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

There isn’t a single 5‑digit radio code for all Honda CR‑Vs. Each vehicle’s audio unit has its own unique anti‑theft code. You can retrieve your specific code by using the radio’s serial number and your VIN through Honda’s official tools or a Honda dealer. Below is how to find, retrieve, and enter the correct code for your CR‑V.

Why There Isn’t One Universal Code

Honda’s radio anti‑theft system is designed to deter theft by requiring a unique code after power loss (for example, after a battery replacement). The code is tied to the individual head unit, not to the model line. Many CR‑Vs from the late 1990s through the early 2010s use a 5‑digit code. Newer CR‑Vs often reauthorize automatically if the original unit remains in the same car, but some may still prompt for a code after certain service events.

How to Retrieve Your Honda CR‑V Radio Code

Check the Obvious Places

Before you dig into diagnostics, look for labels and paperwork that may already list your code. Honda often supplied the code and serial number with the car at delivery.

• Glove box or door jamb sticker: Look for a small white label marked “Anti‑Theft” or “Anti‑Theft Radio.” It may show a 5‑digit code and an 8‑digit radio serial.
• Owner’s manual packet: Some vehicles include a radio code card or the code is handwritten on the audio/manual pages.
• Service records: Prior service invoices or dealership paperwork sometimes note the radio code or serial.

If you find the 5‑digit code on these materials, you can enter it immediately. If not, proceed to retrieve the radio’s serial number.

Get the Radio Serial Number (without removing the unit, if possible)

The radio code lookup requires your audio unit’s serial number. Many CR‑Vs can display this on screen with a button combo. Methods vary by year and whether the car has navigation or a touchscreen.

• 2001–2011 (most non‑navigation units): Key in ACC/ON, radio OFF. Press and hold preset buttons 1 and 6, then press the power button. The display shows an 8‑digit serial (sometimes as two lines labeled “U” and “L”; combine them).
• Models with factory navigation (various years): Key in ACC/ON. Press and hold Menu + Map/Guide + Cancel to open the diagnostic screen, then select Unit Check/Version or System Information to view the audio/navigation serial (radio serials are typically 8 digits; navigation units often show a 10‑digit serial).
• 2012–2015 with i‑MID/Display Audio: From Home, go to Settings > System > About > Device Information (or similar) to see the audio serial. On some head units, the 1 + 6 + Power method still works.
• If on‑screen retrieval fails: The serial is printed on the unit’s chassis. This requires trim removal; if you’re not comfortable, ask a dealer or audio technician to retrieve it.

Make a note of the radio serial number exactly as shown, along with your VIN (usually visible at the base of the windshield or on the driver’s door jamb label).

Use Honda’s Official Radio/Navi Code Retrieval

With the serial number and VIN in hand, use Honda’s official resources to obtain your unique code. Availability and steps can differ by country.

1. Visit Honda’s Radio/Navi Code site (U.S.): https://radio-navicode.honda.com. For Acura vehicles, use https://radio-navicode.acura.com. Canadian owners should contact Honda Canada or a dealer for assistance.
2. Enter your VIN, radio (or navigation) serial number, and requested contact details (such as ZIP and phone) and accept the terms.
3. The site will display your unique 5‑digit code. Write it down and store it securely.

If the website can’t validate your information, a Honda dealer can provide the code with proof of ownership. Some dealers do this at no charge; others may charge a small fee.

How to Enter the Code

Once you have the code, entering it is straightforward, though the exact steps can vary by head unit and model year.

• Turn the ignition to ACC/ON and power on the audio unit. The display should show “CODE” or “Enter Code.”
• Use the numbered preset buttons to enter the 5 digits. On touchscreens, tap the on‑screen keypad. The radio should resume immediately if the code is correct.
• If you see “Error” or “LOCK” after several failed attempts, leave the ignition and radio on for up to 60 minutes; the unit typically resets and lets you try again. If it remains locked, consult a dealer.
• On many 2013+ CR‑Vs, if the radio is original to the vehicle, pressing and holding the audio power button for several seconds may auto‑authorize without entering a code.

Be careful with repeated attempts—too many incorrect entries can temporarily lock the unit and delay the process.

Common Questions

Will a dealer give me the code?

