Honda Radio Codes: What the 4‑Digit Number Is — and How to Find Yours

The “4‑digit code” on a Honda radio is an anti‑theft unlock PIN that is unique to your vehicle’s audio unit; there is no single default code. On many Hondas the code is actually 5 digits, while some older models use 4 digits. You can usually locate it on a vehicle card or sticker, or retrieve it using your VIN and the radio’s serial number through Honda’s official lookup or a dealer.

What the Honda Radio Code Does

Honda radios are designed to lock when power is lost (after a battery change, jump-start, or fuse issue). The lock deters theft by requiring a PIN to restore audio functions. Once you enter the correct code, the radio or infotainment system resumes normal operation.

Is It 4 Digits or 5?

Most late-1990s through 2010s Honda models use a 5-digit numeric radio code. Some older units may use a 4-digit code. If your display asks for a “CODE” without specifying length, consult your owner’s materials or retrieve the code to confirm the digit count for your specific unit.

Where You Might Find the Code in Your Car or Paperwork

Before trying online retrieval, check common locations where Honda often provides the radio code or a retrieval shortcut. The following list outlines typical places to look first.

• Glovebox or door jamb stickers: Look for a small white label that may list the radio code and/or the radio serial number.
• Owner’s wallet card or booklet: Some vehicles include a “Radio/Audio Code” card with the owner’s manual packet.
• Original sales or service paperwork: Dealership delivery forms or past service invoices sometimes note the code.
• Previous owner’s records: If you bought used, check any documentation handed over with the car.

If you find a clearly labeled “Radio Code,” you can enter it directly on the radio keypad or touchscreen number pad. If you find only the radio serial number, use it to retrieve the code online or from a dealer.

How to Retrieve Your Honda Radio Code (Online or via Dealer)

If the code isn’t in the car, Honda provides a lookup service. You’ll need proof of ownership information and the radio’s serial number. Follow the steps below.

1. Collect your 17‑character VIN from the dashboard or registration.
2. Get the radio serial number (see the next section for how to display it without removing the unit).
3. Visit Honda’s official code recovery site: radio-navicode.honda.com (or contact your local Honda dealer).
4. Enter the VIN, radio serial number, and your contact details (Honda may ask for ZIP code, phone, and email for verification).
5. Submit and receive the PIN. Record it in your owner’s materials for future use.

If the online tool cannot validate your details, a Honda dealer can retrieve the code with proof of ownership and the serial number. Some dealers may provide it at no charge; others may require a brief service appointment.

How to Find Your Honda Radio Serial Number

You usually don’t need to remove the radio to get its serial number. Most Honda units can display it on-screen using button combinations or menu paths. Use one of the methods below based on your vehicle’s era and infotainment type.

• Preset “1 + 6” method (many 2000s-era Hondas): With the ignition on and radio off, press and hold preset buttons 1 and 6, then press the power/volume knob. An 8‑digit serial number will appear (some units briefly show two 4‑digit groups labeled “U” and “L”; combine the numbers into one 8‑digit serial).
• Navigation models (older systems): Press and hold the Map/Guide, Menu, and Cancel buttons together to enter the diagnostic screen and view the audio/navigation serial.
• Display Audio/touchscreen systems (2013+): From Settings, open System or About, then find Device Information or Status to display the radio/audio unit serial number.
• Physical label (last resort): If on-screen retrieval fails, the serial is printed on the radio’s chassis. This requires partial dash disassembly and is best left to a technician.

If you see letters along with numbers on-screen, follow the on-screen instructions or your owner’s manual; typically, you submit the numbers only when using Honda’s lookup.

Entering the Code and What to Expect

Once you have the correct PIN, you can unlock the radio in just a few steps. The procedure is straightforward and similar across models.

1. Turn the ignition to accessory or on, and switch the radio on. The display should read “CODE” or prompt for a PIN.
2. Use the radio presets or on-screen keypad to enter the digits. Do not rush; each press counts as one digit.
3. After the final digit, the radio should unlock automatically. If not, press the power/volume knob to confirm.
4. Verify normal operation (AM/FM, Bluetooth, etc.). Re-enter audio presets as needed.

If the radio doesn’t accept the code, re-check each digit and confirm you retrieved the code for the correct VIN and serial number. Avoid repeated incorrect attempts.

If the Unit Locks You Out

After too many incorrect attempts, some Hondas display “LOCK,” “Err,” or a countdown. Typically, you can try again after a cooldown period or by leaving the ignition and radio on for up to an hour without interruption. If the lock persists, consult your owner’s manual or a Honda dealer for a reset procedure.

Security and Scam Awareness

The radio code protects your car’s audio system. Only use Honda’s official site or a franchised dealer to obtain your code. Avoid services that promise universal or “master” codes—there is no valid universal 4‑digit code for Honda radios.

Summary

The “4‑digit Honda radio code” is an anti‑theft PIN unique to your vehicle’s audio unit; many models actually use a 5‑digit code. Check your glovebox sticker or owner’s materials first, then retrieve the code using your VIN and radio serial at Honda’s official site or through a dealer. Enter the code carefully to unlock the radio, and keep it recorded for future battery changes.

How do I find my 4 digit radio code free?

Contact the vehicle manufacturer: Some carmakers will provide the radio code for free. Speak with the dealership that originally sold the vehicle: Dealerships may have access to radio codes and may give you this information for free or a small fee. Contact the previous owner.

How to unlock 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. 

Can I get a radio code from a VIN number?

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. Some dealerships provide this service for free, while others might charge a small fee.

How do I find my Honda radio code?

To find your Honda radio code, start by checking your owner’s manual or the inside of your glove compartment for a sticker with the code and the radio’s serial number. If you can’t find it there, you can retrieve the code online by visiting the Honda website (or your local Honda website if available) and entering your VIN, serial number, and other required information. Alternatively, you can contact your local Honda dealership with the VIN and serial number, and they can provide the code. 
This video explains how to find your Honda radio code online and how to use it: 1mCarnivautoYouTube · Jun 10, 2025
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
1. Check the Owner’s Manual and Glove Box: 

• The radio code is often printed on a sticker inside the glove box, or it might be in your owner’s manual.
• Look for a label with the radio’s serial number and the anti-theft radio code. 

2. Retrieve the Code Online:

• Go to the Honda website (or your local Honda website). 
• Look for the radio/navigation code section. 
• You’ll likely need to provide your VIN, radio serial number, and other information to retrieve the code. 
• For some older websites, you might need to enter a dummy zip code and phone number, but the VIN and serial number are crucial. 

3. Contact your Honda Dealership:

• If you can’t find the code or retrieve it online, contact your local Honda dealership.
• Provide them with your VIN and radio serial number.
• They can verify your ownership and provide the code. 

4. Get the Serial Number (If needed): 

• If you need the serial number, turn the ignition to the accessory position and turn the radio off.
• Press and hold buttons 1 and 6 simultaneously, then turn the radio on.
• The serial number (often an 8-digit code) should be displayed on the screen.