What Is the 5‑Digit Code for a Honda Civic Radio?

There isn’t a single universal 5‑digit code for all Honda Civics. Each radio’s anti‑theft code is unique to that vehicle and radio unit. To get your code, you’ll need the radio’s serial number and your VIN, then retrieve it via Honda’s official lookup service or a Honda dealer. Below is how to find the serial number, use Honda’s tools, and enter the code safely.

Why There Isn’t One Code

Honda uses radio anti‑theft codes to deter theft: when power is lost (for example, after a battery replacement), the radio locks until the correct numeric code is entered. Because codes are paired to individual units, sharing or guessing a single “universal” code won’t work and can trigger lockout timers.

How to Find Your Honda Civic Radio’s Serial Number

Before you can retrieve the code, you must identify the radio’s serial number. Depending on model year and head unit type (standard radio, Display Audio, or navigation), you can often get it without removing the radio.

• Check for a card or sticker: Look in the glove box, owner’s manual packet, or door jamb for a “Radio Code” card and an 8‑digit (sometimes 10‑digit) serial number. Some cars have both the code and serial on a white sticker.
• On most 2001–2015 Civics (non‑navigation): With the radio off, press and hold 1 and 6, then press the Power/Volume knob. The screen will show the serial (often in two parts, such as “U####” and “L####” that you combine into one 8‑digit serial).
• On many navigation units (older Civics with factory nav): Press and hold Menu + Map/Guide + Cancel to open the diagnostic screen and display the serial numbers for the audio/navigation units.
• On 2016–2021+ Civic with Display Audio touchscreen: Go to Settings > System > About > Device Information (or similar) to view radio/device serial. If not visible, try the 1+6+Power method or consult the owner’s manual for your trim.
• If on‑screen methods fail (older models): The serial label is on the radio chassis; removal may be required. A dealer or audio shop can pull it without damaging trim.

Once you have the serial number, note your VIN (17 digits on the dashboard plate or registration), as Honda’s system typically requires both.

Retrieve the Code from Honda

Honda provides an official online tool for owners in the U.S. to unlock radios using the VIN and radio serial number. You’ll also confirm contact details for verification.

• Go to Honda’s official code lookup: radio-navicode.honda.com (U.S.).
• Enter your VIN, the radio/navigation serial number, and your contact info (phone number and ZIP code typically must match U.S. records).
• Submit to get the 5‑digit code. Write it down and keep it with your vehicle documents.

If you’re outside the U.S., the tool may not work. Check your regional Honda Owners website or contact a local Honda dealer to obtain the code with proof of ownership.

If Online Lookup Doesn’t Work

When the website can’t validate your info or your radio/unit type isn’t supported online, Honda dealers can look up the code using the same identifiers.

• Contact your Honda dealer’s service department with your VIN and radio serial number; bring registration and photo ID.
• Many dealers provide radio codes at no charge as a courtesy; some may charge a small fee, especially if they must remove the radio to get the serial.
• In the U.S., American Honda Customer Support (1‑800‑999‑1009) can also advise on next steps.

Dealers are the authoritative source if ownership verification is needed or if the unit has been replaced and records don’t match online databases.

How to Enter the 5‑Digit Code

After you retrieve your unique code, you’ll enter it on the radio or touchscreen. Exact steps vary slightly by generation.

• Preset button radios (common on 2001–2015): Turn ignition to ACC/ON, turn on the radio, then press the numbered preset buttons to enter the five digits. The unit should unlock immediately.
• Touchscreen/Display Audio (2016+): Power the unit, and when prompted for the code, tap the on‑screen numeric keypad to enter all five digits.
• If you see “Err” or “LOCK”: Wait with the ignition on and the radio powered for the timeout to clear (often after a few minutes to an hour) before retrying. Too many wrong attempts can extend the lockout.

Once accepted, normal audio functions return. Keep the code in a safe place for future battery or service events.

Common Pitfalls and Tips

These practical checks can save time and prevent lockouts while recovering your code.

