How to Reset the Radio in a Honda Odyssey

For most Honda Odyssey models, you reset the radio by restoring power and, if “CODE” appears, entering the 5‑digit anti‑theft code found in your owner’s documents or retrieved from Honda using your VIN and the radio’s serial number. On newer Odysseys with a touchscreen, you can soft‑reboot the audio system by holding the power/volume knob for about 10 seconds until the screen restarts. Below, we break down the steps by model type and situation.

Know which Odyssey radio you have

Honda Odyssey radios fall into two broad groups: older units that require a security code after power loss, and newer touchscreen systems that typically retain settings but can be rebooted if the screen freezes or audio glitches occur. Identifying your unit helps you choose the right reset method.

Common setups by model years

The following points help you quickly match your Odyssey to the right reset path.

• 1999–2010: Traditional non-touch radios, often require anti-theft code after battery disconnect.
• 2011–2017: Mix of standard and navigation units; most require anti-theft code after power loss.
• 2018–present: Honda Display Audio touchscreen; generally does not ask for a code after battery loss but can be soft‑rebooted if needed.

If your display shows “CODE” or “ENTER CODE,” follow the anti‑theft code steps below. If your screen is frozen or audio is unresponsive, use the soft-reboot procedure for newer systems.

Resetting after battery loss (anti‑theft code)

When power is interrupted, many Odyssey radios lock and display “CODE.” You’ll need a specific 5‑digit Honda code to unlock it. Here’s how to find it and enter it safely.

Step 1: Check for the code in your documents

Before retrieving anything online, check the obvious places first.

• Glovebox: Look for a small white sticker labeled “Anti-Theft” with a 5‑digit code (sometimes two codes—one for radio, one for navigation).
• Owner’s manual packet: A radio code card or handwritten code on service records.
• Previous service invoices: Dealers often note the code after radio work or battery replacement.

If you find the code, you can proceed straight to entering it on the radio. If not, continue to retrieve it through Honda.

Step 2: Gather VIN and radio serial number

Honda’s code retrieval system requires your VIN and your radio/navigation unit’s serial number. The VIN is on the driver’s dash near the windshield and on your registration/insurance. The serial number can be pulled from the radio itself without removal on most models.

• Non-navigation radios (many 2001–2017 models): With the ignition in ACC/ON and radio off, press and hold preset buttons 1 and 6, then press the Power/Volume knob. The display shows an 8‑digit serial (sometimes as two blocks like “U1234” and “L5678” that you combine into 12345678).
• Navigation units (varies by year): Turn the ignition to ON, then press and hold MENU + MAP/GUIDE + BACK (or CANCEL) together until a diagnostics screen appears; locate the “Serial Number” for the audio/navigation unit.
• If the screen only shows “CODE” and won’t display a serial: briefly disconnect and reconnect the battery with radio off, then retry the button sequence, or ask a dealer to read the serial via the OBD-II port.

Make a note of the VIN and serial number; you’ll use them to retrieve the code.

Step 3: Retrieve your code from Honda

Honda provides a self-serve lookup for most U.S. vehicles. If your info doesn’t match, a dealer can verify ownership and supply the code.

• Visit Honda’s Radio/Navigation Code Retrieval site (radio-navicode.honda.com) and enter your VIN, device serial number, and owner details (phone/ZIP tied to the vehicle).
• If the website can’t verify, call or visit a Honda dealer with proof of ownership; they can access the code using your VIN and radio serial number.

Once you have the 5-digit code, you’re ready to unlock the radio.

Step 4: Enter the code and restore presets

Entering the code is straightforward, but take care to avoid lockouts.

1. Turn the ignition to ACC/ON and power on the radio; confirm it displays “CODE.”
2. Use the preset buttons (1–6) or on-screen keypad to input the 5-digit code.
3. If you make a mistake, wait for the prompt to retry; after several wrong attempts the unit may display “ERR” or “LOCK.”
4. Locked out? Leave the radio on with the ignition in ACC/ON for about an hour (vehicle safely parked) to reset the try counter, then re-enter the correct code.
5. After unlocking, re-set the clock, sound settings, and radio presets as needed.

With the correct code, the radio will resume normal operation immediately. If it does not, verify the code and ensure battery voltage is stable during entry.

Soft-rebooting the touchscreen (2018–present and some earlier nav units)

If your Odyssey’s Display Audio freezes, lags, or loses sound—but doesn’t ask for a code—a soft reboot usually clears it without erasing settings.

