What Is the 5‑Digit Honda Radio Code?

There isn’t a single universal 5‑digit code for Honda radios. Each vehicle has its own unique anti‑theft code tied to its specific radio/navigation unit. You can retrieve your code from your vehicle’s documents or by using Honda’s official lookup with your VIN and the radio’s serial number. Below is how to find it, verify it, and enter it safely.

Why You Won’t Find a Universal Code

Honda’s radio and navigation codes are part of an anti‑theft system. When power is lost (for example, after a battery disconnect or replacement), the unit may lock and request a five‑digit code. Because the codes are unique to each radio, sharing or guessing a “generic” code won’t work and can trigger temporary lockouts after repeated failed attempts.

Where to Find Your Honda Radio Code

Before going online, check your car and paperwork. Many owners will find the correct 5‑digit code in the glovebox or documents that came with the vehicle. The following are the most common places to look.

• Owner’s manual packet: a small anti‑theft card or a sticker labeled “Radio Code.”
• Glovebox or center console: a white sticker referencing “Anti‑Theft” with a 5‑digit code and, sometimes, a longer serial.
• Trunk/hatch jambs or door jambs: occasional dealer‑applied stickers.
• Service invoices from previous battery or audio work: technicians often note the code.

If you find a 5‑digit number labeled as the radio/nav code in these locations, that is typically the one you’ll enter on the radio. If not, you can retrieve it using Honda’s official tools with your radio serial number.

How to Get Your Code Online (Official Honda Lookup)

Honda provides an official lookup for many markets. In the U.S., use the Honda Owners site. You’ll typically need your VIN, the radio/nav serial number, and basic contact info. The site may be accessible via owners.honda.com (Support → Radio/Navigation Code) or via the dedicated link that may redirect based on region: https://radio-navicode.honda.com. Availability and URLs can vary by country; if the link redirects or is unavailable, use your regional Honda website or contact a Honda dealer.

How to Find Your Radio Serial Number

If the code isn’t in your paperwork, you’ll need the radio’s serial number. On many Hondas, you can display it on-screen without removing the unit. Methods vary by model and year.

Most Honda audio units (non‑navigation)

Use the following steps to display the serial number on the radio display for many 2001–2016 models (and some later):

1. Turn the ignition to ON or ACC, and ensure the radio is off.
2. Press and hold preset buttons 1 and 6 simultaneously.
3. While holding 1 and 6, press the Power/Volume knob to turn the radio on.
4. Note the serial number shown. Some units display two codes (e.g., U#### and L####); combine them to form an 8‑digit serial.

If your screen shows an 8‑digit (or sometimes 10‑digit) serial, write it down exactly. You’ll use this with your VIN on Honda’s lookup site or when contacting a dealer.

Factory navigation units and some touchscreens

Navigation and certain touchscreen systems can display the serial in a system information menu. Wording varies by model year.

1. Turn ignition ON and power on the infotainment system.
2. Open the Settings or Menu screen, then go to System/Device Information (or a similar submenu).
3. Locate “Radio Serial,” “Navi Serial,” or “Unit Serial.”
4. Record the serial number exactly as shown.

If your model’s menus differ, consult the owner’s manual for the exact path; many manuals include “How to find the radio serial number” instructions for the specific head unit.

Older units or units without on‑screen serial

Some older radios (and certain regional variants) don’t display the serial. In these cases, the serial is printed on a label on the radio chassis.

1. Disconnect the battery (observe radio code needs later) and carefully remove the radio trim and unit to view the label.
2. Record the serial number printed on the sticker.
3. Reinstall the unit and reconnect the battery.

If you’re not comfortable removing interior panels, a dealer or qualified audio shop can retrieve the serial for you, often quickly.

Entering the 5‑Digit Code

Once you have the correct five‑digit code, enter it directly on the radio or touchscreen. The method depends on your unit.

1. For units with physical preset buttons: Press the corresponding number buttons for each digit. The unit should unlock immediately after the fifth digit.
2. For touchscreens: Tap the digits on the on‑screen keypad and confirm if prompted.
3. If “Err” or “CODE” persists: Double‑check digits and try again. After multiple wrong attempts, the system may lock for up to an hour with the ignition left ON.

Avoid guessing. Too many incorrect entries trigger a timed lockout. If locked, leave the ignition ON and the radio powered for the specified period, then enter the correct code.

If You Can’t Retrieve the Code

If online retrieval isn’t available or you lack the serial/VIN, your Honda dealer can provide the code with proof of ownership. In many cases, this is free; some dealers may charge a small fee. In the U.S., Honda Automobile Customer Support can also advise: 1‑800‑999‑1009 (hours vary). For other regions, contact your local Honda customer service line or authorized dealer.

Useful Notes and Recent Changes

Honda has updated how newer vehicles handle anti‑theft authentication. The following points can save time.

• Many late‑model Hondas auto‑authenticate after a battery reconnect if the original factory unit detects the matching VIN—no manual code entry needed.
• If the radio or head unit was replaced, you may need the new unit’s serial and a dealer‑provided code.
• If you bought the car used, previous owners sometimes wrote the code on the first page of the owner’s manual or on a glovebox sticker.
• Keep your code in a safe place, but never leave it visibly labeled inside the car.

If your car doesn’t prompt for a code after power is restored, it likely auto‑verified itself. If it does prompt, follow the steps above to retrieve and enter the correct 5‑digit code.

Summary

There is no single 5‑digit Honda radio code—each unit has its own. Check your owner’s materials and glovebox stickers first. If it’s not there, get the radio serial number (via the 1+6 method, the infotainment menu, or the unit’s label), then use Honda’s official online lookup or contact a dealer with your VIN and serial. Enter the five digits exactly; avoid guessing to prevent lockouts. Many newer Hondas will auto‑authenticate and won’t need manual code entry at all.

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. 

What is the code 5 on a Honda Accord?

5 – Replace engine coolant. 6 – Replace rear differential fluid (if equipped).

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.

How do I get the 5 digit code for my Honda radio?

Your vehicle came with a unique four or five-digit radio reset code, and you can usually find it on a sticker labeled “Anti-Theft Radio Code.” This sticker is most usually found in one of the following places: Glovebox. Center Console. Auto Service History Log.