Which battery does a Honda key fob use: CR2032 or CR2025?

Most modern Honda key fobs use a CR2032 coin-cell battery; a minority of older Honda remotes use a CR2025 (and some very early models use CR1616/CR1620). The exact size depends on your model, year, and fob style, so the safest move is to check the marking on your current battery or inside the fob case before buying a replacement.

What most Hondas use today

For late‑model Hondas—generally mid‑2010s through current model years—the standard battery is the CR2032. This includes the common “smart entry”/push‑button start fobs and most recent remote fobs for models such as Accord, Civic, CR‑V, Pilot, Odyssey, HR‑V, Passport, Ridgeline, Insight, and Clarity in North America. If your vehicle is from roughly 2015 onward, there’s a strong chance a CR2032 is correct.

Exceptions you might encounter

Some older Honda remotes (especially early‑2010s and earlier, or integrated key/remote “switchblade” styles) can use a CR2025—or even different sizes like CR1616 or CR1620. Aftermarket replacement fobs may also deviate from Honda’s typical sizing. Because these variations exist, visual confirmation is important.

How to confirm and replace your Honda key fob battery

The steps below outline how to verify the correct battery size and replace it safely. This helps you avoid buying the wrong cell and ensures proper operation after the swap.

• Look for the label: Open the fob and read the code stamped on the existing coin cell (for example, “CR2032” or “CR2025”). Many Honda fob shells also have the size molded inside.
• Open the fob carefully: Locate the notch along the seam. Insert a small flat screwdriver or coin and twist gently to separate the halves.
• Mind the polarity: Note the + side orientation before removal. Install the new cell in the same orientation.
• Avoid mixing sizes: CR2032 (3.2 mm thick) and CR2025 (2.5 mm thick) share a 20 mm diameter but are not reliably interchangeable. Forcing a thicker cell can stress the contacts; a thinner one may make poor contact.
• Reassemble and test: Snap the fob closed and test lock/unlock and proximity start (if equipped) near the car.

Once installed correctly, a fresh battery should restore full range and responsiveness immediately. If not, recheck orientation and seating, then consider trying a known‑good brand‑name cell.

CR2032 vs. CR2025 at a glance

Understanding the differences helps explain why your fob is designed for one or the other and why using the specified type matters.

• Size: Both are 20 mm in diameter; CR2032 is 3.2 mm thick, CR2025 is 2.5 mm thick.
• Capacity: CR2032 typically offers higher capacity (around 200–240 mAh) than CR2025 (around 150–170 mAh), leading to longer life.
• Fit and contact: A 2032 may not physically fit a 2025 holder; a 2025 in a 2032 holder can rattle or lose contact. Use the specified size.
• Chemistry: Both are lithium manganese dioxide (3V), so voltage is the same—fit and contact are the real constraints.

Choosing the correct cell ensures proper contact pressure and expected lifespan, preventing intermittent operation or case damage.

Typical battery by recent Honda models

The following model families commonly use CR2032 batteries in late‑model years. Treat this as a quick reference—always verify on your specific fob or in the owner’s manual.

• Accord (approx. 2013–2025): typically CR2032
• Civic (approx. 2016–2025): typically CR2032
• CR‑V (approx. 2015–2025): typically CR2032
• Pilot (approx. 2016–2025): typically CR2032
• Odyssey (approx. 2014–2025): typically CR2032
• HR‑V (approx. 2016–2025): typically CR2032
• Passport (2019–2025): typically CR2032
• Ridgeline (2017–2024): typically CR2032
• Insight (2019–2022) and Clarity (2018–2021): typically CR2032

If your Honda predates the mid‑2010s, or if you have an integrated key with older remote buttons, you may encounter CR2025 or another size—check before purchasing.

Tips and cautions

These practical notes can help you avoid common pitfalls and extend battery life.

• Buy quality cells: Brand‑name CR batteries tend to last longer and are less prone to leaks.
• Avoid skin oils: Handle the new cell by the edges to keep contacts clean.
• Don’t pry the PCB: Only remove the coin cell; avoid stressing the circuit board.
• Carry a spare: If your vehicle uses push‑button start, a weak fob battery can reduce range; a spare in the glove box is handy.
• Emergency start: If the fob battery dies, most Hondas let you start by holding the fob near the start button—check your manual.

Following these tips will make the swap straightforward and help your fob perform reliably between replacements.

Summary

In most cases, a Honda key fob takes a CR2032; some older remotes use a CR2025 or other sizes. Because designs vary by model, year, and fob type, confirm by checking the engraving on your current battery or the fob’s inner case, and replace like‑for‑like to ensure proper fit and function.

Can I use CR2025 for a Honda key fob?

Honda key fobs typically use CR2032 or CR2025 batteries, but it’s always a good idea to check your vehicle’s owner manual or inspect the current battery to confirm the correct type.

Do all Honda key fobs take the same battery?

Almost every Honda key uses the same three-volt battery.

Is a 2025 battery the same as a CR2032?

The CR2025 and CR2032 can be used interchangeably as long as they fit in the battery box, though the CR2032 will probably last slightly longer simply because it has a bigger capacity (mAh).

Can I use a 2025 battery instead of 2032 in a key fob?

No, you generally cannot use a CR2032 instead of a CR2025, as the CR2032 is thicker (3.2mm) than the CR2025 (2.5mm) and is likely too thick to fit in a key fob designed for the CR2025. While they have the same 3V voltage and 20mm diameter, the thickness difference is significant and will prevent the CR2032 from fitting into the battery compartment. 
Why the size difference matters:

• The numbers in the battery name (CR2025 vs. CR2032) refer to the battery’s dimensions. 
• The “25” in CR2025 indicates the battery is 2.5mm thick, while “32” in CR2032 indicates it is 3.2mm thick. 
• This 0.7mm difference in height is crucial and makes the CR2032 a physically incompatible replacement for the CR2025. 

What to do instead:

• Use the correct battery: Always check your key fob to see if it specifies the battery type. 
• Purchase the right battery: Acquire a CR2025 battery for your key fob to ensure proper fit and function. 
• Consider alternatives in an emergency: If you are in a pinch and only have CR2025s, you can use aluminum foil or another thin conductor to fill the 0.7mm gap if a CR2032 is needed. However, you cannot do the reverse and use a CR2032 in a CR2025 slot because it will not fit.