• Park safely and turn the ignition to ON/Ready with the vehicle in Park.
• Press and hold the Power/Volume knob (or on-screen power icon, depending on trim) for about 10–15 seconds until the screen goes black and the Honda logo appears.
• Wait for the system to fully restart. Reconnect your phone or restart apps if needed.

This reboot does not typically require the anti-theft code and preserves your presets and Bluetooth pairings.

Factory data reset (use sparingly)

If persistent software issues remain, a factory reset can help—but it clears pairings and user data.

• Go to Settings on the Display Audio screen.
• Navigate to System or Vehicle Settings, then find Factory Data Reset or Restore Default Settings.
• Confirm the reset and wait for the system to reboot.

After a factory reset, you’ll need to re-pair phones, re-enter navigation favorites, and reconfigure audio presets.

Tips, caveats, and when to call a dealer

Most radio resets are quick once you have the code or know the reboot gesture. These points can save time—and a trip to the service bay.

• Keep a record: Store the 5-digit radio code with your owner’s manual or in a secure phone note.
• Stable power matters: Low battery voltage can cause resets to fail; consider using a battery maintainer during long ACC periods.
• No code prompt on newer models: 2018+ Odysseys typically don’t ask for a code after battery service; if yours does, follow the code steps above.
• Security first: Don’t share your VIN and serial publicly. Provide them only to Honda’s official site or a dealer.
• Still locked or code rejected: The wrong serial (e.g., from the wrong module) is a common cause. Have a dealer pull the correct audio serial to resolve.

If you’ve followed these steps and the radio remains inoperative, a dealer can check for unit faults, software updates, or TSBs applicable to your model year.

Summary

To reset a Honda Odyssey radio, enter the 5‑digit anti-theft code after power loss (retrieve it with your VIN and radio serial if needed), or perform a soft reboot by holding the power/volume control on newer touchscreen systems. Keep your code handy, ensure stable battery voltage, and consult a dealer if the unit won’t accept the code or continues to malfunction.

How do I reset my radio manually?

Many radios include a dedicated reset button or a factory reset function:

1. Reset Button: Locate a small button (often behind the faceplate) and hold it for 5–10 seconds.
2. Settings Menu: Navigate to “System Settings” or “Factory Reset” on the radio display and follow prompts.

How to do a hard reset on a Honda Odyssey?

So to start off you’re going to want to turn your car on and we’re here at the home menu. And then you’re want to go to settings. And then go to system. And then scroll down to factory data reset.

How to reset Honda radio screen?

And then the left seek button as well so the back button you’re just going to press and hold that for a few seconds.

How do I reset my Honda radio after changing the battery?

To reset a Honda radio after a battery change, you’ll generally need to enter the radio’s anti-theft code. If the radio displays “CODE” or “ERR”, you’ll need the code associated with your specific radio. If you don’t have the code, you can try retrieving it from your glove compartment, vehicle handbook, or by contacting your Honda dealer. 
This video demonstrates how to find the radio code in the owner’s manual and enter it on a Honda CRV: 58sLive FreeYouTube · Feb 13, 2020
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:

1. 1. Locate the radio code:
   • Check the glove compartment: The code might be on a sticker inside the glove compartment, according to RAC. 
   • Consult the owner’s manual: The code may be in your vehicle’s handbook. 
   • Contact your Honda dealer: They can retrieve the code if you provide the radio’s serial number and your vehicle’s VIN. 
2. 2. Enter the code (if needed): 
   • Turn the ignition switch to the accessory position (or ON position). 
   • Turn the radio on. 
   • If the radio displays “CODE”, use the radio’s preset buttons to enter the code, according to CarGurus.com. 
   • If the radio displays “ERR”, disconnect the battery’s negative terminal for a few minutes and try again, according to Rydell Honda. 
3. 3. If the radio doesn’t require a code:
   • Some newer Honda models will automatically recognize the radio after a battery change. 
   • Turn the ignition to the accessory position and turn the radio on. 
   • If the radio says “CODE” or “ERR”, try the code retrieval and entry steps above. 

This video shows how to reset a Honda radio by holding down the power button on the radio: 59severydayphilipYouTube · Oct 22, 2017
Important Notes:

• Be careful when disconnecting the battery. Ensure you turn off the ignition and remove the negative terminal first, says Greentec Auto. 
• If you still have trouble resetting the radio, consult your owner’s manual or contact your local Honda dealer for assistance. 
• Avoid entering the code incorrectly multiple times as this could lock the radio.