot radio code for free

You can retrieve a Honda Pilot radio code at no charge from Honda’s official Radio/Navi Code Retrieval site or a Honda dealer using your VIN and the radio’s serial number; many newer Pilots won’t need a code at all. Below is a step-by-step guide covering where to find the code or serial, how to get the code online, and what to do if online lookup doesn’t work.

What you need before you start

Before you try to pull the code, gather a few details that Honda uses to verify the unit and provide the correct code.

• Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), visible at the base of the windshield or on your registration.
• Radio/Audio Unit serial number (displayed on-screen on many models or obtainable via button sequence).
• Your phone number and ZIP/postal code (Honda may ask for the one associated with purchase or current ownership).
• Proof of ownership (registration/ID) if you call or visit a dealer.

Having these on hand speeds up the process and reduces the chance you’ll be locked out after multiple failed attempts.

Where to find the radio code without going online

On many older Pilots, Honda included the five-digit anti-theft code in the vehicle. It’s worth checking these places first.

• Glove box or owner’s manual: Look for a small white sticker labeled “Anti-Theft Radio Code” or two stickers showing a five-digit code and an eight-to-ten-digit serial.
• Center console, fuse cover, or door jamb: Some dealers place the code sticker here during prep.
• Service receipts: Previous service paperwork sometimes lists both the code and serial.

If you find a five-digit code labeled for the radio/audio unit, that’s the code you enter. If you only find the serial number, use it to retrieve the code online or through a dealer.

Get the radio serial number from your Honda Pilot

2016–2025 Honda Pilot (Display Audio)

Most 2016 and newer Pilots don’t require a radio code after a battery change; the unit often re-authenticates automatically. If yours requests a code, you can pull the audio unit serial number from the touchscreen.

1. Turn the ignition to ON (engine can be off) and power on the infotainment system.
2. On the touchscreen, go to Settings > System > About > Device Information (or System Information).
3. Note the Audio Unit Serial Number (and, if shown, the Navigation/Display serial).

If the menus differ slightly, look for “About,” “System,” or “Device Information.” If you can’t access menus due to the code prompt, try the button method below or contact a dealer.

2009–2015 Honda Pilot (standard/non-navigation radios)

For non-navigation units in this range, you can display the serial on the radio screen using a button sequence.

1. Turn the ignition to ON (II). The radio can display “CODE.”
2. Press and hold radio preset buttons 1 and 6, then press the Power/Volume knob.
3. A two-part number appears (e.g., 12345 and 67890). Combine them into one 10-digit serial (1234567890).

Write down the full serial exactly as shown. If nothing appears, try again with the headlights off and the radio powered.

2003–2008 Pilot and 2009–2015 with factory Navigation

Navigation-equipped head units often use a diagnostics screen to reveal serials.

1. Turn ignition to ON (II).
2. Press and hold MAP/GUIDE, MENU, and CANCEL simultaneously until a diagnostics menu appears.
3. Find and note the Audio/Navigation Unit serial number(s) displayed.

If you can’t access the diagnostics screen, the serial may be on a label on the unit itself, which requires partial radio removal. A dealer can retrieve it quickly if needed.

Retrieve your free radio code from Honda

Honda provides radio codes at no charge via its official online portal. Have your VIN and radio serial ready.

1. Go to Honda’s Radio/Navi Code Retrieval page: radio-navicode.honda.com (or the support page via owners.honda.com for U.S.; use your local Honda site for Canada and other regions).
2. Enter the VIN, select the device type, and input the radio/navigation serial number.
3. Provide your phone number and ZIP/postal code if requested, then submit.
4. Record the five-digit radio code returned by the site.

The lookup is instant and free. If the site can’t find your code, verify the serial and VIN formatting and try again, or proceed to dealer support.

Enter the radio code

Once you have the five-digit code, entering it is quick. The process differs slightly by unit.

1. Turn ignition to ON (II) and power on the radio. The display should read “Enter Code” or show a keypad.
2. For units with physical presets: press the preset buttons matching each digit of the five-digit code (e.g., press 1, then 2, then 3, then 4, then 5). The radio will unlock immediately.
3. For touchscreens: use the on-screen keypad to enter the five digits and confirm.
4. If “ERR” or “LOCK” appears after failed attempts, leave the ignition ON and radio powered for about 60 minutes to clear the lockout, then re-enter the correct code.

Enter the code carefully; too many incorrect attempts trigger a timed lockout. Keep the car safely ventilated if you’ll leave it on to clear a lock.

If online lookup fails: call or visit a dealer (still free)

If the portal can’t locate your code—or you can’t access the serial—your Honda dealer can help, typically at no charge when you prove ownership.