• Double‑check numbers: Don’t confuse 0 and O or 5 and S when reading stickers or on‑screen serials.
• Two‑part serials: If the screen shows two blocks (e.g., U1234 and L5678), combine them into 12345678 for Honda’s form.
• Battery service: Ask your shop to use a memory saver during battery swaps to avoid triggering the code prompt.
• Replaced radios: If the unit was swapped, the radio serial won’t match the car’s original record; you must use the current unit’s serial.
• Number of digits: Most Civic codes are 5 digits, but a few older or regional variants may differ; follow your unit’s prompt.

If you keep encountering errors, verify you have the correct VIN and serial number for the current head unit and contact a dealer for assistance.

Regional Notes and Privacy

Code recovery procedures differ by country due to data privacy rules and Honda systems. U.S. owners typically use the online portal, while Canadian, European, and other markets may route requests through dealers. Always provide proof of ownership when requested; it helps prevent fraud and protects your vehicle.

When You Shouldn’t Need a Code

Not all modern Civics will ask for a code after power loss, and some infotainment systems authenticate differently.

• Some 2019–present Display Audio systems retain pairing through vehicle authentication and won’t prompt for a code after routine battery work.
• If your unit restarts normally without the prompt, no action is needed. Avoid factory resets unless instructed by Honda.

If your system unexpectedly requests a code after software updates or service, follow the retrieval steps above.

Sources

Honda Radio/Navigation Code Retrieval: radio-navicode.honda.com. Honda Owners Support (U.S.): owners.honda.com. Model‑specific procedures are summarized from Honda owner’s manuals and service bulletins current through 2025.

Summary

There is no single 5‑digit Honda Civic radio code—the correct code is unique to your radio. Find the radio’s serial number (via on‑screen methods like 1+6+Power, a glove‑box card, or the unit label), then retrieve the code with your VIN through Honda’s official portal or a dealer. Enter the five digits on the radio or touchscreen to unlock, and store the code safely for future use.

What is the code for a 2008 Honda Civic radio?

To get a radio code for a 2008 Honda Civic, you need the radio’s serial number, which can be found by turning the radio off, holding buttons 1 and 6, and then turning the radio on, causing the serial number to display. You can then get your radio code from the official Honda website using your VIN and the serial number, or by contacting a Honda dealership with that information. 
1. Locate Your Radio’s Serial Number 

• Turn the key to ACC (accessory) position: and turn on the radio. 
• Ensure the display reads “Enter Code.”: If not, pull the radio’s backup fuse for one minute and try again. 
• Turn the audio unit off . 
• Press and hold the top halves of the SEEK/SKIP and CH/DISC bars, then press and release the PWR/VOL knob. 
• The display will show two screens, the first with a ‘U’ and the first four digits of the serial number, and the second with an ‘L’ and the last four. 
• Ignore the ‘U’ and ‘L’: and write down the eight-digit serial number. 

2. Obtain Your Radio Code

• Go to the official Honda website: Visit mygarage.honda.com to get your code online. 
• Enter your information: You’ll need to provide your vehicle’s VIN, the radio’s serial number, your email address, and your zip code. 
• Contact a Honda dealership: Alternatively, you can call or visit your local Honda dealer, provide them with your VIN and radio serial number, and they can retrieve the code for you. 

3. Enter the Code 

• Once you have the correct five-digit code, you can enter it into the radio to unlock it.

How to get Honda Civic radio code free?

Visit the Official Honda Website: Go to the Honda radio/nav code retrieval website. Enter the Information: Fill in the required fields with your VIN, radio serial number, and any other requested information. Get Your Code: The website will provide you with your unique Honda radio code.

Do all Honda Civics have the same radio code?

No, the radio code for your Honda vehicle isn’t the same for all models. Each vehicle has its own unique code that’s linked to the car’s VIN, or Vehicle Identification Number. This code is used to unlock your car’s audio system and is typically provided when you purchase the car.

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