Yes. A Honda dealer can retrieve the code with your VIN and proof of ownership. If the radio was replaced, they may also need the unit’s serial number. Policies vary; some dealers provide the code free, others charge a small fee or require a brief service appointment.

What if I bought the car used and the code isn’t in the paperwork?

You can still retrieve it using the serial number and VIN via Honda’s site or through a dealer. If the audio unit has been swapped for a used or aftermarket unit, the original code won’t work—you’ll need the serial for the current unit or support from the unit’s manufacturer.

Do newer CR‑Vs still use a code?

Many newer CR‑Vs (mid‑2010s onward) automatically reauthorize after power loss when the original infotainment unit remains in the same vehicle. However, some situations—like head unit replacement or certain service procedures—can still trigger a code request or an unlock procedure. If prompted, follow the retrieval steps above.

Security and Privacy Tips

Your radio code helps deter theft and should be protected like a PIN. A few simple habits will save time in future battery or service events.

• Don’t post your radio code or full VIN publicly.
• Record the code and serial in your owner’s manual or a secure notes app.
• When selling the vehicle, provide the code privately along with the owner’s materials, and clear paired devices from the infotainment system.

Keeping the code handy prevents downtime after routine maintenance and helps the next owner if you sell the car.

Bottom Line

There is no single 5‑digit radio code for the Honda CR‑V—the code is unique to each audio unit. Retrieve yours by getting the radio’s serial number, then use Honda’s official Radio/Navi Code site or a dealer to obtain and enter the correct code. Store it securely for future use.

Summary

Each Honda CR‑V has its own 5‑digit radio anti‑theft code. You can often find it on a glove box sticker or in the owner’s packet. If not, display the radio’s serial number using button combinations (or in the system menu), then use Honda’s official code website or a dealer—along with your VIN—to retrieve the code. Enter the 5 digits with the preset buttons or touchscreen, and the radio should resume operation.

How to reset Honda CRV radio without code?

To reset a locked Honda CR-V radio, disconnect the negative (-) battery terminal for 1 to 3 minutes to clear the error code. After reconnecting it, the radio should display “CODE,” allowing you to enter the correct radio security code from the owner’s manual or sticker in the glove box. If the display shows “ERR” (Error), a simple battery disconnect is needed to reset the lockout before you can enter the code. 
For an “ERR” or lockout message:

1. Turn off the vehicle: and locate the battery under the hood. 
2. Disconnect the black (negative) cable: from the battery terminal. 
3. Wait for one to three minutes: to allow the system to reset. 
4. Reconnect the battery terminal . 
5. Start the vehicle; the radio should now display “CODE” instead of “ERR,” indicating it’s ready for the security code. 

To obtain the radio code:

• Check the owner’s manual: for the radio code. 
• Look for a sticker inside the glove box; the top number on the sticker is often the code. 
• Visit a Honda dealership: with your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), and they can provide the code. 

Important Safety Information:

• Always cover the battery terminals with a towel or blanket to protect them while the battery is disconnected. 
• Avoid entering the wrong code multiple times to prevent the radio from locking permanently. 

How do I get my Honda CRV radio code?

To get your Honda CRV radio code, try looking for the 4- or 5-digit code on a sticker in the glove box, on the anti-theft radio identification card if you still have it, or in your service history book. If you can’t find it, visit the official Honda website, Honda MyGarage, and enter your vehicle’s VIN and radio’s serial number to get the code online. You can also contact a local Honda dealer service center for assistance. 
1. Check for the code in your vehicle:

• Glove Box: Look for a sticker with the code inside the glove box. 
• Anti-Theft Card: Your new Honda may have come with an anti-theft radio identification card that lists the code. 
• Service History Book: Check the pages related to the Pre-Delivery Inspection for the code. 

2. Find the code online: 

• Go to Honda MyGarage.
• Enter your vehicle’s VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) and the radio’s serial number.
• The code will be displayed on the website.

3. Contact a Honda dealer: 

• If you cannot find the code using the methods above, visit or call your local Honda dealership’s service center.
• They can help you find the code, though some dealerships may charge a small fee for this service.

Important Tips:

• VIN: The VIN is usually on a sticker on the driver’s side doorjamb. 
• Radio Serial Number: If you need to find the serial number, you may be able to display it on the radio’s screen by holding down the power button for about 10 seconds. For some models, you may need to access a diagnostic menu to get this information. 

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.