1. Call the Honda service/parts department and provide your VIN and radio serial.
2. Have your registration and driver’s license ready; some dealers may ask you to stop by with the vehicle.
3. If you don’t have the serial, a technician can retrieve it from the unit.
4. Ask them to supply the five-digit radio code; they can usually provide it in minutes.

Policies vary by dealer, but most will supply the code free to the registered owner. If you’re charged, consider calling another nearby dealer.

Troubleshooting and tips

These pointers address common snags and help you avoid unnecessary costs.

• Many 2016+ Pilots auto-authenticate and don’t need a code; a prompt usually means the unit has been replaced or fully reset.
• Serial mismatch is common after a head-unit swap; ensure you’re using the current unit’s serial.
• Lockout reset: leave the ignition ON and radio powered for ~60 minutes to clear “ERR/LOCK,” then try again.
• Avoid third-party “code” websites and eBay listings—Honda provides codes free.
• Canadian owners should use Honda Canada’s site or contact a Canadian Honda dealer for region-specific lookup.
• To prevent future prompts during battery work, use a memory saver or keep vehicle power maintained.

Following these tips usually resolves code issues without paid services or unnecessary parts replacement.

FAQs

Do newer Honda Pilots still need radio codes?

Often no. Many 2016–2025 Pilots reauthorize automatically after power loss. If yours asks for a code, use the steps above.

Is it safe to share my VIN and serial?

Yes, with Honda’s official site or a dealer. Avoid sharing with third-party sites that charge fees.

What if the glove box sticker is missing?

Use the button or touchscreen methods to display the serial, then retrieve the code via Honda’s portal or a dealer.

Summary

You can get a Honda Pilot radio code free by gathering your VIN and radio serial, then using Honda’s official code-retrieval site or calling a dealer. Check for a glove box sticker first; if none, pull the serial via the radio’s on-screen menus or button sequence, retrieve the five-digit code online, and enter it on the unit. Avoid paid third-party services—the official code is free for owners.

How to get radio code for Honda Pilot?

To retrieve your Honda Pilot’s radio code after a power loss, check your owner’s manual, glove box, or service records for a sticker or card with the code. If you can’t find it there, you can obtain the code online through the official Honda radio/nav code retrieval website by providing your VIN and radio serial number. Alternatively, you can contact your Honda dealership with this information. 
This video shows how to find the radio code sticker inside the glove box of a Honda Pilot: 49sluke q. staffordYouTube · Jan 9, 2022
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:

1. Check the owner’s manual: The code may be on a sticker or card inside the manual. 
2. Examine the glove box: Look for a sticker with the code inside the glove box or on its side, or check the center console. 
3. Consult service records: The code might be recorded in your vehicle’s service history book. 
4. Online retrieval: Go to the official Honda website or another website like Reddit and enter your VIN and radio serial number. You may also need to provide your zip code and email address. 
5. Contact your Honda dealer: If online retrieval doesn’t work, your dealer can provide the code after verifying your ownership. 
6. Enter the code: Once you have the code, use the radio preset buttons to enter it into the system. 

This video demonstrates how to enter the radio code using the preset buttons on a Honda Pilot: 58sWrenching With KennyYouTube · Jan 10, 2022

How can I get my Honda radio code for free?

You can get a free Honda radio unlock code by finding the radio’s serial number and then using it with your VIN on the official Honda My Garage website or by contacting a Honda dealership. To find the serial number, turn the ignition to the accessory position, then press and hold preset buttons 1 and 6 while pressing the power button to display the serial code on the radio screen. 
Method 1: Online at the official Honda website

1. 1. Gather Information: You’ll need your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and the radio’s serial number. 
2. 2. Find the Radio Serial Number:
   • Turn the car’s ignition to the accessory position (don’t start the engine). 
   • Press and hold the number 1 and 6 radio preset buttons simultaneously. 
   • While holding these buttons, briefly press the power button once. 
   • A serial code will appear on the radio’s screen. Note the alphanumeric code. 
3. 3. Visit the Honda website: Go to the official Honda website for retrieving your code, such as My Garage. 
4. 4. Enter Your Information: On the website, you’ll be prompted to enter your VIN, zip code, phone number, email, and the radio’s serial number you found in step 2. 
5. 5. Receive Your Code: Submit the information, and the website will provide you with the unique Honda radio code. 

Method 2: At a Honda Dealership

1. Locate Information: Find your VIN on the driver’s side doorjamb or windshield and get the radio’s serial number using the steps above. 
2. Contact a Dealership: Visit or call your local Honda dealership. 
3. Provide Information: Give the dealership your VIN and radio serial number. 
4. Get Your Code: The dealership’s service department can look up and provide the correct code for your radio. 

How to find Honda radio code by VIN?

Navigate to the Honda Radio-NAVICode website . Enter your VIN number, your information, the radio serial number, and whether your vehicle has two devices (meaning NAVI or not). When you click SUBMIT, you’ll get the Honda radio code.

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.